We left Puebla early this morning and took a 3 hour (should have been two hour) bus trip to Mexico City. We then had a 4 hour wait for our flight back to DFW. We enjoyed our last meal together as a team. We have grown very close as a team and as our time came closer to end the trip we all became a little sad. Sad to be leaving the children behind in Mexico and not being together each and every day sharing this wonderful experience.
We landed at DFW at 6:15pm and spent the next hour getting thru customs and immigration. What an adventure that can be! Of course, our preacher got pulled aside and had her bags searched! And lucky Doug lost his customs form so got to go thru twice! We all decided it was nice to be back and able to flush the toilet paper!
We all gathered for our last prayer together and thanked God for this wonderful experience, for our safe travels, and especially for the Casa Hogar La Familia Children's Home.
Thanks again for all your prayers and your support.
Sheryl
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
I Am The Church
Today was a different kind of day. We boarded a bus at 7:30 to make the hour long trek to Puebla for a day of sightseeing and shopping. One might ask why did we take the time to do this? When visiting another country it is a good idea to take the time to get to know the history, the surroundings and inject money into the local economy. It is also a good way to wind down , reflect on the mission trip and take time to internalize the experience before returning to the "real world" also known as life.
We went on a tour to see the largest pyramid in the world. For those of you who are confused, we are in Mexico and not Egypt. By measurements, the pyramid in Mexico is taller and wider than those in Egypt. Who knew! From the top, and yes I did walk to the top, you could see the entire city and the active volcano. It was a beautiful sight. It is not everyday that the view is so clear that you can see for hundreds of miles. We visited several cathedrals today that were unlike any I have ever seen. Very ornate and decorated in a lot of gold. It was interesting to visit churches unlike our own worship spaces.
As we toured, walked and talked, each one of us would point out a child we could see and comment on how he or she looked like someone from Casa Hogar. The little girl in the hotel lobby looked like Elizabeth. A group of school children walking reminded us of Juan, Eduardo and Cris. I am not sure that these children we saw today actually looked like the ones at Casa Hogar but rather our hearts were missing the children we had come to love. I think a part of each one of us was still back at the home.
After shopping and dinner we spent time as a group reflecting on what this trip has meant to us and what we could have done better. Without a doubt, spending time with the children was the best part of the trip. Getting to witness how God is working in each of their lives was a blessing to each of us. We also expressed that we wished we could have been better prepared to be with the children such as learning names and the language. One feeling equally expressed was the desire to be able to share our experience with others, to encourage others to join in our efforts because although God is big enough, it is up to you and me to be the hands and feet. At dinner we sat next to a couple from Canada. While sharing conversation it came up why we were here in Mexico. We spent time telling them about the children, Juan Fransico and Silvia and the things we were able to do during our stay. We did not tell them this to brag on ourselves, but rather to call attention to the mighty works of our God. How lives are being changed through blessings that come from around the world. That God may be glorified through us. The work done on any mission trip is important but it is also important to be able to say why we do what we do and to encourage others to join our efforts.
As we head home tomorrow, I pray that each member of the team shares the story of Casa Hogar and what this trip has meant to him or her. I pray that each one of us does not forget the faces of those sweet children who need our love. I pray that we remember the faith Juan Fransico, Silvia, Muriel and Ana have that God will provide. I pray that I have that same kind of faith. I pray I never forget the lessons learned this week.
Rev. Margret L. Fields
We went on a tour to see the largest pyramid in the world. For those of you who are confused, we are in Mexico and not Egypt. By measurements, the pyramid in Mexico is taller and wider than those in Egypt. Who knew! From the top, and yes I did walk to the top, you could see the entire city and the active volcano. It was a beautiful sight. It is not everyday that the view is so clear that you can see for hundreds of miles. We visited several cathedrals today that were unlike any I have ever seen. Very ornate and decorated in a lot of gold. It was interesting to visit churches unlike our own worship spaces.
As we toured, walked and talked, each one of us would point out a child we could see and comment on how he or she looked like someone from Casa Hogar. The little girl in the hotel lobby looked like Elizabeth. A group of school children walking reminded us of Juan, Eduardo and Cris. I am not sure that these children we saw today actually looked like the ones at Casa Hogar but rather our hearts were missing the children we had come to love. I think a part of each one of us was still back at the home.
