Woodland Hills Youth (WHY) Mexico Mission Trip 2005

We've Arrived! Wednesday, June 22

2005-06-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hello from Mexico!

Yesterday, after a two-hour flight to Houston, followed by a two-hour flight to Mexico City, a three-hour bus ride, and another half-hour bus ride – we arrived at Esperanza Viva, our home for the next week.

We were welcomed by friendly staff and spent the rest of the night going through orientation and getting settled in to the guesthouse where we’re staying. Space is limited so we’re learning to work with one another and are having a blast getting to know each other better.

Today brought us a tour of the orphanage and our first chance to hang out with the kids. As soon as we walked in the doors these precious little ones came running up to us, giving hugs, and showing toothy smiles. We were also able to meet the children that the Woodland Hills Youth Group sponsors. We brought down notes from WHY students which are in the process of being translated and given to the children. The children here range in age from 18 months to 19. The complex houses boys and girls’ dormitories, a kitchen, carpentry shop, laundromat, community clothing store, playground, and offices.

Our team then set out to clean a few hundred very dirty chairs in preparation for the children’s school graduation tomorrow. This is a very special event and we’re so excited to be a part of it.

Soon we’ll be heading off to an outreach project called “Mejor Regalo”, Spanish for “The Best Gift.” The best gift is Jesus. We will be leading games and sharing testimonies in order to reach out to the children in a nearby community.

Finally, tonight after the outreach, we’ll be joining many of the youth from the home and members of the Puebla community for a service at Espeanza Viva’s Church, Nations. Esperanza Viva values worship highly, believing that it is when people experience the presence of God through worship that they are changed and transformed. Needless to say we’re all excited to worship with them.

The remainder of the week is sure to hold lots of time to love on the children here – and many of us already have our own little buddies that follow us around. The relationship WHY has built with Esperanza Viva over the last six years has fostered a huge level of trust. As a result, one of our team’s most important responsibilities this week will be to spend a day caring for the children while the full-time workers and staff take a retreat. A much needed opportunity to regroup and rest from the constant demands of their vital ministry.

Well I think that’s it for now. We will post as often as possible but access to the Internet is limited.

Your servants in Christ,

The WHY Mexico Team

Mexico Update: Friday, June 24

2005-06-28T15:22:00.000-07:00

Praise God “El Mejor Regalo” on Wednesday went incredibly well with over 70 kids in attendance! Who knew that the plastic cups, rocks, balls and plastic rings we used for our games could bring so much joy to the faces of these children.

We arrived at a city square area in Puebla and started praying that God would bring us children to minister to. We walked around the neighborhood and invited kids to come, handing out flyers and trying our best to use our Spanish. By the time we returned to the square, the kids started flooding in from all over. The games were a hit and, afterwards, we all gathered together to learn about Jesus as our healer. We then invited the kids to come back next week as well as to a special “Mejor Regalo” at the Naciones Church (pastured by the founder of Esperanza Viva) on Saturday.

We soon packed up our bus and headed to Naciones Church for their evening service. It was wonderful to worship in Spanish and the congregation’s passion for worship was definitely contagious. Many of the kids from the orphanage were there and our hearts soared to see them dancing and waving streamers in worship. The pastor said he wasn’t sure if Americans could also dance in worship . . . so of course we had to prove him wrong :>)

Thursday, was graduation day here at Esperanza Viva. Almost every grade had a dance or a song for which the kids had been practicing for weeks. Many students here are behind in school due to difficult family situations, life on the street, etc, which made the celebration of transition from one grade to another even more significant. The grins stretched ear to ear on the graduates as tears glistened in the eyes of teachers and supervisors.

After graduation our team prepared for a time of street evangelism with a group of Esperanza Viva interns. We spent some time in prayer, split into small groups each with a fluent Spanish speaker, and headed off to the main bus station in Puebla. There we handed out the 5 spiritual laws, tracts for children, and information about Naciones Church. Despite the nervousness of some of us, we were all surprised how open people were to receive the tracts. Even the police officer who asked us to stand outside the bus station asked if he could please have one.

Finally the day drew to a close as rain clouds drew near. Our team returned to our guesthouse for a relaxing dinner and trip to a nearby ice cream store. We ended our day with worship. As students led us in song, others began interceding for the nations of the world, listing off as many as they could think of. Others read scripture throughout the night, mixing in much prayer for the people we met at the bus station and the children at the orphanage. As worship continued many students got up and began to go throughout the room and pray for others.

Today, Friday, we finished cleaning all the chairs we started the other day, painted a bathroom, and cleaned the roof of a large tent building. Our friendships with the kids are deepening and we’re having a blast doing craft projects with them.

