Short-term trip (Mexico) Part 2

The day was here! We all traveled at different times and in different ways but we met in Laredo, Texas on April 7th. It was funny looking at all my notes with times and schedule (changes). The most notable was the 6am departure from the hotel. That was scratched off because one of our members was flying in from Wichita but was delayed in Dallas because of bad weather. Knowing that, we all were able to sleep in a little longer and I was able to finish all the last minute errands which included money changing, filling up with fuel, and barely having enough time to fit in breakfast! Oh! And we had time to sing to my beautiful bride in celebration of her birthday.

We were grateful to the staff of the hotel to let us use a conference room for our last minute, quick rundown of the crossing into Mexico. We had time to pray and tie up all the loose ends before heading out to the airport and picking up our last team member. Then we were off!

We crossed fairly easily with just a small hangup at the inspection. They wanted to know what was in this box or that one and I didn't have a clue because we used up all the remaining room for donations in our van. I could see why it seemed a little suspicious when one of the opened boxes carrying a GOLD chalice and a monstrance that was GOLD next to other GOLD items. I told them that it was for the Church and that the bishop was expecting us to arrive soon. It also helped that Father jumped out of the van behind us wearing his collar and asking, "Hay problema?" ("Is there a problem?") Nope. Go on through!

Immigration Office

MIRACLE ALERT!!! This is where it gets good! :) The trip to the Immigration Office is always where I get reminded of my impatience. With no one in line, our group of 30+ shows up and the poor man at the counter was speechless. He quickly told us to fill out the paperwork and return to the line the exact way in which we were. When we did just that, I could tell something was starting to happen. I stayed calm after I listened to the man's instruction but inside I was jumping for joy! Our group later told me that they were feeling like "Uh-oh! Something's wrong. Both Odilio and the man look very serious." The instruction was very simple: "If you can promise me that you will return after 7 days, then I'll let you go free of charge!" Woo-hoo, er, I mean, Yes, sir! We couldn't believe it! After all that time worrying about how much our trip would cost and the late departure time...God was putting it all together at the right time. We saved over $700 in visa fees which we would later use to help the poor in General Cepeda! God is good!!!

Erik Martin inviting a woman to the chapel

We made it through the mountains fairly quickly and arrived happily at the base. A quick orientation followed and the joy of mission was reignited. It felt so good to be back in this simple town with a new look. The Martins and Quinns now hosted us as well as some single ladies, Madison and Megan. We were all ready to get at it.

David Quinn leading the work project

The Rohr Family mixing adobe

I can't remember the exact schedule of the week but we were able to start on a work project which consisted of mixing adobe and straw, molding the bricks, curing them, and building the walls for an addition to a small house. Another work project team helped to put a roof on a house and start on laying a concrete floor. We stayed busy during the days and towards the afternoon hours we would assemble in teams to go out and preach the Word of God, sing, and share testimonies. This is always one of my favorite parts of the rancho visits because you get to hear how the Lord is working in others' lives. I have to admit, though, it is pretty tough trying to translate from English to Spanish all while marveling at God's awesome power! Again, God is good!

A map of all the chapels in the area. Only 2 priests to do it all! Can you help?

Two days after we arrived, it was my birthday! Yes, my wife and I are almost exactly one year apart. We had Tres Leches cake......Mmmmmmmmmmmmm! That's all I have to say about that!

On another day we had Desert Day. We took our Bibles, journals, and sack lunches out to the mountainous desert land. It is so peaceful and quiet out there and the perfect spot to be all alone with the Creator.

One of the best things that happened on this trip is that we were able to catch up with the Kiehl Family. We first met them on a Pentecost mission trip when my family was residing at the mission base in 2012. The Kiehls paid us a visit and helped us on this trip by translating for a team at the ranchos. They also asked my family if we'd be interested in helping them at their new post in Juarez. It was something to think about.

St. James Cathedral in Saltillo

Another MIRACLE ALERT! I was trying to organize my wallet one night by gathering all of the receipts from the trip. I emptied all of it out and noticed something "extra" that fell out. It was a tiny plastic bag folded over and over. Inside was a little medal in the shape of a house. Stacie saw it too and we couldn't believe our eyes. I had kept that medal in there since our formal missionary training 4 years ago! It was from the cathedral in Saltillo. As a memorial of God's answered prayers, your medal is placed on a wall in the Miracle Chapel. Tons of medals decorate the chapel in a beautiful design. God is awesome! I knew that He was trying to tell me something so I left it with Madison to turn it to an official whenever our house in Kansas sold...which I now felt was really close. I informed her only a month later that we were on our way to sign the papers over to the new owners!!!

We closed the mission with a small party and a pinata in the open air patio. All in all we spent 7 days in Mexico. 2 were pretty much driving but the 5 days of working in the vineyard were extremely blessed! Maybe you are someone who is searching for more ways to serve...go on a short term trip. Maybe you are like me and has thought "I've been there and done that"...go AGAIN on a short term trip. Something new always comes up and a new wave of grace flows through you. And maybe you're too scared to risk it all... GO on a short term trip and experience the true freedom of serving the least of us. Be a light to others!

Go, go, go! Go, you are sent!!!!

Al ataque!

Beautiful sunrise for the drive home

*****PLEASE pray for us. We have decided after much prayer to accept the invitation to serve in Juarez with the Kiehl Family! We are very excited to get back into full-time mission after a year away. We no longer have our house to sell and we are free to continue doing this holy work but we need your help. Please consider being our mission partner by praying for us, making a tax-free donation, and/or sending us your prayer requests. We love praying for you all and dedicating our work to have your prayers answered! Our biggest cost this year compared to the Philippines is not visas but fuel for our vehicle. There are many chapels to get to and they all need our help. Also, please pray that we can find a house in Juarez soon. A couple of possibilities fell through so we will immediately be house hunting when we arrive. To God be the glory! *****