Hola!
Wow! The last couple of weeks have been like a whirlwind. We returned from Mexico on Sat. evening the 31st and left Sunday at 1:00 for Pine Cove for family vacation. I think we did a few loads of laundry in between, but otherwise I don't remember much! The kids and I leave again on Saturday to spend about 11 days in North Carolina with mom and dad. Included within that trip is a quick visit to Florida to visit one of Reagan's best friends who moved last summer. So....we are finishing off our summer with a bang. I figured if I didn't get this letter out this week, it probably wouldn't happen, so here is a brief rundown of our trip to "Campamento Koinonia."
We know that many of you were praying for us and our group as we went. Thank you. The Lord was so faithful to us. He answered each request that we laid before Him in a way that only He can do. Every detail was taken care of. We had no problems with flights, customs immigration etc. That in itself is a miracle! Other than very mild upset tummies from a few team members, we all stayed healthy throughout the week. The altitude didn't seem to bother me as much as I thought it would. Although it did rain A LOT, it seemed to clear at just the right time on just the right day for us to get our work projects completed. We developed an amazing unity within our group as well as with the missionary couples we met there and the counselors and kids as well. While the communication barrier was difficult at first, the bond of Christ united our hearts quickly. Our Spanish did improve throughout the week, but we found that many of the kids and counselors spoke some English as well and there was always a translator around!
We arrived on Saturday and took a bus to a church in Celeya. This was where we were originally supposed to be serving for the week. They had a wonderful meal prepared for us when we arrived. It was amazing to see and hear how the church has grown over the past several years. We enjoyed visiting with the families for a couple of hours but we had to head out in time to get to the camp (which was a 3 hour drive) before dark.
We arrived in time for an evening meal and spent some time with our gracious hosts the Musgraves. It was very cold and rainy and muddy. I quickly realized that I had not packed appropriately! We started Sunday with a bi-lingual worship service followed by the beginning of work projects as well as the arrival of campers. Half of our team focused specifically on work projects while the other half of us organized and assisted with arts and crafts. We had a group of girls and a group of boys each day for crafts. Sometimes, some of the ladies would even come up from the kitchen when the kids were done to do some crafts for themselves. What a treat to get to visit with them during this time. When we weren't caught up in craft projects, the rest of the group would pitch in on the work projects. Our team built a platform for trash barrels, moved gravel to help with drainage, fixed a trailer, hauled roofing materials, picked apples, sealed a roof and did much landscaping work throughout the week. On Friday, one of our team members and her daughter had an opportunity to share their personal testimonies with the campers. It was a special time.
The beginning of the week was very hard for me personally. I've never done anything like this before. I think the combination of fear, culture shock, weather, our accommodations, etc. almost became overwhelming to me by Sunday night. I tried to call Rob that night, but was limited to only a brief conversation. Although I didn't realize it till later, I believe that God was showing me that He wants to be the one I turn to in times of trouble, not my husband. It was a great lesson. Another spiritual lesson I learned was through my daughter, Reagan. She has always had what I would call a "single minded focus." It drives me crazy sometimes, but God showed me that this is what He is calling me to. I was reminded of a song by Amy Nobles, entitled "One Pure and Holy Passion." The chorus says, "Give me one pure and holy passion; give me one magnificent obsession, Jesus give me one glorious ambition for my life, to know and follow hard after you."
Reagan never seemed to struggle throughout the trip. She seemed to be "in her element" so to speak. When asked what her favorite part about the trip was, she said the relationships she made while there. She even exchanged a couple of e-mail addresses with some girls. We came to love the people there so much. We shed many tears when it was time to leave.
We know that at least four children trusted Christ during the week and many more rededicated their lives to Him. We were praying for that. We were also praying that God would do a work in our lives and He certainly did that as well. We have a much bigger picture of what God is doing throughout the world, specifically in Mexico. He showed us that despite our differences, we are united in Christ and our hearts are knit together. He showed me that He is all that I need and that He wants to be my magnificent obsession. And I think He confirmed in Reagan a desire to continue pursuing missions abroad.
Who knows where all of this will lead, but we are so thankful for the opportunity we had to take this trip this year. Thank you for your prayers and support. We couldn't have done it without you. To Him be all the glory and honor and praise!
Joyfully,
Christy and Reagan