During our next couple of postings we’re including articles from different students. Following you will find a very thought provoking article by student, Sean Houghton.

God Bless!

- WHY Mexico Team

Mexico Musings

2005-06-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

Houses of stone, streets of dilapidated pavement; even the sidewalks and street-signs have a kind of ware and tear commonly accompanying the more uncared for elements of a country so abundantly filled with history and trial. Every detail encompasses the life of an everyday effort to live not only peacefully, but also gratefully.

As I walk down the streets stretching between our dormitories and destination, I find some measure or gratitude that can only be explained as pure and complete appreciation for anything and everything I am blessed with. The flowers are more beautiful here then I have ever seen, even the rocks I trample upon seem to retain a sense of pleasantry and assistance to the lesson I am taught.

Moment by moment this overwhelming feeling of forgotten grace that walks hand in hand with a gritty existence seems to permeate from step to step until I realize, I am truthfully here and I am positively outside off my comfort zone. Yet every breath I take seems to be more comfortable then the last. The smell, the essence of spices, even the odors of a passing taxi labeled ‘servicio publico’ seems to reel me into this humble feeling of minority.

God has taught me so much with every glance, every word I say. Everything means so much here. Nothing I do seems to be mundane or ineffective or unappreciated. I can’t walk ten paces without a small, adorable, and quite blunt and abrupt toddler tugging at my shirt asking me to lift them up or give them candy, which they of course sound off in a language far too foreign to me for my own sake. It is as if their innocence seems to expect me to simply know. I love that.

Although it seems at times that I am as out off place as apple-juice inside of a freshly peeled orange, I have only but one choice. Adapt and appreciate to better serve. As my father once said, “I truly believe I live to serve. My life is…I exist only to serve.” I too find that our place in life is not to ask for things that may make our lives more comfortable. “God I really like that bike” or “Dear father in heaven, could you spare a moment to make my mom get us pizza?” Such requests are simply par for the course of everyday, modern-day, stereotypical Christian life.

If I am upsetting you I apologize, but this is, truthfully, what I believe we are NOT here to do. In my opinion…no…in my understanding, though limited, I have seen far more then my heart can handle. Poverty, children sleeping on the streets, simplistic affection mistaken for inappropriate behavior,such as these have I now witnessed and I now see with my own eyes. God did not say ‘if you are comfortable, then if you do this unto the least of my brethren, you do it unto me.’ No, he said ‘Do this to the least of my brethren, and you do this unto me.’ We are not to be concerned with our own comfort but simply trust in God and also in His ability to rescue us. WE CANNOT SERVIVE ON OUR OWN. And as such weak and frail and insufficient beings as we are, we have only two options, to live and die as we were made to do, or to live and die in Christ as we were created to do.

Sean Houghton

Team Update: Monday, June 27

2005-06-27T06:59:00.000-07:00

Mejor Regalo (children’s outreach program) was a hit at Naciones church on Saturday. Many children from our Wednesday outreach as well as children from the orphanage had a blast in the game filled sanctuary. Our group ran everything from basketball relay races, to face painting, balloon animals, bowling, ring toss, and arm wrestling. After the games was a brief message and a precious time of prayer and worship with the children.

We returned to the orphanage for lunch with the kids and, as always, enjoyed our time playing and building relationships with them. In the evening we returned to Naciones with many older children, for a time of classes in painting, drawing, dance, skateboarding, or photography, followed by dinner and a youth service. Several people from our group were able to teach the drawing and photography/video classes.

Youth service was amazing, as is every time of worship here. Our team leader, Jordan, preached and challenged us to serve God by living every moment with a sense of urgency. For several hours we prayed for one another, shared scripture, danced, and worshiped with all of our hearts. As the week goes on, more and more of our students talk of wanting to sponsor children here or serve God in short or long-term missions.

Sunday we attended service at Naciones and then took a break to visit some local Aztec pyramids. Many from our group even had the chance to explore the tunnel ways inside the pyramid.

Today we have the entire orphanage to ourselves while the staff goes on a day long retreat. It’s so rare for them to have a break like this so we’re praying that it is a refreshing time. We’re very excited to spend the day with the kids and even get to put them to bed tonight.

Following you will find articles written by adult leader, Ron Peterson, and students, Andrea Hamer and Mandi Reiners.

Que Dios Te Bendiga!

- WHY Mexico Team

Down in Mexico: A Poem

2005-06-27T06:49:00.001-07:00

Mandi Reiners
Originally uploaded by Kdarpa.

