So along with the many spiritual experiences we have had, we have also had many funny moments as well. Today for instance Justine and Tommy decided to smash a tortilla and sauce in Megan’s face. She wasn’t very happy about that (haha). This trip is becoming a bonding experience for everyone. We have gotten to know the people from the other church and their personalities are very fun. Our group finished our second house today and both were surprisingly simple. The children are adorable and very helpful. Most of the kids can hammer in the nails better than us. I think that the next three days will help us grow physically, spiritually, and socially. We are excited to see what the next three days will hold for us.

By Justine Ruiz & Megan Howard

Are Christians or followers of Jesus really seen as people of sacrifice?  This is a very interesting question.  Yesterday morning (Monday) in our teaching time Eddie (the director here at Caravan) challenged us to be people of prayer, humility, sacrifice, and understanding.  All of those are certainly worthy to be dealt more time, but I want to spend a few minutes thinking about the whole sacrifice element.

Luke 18:18-30 tells of an interaction Jesus had with a ruler.  Check it out: continue reading »

It’s quiet time now…and the warden is passing by each of us and slipping the old “whisper!” yell as he steps by, and I have to wonder why silence is such a special and rare gift in the complexity of our normal lives. Yet right now I feel as if nothing about life is normal; I wake at six in the morning (to the sounds of not an alarm clock but the stepping of careless feet on my arm as people descend the mountain that is our bunk beds) to wake at six is a feat I would never perform in my normal life. I load up in a truck and travel the endless barrages of ups and downs that qualify for a proper road in this country, I unload plywood, play with kids, and build houses…yet none of this ever deals in what I am sitting in right now—the silence.

It is sweet and reflective and it begs me to focus on things that would never be a thought in my normal everyday life; and when I think about my day in quiet’s embrace my mind drifts to what affected me most in this completely different world named Tijuana.

The people. continue reading »

Day one of building, both houses and relationships. Yesterday I was a little nervous about how our groups would mesh. Two groups like ours usually get along, but tend to naturally segregate. I didn’t want that for my group. Immediately when we got to the work site all of my groupies started working, and working well. Nobody seemed afraid to help out. Tommy challenged the student leaders this morning to be intentional and have a conversation with each group member, both from our church and those from the other churches. So Braxton and I made sure to do just that. We found out quickly what everyone’s strengths were, and learned some of the interests of other group members. By lunch time, there was no longer their church and our church, but our group. Praise God for answering our prayers.

Aside from that, the building went well with the exception of a few minor flukes that are sure to happen our first time out. Interacting with the family was an amazing experience, despite the very evident language barrier. Everyone tried their best, and the effort was appreciated on both sides. When we had completed our first house, we stepped inside with the family to pray. I was hit by a metaphoric brick in the head when I realized that this was their new home, a small 12×12 structure that is smaller than my bedroom. The mother of the family said (in English) “It’s beautiful!” The look on her face and the complete gratitude that I knew she was feeling really humbled me. If somebody told me I was moving into that structure, selfish little me would be very upset and probably angry. And she was so grateful. I’m still trying to think that out completely in my mind. Please keep praying for us on our mission here. God is truly working on and through us here.

By Haley Beer

We’re HERE!!!!!!!!!!  After arriving in San Diego we made a quick stop for some food and then began making our way over the border.  At first the officers had all five of our vans pull off to the side and then let us go without any issue after we told them what we were doing.  They didn’t even ask for paperwork.  Once we made it to the dorms at Mexico Caravan Ministries we unpacked and then began our orientation.  Soon after that we ventured out into town for some dinner.  It was kind of funny watching everyone try to order their food.  Most had no idea what they were ordering – it was quite an experience.  At this point it feels very surreal and we can’t wait to begin building.  It’s crazy to think that we’re finally here after 6+ months of preparing.  Please keep us in your prayers.  May God open our eyes in new, challenging, and exciting ways!

Right now, we are already in Phoenix, waiting in the plane to take off again and get to San Diego. =D We are all, even already, getting to know each other better and form some new relationships. We’ve talked to a few people outside the youth group too; people have been curious as to what our church is doing. I even had the confidence to strike up a conversation with another drummer on the flight. We’re trying to be good models of the Christian faith, and so far God is really already working through us in a bunch of fantastic ways. The people we’ve seen so far are pretty intrigued, which is great. We’re learning things from God already too; he’s talking to us and helping us grow, and we’ve already grown through some “in flight devotions.” We can all also feel the excitement growing as we near Mexico, and are all having a blast. We’ll keep you guys posted still throughout the week. God bless you all, and hope you don’t miss us too much already. =) Be back soon.

By Landon Tilley

We’re currently sitting in the Midway airport, ready for our flight to board. I’m eager to board and get down to Mexico. I’m excited to see how God is going to change each of our lives while we are down there. My prayer is that when we come back different we live our lives differently because of the change. God’s arms have been around us keeping us safe so far, and I’m confident that He will continue to protect us. I can’t wait to see where this trip will take all of us. We’re already building new friendships and a sense of community. I’m sure as the week goes on we will continue to strengthen old bonds and form new ones that will forever impact our life. It’s awesome to see the way God is working through everyone’s life and allowing us to be there for one another. Well, it’s almost time to board; San Diego awaits!

By Sarah Clark

Jun26

Well right now I’m sitting in a Panera Bread in Cincinnati waiting for the bus to get fixed.  We’re supposed to be getting close to River Oaks…but still in Cincinnati. After an hour or so on the phone God provided a mechanic to fix the bus and the was able to get the part we needed.  It wasn’t easy, but they got it. Now to wait…while the students are throwing a frisbee around and walking around in Target I’m trying to finish things up for my message tomorrow at River Oaks.  Yeah, not the ideal situation, but God will provide.  He always does and always will in His timing.  None of this was a surprise to Him, so now we continue to trust and control what we can and leave the rest to Him. He’s more than able.So if you get this anytime on Saturday, say a little prayer for us.  If it’s this afternoon, pray that the bus will get fixed soon.  If it’s this evening, pray that it doesn’t break down again.  If it’s late this evening, pray that we get some good rest tonight.

Thanks!

T

Jun25

This week has been an amazing experience. Our youth group team has been able to work together so well and share so much with each other. We have been growing closer and closer to each other this week and I couldn’t imagine one of the people on our team not being here. We each have added something to the group and each of us has had an opinion this week.

It is amazing to see the people walking by the shelter and yelling “good job”, or “this looks awesome”. So many people have asked us, “Are they getting paid for this”. When we respond by saying that we are just volunteering, they are amazed and are just so curious why. Also, it is so cute to watch the children walk by and ask, “Why are you painting?” So many young children have done this. One of the children asked Logan Miller this question and his response was, “To make it look pretty.” It was so sweet to see the little boy just start to giggle and the little guy had a huge smile on his face when Logan and he were done talking.

Something that I have learned this week is that if you flash a smile people will flash a smile back and if you flash a frown, people will respond with a frown and negativity. This week has taught us all so much! We are so blessed to live where we live and have what we have. God has blessed all of us by being here this week to help these people. This week is a week that I will not forget!

By: Megan Wietstock

Jun24

This week we’ve done many fun things for others. The biggest thing we did is paint a dull wall. Doing this brought up many different opinions because some liked the wall the way it was but most people liked the wall, even the man I signed to thought so.

As a group we have done many things together but the best thing we have done was bringing hope into others lives…and have fun doing it too. I liked how every day we went to paint someone else appreciated our work and it felt great to have fun while helping others. I also liked being able to meet new people who go to our church.

People who skip this trip are missing out big time!

By: Nathan Scheetz