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

When we go on mission trips we get to see lots of things while we are there.

Like the ” Bread Man”….he rides a bike that has a huge basket on the front.  He has all kinds of breads and rolls for sale.

Our group always gathers around quickly when they see him coming.  He always greets us with a smile and is excited to help us.

We get to visit our Amigos that we have come to love from previous trips…..this is Albino (pronounced Al-beeno).

This is his old house…he now uses it for his kitchen.  We built him a house a year or so ago….that was the first home he ever owned.  He is so proud of it.  He takes off his shoes before he enters his new home.  A lady knew of our trip and sent some donations with me.   One of the things was a pair of men’s house shoes.  I gave a pair to Albino….he was very excited.  He immediately put them into his home…before dirt could get on them.  I am always touched by people who want to help and send something to the people….everyone gets blessed .

I watched as this man put a small amount of water into his son’s water jug.  Then he filled his own buckets…..

That daddy knew just the right amount of water that his son could carry.   And they headed to their home.   He was teaching his son to help.

Absolutely precious…..

beautiful people…

with huge hearts…..

This family welcomed our whole team into their home for a surprise birthday party.  The girl who heads up the mission trips, Kerrie, has been loving and building a relationship with this family for several years.  Kerrie told us, that the first time she met this family, they both were experiencing the language barrier, and was only able to tell each other their birthdays.  She has never mentioned it to them again….but they remembered…all these years later.  Her birthday happened to fall around the same time of the trip.  The teenagers of that family put money together to throw this party for her.

She was surprised…..

especially when she saw every nook and cranny was filled with those that love her and appreciate all that she does.

We got to see how they celebrate…each member of the family took turns speaking birthday wishes to her….through the interpreter.  The language thing is still hard for both sides…but the language of LOVE speaks loud and clear.

The next day….We visited another area…

This place is struggling as well…..

The land here is just so dry and barren.

Occasionally though….. you will see beauty pop up out of nowhere.

I suppose that is why it draws me in like a magnet…to get a closer look.

And possibly why it makes me stop and stare….when I see something actually thriving under these conditions.

Billy and I inquired about this woman’s tree…using Spanglish….and lots of hand motions…

She was eager to communicate, quickly showing us that it was a papaya tree….then she graciously gave one to us.  Humbling…. as this is a great source of food for her and her family.

In this little community…there is electricity….unlike the other area we have been working.   However, material comforts or what we would consider necessities are just not found.

Back in our grandparents time….they used their resources…. like this.  It seems to me that I have lost the ability to think outside the box a lot of the time.  Thinking I have to run to the store to find that certain something that will take care of my need.

I love how they make the things they have…work for them.

I am always amazed at the smiles I see.

Even when they have it so hard…..

I love the art work that went into this designer chair.

As we moved throughout the community I noticed men helping one another….using bits and pieces of scrap wood.  They were laughing and singing as they worked.

At this house they were playing what Billy and I call “happy” music on the radio.  I couldn’t understand a word of it….but the music sounds upbeat and happy.  We started dancing to the music as we moved past the house, they clapped and laughed , saying it was perfecto!!!!….

I’m sure these Gringos amused them…..because we cannot dance.

It seems that no matter who you approach…they all welcome you.

I wonder if I come across like that…here at home….or there?

The inner strength of these people amaze me.

Every time we go on one of these trips we take a piece of their hearts back home with us.  I suppose the one thing that always humbles me the most….is when they tell me that they will be praying for me.

Wow…                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             I hope I will learn…what they have learned.

To be thankful and content in whatever situation I am in.

Philippians 4:11-13 New King James Version

¹¹ Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ¹² I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. ¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

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.”