Mexico ~ Tuesday

Tuesday was another typical, warm, breezy day in Ensenada. Having this time every morning before folks get up has been great for me.  I have usually end my days with reflection, but it seems like writing this blog has force me to reflect both morning and night.  A lot to take in I guess.  I think I am finally getting used to life in the neighborhoods here.  How different it looks then mine and how the children come and go.  I have seen very few adults this week other then a few moms.  All of the dads and older children seem to be away.  I am told that we are all way ahead on the building schedule.  The actual build is the easy part for me.  I find it hard sometimes to stop and soak in everything else.  I think I am just too task oriented to justify the compulsion to stop working.  The camera helps, it has given me an outlet to want to see more of the things that are going on around me.  I literally try to just walk out around the site sometimes, and find anything to help me try and focus on the magnitude of the whole experience. The kids, the family, where I am. Something to remind me that the build is not my main focus.

I have been reading the word a lot.  Trying to understand balance.  What Jesus did versus what we are called to do.  What I mean is, we all are called to be like Jesus in mind, values and character, however I do not believe that we are all gifted in life the same way He was in life.  He had amazing gifts like compassion and discernment that we should all grow stronger in.  But on the other hand, He had physical talents too, like carpentry and public speaking skills and such. Things that we are not all going to excel in.  So I want to be sure to be the best that I can be with the gifts that I have been given, especially on this trip. I want to be like Him to everyday, not just here in Mexico.  But here, I feel like we have to make a difference.  Mile McPherson said to Doug on Sunday in reference to our team and our trip, "Pastor, you told them that they can't change Mexico right? that Mexico will change them"? What he meant was that he hoped that we were prepared for the impact that this trip could have on our lives.

I want to come home, not ready to sell everything and move to Mexico, but I want to come home with a better understanding of what the world really looks like.  I want to see the beauty of people the way Jesus does. I want to better understand life outside of the bubble of my American understanding.  I want to have my heart broken the way Jesus' heart breaks for His people.  I just want to learn how to love the world more like we should.

So with two work days left, I am reminded of 1Cor 13:1-8

blessings, dave

Published on: Jul 20, 2011