After shopping and dinner we spent time as a group reflecting on what this trip has meant to us and what we could have done better. Without a doubt, spending time with the children was the best part of the trip. Getting to witness how God is working in each of their lives was a blessing to each of us. We also expressed that we wished we could have been better prepared to be with the children such as learning names and the language. One feeling equally expressed was the desire to be able to share our experience with others, to encourage others to join in our efforts because although God is big enough, it is up to you and me to be the hands and feet. At dinner we sat next to a couple from Canada. While sharing conversation it came up why we were here in Mexico. We spent time telling them about the children, Juan Fransico and Silvia and the things we were able to do during our stay. We did not tell them this to brag on ourselves, but rather to call attention to the mighty works of our God. How lives are being changed through blessings that come from around the world. That God may be glorified through us. The work done on any mission trip is important but it is also important to be able to say why we do what we do and to encourage others to join our efforts.
As we head home tomorrow, I pray that each member of the team shares the story of Casa Hogar and what this trip has meant to him or her. I pray that each one of us does not forget the faces of those sweet children who need our love. I pray that we remember the faith Juan Fransico, Silvia, Muriel and Ana have that God will provide. I pray that I have that same kind of faith. I pray I never forget the lessons learned this week.
Rev. Margret L. Fields
Monday, May 21, 2012
Monday - A Day of Celebrating!
Our team started the day off at Sandys for another wonderful breakfast. Doug shared a devotion about always being ready to receive God and to remember that he comes in many forms. And boy did we see God everywhere today, and in many celebrations!
The ladies of the team were blessed to attend the kindergarten Mothers Day program at the school for Cris, Josue, and Suri. The kids danced and sang to their mothers. It was a beautiful celebration!
The guys cleaned out the storage room and worked on door knobs that were not working. Many of us helped to clean up the playing field. Because of your support, we were able to pay for some electrical work so the cement roof could be poured today. This is a real celebration for now they can start to finish the inside. And more room means more children can be helped. We also have helped with new brakes for the van, new doorknobs, money for labor to clean up the yard in front of homes entrance, and have provided funds to celebrate school graduations! We have also celebrated many days by spoiling the kids with special meals. Today was Joanna's chicken spaghetti!
Following our meal we had an evening full of celebration, praise and FUN. We started by playing games. You should have seen us - placing quarters on our foreheads and running to drop it into a basket. If you missed - back you went to try again! Oh, the laughs!!! And the celebrations when your quarter went in the basket. We also had kgreat fun playing musical chairs. Our own J.J. Celebrated by winning the first game!
We shared a silly skit for them and then celebrated their many talents in song, dance and drama. The joy in watching those children is beyond measure. You just have to come and celebrate life with these children yourself.
We ended the evening with a wedding anniversary cake and ice cream for the home parents, Juan Fransico and Silvia. What a blessing it was to celebrate with this wonderful family!
We finally said our sad goodbyes with many hugs and kisses. But it is only goodbye till next time!
Thank you, Lord, for the many celebrations we shared in today!
Sheryl
Sunday, May 20, 2012
I Really Shouldn't Be Here
I really shouldn't be in Mexico. I suffer from an anxiety disorder known as agoraphobia. This is a fancy name for a fear of being in places where escape is difficult or impossible. For me, this manifests itself in fear of being on an airplane, a bus or a vehicle that I am not driving. To get to Mexico I had to get on an airplane, take a 2 hour bus ride, take another hour long bus ride then hop in a van with a man driving that I have only met twice. I really shouldn't be here.
I am a person who likes routines and schedules. I do not like to try new things. I certainly don't like foods I don't know or can't see what is in it. I have an extreme fear of germs, of getting sick, especially something gastrointestinal. I really shouldn't be here.
I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one I have encountered on this trip that has had that thought. I look at the Casa Hogar La Familia Children's Home and see 32 children who at one time or another had that thought. I witnessed it yesterday when a family came to say what looked like final goodbyes to a pair of brothers. I watched from a distance as one child openly cried and sobbed and clung to his father. I stood helplessly as the grandmother, father, mother and two small children left them home without those boys. I wondered if Christian was thinking "I shouldn't be here!".
