Monday 20 March 2017

Home.

Well, we're all home.

We got off the bus, greeted our waiting parents and other rides. 

We said a prayer of thanksgiving.

And we all found our way home.

What an amazing God inspired adventure this was.  It was so amazing to participate in this trip and see so many lives impacted for the Kingdom of God.

It was also so amazing to come home to my amazing wife, and to see my three amazing girls in the morning.  

As we all settle back into somewhat normal routines - it is still spring break - I ask that you continue to pray for our students as the make his adjustment.  It's not always the easiest thing to do after you've done and seen so much.  

We here in Canada are so fortunate.  May we live into that blessing, as learn more and more how to share what we've been given.

I'm signing off for a while.  I can't wait to catch up with each and every team member.

May God bless you all, and may God bless those who we have met, encouraged, and where blessed by.

Adam.

Sunday 19 March 2017

Back in CANADA!!

The title says it all!

Back at the church in 10mins (or less)!!

On a bus!

I've never really ever looked forward to being on a school bus.  But - HERE WE ARE!!!

 

Google maps tells me we should be at the church within two hours.  11.15pm.  Plus BORDER crossing.  

We're all pretty stoked to see you all!!

Still on the train.

So - we're still on the train.  Although, nearing the end.  We're within three hours of Seattle now.  

However, we are running a little behind schedule.

Which would mean we're going to be a touch later at the church. 

I'll update this once we get into Seattle, and get on the bus, and then once again, after we cross the Canadian border.


Saturday 18 March 2017

Back on train.

We're travelling north!!

For the most part, we got here without a problem.

Friday 17 March 2017

DAY 7 | elderly club, markets, and beach

So, today has arrived.  It's the last day of our trip, we're starting our way home tomorrow morning - getting in a bus at 2.45am.  That's just not cool.

Today though, is really the day that I've been looking forward to.  

It's weird to say that - but hear me out.

On the last night's of our trips, we spend some extra time debriefing our week - chatting about what we've done, where we went, and what God was teaching us.  

I challenged the team to spend 45minutes, on their own, writing out what they did all week, and in doing that - looking at what God allowed them to experience.  Then, they were to read some scripture.  Anything.   Just as long as they read it with their experiences of the last week in mind.  

And so we did just that. 

We came back together, and talked about the exercise, and the value of carving out time for reading God's word, and reflecting upon our lives.  Most came back saying that we didn't get enough time!!  I invited a few students to share about their time in scripture, asking them what God was teaching them through it.

The responses were fantastic - I wish I could remember them all.

We heard about enjoyment in reading scriptures.  One student told us about how much they've read the bible, but tonight, was one of the first times they took joy in it.  Another student had a similar experience, identifying a new closeness through it to God.

Another student talked about how they found themselves living in the fruits of the Spirit.

Another student told us about difficult times in life, and overcoming them through Christ.  

The Lord did so much more in us, and He used this time to draw us closer to Him - all the while using us to bless many others.  I can't wait for you all to hear more personally the stories of our whole trip!  

I thank the Lord for the opportunity to take your students on trips like this.  It's a real joy to see so much growth in them.  Thanks for entrusting them to me, and our leadership team. 


2.45am is coming.  

Quickly.

My 2.15am alarm, even quicker.  

Check back to see about our travel.


Adam.


Here's a few pics...


First thing this morning, we went to an "elderly club" - And I taught this guy a really simple solitaire-type card game.  I would tell you his name, but even our translator had a hard time with it.  We played the game for the entire time we were there.  I told him we weren't going to leave until we beat the game.  The AMAZING part was that when we were told it was time to go, we had just started another game - and we BEAT THE GAME!!!!! The third time in my life that I had beat it!!! He was so overjoyed - and as was I.  



Our typical team on the beach pic.  This time, no silhouette.  
It's been pretty foggy here on the coast.  


And of course, you gotta try the jump pic.

DAY 6 | build day #2, is this a dream?

Today was our second day building the house, which we finished and presented to the family.

We started off our day with a flat tire on one of the trucks (still at the base), but once the truck was replaced we were on our way!


