Salvation day complete

Hi everyone!

We were down three team members (different ones from yesterday) this morning due to some more stomach/digestive system-related illness. However, at various points during the VBS, each one came down from quarantine or their rooms to watch a bit of VBS, so I think we're on the mend once more. As of 10:15 Mexico time, all three seem to be doing much better, so hopefully a good night's sleep will cure any other sickness. Also, there are those who aren't dealing with upset stomachs, but are tired or have colds, so please pray that we would finish strong tomorrow. Please pray that God would give each us the discernment and self-awareness to know if we're getting sick and take as much precautionary measures as possible. While this hasn’t been the worst trip as far as heath goes, Kevin (our team nurse) has been so great at administering meds and checking up on people who aren’t feeling well. His care for people has been admirable! 

We started off this morning with a team meeting that included prayers for each other and the sick team members, and went on to have a great, energetic day of VBS. We presented the gospel message today to more than 50 kids, and although we may never know what effect we had on the kids, we know that we worked as hard as we could. It was amazing to see the locals explain the salvation bracelets (black for sin, red for Jesus’ blood, white for our sins being cleansed, green for new life and yellow/gold for eternal life in heaven) to the kids during craft time, and Sara Becerra (Pastor Jaime’s wife) give the kids an opportunity to give their lives to Christ at the end of the day. The kids had the chance to write on pieces of paper (which were then put up on the cross) asking Jesus to forgive their sins and that they wanted Him in their lives.

The cross in the church, covered in notes from children.

After lunch, we had a team meeting and a bit of free time.

Stuffed peppers for lunch!

For the sick people, the locals made a special meal — sweet rice, cooked plantains and apples.

It's funny — after my post last night describing what we did during our team meetings, our meeting last night wasn't spent talking, singing or praying — it was instead spent bonding and laughing. We played a game where we all had to write down on a piece of paper a random name (like Spiderman, Bugs Bunny, ect) and then everyone had to go around the room to guess who said what. Once someone guessed correctly, the person who was guessed joined the person who guessed correctly to work as a team. It was full of laughter and much fun, after a bit of a challenging day. 

Speaking of team meetings, we didn't have one today. We just got back from a fun outing out to a Christian bookstore for people to buy some bilingual Bibles, a market and then for churros. I had a nutella churro — it was AMAZING! We then returned back to the church for a quick supper and straight to bed.

I can't believe this missions trip is coming to a close so soon. Tomorrow I will post more entries from team members (here are some for today), how the last day of VBS went, and how you as families and friends can prepare for our return.

Here are a few more entries about people's thoughts about Mexico:

Kevin:

I think my favourite part of the trip so far was the drime that took place on the fourth day of VBS at Huixquilucan. What stood out most to me was how it portrayed the emotion of Christ’s death and the struggle between good and evil when Christ was pulling people towards Him, away from those holding them back. I also loved the tenderness when Jesus was healing the sick and the blind. I just thought it was so beautiful that even though I couldn’t understand the words to the song, I almost felt like I was there, witnessing it. One of the most surprising things for me is even though many of us don’t speak Spanish, we are still able to communicate with the children and show them God’s love through simple words and actions. On a slightly more casual note, I was also surprised by how quickly the weather can change and how extreme the thunderstorms can be. It’s nothing like what we experience at home.

Megan: Kevin, what have you learned so far?

Kevin: I’ve learned, Hola, como estas, buenos días… oh wait, that’s not what you were asking, right?

Something that God has put on my heart over the last few weeks is the idea that we don’t have to feel totally prepared and ready in order for God to use us. I felt really rushed before I came, and so I didn’t feel totally prepared for the trip. I was wondering, “How can God use me when I’m feeling so scattered right now?” But, when I got here, God presented me with a lot of places where I could support the students and where I could reach out to the kids and show them God’s love. It reminded me of all the people God sent who weren’t really ready or prepared, and yet, He worked through them. 

Emily:

I wanted to return to Mexico because of the people here.  I have been impacted by their love for us as a team, for the people they are ministering to, and for God. The relationships I have built with these people have impacted me so deeply and have taught me so much about what Christ-like love looks like. It’s so hard to pick one favourite moment! I have loved working with the children here. I love seeing their joy on their faces as they play games, or do crafts, or sing songs. Another favourite moment was definitely the Sunday service we had at Monte Sion. It was so powerful to worship together with the Mexicans and to realize that we love the same God. I have seen growth in myself in my willingness to step in and lead. During our last trip here, I was much more timid about using my Spanish and being in any sort of leadership role with the children. However, on this trip, I have been leading the crafts station for the children which has forced me to speak Spanish and to jump in with the kids which has been stretching, but so rewarding. 

Tuviere:

I would say my favourite part so far in my Mexican experience is seeing the blossoming relationships happening between the McKernan team and the Mexican children. Each time they come for VBS, they come with renewed energy and with bright smiles, hugging all members of the team. They have such infinite love, which is amazing, considering the short amount of time they have come to know us. I was surprised at how easy it is to communicate with the Mexicans considering how little my Spanish vocabulary is. One of my worries coming was the language barrier that was sure to exist between the Mexicans and I. However, the Mexicans have shown us such grace, staying patient when we needed a minute or two to translate. They were always trying to help us communicate, tuning into what little Spanish we knew. I have learned the value of community. Being in Mexico while so rewarding and great can also be quite exhausting. Our team has ben so amazing in the sense of community that it maintains. At least 5 people each day ask how I am doing and are always ready to offer a hand when needed. Without each of every member, our goal of sharing the truth would definitely be more difficult. 

Daniel:

Q: What has your favourite part of Mexico been so far?

A: Playing soccer with the Mexican kids and locals, and seeing everyone smiling together.

Q: What has been the most surprising part about being here?

A: The leaders really prepared us for coming to Mexico but when I arrived here I’ve found that the cultural differences are super cool. Honest, I love the sketchy driving, open markets and tasty tacos. I could stay here forever. :)

Q: What have you learned in your time in Mexico? 

A: I have learned plenty of Spanish. But the main thing is that the Mexican culture allows the locals to be amazing hosts. The only thing they let disturb us is an overfull stomach. They bend over backwards to provide for us, so perhaps I’ve learned that while we are here, the most important thing for them is building relationships with us.