I look at the house parents, Juan Fransico and Silvia, who give their entire lives to these children, and wonder if they ever think that? These wonderful talented people could be anywhere doing anything, yet they made the choice to love these children and raise them up in Christ. Or what about their three children Damaly, Alexi and Daniel, who live in the home, sleep in the dorms with the other children, and share their birth parents with so many. Do they ever think "I really shouldn't be here"?
Muriel, a young lady who lives at the home as a volunteer, has been there for four years. She came knowing no Spanish and now serves as the translator when Americans come to stay and work. Muriel did not come by choice but she has willingly stayed. Muriel was originally sent to the home by her parents, on what I would guess, was a last resort to get her out of the house. Muriel tells the story that she told her parents "Send me anywhere but Mexico". I know four years ago she had the same thought I had "I really shouldn't be here".
A young couple was presented this morning during worship as an engaged couple. Cintya has lived in the home most of her life. She has graduated technical school and is now a cosmetologist. Her fiance Omar works at the home. Omar's life has not been easy either. He recently completed a rehabilitation program in Peubla prior to coming to the home. I imagine he had a life filled with struggles and challenges, some of which he will face for a lifetime if he wants to maintain a clean life. I wonder if Omar ever imagined that God would place him in such a spirit filled place as Casa Hogar. I wonder if he ever thought "I really shouldn't be here".
I worshiped twice today. Once a 6:00 am at a prayer service at the home. Five of us attended this service. When we first arrived there were about a dozen people there. As the service went on, more children came out, most in their pajamas, eyes barely open, but hands and voices raised to God. We sang and prayed for an hour. I felt the very presence of God among us. At the end of the service the children greeted us with hugs and kisses. It was a feeling that I cannot describe.
After another amazing breakfast at Sandy's, which was opened just for us, the entire team headed back for the regular worship service. For an hour we sang and danced. Although the songs were new and the language was not our own, we understood fully that the Lord is to be praised! In the second hour we prayed for a couple that came to present their two small daughters (both under the age of 3) to the church. This was the second time they had come to that church and they asked for prayers as they continued to "search for God". We prayed for Cintya and Omar as they were presented as an engaged couple. We listened to the word brought by Juan Fransico warning us of the dangers of being impulsive and to look toward the pastor for guidance. We were reminded that each of us brings unique gifts for God to use. I even had the honor of presenting a prayer at the end of the service. Two hours of worship and I felt like I could have done that all day long. Maybe I should be here.
We spent the rest of the day playing with the children and preparing a hamburger lunch for the home. I watched as older ones played with younger ones. As each child would see a job that needed to be done, he or she would just go do it. I heard "Ma" over and over again and watched Silvia respond with love and patience at each cry of her name. I witnessed a table full of youth and children hanging on every word Juan Fransico spoke. I saw children come take the hand of someone from our team to lead him or her to a game or just to sit and "talk". I played volleyball with Christian, several other children and Doug from our team. All the children took turns serving the ball, cheered each other on and didn't argue about if the ball was in or out of bounds. No one kept score and no one cared. Christian watched his family leave him yesterday, perhaps for the final time, yet he did not act like he didn't want to be at the home. I observed Omar serving without being asked, a smile on his face, a laugh on his lips. He might not have thought he would be there but I think he was glad that he is.
As for me, I really shouldn't be here. Except for one thing. God has called me into service. I wasn't called to do what I always do, to play it safe, to be in my comfort zone. God did not grant me gifts and graces so I could stay in my perfect world and have everything I need. It is not about me. It is about Juan Fransico, Silvia, Cintya, Omar and so many more that I have not met yet. It is about being there to hear Christian's cry and to do the only thing I knew how to do which is to hold him and love him. No words were needed. So in the end, yes, I really should be here.