We arrived at the build site, and picked up right where we left off. We completed the roof, the trim, the door, the electrical and touched up on the paint. While some of our group and some of the YWAM staff went to Walmart with the family to shop with them, as the team on site assembled chairs, the table, and the bunk bed for a surprise when the family returned.

I had a chance to talk to the mom, and her son, while she also translated to her husband over lunch. She told me her husbands occupation is maintenance for construction companies while she stays at home with their two kids. However the dad sometimes doesn't have full time work and when that is the case, mom collects used clothing and accessories to sell. Typically on an average day they make about $6-8 dollars a day. It makes it very difficult to provide for a family of four. 

They had two small shelters and one was taken down so that the new house could be built, however judging by the size of the shelter still standing, I am pretty sure they divided their family and every night had two people in one shelter and the other two in the other. Buying land isn't too expensive the mom was telling me, however it's building a house that is. Mom explained a bit of the process of applying for the house. She said they waited two months from the point of approval to having their home built.

Today that dream became a reality.

While shopping, their son kept saying “is this a dream?” And once they returned from Walmart with all their groceries and toys for the kids, they arrived to see their finished home where we gathered around to dedicate the house, presenting them with a bible and a plaque. Each person had a chance to hold the keys to the house while saying a blessing as our translator helped communicate to the father and daughter. Many tears were shed, and at the end of the day, around the fire, most of our team agreed it was the most impacting part of the day.

Once we all got a chance to say something, the keys were given to the family and they took their first steps into their home. The kids jumped on their beds and played with their toys while one of the staff members showed mom how to use her stove.

We eventually said some hard good byes and mom told me this was the first house she's helped built, and on top of the volunteer work she already does, she wants to continue making homes for those in their community.

So much thankfulness was expressed from both the family and from the team for the incredible experience and the blessing of a new safe and functional home. The first thing the dad said after presenting the house was “first of all I want to thank God”. That really shows that this isn't something we did, but something that God has done. Through all of us we have been blessed and the Lord our God glorified.

Tired and bruised with blisters and sunburns, we left the site feeling that all that hard work was 110% worth it.

Thank you to all those who have supported this project through finances, prayers and more for both our team and the family. We couldn't have done this with out you! May the Lord our God be praised.

Alicia Zak

Here's a few pics.

And no, little guy - this isn't a dream.  You have only a house to live in, but a HOME to grow up in!





Wednesday 15 March 2017

DAY 5 | build day #1

The big day. 

The day many of came just for. 

The day we began the project: the house. 

It came with some good moments (stapling the tar paper on the roof, more fun than it sounds), and some bad (getting a finger stuck in a wall, just as bad as it sounds).

We arrived on the build site in an impoverished neighbourhood, on a hill filled with makeshift and more permanent-looking homes and buildings. After a prayer over the site, and a chance to meet the family, we were divided into different teams (framing, roof, & paint).  

We pushed through various levels of pain, to finish framing the walls (which we raised after lunch), painting every surface, and building the trusses. We all had a job, we a knew what to do. Soon the trusses were put in place, then the drywall installed. 

By the time the tar paper on the rood and drywall was hung, it was time to close the day, and return to the YWAM base. After we had finished for the day, the building looks like a house, with windows, most of a roof, and dry walling. 

There's still much to do, but we have a full day to do it. Stay tuned.


Lane Spyksma.

Here's some pics of our day -


At the beginning of a build, we always gather on the concrete pad, to say a prayer over the job, the family, and our day.  On left, is Jo - our "A-Builder" (i.e. boss).  On the right is Eduardo, our translator.  Marybel, the mother in the family is three people in from the left.


Here we are, tilting up the first wall.  Always a highlight of any house being built.   

A view I had while I (adam) was working on placing the trusses.

Sorry, I totally forgot to take a pic of the house at the end of the day ... so you'll just have to wait to see the finished job tomorrow night!!

Thanks all who are reading this BLOG, we're getting around 250+ hits per post, from all around the world.  That's been pretty encouraging.  



