We see many homes made of crates and tarps and scraps of wood.
It's remarkable in a place where there is so much need, we do find certain graces God has given. It doesn't matter how poor or dirty the child is they're so beautiful. And even in the most squalid and destitute of areas, you'll find the most beautiful flowers growing. Mark Jackson has observed that it seems like every Mexican male is blessed with a thick head of hair. There is also a beauty to the faith here, a faith that finds hope and happiness when there seems to us to be every reason to question God. Perhaps it's a measure of faith given to those who truly require it. It's been said God doesn't make muscle bound Christians. He gives power and faith where it's truly needed.
The children of Ensenada are so beautiful.
God is their gardener.
Mark J. in search of hair-challenged Mexican male.
One thing I think all of the parents will be glad to know. We are eating extremely well. Our kitchen crew has worked tirelessly to prepare wonderful meals...biscuits and cinnamon rolls from scratch, marinaded chicken, hand-sliced piles of fresh fruit every morning! Those who have made this trip will attest, it's a little bit embarrassing to realize you might come home from a mission trip where you were feeding the poor weighing more than you did when you left. Significantly more. Visibly more. Thanks to our kitchen crew.
Thank you, kitchen crew!
The kitchen crew is just one of the many jobs folks are doing. Some are a little more higher profile -- being part of the skit cast or working on the house. Others aren't as glamorous -- helping the little kids do a craft or work a puzzle, playing games in the heat, sweeping up the cafeteria while others are relaxing, taking out the waste can from the bathrooms...and I do mean waste can (ask your kids about this one...it will be a real icebreaker). But every job is necessary, every part needed to keep this body of people functioning. It only works when everyone is doing there part and no one is here just for the ride.
Today there is more to do -- more food to give, more nails to hammer, more school walls to clean and paint, more cups of cold water to deliver in His name. And for it we will know more about how most of the world lives and we will know something more about God.
Thanks for your prayers. Can we ask for more?
- Nelson
P.S. The Festival of Sharing hat was awarded to Sawyer E. (a.k.a Captain Mexico) today for encouraging and assisting others on the building crew and always with that classic Sawyer grin.
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