One final thought. There are orphanges all over the world. Some provide only the basics such as food, clothing and shelter. Casa Hogar is different. Juan Fransico and Silvia could do the bare minimum and no one would blame them for that. Instead, they have dedicated their lives, their children's lives, to making disciples for the transformation of the world. This is not an easy task. Yet they do it with love, discipline and guidance from the Holy Spirit. You feel it when you walk into the home. You witness it while watching each person treat another with respect and love. I really should be here because God is here. I will go where God sends me, even when I don't think I should be there. I hope you will join me in praying for the children, the volunteers and the house family. Pray for the families that for one reason or another had to leave a child there. Pray for those struggling with that decision and for the children that will come. Pray that the rest of us open our hearts to God's calling in our lives and that we have the courage to follow and to be in places we really shouldn't be.
Rev. Margret L. Fields
I am a person who likes routines and schedules. I do not like to try new things. I certainly don't like foods I don't know or can't see what is in it. I have an extreme fear of germs, of getting sick, especially something gastrointestinal. I really shouldn't be here.
I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one I have encountered on this trip that has had that thought. I look at the Casa Hogar La Familia Children's Home and see 32 children who at one time or another had that thought. I witnessed it yesterday when a family came to say what looked like final goodbyes to a pair of brothers. I watched from a distance as one child openly cried and sobbed and clung to his father. I stood helplessly as the grandmother, father, mother and two small children left them home without those boys. I wondered if Christian was thinking "I shouldn't be here!".
I look at the house parents, Juan Fransico and Silvia, who give their entire lives to these children, and wonder if they ever think that? These wonderful talented people could be anywhere doing anything, yet they made the choice to love these children and raise them up in Christ. Or what about their three children Damaly, Alexi and Daniel, who live in the home, sleep in the dorms with the other children, and share their birth parents with so many. Do they ever think "I really shouldn't be here"?
Muriel, a young lady who lives at the home as a volunteer, has been there for four years. She came knowing no Spanish and now serves as the translator when Americans come to stay and work. Muriel did not come by choice but she has willingly stayed. Muriel was originally sent to the home by her parents, on what I would guess, was a last resort to get her out of the house. Muriel tells the story that she told her parents "Send me anywhere but Mexico". I know four years ago she had the same thought I had "I really shouldn't be here".
A young couple was presented this morning during worship as an engaged couple. Cintya has lived in the home most of her life. She has graduated technical school and is now a cosmetologist. Her fiance Omar works at the home. Omar's life has not been easy either. He recently completed a rehabilitation program in Peubla prior to coming to the home. I imagine he had a life filled with struggles and challenges, some of which he will face for a lifetime if he wants to maintain a clean life. I wonder if Omar ever imagined that God would place him in such a spirit filled place as Casa Hogar. I wonder if he ever thought "I really shouldn't be here".
I worshiped twice today. Once a 6:00 am at a prayer service at the home. Five of us attended this service. When we first arrived there were about a dozen people there. As the service went on, more children came out, most in their pajamas, eyes barely open, but hands and voices raised to God. We sang and prayed for an hour. I felt the very presence of God among us. At the end of the service the children greeted us with hugs and kisses. It was a feeling that I cannot describe.
After another amazing breakfast at Sandy's, which was opened just for us, the entire team headed back for the regular worship service. For an hour we sang and danced. Although the songs were new and the language was not our own, we understood fully that the Lord is to be praised! In the second hour we prayed for a couple that came to present their two small daughters (both under the age of 3) to the church. This was the second time they had come to that church and they asked for prayers as they continued to "search for God". We prayed for Cintya and Omar as they were presented as an engaged couple. We listened to the word brought by Juan Fransico warning us of the dangers of being impulsive and to look toward the pastor for guidance. We were reminded that each of us brings unique gifts for God to use. I even had the honor of presenting a prayer at the end of the service. Two hours of worship and I felt like I could have done that all day long. Maybe I should be here.
We spent the rest of the day playing with the children and preparing a hamburger lunch for the home. I watched as older ones played with younger ones. As each child would see a job that needed to be done, he or she would just go do it. I heard "Ma" over and over again and watched Silvia respond with love and patience at each cry of her name. I witnessed a table full of youth and children hanging on every word Juan Fransico spoke. I saw children come take the hand of someone from our team to lead him or her to a game or just to sit and "talk". I played volleyball with Christian, several other children and Doug from our team. All the children took turns serving the ball, cheered each other on and didn't argue about if the ball was in or out of bounds. No one kept score and no one cared. Christian watched his family leave him yesterday, perhaps for the final time, yet he did not act like he didn't want to be at the home. I observed Omar serving without being asked, a smile on his face, a laugh on his lips. He might not have thought he would be there but I think he was glad that he is.