DAY 4 | one thousand breakfasts, kids, and street ministry

Today started off earlier then usual, with alarm clocks beeping off at 5:30, and with a good breakfast in our bellies, our tired feet climbed into vans by 6:30. The morning sun had fully awakened us (well, hopefully at least the majority) as we arrived at Padre Chava. (A Catholic meal distribution center for the homeless in Tijuana.)

Unfortunately we were a little late to the Catholic mass yet thankfully were present for the final prayer and closure. As soon as the priest closed the mass, we immediately sprung into action.

Very quickly each member was assigned a position, whether that be mopper, bread distributor, cup pourer or even towel holder. When the homeless flooded into the dinning area, we all bolted to our positions, frantically clearing and setting
tables in a matter of seconds so the flow of people being fed went by smoothly. There was a point it began to feel like clockwork! Though our feet may have ached by the end of it all and our arms weak with the shadows of burden, the fact we assisted in helping 900-1200 homeless receive a meal, made it all worth it!

As the kitchen wrapped up and the last table was stacked against the wall, it was hard to believe our day had only just begun. When we returned to the base, we were grateful to have a break to renew our energy for our next ministry opportunity. Our groups were split into two. One would be heading off to Church on the Street and the other to Zone Kids.

I, (Miriam Schriefers) was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Zone kids program. It is an after school event for kids ages 3-12 to attend. There are a plethora of activities
such as soccer, colouring books, photography lessons, biblical teachings, science experiments etc... for the children to participate in. My small group created a small lesson to teach to the younger child group which focused on kindness and treating others with respect even if said person has
perhaps wronged you. We decided to keep it on the shorter side so the kids wouldn't begin to scamper off. After that we began our craft, paper cup owls, which proved to be a success. It was truly a blessing to see these children concentrate decorating their owls and beam at each other as they compared results. I am thankful that I have had my heart impacted by such a seemingly simple interaction but it shows how God works through everyone, even young children who didn't even speak the same language as us. Just goes to prove that we can connect with others despite initial obstacles. 

Today, instead of going to Zone Kids, I (Reagan Van Belle), went to “Church on the Street.” There, we handed out soap, other toiletries, and burritos to the local people on the streets, many of them homeless. There was supposed to be a church service as well, but things didn’t quite go as planned, as so often happens in life.

We prayed and talked to many people, and all the people we asked allowed us to pray for them. We saw many 
people with physical and mental disabilities, and seeing the
suffering was not the easiest thing. After saying a final prayer together as a group, all fifteen of us got back into our van and drove to a taco place. We ate good food and talked together, and suddenly, it amazed me how quickly we had gotten over seeing the suffering taking place just a few miles from where we were eating.

At this point, when we were almost finished, the other van came into the place with the rest of group, who had just come from Zone Kids. While we were sitting there waiting, Adam suddenly said that we should go to Dairy Queen. It was completely out of the blue, and we weren’t supposed to tell the other group. So, we all quickly nodded our heads and filed out, and then drove to Dairy Queen.

Once we were there, Ethan started talking to this random guy named Aidan, and soon a few of us, including me, were talking together. Before they left, someone said that we should pray, and so the people standing there got into a circle and started praying. At the beginning of the prayer, Aidan opened by saying, “God, would you just speak your words to us right now.” Right from that point, my friends and anyone else who is reading this, I heard the voice of God come out of Aidan’s mouth. It was him talking, but he was only saying the Holy Spirit’s words.

He said a prayer for Ethan, which also deeply resonated with him, and then he said “And Reagan, I see you running and leading, but sometimes looking back. But do not worry about being alone in the front, for people will still see you leading, and they will follow. Don’t worry about looking back, but keep running.” As he said this, I knew it could not be him, but the Spirit speaking. I had known him for less than ten minutes, and he seemed to know so much about me. I love to run, and the entire train ride here, I was begging for someone to race me at most of our stops. I love to run, and run best, every time. It also struck a chord with a favourite passage of mine, Acts 20:24,

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

My goal is to finish the race that I am given, and not only to finish, but to finish well. Once again, I would like to thank our great church community for helping send us here. It has been excellent so far, and we are going to begin the house build tomorrow. We look forward to praising God with our hard work tomorrow, and we will do our best.

