Mission Trip Video

Here is a video put together by Christopher Savage on our Mission Trip. It pulls together some of our experiences at Debora's House. God Bless...

Thoughts of the Aaron

I was extremely sad I had to leave. Mexico was a great experience for me. I have never been on a mission trip before and I really enjoyed it. On top of that I had never been to Mexico, so this was totally a new experience for me. Not knowing what to expect I got the unexpected, I never thought the women and children would connect as they did, they just brought us into their life's. That was really a neat experience. I truly miss them. I also will miss the other friends I made down there.

The thing i will miss the most is the women and children, as well as with Robert, Johnny, Ray, and Michelle. I also really like bonding with the other missionaries that went down to Mexico. Oh I will also miss the great food and Coke. LOL. I will never forget this trip, NEVER!

I really hope I can go back to Deborah's house between now and next year. Thanks everyone for your support.

Yours truly,
Aaron Gley

From Kari

After all is said and done, and even though while in Tijuana I met some really amazing and giving people, the thing that means the most to me are the relationships that I formed with all of my fellow travelers!

I also learned a lot about myself. About the things that mean the most to me and what I can or can not accept. I would like to say to all of them that I love them and I can't wait until a time when we can have peace and everlasting friendship!

Thanks!
God Bless!
Kari

Never the Same Again

The job is done...sort of.

We have finished working at Deborah's House...for now. We did all of the construction we could in a week and we have left. The exterior walls are up and most of the interior walls are finished. A big chunk of the second story is framed but its not complete.

But when is the job really done? Even if we had finished all of the framing someone still has to install the electrical wiring and the plumbing. Rooms need sheet rock and paint. Stairs have to be built and the roof laid.

After this building is done, the next phase can begin. A house is needed for the Resident Manager. The next large building is needed for offices and training. An entire apartment complex needs to be erected.

And the ministry continues everyday...women and children need support and love. Meals need to be cooked and laundry done. Children need to go to school. New homes need to be found, counseling offered, trainings presented.
As I write this from my Oregon home on Monday I am reflecting on the success of our trip. In the last 2 days I have slept a total of 23 hours. My bags are unpacked and most of the laundry is done. Our great Mexican adventure is over...or is it?

Our hearts have been changed by this experience. We have loved until it hurt. Our eyes have seen the need. Our arms are sore from hugging and swinging hammers, building bonds of love and support. The same jewelry adorns our necks and the necks of precious Mexican women and children. The beads string a connection of love. We are bonded together in a way that can only happen in the Kingdom of God!

The trip is finished but we will never be the same again. We cannot be satisfied with our current lives. There is a restlessness with the status quo. How can we consume so much when people we love have so little?

Nelson Henderson said, "The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit." We have worked this week for the benefit of others and yet we have gained so much ourselves.






I'm resting in the comfort of my life knowing full well that this is only half time. God has stirred our hearts and we will not be content until we are back to planting trees.

"Just say the word, Lord. I'm rested up and my passport's ready!"
Tim Moore

Saying Goodby

Boy this day was one of the hardest days I have ever had! Say good by or see you later was a sad one. My heart was heavy when Jordan came and cried in my arms asking us not to leave. When Nereyda grabbed me from behind and wouldn't let me go. I never thought it would be this hard or be this painful. But I want you all to know that I was proud to represent Jesus and to be his hands and feet to be a servant for God. I want you all to know that while we were there no gun fire. Ray made us feel very safe. I want you all to know that it was the most wonderful expereance I have had. I wish you all could have been there with us. I look forward to see you all this Sunday and to share with you all about Debra's house and the wemen and children.
Love you all
Tammy

So, our current situation...

We successfully made it through the US/Mexico border! Yeah!! No hickups. But, Briston's hands were hurting very bad (from an intense sunburn), and it was decided to take him to the hospital. We made a short trip to SHARP Hospital in San Diego (the very hospital I was born in over 21 years ago!!!). We were set back a little bit, so we've decided to drive straight home. 20 hour trip ahead...HERE WE COME!

So, we'll probably be back in the early afternoon on Saturday!

Please pray that we are safe on our travels!

Chris

Leaving Deb's House

We left Deborah's house at 10:30am today (Friday) with a lot of tears and thank you's. Much love had been shared this week. Jordi, one of the kids there, was particularly devastated that we were leaving. He didn't know that we were leaving so soon, and when he realized that we were gathering to leave, he broke out in wails and moans. Through his crying he asked, "Can't you all just stay a bit longer." It is difficult to make such deep connections and then break them so quickly.

A mentor of mine once said, "Love like it's never going to hurt." I value this statement very much, but I realize that it is almost impossible for most people. Since we know that we will be leaving a place, we choose to not attach ourselves in the first place. Jordi had no idea when we were leaving (if ever). He didn't know the hurt was coming, so he loved as if it would never hurt. And, even though he was the most hurt person out of all of us, I would venture to say that he loved the most deeply and therefore gained the most from this trip.

We have all been touched, in some way, by the people at Deborah's house. I'm sure that we would all be more than willing to share with you our experiences! Borders were crossed! God truly blessed this trip!

Chris