As for me, I really shouldn't be here. Except for one thing. God has called me into service. I wasn't called to do what I always do, to play it safe, to be in my comfort zone. God did not grant me gifts and graces so I could stay in my perfect world and have everything I need. It is not about me. It is about Juan Fransico, Silvia, Cintya, Omar and so many more that I have not met yet. It is about being there to hear Christian's cry and to do the only thing I knew how to do which is to hold him and love him. No words were needed. So in the end, yes, I really should be here.
One final thought. There are orphanges all over the world. Some provide only the basics such as food, clothing and shelter. Casa Hogar is different. Juan Fransico and Silvia could do the bare minimum and no one would blame them for that. Instead, they have dedicated their lives, their children's lives, to making disciples for the transformation of the world. This is not an easy task. Yet they do it with love, discipline and guidance from the Holy Spirit. You feel it when you walk into the home. You witness it while watching each person treat another with respect and love. I really should be here because God is here. I will go where God sends me, even when I don't think I should be there. I hope you will join me in praying for the children, the volunteers and the house family. Pray for the families that for one reason or another had to leave a child there. Pray for those struggling with that decision and for the children that will come. Pray that the rest of us open our hearts to God's calling in our lives and that we have the courage to follow and to be in places we really shouldn't be.
Rev. Margret L. Fields
Saturday, May 19, 2012
May 19, 2012
Breakfast at Sandy's was excellent again! Pancakes, scrambled eggs with ham, tortillas, tomatoes, bannans with cream, orange juice, coffee or tea. Very, very filling!
Stopped by the bakery to order 100 cookies for our lunch of pizza!!! Love that pizza! Today at the Casa Hogar was craft and game day! We started by making necklaces with the crosses that Larry Avery made for each child. Then on to the games! Started with the three legged race with three teams. Then the sack rack, again with same three teams. Limbo dance with the smallest going under first. All the kids participated while Doug and Chris sang the limbo song! So fun! Water balloons were next. Still with the same three teams-little ones, elementary and older children. So much laughter and so muh water. Next came volleyball. We had purchased the net and Marshall, Ben and Chris found the poles and dug the holes. All the children of all ages, including us, could play which made for a fun day! Inside for free form foam craft (say that three times fast). So many of the students were really creative. I even received a special art picture with my name on it from Angelina. Juan Fransico and his praise band practiced for awhile. What an excellent Mexican rehersal. They have 2 sets of tamborine gals, one younger and one older. The girls have to be in good standing to be one of the dancers. While the praise band was practicing some of our people were playing table games, playing outside or preparing food, or just laughing a lot! Great day!
On the way back to the hotel we stopped for ice cream. It is Marshall's favorite thing to do! Then a new grocery store was found! Quite nice and more purchasing for the casa.
In Mexican style we ate dinner late. Los Pencas is a really upscale restaurant. While having dinner Joanna shared that the bakery store was really sweet and make 100 cookies for us in a beautiful basket. Doug was impressed with the people of the neighborhood watching our games as we were in their race track area. Sheryll thought the kids really liked to be tickled, chased and flipped upside down. At our delicious dinner Margret won the bet for the bill $1330-that's pecos not dollars!!! Thank you Lord for a very special, wonderful day!
JJ
4
Breakfast at Sandy's was excellent again! Pancakes, scrambled eggs with ham, tortillas, tomatoes, bannans with cream, orange juice, coffee or tea. Very, very filling!