Thank-you.


*editors note - which ended up longer than expected.*

Each day everyone is growing in their ability to serve, in their hearts for God, and in their ability to express both. The things in which we've all prayed for, are happening in front of our very eyes. Watching our students stand up in boldness, and pray for others, and each other is incredible. Hearing what filled their hearts with joy each day is such a blessing. Listening to them share about what they're learning is just simply encouraging. Thank-you to the parents who entrusted us as leaders with your students! 

I've been reading through the rest of 1 Peter, and 3:8-9 are jumping out at me. 

"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil, or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing."
We are learning here what it means to be a blessing.

Handing out little gifts can mean so much. I was on the team with Reagan, and we were handing out little toiletry gifts to people. I had been chatting for a while with this lady, Rhonda. I asked her what the homeless people would do with soap, or with the hand lotion. She was straight up honest with me. "Nothing, we can't use soap - we've got no water. Lotion? we've got soars on our hands, can't use it." 

So should we stop giving little gifts?

"No!" she replies. 

She goes on to tell me that when they see teams and others come down and visit with them, and share little 'useless' gifts with them - that they are reminded that there is in fact hope in this world, that there are still people who care for them and are willing to sit and say, "hi." 

"But on the contrary, bless."

The world seems to be repaying evil for evil with these people. It's certainly what some of them feel. Some of them today felt a little different, and even shared with us that they did feel blessed. 

And, we in return, are blessed.

What a great God we serve!

Adam.

ps. Tomorrow - we begin to build the house!












Monday 13 March 2017

DAY 3 | the ranch

The ranch is one of my favourite places to go with YWAM here.

I think our team really enjoyed our time there together, as our work there very quickly becomes a blessing to us, and the men there.

Our day started as they all do, breakfast, devotions, leave.  On our way to the ranch, which is about an hour drive inland, into the hills, we stopped at wal-mart to pick up some gifts of toiletries for the men, some new volleyballs, as well as lunch - and the freshest donuts you can think of.  The drive there was warm, bumpy, and largely uncomfortable - but all made worthwhile as we experienced our day together.

Our team was split into two, some were going to be weeding, others painting.  The weeders were asked to clear a whole section of weeds - to help beautify the entrance.  Sometimes tasks like these seem to be pointless, as in two weeks the weeds will all be back.  However, as we talked tonight, around our fire, that the task really little significance.  It's that we were asked to complete something, and we did, without asking questions.  We just got our shovels, and scraped the land of the weeds.  Yup, many of us developed some wonderful blisters, but we took joy in the work that brought them.

The painters painted the eating area of the kitchen - PINK.  Our team leaders had taken white paint, but that wasn't what they wanted.  They had some pink paint that they wanted to have mixed in - and so - no questions, we do what we're asked, and we painted a men's eating area pink.  And they LOVED it.  They were so proud to eat in their new colourful space!

And eat, we did.  Hamburgers and Hot Dogs.

After lunch, we moved to the chapel, where we were going to share testimonies together.  Three people from our team shared about their personal faith journeys and how serving God and growing in knowledge and love of Him has been a blessings.  Two men from the ranch shared a little about what lead them to the Ranch, and how they've been experiencing healing - physically and spiritually!

Then, we all went outside, and found different people to pray for.  This was pretty great, as so many of us, for the first time, prayed for others, around people we know.  That's a pretty big stretch for some our students, and for a number of them - this prayer time was the highlight of their day!!

It's an absolute delight and honour to be with these students as they experience these moments.  It's my prayer that they take what they are experiencing here, steps in vulnerability and boldness, into their lives at home.  It's *relatively* easy to step out in places like this - not so hard at home, where people, friends and family, have all sorts of expectations and assumptions about our actions.  So, we get the chance to see what we're capable of here, and accept the challenge of finding ways to live into those capabilities.

There's so much more that I want to write ... but our alarm clocks are set a little earlier than normal.  5.50am is the wake up call, as we have a 6.00am breakfast, and then at 6.30am, we're leaving to join the ministry called, Padre Chava, a meal distribution place, that feeds over 600 people breakfast.

