I've Gone Country A blog about a city girl learning a whole new world

We were scheduled to go to Mexico for a Mission trip this past week.  One glitch after another kept coming up….so I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to go.  I had Billy all packed and ready….and I was bummed out.  I had already missed the trip in July and had been looking forward to this one.

The night before the trip, I finally knew that I was indeed suppose to go, regardless of the obstacles.  I had really been praying about it…as I laid down for the night…I stared at the ceiling…praying…Lord…what should I do?  I closed my eyes and tried to rest…. it was then, that all the beautiful faces of the people I had seen on the previous trips started flooding my mind.   A great peace came over me as I thought of each one.  My eyes flung wide open, filled with tears….and a huge smile was on my face.  The peace I felt about going was warm and real, I had no doubt that I was to go….and God would take care of the details.  I can’t explain how you know…you just do…it’s the peace that passes understanding.  You know that you know.

Sooooo,  that is why I didn’t give anyone a heads up that I wouldn’t be writing for a week.  The next morning was spent packing quickly so I would be ready to leave at the end of the day.

The group we go with has been doing this trip for years.  There are different ones that go each time, but the same system is used.  They leave around 7:00 or so at night, drive all the way through until we arrive about 21 hours later.  Traffic is usually good and we make good time.  It is a loooooooong trip, but it is worth every mile of it.

We had a great trip and as usual…we always feel as if we are the ones who come away blessed.

We built a home for a beautiful family.  Gustavo, Elena, Pedro and Bryan.

This home was actually built on a concrete slab…something they are trying to do more of…in the past we have built wood floor systems.

The first full day after we arrive, we visit the work site, mingle with the people and prepare for the next days work.

Early the next morning everyone is ready to get things started.

Walls were painted…. (Thanks to Sheri for letting me share a few of these great shots she took of the paint process!)

Gustavo, was away at work  but Elena and her two sons helped paint the walls.  I loved that they were willing and able to help in the construction of their new home.

The trim boards were also painted and set aside to dry…. you have to love those colors!

In no time..the walls were up….

The roof…..

the windows…..

and the trim.

Railing for the upstairs loft was constructed.

The front door was installed….by my esposo.    (I’m new at this… hopefully I got that right)

Ladder steps were assembled for the loft.

Meanwhile, Elena was busy…preparing a hot drink for the group….at the house she has been renting next door.

Remember… there is no running water..and no electricity.  So she was using her ration of water that she receives for the week  for our team.   She boiled her water on a open fire.  Needless to say…it is a lot more work than what I have to do when I offer someone a drink in our home.

This is Billy and Roy…the missionary who lives on the canal…. enjoying their drink.

Elena was so hospitable, she served cookies as well…

She cooked lunch too…truly a gift of love…especially when you have so little to give.

This is Pedro…enjoying some one on one time ….while his house was being built.

And this is his little brother Bryan….they didn’t just get loved on…they gave a lot of love back.

Last but not least the touch up paint was applied….with a SMILE!

The house was finished within two days.

We held a dedication service for this precious family.

Keys were given to their new home as we prayed that they would always remember that GOD gave them this house.

Joshua 24:15   But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”