Last Day In Mexico

Now I'm just gonna start this blog off with the fact that I'm very, very tired.  Then God came and rescued me from my distress and gave me energy, (well, Jen, our missionary, just gave me cheesecake), so I have the ability to write to all you lovely people about our lastest experiences.

This past week has been a major blessing to your team because everyone around us has been supporting and encouraging us.  We got to stay at Barra de Navidad for 2 nights because we have worked so hard.  I know this isn't the Christian thing to say, but we were awesome.  I'm trying hard not to boast right now but God set up this team to perfection, (I'm boasting about Him so that's okay, right?)  We have mended so well together and we all have one goal: serve God.  Our goal was not only achieved but everyone could tell that this was in our hearts from our actions and our behavior.
   Another reason about why were so awesome is because we painted, climbed and trimmed trees, battled mice, fixed sewer pipes, dealt with sugar high children and so, so much more but I'm too tired to remember everything.  I just remember people constantly saying that we did so much and they're really happy and we're a, "blessing in their lives".  Even though we couldn't communicate fluently to everyone, (BIG SHOUT OUT to Tim and Josue for constantly translating for us), the love of God was always shown through us and others.
      I remember back in Gretna, we were really scared to have more people in the group.  The fear of language barriers, cliques and conflicts arose in us.  That all changed the moment we met Leslie, Josue and Victor.  They are such great people with a huge hearts and love for the Lord.  We have learnt so much from them and it's gonna leave a hole in all our hearts when we have to say goodbye.
      MTC is a training center outside of Guadalajara and I can promise all you folks that they did an excellent job on showing what disciples look/act/behave like.  We have all changed as people and see the world in a different aspect and truly believe that God has major plans in store for us.  Even though we are going to go our sepa
rate ways soon, Guadalajara taught us to stick together, to depend on God 24/7, to serve when situations are tough and to love at any point in time.

- Nadia

P.S I might not be on the same flight as the others because I'm planning on packing the Mexicans in my suitcases and I think it's "against" the law, but I was never told that.  So I assume if it IS "wrong", I might be home late

P.S.S I have never eaten so many tacos and quesedillas in my life

P.S.S.S When Team Guadalajara plays a sport, it's very aggressive.  So when we're back, don't assume we were beaten or something, the bruises and scars are what we take pride for :)

Soccer Camp

Sports Camp occurred during 3 consecutive days at RETO’s Church Property for outreach. The Action team played soccer with local guys (15 to 25 men), between the ages 20 to 25. They were guys with addiction problems, with jobs, cars and guns. But they showed respect when within Church and during the soccer matches.

It was also planned to play volleyball and basketball but the guys only wanted to play soccer. And from the Action Team, only men played. Women supported with cheers and they conversed with the guys.

Pastor Enrique would interrupt the game, and then everybody would sit down on the field, and the Action team would share a testimony and talk about Jesus. Snacks were served and water. Then the game would continue until 9:00pm.

The first day at Sports Camp the guys beat the Action Team. They played the hard way. But the next 2 days the Action Team actually couldn’t be beaten.

The second day it rained, but it didn’t stop the tournament. The field was slippery and many people slipped and fell, but we continued playing. Soccer was very important for the guys.

Tim was a goal scorer, Victor showed his sportive abilities, and James was simply the best goalkeeper with an effective and interesting technique I have seen in hockey. And me, well… I have two left feet.

I think, after Sports Camp, we all felt more respect for the soccer players.

The testimonies that were shared with the guys had a big impact, the one that Tim shared about his experiences, the other one that James shared about grace, and the one that Victor shared about how God recued him from the ghetto, drugs and alcohol really impacted the non Christian guys.

One thing is true, and it is that Action Team made a difference during Sports Camp Week.

-Josue