We’re headed off to Mexico this weekend to build a house for a family currently living in awful, shocking, unsafe conditions.
Last year was my first mission trip of this kind and my heart broke for the families who were living in places that I could hardly imagine. My eyes couldn’t believe what I was seeing and my mind couldn’t fathom what life would be like to live without safe, sanitary housing.
In the cities we go to, most people do not have running water or electricity. They sleep on dirt and have tarps over their heads. Last year, the family we served had five children living in an 8X10 plywood shelter with barely enough room for everyone to lay their heads down to sleep.
Although the living conditions seemed awful, what touched my heart the most was the truly amazing spirit of the people living there. The joy they possessed made me see the true beauty of their character and put my own life into perspective in a way that I wasn’t quite prepared for.
We in America are so blessed. We have food, shelter and clothing. We have a good measure of peace and safety and it wasn’t until I went on this mission trip last year that I realized I had been taking all those things for granted. My eyes saw a complete city of people who cannot lock their doors because they don’t have any. They cannot sit and watch a television program because they don’t have electricity. They cannot wash their hands because they don’t have running water. They cannot trust their corrupt police force or government. It is a place where people steal from each other simply to survive.
Having said that, even amidst the harsh, practical realities, what changed me even more and made me see the true beauty of the people of Mexico was the pure happiness they had. The children were so full of life and excitement. Although we couldn’t understand each other well because of the difference in language, we were able to feel their character and personalities through their squeals of laughter, excitement in the games they played and their desire to be right with us throughout our work.
There is a simplicity that we experienced in Mexico that was both heart wrenching and heart warming at the same time. I am in awe of the families we met that they carry a contentment in them that has nothing to do with material possessions or status. It is a very real and honest love of life and family and I am envious of the simple delight they have for life.
I still pray for the family we served last year and I have already been praying for the family we’ll be building for this year. I am so privileged to be a part of giving to them. I crave the anticipation of unveiling their new home and seeing the relief that will come when the genuine need of a sturdy, safe home is satisfied. We all deserve the basic necessities of life; food, shelter, 
and clothing and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this family’s story.
This mission trip is SO not about me but I am looking forward to the work God will do in my own spirit as I serve others and witness the value of working together for a family in need.