Two different worlds
Yet much a like
Similar needs
Similar wants
But different supplies
No way of communication
Yet very strong friendships
Your world is my world
In a different location

- Mandi Reiners

Being a Servant

2005-06-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

Ron and Kathryn Peterson
Originally uploaded by Kdarpa.

This has been an incredible week! What a blessing it is to love on, play with, and encourage these young children of God who don’t have a mom or a dad that they can run home to at night. These are beautiful children of God!

The Lord has been teaching and challenging me about being a servant this week in Puebla Mexico. It is difficult for me to be a servant to others. It is against my nature to look for ways in which I can bless, encourage, and serve people. The Lord has been teaching me that true love does not come solely by words or tongue, but we are to love with actions and in truth (1 John 3:18). Lord, help me to have the attitude of Christ. Like Christ, I desire to make myself nothing and take on the very nature of a servant. For the remainder of this week Lord help me to love and serve these Children and others in ways in which their lives can be blessed. Thank you for the work you are doing through Esperanza Viva, our Woodland Hills group, and in my life. To God be the Glory!

- Ron Peterson

My Time in Mexico

2005-06-27T06:38:00.000-07:00

My experience in Mexico has definitely been exciting! Each new day is started when we wake up at a bright and early 7am! My day is filled with playing with the adorable Mexican children, working around the orphanage and testing my soccer skills. My little buddy I’ve made is Rosa. She enjoys playing with my hair and laughing at me when I mess up my Spanish. She’s teaching me so much about what it means to have true joy. We also do several work projects just to help the staff out.

Yesterday we cleaned several chairs that were donated to the orphanage. This was hard work, but we made it fun by singing songs the whole time. I think the children are in awe of our amazing amount of energy! One highlight of my week has been playing soccer with some “real futbol” players. These guys are all very skilled and you can tell how much they love playing this sport. They don’t know what to think of me since they rarely see girls playing sports. The experiences I’ve had here are unlike any I ever had or will have. I’m so grateful that God has blessed me with this amazing opportunity.

-Andrea Hamer

Child Sponsorship & Missions

2005-06-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

Todd & Eliot Photo
Originally uploaded by Kdarpa.

The trip has been SO fun thus far. I have gotten to be good friends with Eliot, a nine year old boy who lives at Esperanza Viva. I decided to sponsor him, and when I told him, he gave me a HUGE hug. That made my week. Just seeing his reaction was so amazing.

When we first arrived, I was kind of worried. I was worried about the food (I’m really picky), and making facial expressions during meals that might offend the cooks or kids. But once we arrived, the kids were awesome and the food was really good. It’s so amazing here it has made me seriously think about doing missionary work.

-Todd Alle

Reflections on Worship

2005-06-26T13:42:00.000-07:00

Natalie Photo
Originally uploaded by Kdarpa.

One super important thing I have been learning on this trip is how central worship is to my relationship with God.

Throughout our week in Mexico, we have been to Nations (The church started and run by Esperanza Viva) for worship almost every evening. Sometimes the songs we sing are in Spanish, sometimes they are in English, and often I would hear cries that had no language at all.

Worship is not about the music, how fast or slow or funky it is, or about what language it is in. God is a God of Nations. He is the God of our hearts. He sees the big picture, yet he cares enough to fill the smallest corners of our hearts that no one else can see.

For God, worship is about our hearts. We can be silent or loud, dancing or still, sitting, kneeling, standing. God wants us to worship Him in freedom and truth and love.

-Natalie Potts

Mission Trip To Mexico Song

2005-06-25T22:19:00.000-07:00

A Previous Trip To Puebla

2005-05-03T15:00:00.000-07:00

February 20, 2004
Seventy-three forgotten, abandoned children are now well provided for and living without fear at the Living Hope orphanage in Puebla, Mexico. Eight adults and two children from Woodland Hills spent New Year’s week in Puebla ministering to these children and the dedicated workers who now care for them in a safe, loving environment.

The children were abandoned by their parents and forced to live on the streets where they were easy targets for abuse. “If I had a fraction of what has happened to these children happen to me, I’d be curled up in a corner,” says Joan Eggert who, along with her 10-year-old daughter, Jordyn, was part of the team. “But they are so trusting and so loving, they just run into your arms.” Unfortunately, most of the children running into their arms had the flu.

Shortly before the mission team arrived, what the Mexicans call the “United States flu” had swept through the orphanage. Although the team was a little apprehensive, they just couldn’t resist holding the children. “They just want mommies and daddies, so they can curl up in their laps,” explained Joan. The team realized early on that they had all been exposed to the flu virus shortly after arriving at the orphanage and that there was no point in holding back now. So they loved, hugged and cuddled with reckless abandon.

