MOBY Mexico 2014: What Re-Entry Looks Like

I wanted to write to you friends and families about some of the re-entry process and what it might be like for your family member coming home. This is not an exhaustive list, and not every person will feel all of these things, but I thought it might help you to know. I copied some of this from what we had written 2 years ago, and have added some from what they've experienced this trip.

They will be incredibly tired. Though they’ve tried to keep a schedule that allowed for sleep and naps, this has been a very busy trip. The two VBS weeks combined, has left them physically tired. And Mexico City & Huixquilucan noise sometimes keeps them up at night. They will need good amounts of rest at home, especially those who’ve been under the weather during the trip. I don’t know if we’ve ever had a cold and the stomach flu happen to a team in one trip.
Because of the busy nature of these days, students have had some time, to think over or "distill" some of the things they have learned and experienced, but probably not enough. This is probably the most important part of the trip, and it may come slowly. Having them talk over what they saw, experienced, did, felt, learned, going through pictures with you, describing things will be helpful to them. Encourage them to talk, journal, spend time thinking. Our devotion book we have been working through also has 4 or 5 days to work through post-trip as well. Encourage your family member to keep that process going. Allowing God to continue that teaching process in them is crucial.
The team has been immersed in Mexican culture 24/7 for 14 days straight. The only English they have heard is from their team members. Canada/Edmonton will feel strange to them. Re-entry into the culture they came from is often just as difficult as it was coming into the Mexican culture. This will take a patient process, for some it will come easier, for some it might be more difficult.
Saying goodbye to these people has been hard on the team. I wish we could have each one of you here with us so you could have a snapshot of the relationships and bonds they have built with the Nationals, and if you were in Mexico you'd have them too! I think they've tried to describe them to you in what they've written on the blog so you have a small picture of what it’s been like for them. These people love deeply, freely and completely generously. They have laughed so hard together, cried together and prayed together. Ask them about people they've met and let them tell you stories.
Don't be surprised if you hear dissatisfaction from the team for they way we live as Canadians. Please do not take this personally. They've seen a lot and it's changed their perspective. Each of them needs to find new ways to take their short-term missions experience and learn from it and live it out in Edmonton. Things like how much we waste, how much we have. They've seen humble circumstances and have seen how amazing and joy-filled these people are and how they live despite what they "don't have". A lot of times we live like what we have will make us happier – and they’ve seen that that’s not the case in Mexico or with their Mexican friends. It's very likely impacted them.
Many of them have felt God at work and have felt God closer than ever before. They’ve spent a lot of dedicated time serving, praying, being challenged spiritually, challenging others spiritually, they’ve been asked hard questions; they’ve been intentionally encouraged. It is a really rich spiritual environment they’re coming out of. They will feel that void coming home.
I've often asked the team to consider the habits they've built into their life in Mexico that have helped in deepening that walk with God, and then to consider how they can build some of those habits into their life in Edmonton. God isn't more present in Mexico than at home - He's equally alive and active in Edmonton; some of it is about how you're choosing to include Him in your life. And how intentional you are in investing in your spiritual life – or if you will allow other things to distract your focus.
They've developed a very rare yet precious closeness to the mission team. They "get" each other because of their shared experiences. It will be important that they continue this bond and spend time talking to each other and getting together over the next days and weeks. They will need each other, so talking on the phone, doing things together, and processing what they've learned and how it fits in Edmonton is really important. Each of the team members has an accountability partner, and it would be good for them to connect as well.
And another point fitting with this, they've lived in VERY close quarters for these 15 days. There were very few moments that the team wasn't sleeping right beside a team member, sitting on a lap or very close in a car or pew. They’ve shared supplies, food, blankets, air mattresses, snacks, etc. At first it was a bit hard, but now that's completely normal for them. So, they might be a little lonely without someone beside them all the time.
Some of the kids have some anxiety about coming home. Not because they don't love you :) But purely because they've made some changes in their life, or want to, and God has taught them some things that they're wanting to live out at home, but don't know how. They might be nervous about it; afraid they'll fall back into old patterns. This could be something you might ask them about, and support them in.
Their clothes will be dirty. There is lingering humidity and some things won't have dried out, so laundry right away will be really good. And I could guarantee that everything they brought will need to be washed.
They haven't necessarily had much time to read the blog while we were gone, so they might want to spend time reading at home. It’s also a great way to process the trip.
This is a unique missions trip as Terry and I are usually available right after the trip as their youth pastors to help them de-brief. This year the trip was really about closing a chapter of youth ministry for both of us. You need to know, and they need to know that we still value them very much and DO want to know how they’re doing, or how you’re doing. Please encourage them to come talk to us! We’re still here and care very much about them and helping them integrate what they’ve learned into their lives.

Bless you families! It has been a true joy and privilege to have served you as youth pastors these 9 ½ years. We’ve loved our time with each of you - and love your teens and you as families.

We joyfully put the mantle on Dave as our new Youth Pastor and trust that God will continue the work He’s started and established in MOBY and F.I.T. Gloria a Dios!