Thank-you all for your support and your prayers.

Our students are in fact growing!
The kingdom of heaven is in fact being impacted!

A.

 
scraping out the weeds.

 
just after they finished painting.  
 
the volleyball court.  now with grandstands!

 
lunch with the guys!

Sunday 12 March 2017

DAY 2 | orphanage and session

Hola, 25 degree weather and swimming in the ocean (as a few did late this afternoon) seems a lot better then snow around this time of year.  

Today was our first full day in the beautiful country of Mexico. Our day was filled with much joy, struggles, and emotional impacting experiences we will never forget. 

Our day started off early, with breakfast at 7:30 and devotions following soon after. The YWAM staff lead us in worship as well as introducing us to Psalm 5 on a deep new level. Then we went into small groups and prayed about what we were to get out of the trip. Following devotions we separated into two groups, and we worked to prepare for VBS-style ministry opportunities.  We selected bible stories, prepared crafts, practices skits and planned games.  

After we squished into two vans we headed to La Roca (A church in downtown Tijuana, ‘The Rock’). It was an amazing experience as the whole congregation was so passionate for our Lord. Our hands soon became sore after clapping and our voices raspy after singing Spanish praise songs to the same God that we worship in Abbotsford. At the end of the service we went just outside of the church, where people of all ages came to us and welcomed us and were so happy to see Canadians. The vibe that the church gave many of us, left us wanting to express ourselves through worship in ways we never thought we would.

We went straight to an amazing orphanage, called Casa de Gracia (House of Grace), which was started by the pastor at La Roca, and is fully supported by the congregation there.  At first the kids were rather shy, but as the time went by they became very comfortable around us. We engaged in a multitude of activities with the children, including face painting, basketball, water balloon fight, story telling, and eating pizza together. One of the groups that had earlier planned a VBS program, told the story of David and the lions den, acted through on a engaging skit, as well as making lions masks later with the kids. Leaving the children was very hard for most of us. One of girls came up to me (Jae-Lynn) when we had to leave, gave me a big hug and whispered in my ear, "te amo" meaning "I love you", this melted my heart. 

After leaving the orphanage, we went back to the base where we had dinner and our evening session.  The speaker, Josiah, talked about how we are the temples of God, and how He sees us great worth in us.  Our group met afterwards to discuss the day and share our highs and lows with one another. We want to grow in our faith in this journey, and we asked that you can pray for us and the rest people we will be serving in these following days.

Thank-you,


Jae-Lynn & Lucy

Tomorrow, we are returning to the Ranch.  It's a men's drug & alcohol recovery home.  We went there as a team two years ago.  Would you pray for our interaction with the men there, as we serve alongside them, and play some great Mexico vs. Canada Volleyball!

Here's a few shots from our day today.

 
Walking into the Church

 
Playing VBS games in the courtyard of the orphanage

 
Adam's lion mask for the story telling drama
 

Saturday 11 March 2017

DAY 1 | orientation & mexican youth

Well, we've completed our first day here in Mexico.  

It's weird, because we just arrived here this morning at 2.10am.  It's not yet been 24 hours. 

Our day started out with getting some much needed sleep.  Most slept past 9am.  All were up by 10am.  *I know, some of you parents are shocked that they were up so early on a Saturday ...  there might have been motivation on the part of getting a turn in the shower, and to make it for brunch.  

Brunch, our first *real* meal since the ones we had with our families on Wednesday night.  The food here is pretty great, homestyle.  Here we began mingling with our YWAM leaders, Brecken, Katie, Son (that's the way it's pronounced, but have no idea how to spell it.  He's Haitian) & a few others.  

Following that, we met in our meeting space, and officially were all introduced to each other - everyone taking the front of the stage to say who we were, and what we expected to see happen on this trip.  Son, said something that struck many of us.  He expected to learn something unique from each of us, as he said each one of us has something special and unique within us to teach him.  What a great perspective!  

What we continued to hear from our students of their expectations was a desire to deepen their relationships with God.  Would you continue to pray that would happen?

