Kettle Brook Church Day Seven (Monday)

Thoughts from Anna from Sunday:
Today we started out with devotions. We had a great discussion on Romans 11:26-27 and Mark 10:17-31.

On the way to the worksite we stopped for the first time at the market to get Coke and chips to share. Then we went to the worksite. Luke, Mark and Jim mixed up concrete. Sue, Kim, Kristie, Alexa and Anna used machettes to cut grass. Then we went back to EV to eat lunch and play with the kids. Our activites for the day were coloring and face paint. Mark got his whole face painted, even in his ears. Then we came home, Kristie made dinner and we had devotions with Juana. Then we found presents from our secret angel. We each got a Bible verse and candy.

Monday –
…Preparing to leave this sacred place…

Last night we had the privilege of spending time with Jerry and Suzie McNally. They shared the story of how God sent them to Mexico and led them to start a place of living hope, Esperanza Viva. This would be the earthquake of our stay here.

We began the day at Nations Church singing songs and praying in a language we barely know, listening to messages from several leaders with a shared devotion to what really matters in life…knowing Jesus. To see the children, our new amigas y amigos, and to be part of a congregation clapping, dancing and cheering to a loving God in the heart of Mexico is something profound to experience.

We had lunch at the youth home and said hello to the children who are starting to feel like our family.

We spent the afternoon at a spectacular Cholula Cathedral and walking the steps and tunnels of ancient pyramids.

So, today is our last day here, and we are wondering how we can leave? No words can describe the joy we see in the children. No words can describe how inspired we are by the staff who love the children tirelessly. No words can describe how deeply God has touched our hearts and how much we are all changed...profoundly changed.

So we are asking ourselves, how do we come back home to a country where a family like ours can spend $100 on Starbucks coffee during a month, having left a country where that $100 is enough to sponsor a child to live in a place called Esperanza Viva?

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Pictures are not available for Sunday and Monday due to the team's outings but they are looking forward to sharing pictures with you when they return.