Mexico Mission 2008 Photos & Report

Josh and I were among 32 people from our church to go on a 4-day mission trip to El Florido, Mexico from September 25-28, 2008. Our group built a total of 6 houses in 2 days.

Day 1: Traveled to Mexico (Plane to San Diego; Vans to El Florido); We stayed at this dormitory, which has 2 men's bedrooms and 2 women's bedrooms, each of which hold 25 people. We went out to dinner at "Tacos el Guero" and had spicy carne asada tacos - delicioso! Then we got to go to a Paleteria, where they sell popsicles and ice cream! We also met with one of the staff members at Caravan ministries who explained the plans for the weekend.

Caravan Ministries Dormitory

View from the Dorm

Josh passing candy out to kids in the neighborhood

Our dinner location Thursday and Friday

Day 2: We began our morning with worship with the Caravan ministries staff. Next we were sent off to build our first house. We built a 12x12 foot house for a couple named Jaime and Karina, who had been married 1 year. Jaime worked alongside us all day to get his house built. He was so grateful to be getting his own house. I heard him say a few times "Gloria a Dios" which means Glory to God. Jaime had an incredible testimony - he spent 7 years in prison after being caught with 1/2 ton of marijuana at the border, and while in prison, he accepted Christ and his life was changed! We took a break in the early afternoon for a meal that Jaime's wife, mother and neighbor had prepared for us. They served us pozole, which is a soup of pork and corn that is traditionally served on Mexico's Independence Day - Sept 15th. We completed the house by 3:30 and then went downtown to take showers. As missionaries, we were given the discount of $2.60 per shower. We returned to Tacos El Guero for dinner and to the Paleteria for dessert.

Day 2: Building House #1
Hammering away - I'm the 2nd from the right in the blue shirt.

Erin pounding nails

1st wall up

2nd wall up

Putting on the roof


Great teamwork!

Erin & Josh in front of completed 12x12 house!

Team 1 (of 3 teams building houses)

Day 3: Off to work on our next building project. The type of house we were building was typical of this neighborhood. We drove on many dirt roads and up very bumpy hills to get to this location. The family we were building for already had a couple of structures built by Caravan ministries. We were adding on another 12x12 that would help with the expanding family. Living there were a husband we never met who was ill and his wife, their eldest daughter, her husband and baby, and at least another 3 kids. The oldest of the boys, Juan Manuel, age 10, took on the role of the man of the house and pounded nails all day long.

Carrying one of the walls

Erin and kids

House #2 complete - the unpainted portion was our contribution of the day. The women of the house responded upon seeing it finished, "Que milagro" = What a miracle!

Day 4: The return home. Leaving Mexico, we were grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in these families' lives. We were struck by the simplicity of life and realize that while we have everything we need, we are always wanting more. We need to learn to be content with what we have and use what God has blessed us with to be a blessing to others.

Crossing the border is always an experience, and thankfully we got through without too much excitement. We were, of course, thrilled to come home to our cozy beds and sweet hugs and kisses from our little darlings. We are so blessed. Thank you Lord!

Find more info at: http://www.mexicocaravanministries.com