Before it was all over, half of the team contracted the flu. But Joan said, “Even after they got sick, nobody was sorry they went. They were all blessed.”

According to Associate Youth Pastor Jordan Schroeder, the purpose of any trip to Puebla is to bring money and a crew and ask the people that run the orphanage what they would like the team to do. “It’s all about service,” Jordan explained. The leadership team spends considerable effort trying to impart an attitude of service into mission trip participants. Jordan explained that they want to avoid any appearance of “Americans coming with all the answers.” Instead, they aim to humble themselves and serve the leaders of the orphanage in whatever way they request.

In this case, the assignment was to paint the ministry house. The ministry house is a three-bedroom home with a kitchen and living room. It’s also where the team stayed during their visit. But when team members are asked about the trip, very little is said about paint – it’s always about the people.

On New Year’s Day, the team put on a carnival for the kids. There were balloons, games and all the usual carnival fare. Many of the kids were still sick, but they didn’t seem to care. They all had a tremendous amount of fun. And since it was New Year’s Day, there was already a sense of celebration in the air.

While ministry to the kids is always a big part of the trip, the real purpose is to minister to the workers that keep the orphanage running. The kids always get plenty of care, love and ministry from the workers. It’s the workers that need encouragement and help – even in the little things.

Joan is a hairdresser and spends her time there doing the workers’ hair. One woman, with hair to her waist, wanted a perm so badly that she was willing to sit in the chair all day despite the fact that she was a flu victim and had a raging fever. She had been waiting and anticipating the team’s visit because she had been promised a perm during the previous trip. When the woman came in for her perm, she was obviously ill. Joan hesitated for fear of catching the flu, but she said the Lord reminded her that “it’s not about you; you’re here to serve.” The perm went well, and Joan never did get sick. From that point on, she chuckled every time she caught herself hesitating because a person was sick.

Esperanza Viva (Living Hope) Youth Home was opened in September 1995 by Jerry and Susan McNally, who left St. Paul to open the orphanage. While the McNally’s are responsible for oversight of the home, it is almost entirely run by indigenous people. The current president of the orphanage is a Mexican.

The ultimate vision of Living Hope is to develop property into the City of Hope which could support over 1,000 children and workers. With this expansion, there would be greater capacity for outreach to the community at large, and according to McNally, “It would become a shining illustration to the world of the Father-heart of God for His weary and downtrodden children.” As an early step toward fulfillment of that vision, a church was recently opened to serve the Puebla community.

Among the workers at Living Hope are Ryan and Molly Nielsen, missionaries from Woodland Hills. The Nielsens, along with their two young children, moved to Puebla in September 2003. They are expecting their third child in August. Molly said that during a one-week trip to Guatemala, “the Lord called us out and changed our lives completely. Now we are here serving long term.”

The Nielsens are appreciative of every group that comes down. They say that the support in prayer, encouragement and fellowship that they receive really makes a difference to them. They delight in watching each team member experience things that will change him or her forever. They also watch for any sign that there may be future long-term missionaries in the group that just don’t know it yet. There is a real enjoyment in watching the team bless the children, and seeing how, in turn, the children bless the team. Most team members agree that while they go to bring a blessing, they leave more blessed than they arrived.

Michael Bushilla has been to Mexico twice before, but not to the orphanage. This time he brought his wife Paula and 12-year-old son Alex. They sponsor a boy and a girl at the orphanage and were able to visit them. The boy, Luis, is also 12. He and Alex formed a bond in spite of a challenging language barrier. Because he has been on several trips, one might wonder if the trips get routine. But Michael says, “Every mission trip changes you to a certain extent. It puts everything back into perspective.” Commenting on this trip he says, “It was an awesome experience.”

The Eggert family also sponsors a child at Living Hope. When they selected a child, they looked for someone near Jordyn’s age so that the two could more easily relate. They decided on Ofelia, whose birth date is only one day before Jordyn’s. This was their second trip to Puebla, and Joan is amazed at how at home her daughter is there. She said Jordyn looked at her during the trip, and in spite of being sick with the flu told her mom, “I never want to go home.”

How much trouble is it to go on a missions trip? There are a lot of meetings for planning and some just for bonding with other team members. Then there’s the fund raising activities. But was it too hard? Joan said, “God opened all the doors, we just walked right through.”

So what’s a mission trip like? Joan sums it up like this, “It was just amazing. I call it a love-soaker.”

article by Mark Kretschmar

View this article at http://www.whchurch.org/content/page_288.htm