Well Christmas day has come and gone, but we here at EOC wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! We just enjoyed a week off to celebrate with friends & family... and a relaxing time away from the work and business of camp life.
For me, it was my first Christmas here in Mexico! It was awesome to experience new traditions and create new memories. The big Christmas celebrations here take place on Christmas eve - families get together for a night of food & fun! I had the privilege of getting to spend the evening with Ana's family... and what an incredible night it was.
Laughter. Feasting on tamales. Hilarious games. And even more hilarious gifts. Enjoying one another. Being together. Simple. Joy. The real joy Jesus was talking about, I think.
Christmas day was followed up with a relaxing day. Myself, a friend visiting from Canada, David & Kimyco hit up a Chinese buffet for lunch, and curled up to watch some movies and hang out. It was nice to just take time to be. not to be running around. or feeling the pressure of the Christmas bustle. the turkey. the presents. the expectations. but instead, to simple be. soaking up simple moments and time together.
This season we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Who was born in a stable... amidst animals and dirt and hay.
Quietly. Joyfully. Simply.
Stripping away the noise of life, the bustle of activity...
I can see a bit clearly more what Christmas...what life...what following Jesus... is really about.
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So this entry will seem a little bit random, however it will all come together at the end.The first chunk of this entry is more or less an apology to my mom and dad. Growing up I had everything I could ever want, and more. My parents gave their left arm to make things possible for my sister and I. A beautiful home, food, clothing, protection, an education and so much love. The small things that parents do for their children usually go unnoticed as they simply make up part of a normal day. Always having food on the table, driving us to numberless places, always keeping us entertained and keeping us safe wherever we went. Looking back I will admit I was quite the spoiled child. My mom did my laundry for me, cleaned my room and did the dishes. I rarely helped out without a fuss, if at all. Both my mom and dad would drive me anywhere I needed to go, no matter what they had on their crazy schedule. My health was also super important to them. Physical, mental or emotional problems I had, they would do everything and anything possible to make things better. Sick in the middle of the night and my mom would be right by my side, tummy ache? My dad would get out of bed and I would be at the after hours clinic stat. I can think back to the endless school problems I had and my mom would do anything she could to solve my “life problems”.
So up until I was 19 I had been living with my parents, living what I would call, an easy life. Last summer I moved here, to Ensenada Mexico to do long term missionary work. I live with Rhonda and my best friend Brittney. However in great company, I am thus without the parents! First thoughts, Woo Hoo! Second thoughts, well this isn’t so easy. This is where the guilt sets in. Doing my laundry every week, cooking all own meals, being on the ball for appointments/meetings makes me really be thankful for all that my parents did for me. I am not at all complaining about needing to do these things on my own, however it has finally made me realize and appreciate my mom and dads hard work. Every time I get upset with people not doing their dishes, or not putting stuff away, I think how my parents must have felt time after time I argued to do the smallest of tasks. I’m sure most kids are the same in the fact of not being nearly appreciative
as they should be, however being here and witnessing some of these things has really put it upon my heart.
The children in most of these villages have nothing. One pair of shoes, if that, a few pieces of clothing and sometimes nothing to sleep on. Their parents, if both are still around, will work all day in the fields or elsewhere for a few dollars a day just to get by. These kids simply blow me away how thankful and happy they are with what they are provided. There are 7 year olds taking care of the rest of the family while the parents are at work. There are children running around with no shoes, empty bellies, filthy clothes and the biggest of smiles on their faces. Every time I look at these kids my heart breaks. I had it all, and took it all for granted. I am so grateful for everything my parents ever did for me and I can’t express how much I love them. I am who I am today because of them. I’m taking the love I feel from them and from my childhood and expressing it to the kids and family around me here. I want those kids to have the best and nothing less.
Steph Wignall.
This weekend we had a group here that went out to the villages to do Project Joy. Project Joy is also what many people call the "shoe-box-ministry." The group that came was a small youth group from LA. They brought down over 200 boxes filled with gender-oriented toys and school supplies to hand out as Christmas presents. They started out the day in the village by doing a regular VBS; playing games in the street, singing songs and showing a short bible-based drama followed by group prayer. after that was done they organized the large crowd of kids into two lines: boys and girls. then they handed each child a wrapped shoe box. the kids all filed back into the church and "on the count of three" they all opened their gifts. It was so moving to see the amount of excitement in the faces of these kids as they opened the boxes. They were so happy about the few things they got. The kind of things that we would just fill our stockings with. Things like stickers and play dough. They were so grateful. There were enough gifts that we were able to pass them out at two different churches. My favorite part of the day was after we had already left the second church and we were on our way back to the EOC. We passed an orphanage that had housed teens with special needs. Fortunately, we had some left-over presents still in the car. The group automatically wanted to stop and hand out the rest of the presents to the kids they saw. When we stopped and got out with the gifts the seven children out front started screaming with excitement. They were overwhelmed with joy. As we were driving away after passing them out, one of the kids that was in a wheel chair sat there with his new toys and blew us kisses until we drove out of sight. Another one of them with Down Syndrome was jumping up and down as he rummaged through his new box of toys.
