Mexico

As we headed off to Mexico, not knowing what to expect, I was apprehensive, slightly nervous, but for the most part, excited. I was looking forward to getting out of my comfort zone and diving in to help others for a few days. Knowing that even at my age, I could possibly impact someone's life in a positive way in just a few days was a powerful concept. Once our team arrived at Casa Esperanza, we all jumped in and took on projects that needed our attention. In the mornings we would do VBS and crafts with the women or children, and in the afternoons we would work on our projects. Throughout the course of the week we organized a new sewing room for the women, moved one of their water tanks to a better location, fixed chicken coups, and did quite a bit of yard work. It was hard work but fun, and incredibly rewarding to see what we had accomplished by the end of the week.

Sitting outside, overlooking Ensenada's countryside during our last morning devotion, I realized that although I had gone to Mexico with the mindset of helping others, that trip impacted me more than anyone else I may have encountered. It was incredibly humbling to piece together some of the women's stories, being told half in spanish, half in broken english, I couldn't help but to sit in awe of the joy and strength that they still possess even after such hardships. Stepping out of my comfortable, privileged surroundings and allowing my eyes to be opened to the hurt and struggle that they face daily made me exceedingly more thankful for what I have at home.

God called us to 'Go', and we went. Filled with the satisfaction of hard work and helping others, we headed home. What we brought back with us; the lessons we learned and the relationships we built through fellowship, are priceless.

-Libby