Give back to your Roots.

Second of the three blogs today: Youth Service Week in my home town!

I flew home the beginning of this month to sing in a wedding, and it just so happened to be youth service week in Gadsden! About 150 youth from town came together to raise money for a water well project in Mozambique. Throughout the week, they did service projects around town, 

while learning about circumstances in third world countries. 

This was a great opportunity to open their eyes to what people go through in the world around them! 

I was able to share stories from Mexico with the youth, and get to serve in my Roots. It felt good to go home for a week and give back the the place that raised me. 

My eyes were opened to a lot that week as well. 

Carrying water buckets around downtown to better understand what others around the world must do daily for water. 

Our group coming together to reflect on the day and what they had experienced serving others. 

Heading to a retirement home to give the residents potted flowers made by our youth.

I got to spend some quality time with friends from my home church!

And do a little early birthday celebration!

While serving at a local soup kitchen, Way of the Cross, I was asked to lead them in Amazing Grace.
Worshiping with the homeless of my hometown, my brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Serving our brothers and sisters at Way of the Cross. 

The boys ended up in the kitchen, and did a great job!

Of course I found a way to use my Spanish, helping a mom with her 5 children.

The youth sorting shoes to bring to Mexico in a few weeks.

More birthday celebrations!

Then I headed home to celebrate with my Mexico family and my husband.
I think Esmerelda loved the cake!

Couldn't imagine a better way to celebrate than with these cuties!

I encourage all of you to serve no matter where you are! Whether it's in you daily life, or during a trip home, or even a vacation away from home. Jesus doesn't take breaks from serving us, why should we take breaks from serving in His name? Serving and watching others serve in my hometown really opened my eyes to the need everywhere. Not just here in the Valley, Mexico, or third world countries, But right there where I grew up, and I'm sure in your hometowns as well. 

Don't forget to give back to your Roots, they did raise you after all!