As I'm getting ready to go home for Christmas I've been thinking a lot about what I'm going to be getting for my family or what I'm going to ask for my family to get me. This weekend was a reminder for me that I cant forget what I'm doing here while i'm back home in Sacramento. Its so easy to go home and (as Scott would say) "leave my cross at the border". While I'm down here in Mexico i live with a constant appreciation for the life i have at home. There's a constant feeling of gratefulness knowing that back in California i have all the comforts i want. I never really feel like I'm 'in need' of anything while i'm here. but as my trip home gets closer I start to have that feeling again. My mind goes back into the "what the world thinks I need" instead of the "what does my life actually need" mindset. I was reminded many times this weekend that as I go home for Christmas I need to be careful as my heart shifts back into the comforts of home. I need to not forget the difference between my 'wants' and my 'needs'. God will always provide. :)
i have these moments. these moments when everything seems surreal and right and spiritual and a whole whack of other emotions. i had a few of those this week...
This past week we had a special week at EOC. We got to work on a house build project together as a whole staff. No teams. Just the staff. The 'hired pros', the office staff, the kitchen folks, the interns, all of us! We invited our family members, some pastors, and got to really live out community this week. It was a beautiful thing. We ate phenomenal breakfasts served by various people during the week. We savored incredible lunches prepared by Ana and her family (who conveniently happen to be neighbors to the family we were building for). We enjoyed working together for once... a first in EOC history. It was really special for many of us. Alejandro shared before the build he'd be dreaming about this opportunity! And Jose shared that he hopes this won't be the last of these types of builds!
we laughed. we built - fast. we learned. we served.
And we fell in love with the wonderful family we were building for. Their story is rich and full of struggles, health issues, perseverance, joy, and smiles that were so full of love...
So when we were dedicating the house on Thursday, I had one of those moments. standing with my friends. from 3 nations. from different spaces and places. for one purpose. to love. so often, even here in the ministry we make it so much more complicated than that..
That evening we had a grand feast. my first american thanksgiving. in mexico.
We invited staff, families, neighbors, pastors, friends... over 100 were there to celebrate. to bread break together.
It was a night of abundance. joy. fullness. diversity. community.
After watching the highlight video together of our week's work i had another moment.
Looking around the room, some faces i didn't know, some i only recognized, and others who i can now call real friends. These people were my family.
As the evening unfolded I had just finished saying farewell to Marisol, the young woman (and new friend) who we built the house for. Then suddenly I see someone calling me over...
it was Christina. Christina was part of the family I helped build a house for the very first time my youth group came down to Ensenada! Over 5 years ago we met Christina and her mom and we built a home for her. She's now married, with two children. I've been able to visit with her a few times since my return and she's always excited to see me; always telling me she's never forgotten us! And so I sat with Christina, holding her baby... and had yet another moment. Who would have thought... over 5 years later I'd be sitting here holding Christina's newborn. Who would have thought... over 5 years later I'd be sitting among these people and calling it home...
.moments. that shake me. and remind me Im apart of something really cool...
and indeed I am thankful.
Greetings EOC friends! After recovering from the crazy summer, some time to rest, and plan ahead, we have been enjoying being together again, hosting campers again, and continuing to dream and vision for the year ahead.
I just spent several weeks back home in Canada and what struck me most about returning home was the importance of community. In having to say goodbyes, and connect with friends and family I again realized what wonderful people I have in my life... various communities that I have been apart of over the years. I think what makes leaving all of these important people a little bit easier is knowing that I also had an incredible team of brothers and sisters awaiting my return at EOC as well. This team of diverse, beautiful people are at the heart of this ministry. We try to serve together, celebrate together, laugh together, wrestle with life's struggles together. Sometimes its rewarding. Sometimes its messy. But all the time I think its a glimpse of what the church is supposed to be like.
Its great to be back and good to have a community to figure this all out together!
Currently the entire EOC Staff are enjoying a few "down" weeks. Resting, playing, being with extended family, visiting friends, and some of us are just enjoying being in Ensenada.
We will all be back together by the beginning of October, preparing to receive the first of our Fall teams.
As we are catching our breath after our busiest summer ever, we have already started planning for next season. We still have remaining teams this year (Oct - Dec), but we have already been meeting with our team of local pastors, equipping them to select families for 2009.
One of the things we learned this year, is the value of the Pre-Arrival video. One of our goals for 2009 is to have families & videos prepared even sooner. We hope this will enable teams & their churches to better become acquainted with their Mexican families prior to arriving in Mexico.