We then went through some material, learning about cultural expectations here, and chatted a little about what evangelism looks like, and how we can develop some of those skills - not just here, but at home as well.  

Then, my most favourite thing of ALL TIME - VBS songs & actions practice - *to be read as sarcastic.  We went through 4 songs, not learning super intricate choreography - the movements had some falling down in laughter, and had others tripping over chairs.  What was neat to see, was every one of us (myself included) running through the actions.  

Then TACOS.  There's just much delight in real, proper, artfully made Tacos.  You'll just have to come to experience.  

Our last stop of the day, was visiting a ministry that YWAM has started in Tijuana, called "illumina" - it's multiple church youth groups meeting together once a month, doing ministry together.  We were a little nervous/apprehensive about going, but after, there was no regrets.  What we saw, was our God being worshipped by a people none of us have met, or could understand, or perhaps would never see again.  That was just really special to witness.  It's spiritually nourishing to know that God is worshipped elsewhere, we know it happens, as we know that God isn't just worshipped in Abbotsford - it was just great to participate in.  

Everything was in Spanish, the message included.  Some of us were fortunate to enjoy translation by nearby YWAM staff.  We, who could understand, were left with the challenge to be a world changing people.  To live differently to affect those around us.  Seems to be a bit of a theme ...

We got back to the base, found a fire pit, and sat around it talking about our day.  Remembering our high's and lo's.  

Tomorrow is coming, and rest is needed. 

I ask for prayer,
- A good nights rest.  We're still recovering from the travel.
- For spiritually clear minds tomorrow, as we attend a local church, and visit an orphanage.  We keep hearing the challenge to hear God's voice, and to listen to what He is saying to us.

Thanks, 
& good night.

Adam.

Our view from the base this morning before brunch.


 
Our meeting space.
It's a new space for teams like ours to run our sessions in, we're the first group to use it!

 
The Mexican Youth night - "Illumina" 

We've arrived!

We've arrived!!!

If you remember the border fiasco from our previous trip (which after looking back at that post, I clearly was too tired to write about the depth of fiasco-ness.  Long story short, secondary inspection, extra payments, longer travel visas, oiy.  2 hours in border middle earth.)  We didn't arrive at the base until 3.54am, and then had to get settled.  Sleeping around 5.00am.

This morning, a different story.

Our YWAM staff were waiting patiently for us at the AMTRAK station when we arrived there at 1.35am, we loaded our luggage, then ourselves.  We passed through the border with utter ease!!! (which is more the norm.)  We arrived at the base around 2.10am, unpacked, got shown to our rooms, figured out the arrangements, and now, I sit here typing this, listening to a good friend drift off to snore-land, and the boys next door, still trying to figure out their common space.

We've arrived.

Brunch is at 11.00am.

Thanks all for your prayers and concerns while we travelled, it's so great to know that our community at home cares.

Tomorrow night, you'll hear of no train woes, but of the beginnings of our work, which we're excited to get to begin!

a.

ps.  There's no snow here!

Friday 10 March 2017

Another train.

This way of travel is, well, special.  

Memorable.

We just got off a train that we were on for 36+ hours.  We rolled in an hour or so late.  And literally, with hardly a bounce, crossed a platform to another train.  It had been waiting for us.  

The team got on, and had to find random seats all over the place.  It had already pretty much filled up.  And so now, half the team is in one area, and the other half, another.  

The team leader in me (who prides on organization, promptness, and everything being as and where it should beis freaking out.

But this lady whom I sat beside (who was a contributing artist on the first Star Trek movie, an accomplished architect and performing artist) told me about a moment in her life where literally everything was falling apart. Everything.  

All she felt she could do was to pray for strength.  

And she received the strength, and chose to live into it.  And has now retired from one 37 year long career, and is looking to retire from the other.  

What a simple prayer!

I think it came from a genuine heart.  This lady, reminded me that leaning on the giver of strength is of the greatest importance.  

So, here for this final stretch, whatever it may bring - as the border getting into Mexico can be just as, if not more, "special," I'm leaning on our Good God for the strength, patience, and support for our leaders and students.  I can still be a long night.  

