It's getting late, so this one will be mainly pictures. We had an incredible day! The house was completed- seeds have deffinately been planted- and I think it's safe to say that this group is now part of the Mexico family forever! They have fallen in love and have so much passion for the people and especially the family we are building for. I can't wait for them to get home and begin to share everything!
We started building the house today and by started, I mean almost finished it! This group is hard working and got a lot done for the family. The kids we are building for are shy but are starting to come around and the mom and grandmother helped us paint and work all day. They didn't just sit back and watch us work. I think that was a cool experience for all of us: to work WITH them not just for them. We wrote scripture in the house and one of our translators read it to the mother (Blanca). I really think that moment was the planting of the seed and I pray that she see Jesus in us and want him in her family too. Tomorrow we will finish the home and also work on a few other projects! Continue to pray with us this week for our safety and in making disciples!
Today was the group's first day on the canal. Honestly, I don't know what to say about today. I am so proud of this group and they're passion for missions. They are open to what God has in store and I can't wait to hear stories from them throughout the week. They met a lot of kids and have already started making relationships with the people. We also got to meet the family we are building for. They made bracelets, played soccer, jumped on the trampoline, and spread the love of Jesus Christ! Here are some pictures!
This is the family that we are building for! We can't wait to get to know them this week!
This is their kitchen and below is where they sleep. This family is going to be so much more comfortable in their new house!
Continue to pray for us as we begin construction tomorrow morning! Pray that we open our hearts to what God is asking us to do and that we be obedient!
For parents, church family, and anyone interested in our trip this week, I will be posting pictures with a short update from my phone every night! I am so excited about what God has in store for this amazing group of people.
The trip started out beautifully with Lisa leading us in a devotion and prayer. We actually left EARLY!
We picked up Jonah along the way to complete our caravan of 5 vehicles headed to TX. I am so thankful for those who stepped up and helped us drive safely. We had a very smooth trip and made great time! Everyone was exhausted when we got here, but excited for their first time in Mexico! We had pizza for dinner, made sandwiches for the next day, and heard from the missionaries, Roy and Rebecca, some personal testimony about Mexico. Parents who were worried about accomidations, the kids are happy to have a bed and air conditioning! We have plenty of space and a great area for meals and meetings at night :)
Thank you for your prayers for this group this week and for Jonah and I as we start a life here once the groups have returned home. This morning, we will head over to Mexico to introduce the team to families I have known for years and also for everyone to meet the sweet family we will be building for! I'll write again once we return back to Texas later today!
I have been overwhelmed lately with the love and support of friends and family in the time leading up to this coming Friday. The time has finally come and I couldn't be more excited, anxious, nervous, and just about every emotion you can think of! I want to share with you some articles and videos but first a few updates:
I gave my final scheduled talk yesterday in order to raise support,
the lease to my apartment technically started a few days ago, so it is there waiting for me to move in,
Jonah completed his last day of work here in AL and has begun the job and home search in Texas, and all that is left now is to pray and enjoy the week with friends and family! (and finish packing)
Please continue to pray for both of us as we say yes and act on God's call. I think the prayer Jonah prayed last night is one we will pray often and you can join us in praying as well. It went something like this:
"Dear God, be with Emily and I as we move to Texas and begin our life there. Continue to hold our hands every step of the way."
Jonah is my rock. He has supported me every step of the way and his faith encourages me when I freak out and have doubt. While we have our peaks and valleys, I know that God gave me this man for a purpose and we remain strong in Him. Join us in praying that God continues to hold our hands in every step, in every peak and in every valley and that He remains the center of our relationship.
I've shared a lot today on social media, so here it all is in one place: Two articles written by Kelli Dunagan and Harry Butler, a video made by yours truly, and me singing Oceans yesterday at FUMC.
As I mentioned in earlier posts, Christ Central Church will be making it's first solo trip to Mexico in about 2.5 weeks! Small groups have gone from the church before, but we have never had enough to make our own trip. I have been waiting for this moment for 4 years now: to get to share my heart with the church family and youth group I love so much!
To prepare, they have done a Spaghetti Lunch, Paint Party and another spaghetti lunch which was just this past weekend! I also was given the opportunity to share with the church what I will be doing after the group returns home and they prayed a wonderful prayer over me.
This week is youth service week and one of their projects was to pack backpacks with required school supplies and pray for the child that will be receiving it. We have 24 ready to take to Mexico and give to students in order for them to be ready to start school in the fall. I am so impressed with this group of young people and their enthusiasm for Christ!