Additionally we are continuing to work with the local pastors (Abraham is really the one doing the majority of this part), encouraging them to go out in their communities and identify the families most needing to know and experience the Love of Jesus.
Keep praying for the Body in Mexico.
ps. Curious about the sand from this year? If you come back in 2009, you will find out what we are doing with it.
Four short weeks. That was what my parents kept telling themselves as they had to say goodbye to me, their oldest daughter. That was also what they said to me over eight weeks ago, and guess what? I am still here at the Ensenada Outreach Center. So many things have happened in these short two months I have lived in Mexico; things that only could have happened through the power of God. The idea of living here full time for a year started growing in my mind as I fell more and more in love with the people, culture, and lifestyle I now called my own. But there were so many obstacles to overcome. Number one, I was enrolled to attend C.S.U. Long Beach for college in the fall. How could I just quit school after it was everything I had strived for since my first report card? How could God want me to give up my goals of being a nurse for now, and live here? It seemed impossible, but then again, nothing is impossible with God. Number two, my parents. My goal of going to college had been as much their idea as it had been mine. But maybe that is where I had gone wrong. Maybe this idea of college had been all my own. Maybe God had much different plans for my life than I have had for my life. After a few weeks of prayer it became very clear to me that the E.O.C. had become my new home, and this is where I am supposed to be. Talking to my parents went smoothly; sending in my letter of decline to Long Beach was simple; and mostly, I feel at peace with my decision. A short visit with my dad in the states this weekend confirmed how right it is to be in Mexico. On my drive back down, across the border I couldn't help but feel anxious and excited to be going to my new home. I am so ready for the next year here, and I know that God is going to be working in big ways in the community, in the camp, and in my heart.
What does it look like to have 182 campers plus 20+ staff live in community.
… long line ups for showers
… lots of dishes to do during KP duty
….rows and rows of chairs for chapel time
… lots of activity (aka noise)
… 8 houses being built
… 2 VBS’s being run
… hundreds of pieces of clothing being sorted and donated
… staff working early mornings and late night
… diverse states and nations coming together under one purpose
… laughter heard at most any moment
… incredible worship times
… acts of servanthood – patience – grace
… a glimpse of the acts 2 church
as we talk about being one body, one community… it may seem like a crazy task to pull off with over 200 people in one camp but its an incredible picture of what we can accomplish with a common purpose! Woohoo!
Miracles. I’ve been thinking a lot about them this week. Bees are miraculous. Their wingspan, aerodynamically speaking, is too short to support their body mass in flight. Yet still, they fly. I know they fly, because about fifteen of them flew out of the fountain as I was cleaning it this past Thursday. After a month here in Ensenada, I am starting to gain some perspective on just how cynical eighteen years in the United States has made me. It seems that as an American, it is second nature to question the validity of everything, even (or especially) the supernatural.
Modern media has enabled speedy communication, it has made the world a smaller place, it the reason I can share this message with you right now. It has also proven to be an easy way for scammers and con-artists to take advantage of broken people in the name of Jesus Christ. As such, I have always found it difficult to readily accept claims of supernatural healings, of prophetic dreams--of miracles; but now, four weeks in Mexico, four weeks without CNN or FOX or NBC, and I am starting to realize that there are miracles all around me all the time--even big ones, and that the skepticism I once wore like a badge of honor is keeping me from enjoying them.
My group, should not have finished its house this week. On day one, we ran out of framing nails and paint, one man nearly cut his finger off with the skill-saw and the generator had a minor explosion which, in hindsight, explains why it didn’t work on day two. We lacked physical strength and experience as well as the ability to converse easily with our family. But God took all of our shortcomings and used them to teach me a lesson about miracles.
On wednesday night, I translated a church service (my first ever) in which Antonio, the man for whom we built the house, accepted Christ into his heart. The Lord turned what should have been a disastrous week into something glorious. Tonight in Heaven, the angels are celebrating because one more has joined the ranks of the saved, and tonight in Ensenada, my group is celebrating because against all odds, we finished our house right on schedule. We even had time to paint a few bumble bees in the baby’s room.
Phew! We did it! One of our biggest weeks of the summer - 11 houses built in one week! Over 170 people were welcomed into the camp on Sunday from Viginia, Florida, Chicago, and Washington! We geared up for this big week and God provided us with the energy and perseverance to finish another successful week.
When i think about what a 'successful week' means here at EOC, it obviously refers to houses getting built; the tools, trucks, and generators holding up (with some help from Mardy of course!); the camp life running smoothly... but a 'successful week' also means to us that we saw God at work... we were practicing being the hands and feet of Jesus to people in need... we survived living in community and with joy (most of the time!)...
One of my favorite moments of the week is Thursday night when leading worship, and watching people "get it". Watching people worship and hearing them share of the transformations that have happened. That's success. It's those moments when I know God is smiling down on us and saying "well done my good and faithful servants..."