That 1 Peter 2:9 verse again ...

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Ah, memories.  May they be strong, and life-giving, and all contribute to His Wonderful Light.

On a lighter note - I got a text from our YWAM team leader, that we're having tacos for dinner tomorrow night!!!!!! 

Here's a quick shot of our stop in (I think) San Luis Apisbo. 

 

Still on the train.

It's 8.23am.  

We've been on here for nearly 24 hours.  The sleep wasn't the greatest, or even a thing.  You should have seen our train car, it looked like a gong-show of human bodies seeking some degree of impossible comfort.  

But, it's all part of the fun. 

I often get asked, "why don't we fly? It's quicker."  That is true, it is quicker, more expensive though.  But it's not just about the money.  

We're generating memories together.  

Our team and our service in Mexico is made stronger/better as a result of living in a rocking tin can for 40 hours.

We've bonded 
- over "train-food" (which, is no home cooked meal by mom).
- by sharing our packed snacks.  (Thanks Zach.)
- playing with our chairs (Justin's keeps in-reclining on its own)
- observing the scenery outside (its surprising how much garbage you see by the tracks)
- hair (I'm a dude, so I don't get this one as much)
And more.

This is living in community.  And it's so great for us to learn how to do this.  

Our train is about an hour and half behind schedule.  Time can be made up, but if not, things can get complicated tonight in LA.  So, I ask if you might pray that our train can make up time.  

Blessings to you all back home!

Adam.

Here's my view inside the train.

 
 

 
 

Thursday 9 March 2017

On the train.

So, we're on the train.  All settled in.  Heading south.  I've made my cup of coffee. I'm good now.

Tomorrow night, 9.00pm, we'll get to LA.  We'll Switch trains, and by 1.00am, we'll be in San Diego!

We appreciate all the prayers prayed already this morning.

Adam.



Crossed the border.

Not everything is easy.

Border crossings have some elements of headaches.  And this morning, we had a headache.  A re-application for US entry for one student.  And as things looked like it was about to get worse, the guard announced approval!

We'll tell you more about that later.

For now, its about getting to Seattle on time.  

If you're awake and reading this at 6am, would you ask the Lord to provide quick passage to Seattle? Because the train doesn't wait.

Either way, we are excited to be on our way!!

Wednesday 8 March 2017

Tomorrow is coming.

 
Wow, March 8.  I've been thinking about this day for about a year now.  It's really not my favourite day, as it's my last day at home with my family ahead of the Mexico trip.  However, as hard as it is for our family to be a part we get why these trips are important in the life of our church community! 

So, we as a team have done all we can in advance to prepare for our trip.  We've met, we've served, we've read scripture, we've prayed, we've grown together as a team.   

I am proud of our team, and our community that has rallied around us. They have contributed so much, more than we could ever ask for, and to them, we are exceedingly grateful.  In the past week I have had many conversations with people in our church who have told me that they can't wait to hear back about the work that God will do among us, and through us.  I couldn't agree more.  So, I invite you to Living Hope on Sunday, April 9, at 10.00am, as our community gathers to officially welcome back our team! Where we will spend much time sharing about all we get to participate in.

But, we have much to do in the meantime. 

And it begins tomorrow morning.  

We gather for the last time at 4.00am, and head start heading south by 5.00am.

I ask for prayer:
  1. Tomorrow specifically for our crossing into the United States, that the entry will go with out any problem.
  2. For our travel to Seattle, for timely arrival, and for ease of getting sorted out at the AMTRAK station.
  3. And finally for excited hearts among our team.  
We'll try our best while travelling to update this blog, and at the end of each day we're in Mexico we'll tell you about our day.  Feel free to comment below with blessings, prayers, or words of encouragement; we'll read them together as a team.

Thanks again for all the support that you in our community have shown.  We are deeply grateful and honoured to do what the Lord has called us to do.  

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭| ESV‬‬

May we all, whether we go to Mexico, or remain in Abbotsford, proclaim with boldness, the EXCELLENCIES OF HIM!

Blessings to you and your families in the weeks ahead.

Adam.