Back in the USA

We crossed over into the US today and it was pretty uneventful. It took a while because of the long line, but overall it was great.

Before we crossed, we spent a couple of hours at a market just a few blocks from the border and got gifts and little things to bring home. It was there that we enjoyed some of the greatest food most of us have ever had. Naturally, my wife's cooking is way, way better; nevertheless, the unique opportunity to eat authentic Mexican food was riveting.

Now we are at the hotel in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and we're all getting ready for dinner together at Golden Corral. The guys are all planning a steak-eating contest. We are spoiled brats.

What I found most profound about today is that as soon as we crossed that line, the cares of our lives, and the concerns that we walk around with every day, seemed to return to all of us like a crashing wave. I know I myself immediately rushed back to all the thoughts, questions, concerns, lists, duties, responsibilities, etc., that I carry every day. My old life was back. My life is not bad; I'm not implying that. What I am saying is that I think it is that life that blinds me to some of the most important things in this world. If I don't make it my task to keep the main thing the main thing every day, the cares of the world, like thorns, will choke the life out of me.

The words of the author of Hebrews ring in my ears: "Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross and its shame."

I want to keep my eyes on who Jesus is and what it means for me to follow Him.

we finished!

The house is done! Today around 5 pm, Mexico time, we said goodbye to the family after handing over keys to their house, gifts for the family, and lots of toys for the children on the block.

There weren't a lot of people around because this house was in a remote hill where there were very few house. On our street all the houses were Amor houses, those of the same ministry we were working with.

We didn't spend hardly any time with the dad. He was at work. We didn't see him again today. But we did spend some good times with the mom and the children.

We are most definitely changed. The thing that lingers in my mind, though, is that we have simply made a dent. We made a difference, and that's important, but I can't help but believe that there is more. I don't necessarily think we need to build more houses, and we should, but I mean that maybe there's more I can do in the way I live every day.

Maybe if i was more willing to live in a way that honored these inpoverished people, i would actually be honoring them, and acknowledging their needs.

I really am a pretty self-absorbed person. It seems absolutely impossible for me to ever live this way. The thought that i would ever sell everything and go serve God and people, just seems like fiction to me.

I don't think that's what I am suppossed to do; but I do think that I live better than over 90% of the rest of the world. Maybe changing the way I live means I know how others live and I care and I'm willing to make the world a more balanced place, a more just and loving place.

The Garcia family has a new house and the had the biggest smiles ever. We have much to think about, and much to pray about, and much to do.

Father, speak, and may we listen with the kind of obedience that would surrender anything.

The one update

We will only be able to update this blog once while we're in Mexico and here it is.

Today was the third day of work and our project is nearly completed. I know you'll see pictures later so i won't bore you with construction talk.

The family we are building this house for is so beautiful. We have held their 11-month old baby and played with the other three kids every day we've been there. There is an indescribable joy in their eyes that we all agree comes from somewhere we don't even undertstand. We have seen their mom the entire time we've been at work, but dad is normally at work and we've only spent a minute with him when we met.

When we leave they'll have a brand new house, and we'll have... a pat on the back I guess.

Still, they have something we don't. I don't know if we can get that where we live. I hope someday i can taste whatever that is. Contentment, joy, life. i don't know what it is, but we are all in love with these children, this family, and with Mexico. At least I think I can speak for all of us.

See ya in the USA!

Citizenship

Yesterday I was talking with someone about my citizenship; they wanted to know if I could be a citizen of two countries. I'm not totally clear on how that works.

Then they asked me if I could renounce citizenship to one country, then why couldn't I renounce my citizenship to all countries. I guess that even if I did that I'd still have to pay taxes, so what's the point, right?

Today we are going into Mexico to serve people just like us who just don't have what we have. We are sharing our things and ourselves with people who need the help. We should help others; we must help others; it is both our calling and our privilege.

What I'm reminded of, though, is that the reason why we cross borders and why we learn languages, and why we share the message of Jesus around the globe is that our citizenship is not here on earth. This is not our home; these are not our only neighbors; this is not our language; these aren't our customs; this is not our native food; we belong elsewhere, we all do. That's why all people are like family, and no matter what country they live in, they are our siblings and we are theirs.

I don't really care where I am a citizen here on earth. What I want to pursue with my whole being is representing my citizenship in the Kingdom of the Father, and being the kind of person who sees this world through the truth of that Kingdom. We are aliens, all of us.

Father, may Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done on earth as it is in [our home] in heaven.

We're almost in Mexico

Tonight we arrived in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The trip was uneventful, but quite fun.

The group we are traveling with is really great and I can't wait to work along side of them.

The bus was so comfortable. There's just a lot more room in there than in the vans.

Tomorrow morning we will leave early, cross the border, set up camp and get right to work.

If I have any amazing thoughts between now and tomorrow morning I'll post before we leave our Super 8 Motel.

We are leaving in two days

I can't wait to go to Mexico. Just today I was telling the bank teller what we were going to Mexico for and she was really excited that there was group of people taking time to do that.

I think that when we act like the creator, nothing in creation can deny it's beautiful.

And so it begins

Our trip is just a few weeks away and now is when we bear down to do all the preparation for it.

Sunday night we are carpooling from CCC @ 4:00 PM to attend a meeting with the other members of our team at Haverhill Christian Church in Augusta.

All team members available should attend this meeting.