Stopped by the bakery to order 100 cookies for our lunch of pizza!!! Love that pizza! Today at the Casa Hogar was craft and game day! We started by making necklaces with the crosses that Larry Avery made for each child. Then on to the games! Started with the three legged race with three teams. Then the sack rack, again with same three teams. Limbo dance with the smallest going under first. All the kids participated while Doug and Chris sang the limbo song! So fun! Water balloons were next. Still with the same three teams-little ones, elementary and older children. So much laughter and so muh water. Next came volleyball. We had purchased the net and Marshall, Ben and Chris found the poles and dug the holes. All the children of all ages, including us, could play which made for a fun day! Inside for free form foam craft (say that three times fast). So many of the students were really creative. I even received a special art picture with my name on it from Angelina. Juan Fransico and his praise band practiced for awhile. What an excellent Mexican rehersal. They have 2 sets of tamborine gals, one younger and one older. The girls have to be in good standing to be one of the dancers. While the praise band was practicing some of our people were playing table games, playing outside or preparing food, or just laughing a lot! Great day!
On the way back to the hotel we stopped for ice cream. It is Marshall's favorite thing to do! Then a new grocery store was found! Quite nice and more purchasing for the casa.
In Mexican style we ate dinner late. Los Pencas is a really upscale restaurant. While having dinner Joanna shared that the bakery store was really sweet and make 100 cookies for us in a beautiful basket. Doug was impressed with the people of the neighborhood watching our games as we were in their race track area. Sheryll thought the kids really liked to be tickled, chased and flipped upside down. At our delicious dinner Margret won the bet for the bill $1330-that's pecos not dollars!!! Thank you Lord for a very special, wonderful day!
JJ
4
Friday, May 18, 2012
Visit to Casa Hogar finally!
We are staying in a great hotel and sleeping pretty good on a hard bed!
Went to a place called Sandy's for breakfast. Had breakfast enchiladas with shredded chicken, some type of green sauce and shredded cheese then a cup of cantaloupe.
Totally full and then went to the home. Met Muriel and Sylvia and most of the kids. Muriel and Sylvia gave us a tour of the home with Muriel translating. The boys and girls have separate sleeping quarters. ThEy have one big room where they eat, play and worship. After the tour we all sat down at the tables in the main room and decided what we were going to do this week. Marshall suggested we ask them what they really needed and both ladies said their washing machines were on their last legs. It was decided to buy 2 new machines. Both ladies were blown away so Sheryl, Stephen, Ben, and the ladies went to Ttown and bought 3 machines, one of which is a green machine. While they were gone, the rest of us washed all the white chairs, tables, and cleaned the bookshelves. The kids ate lunch and and then Ben, Marshall, and Chris put up the volleyball net in the field next to the home for tomorrow.
We had a super time with the kids decorating pillowcases we are going to take back to our Club Mad kids at church. The kids in Club Mad painted pillowcases for the kids here.
The kids here are a joy to be with - they are so well mannered and really love and take care of each other. They all have chores and keep there rooms picked up and clean.
Hope you are enjoying following us on our trip. Thanks for all your prayers.
First day
We left on time, 9 of us on an adventure to Mexico to work and visit the Casa Hogar la Familia Childrens Home in Tecamacalco. No problems with security or the 2 bus rides, the first to Puebla and the second to where we are now. We are staying in the Hotel Santa Julia. We had great supper of tacos and now we are getting ready to leave for breakfast and go to the home.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Mexico Mission Trip May 2012
Mexico Mission Trip Team
says “Adios”
The team has finished
with their fundraisers and has gathered up supplies and is ready to go to Casa
Hogar La Familia Childrens Home in Mexico.
On May 17th
we leave from DFW and fly to Mexico City, where we will then take an executive
bus to Puebla and on to Tecamachalco where we will check into our hotel. The children will know we are coming so
we will run by that evening to say “Buenas Noches!” and to give out hugs from
AUMC.
While there we will spend much time
with the children giving them some one on one time as well as construction on
the home. We have many craft
projects planned and a “Fun Day Saturday” which will involve games and food!
Sunday morning will
be spent worshipping our Lord at the home along with many from the community.
Follow our trip thru this blog site!
We ask that you
remember the team and those at the Children’s Home with prayers every day till
we return on May 23rd.
We thank you for all your support!
Muchas
bendiciones,
Sheryl
Crumrine, Chris Byrd, Ben & Margret Fields, Joanna Gentry, Doug Long, J.J.
Mainord, Stephen Miller, Marshall Sansbury
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)