Hola my name is Christy and I have been an intern at EOC for two weeks now. I have been coming for the past 4 years with my youth group from Virginia for a week at a time. This summer however, I decided that a week is just too short of a time to stay and that 6 weeks is way better.
So when I first got here, I was really worried about getting along with my groups, the other interns and staff and things like that. Mostly I was worried about why I came to Mexico. I wasn't sure if I was running from home or running to serve God. The more I dwelt on it, I realized that either way it didn't matter. I'm here and that's what counts. I'm here to clean, to build, to play with kids, to translate, to serve where ever I'm needed.
So far the first two weeks have gone by fast yet slow. I have only been here two weeks but it feels like this is my life, this is where I live. Don't get me wrong I miss my family and friends but this is a wonderful experience. The coolest part about it is that I not only get to help locals, but also teens and adults from all over. Every year that I come with my youth group and SMOV, I don't really meet new people except for the family that I am building for. Even then I don't keep in touch with them. As an intern however, I meet tons of new people every week and get to hear their testimonies and truly make new friends. I'm not just building a house and leaving but really getting to know different people from all over; from Chicago, California, Alberta, Ontario, White Horse, etc.
This week I'm looking forward to seeing some familiar faces as I help my youth group build a house...so we will see how that goes.
Enjoy some some shots from the last few weeks of activity here at the EOC!
I've been back at EOC for just under 2 weeks now and it's all coming back to me again.
Remembering the joys and craziness of hosting 180 people at the camp...
Remembering the beauty of community, despite all its diversity...
Remembering the longs days...
Remembering the aroma of Pablanos tacos (now filling our very own courtyard every Tuesday night!)...
Remembering the passion and talents of the staff I get to work alongside...
Remembering the transformations I get to watch in the groups that come through...
Remembering the holy moments of the house dedications(and remembering how emotional those moments are too!)...
Remembering the poverty... but also remembering the people and stories behind the poverty...
Remembering the purpose I feel when I am here at the EOC...
It's been a bit of a blur, jumping back into my role but it's all coming back to me.
We are in full summer swing around here - full house, growing intern staff, new opportunities and challenges! I look forward to continuing to be reminded of why God called me here for this season of my life... and also look forward to all the new surprises and learnings along the way.
EOC is ready for the 2008 Summer season!
Mardy is finishing an expansion of the Kitchen. Abraham, David, Marvin & Lisa are putting together Family Videos for for the summer's homes. If you have not seen your Team's Family video yet, we are working fast. (remember, just last year we started to sent out photos, and video is a GIANT leap forward) Brenda is shopping for Family Gift baskets. Kimyco is back from her honeymoon, preparing menu's & many other camp details. Juan is working with Local Pastors, preparing & pouring floors (75+ for the summer season)
Our A-Team (Jose, Hernan, Ricardo, Rodolfo, Ricardo, Alejandro) are preparing building materials, along with finishing the construction of a new two-story storage building.
Eva, Monica and helpers are checking all rooms & bathrooms. Lupita is coordinating with local churches for our Sunday night Family Dinner!
Ana & I (Scott) are enjoying serving the above team of incredible men & women, who lay their lives down daily, in order to carry the cross of Jesus.
We all await the return of additional staff (The Gonzalez' & Heubert's, Rhonda, Brittney, Stephanie, Josh, Gwen & Allison); and the arrival of NEW Interns! (Haley, Christie, Alyssa & Will)
We hope to see you at the EOC this summer!
My name is Allison and I am an intern at the EOC. I have been down here for two months, doing missions work, and I think I just figured out the most important part of it all.
Here I am, building houses, doing vacation bible schools, working with the groups that come down, trying to give it my all, trying to do my best. Don't get me wrong, doing the Lord's work is so important, and I praise God every day for what He is doing here. But maybe it was less about what I was doing than I thought. Maybe I was unsure about what the most important thing is.
But then I hugged Angelica as she stood in her new house with her family.
And I picked up Bernabel, and he wouldn’t let me put him down.
And I saw Alma's face when I reached for her hand.
And I got it.
It’s all about the love. There is nothing more to it than that.
It doesn’t matter that I can’t hammer a nail very well; it only matters that I try.
It doesn’t matter that I don’t understand everything that the children here say to me; it only matters that I listen.
It doesn’t matter that I am not perfect; it only matters that God can use me to show his love.
God is love, and all I could ever hope to be is a conduit for that love, for Him.
There are so many things that need to be done in the world today, so many things that need to change. But now, I think I finally know where to start. Whether it is here in Mexico, or back at home, or in the middle of some street somewhere; I just need to try to love everyone, because God loves everyone. If God can use me to show His love, then I am doing the best that I can.
It is all about the love; everywhere we go, and everything we do.
All you need is love.
the simplicity of his little smile.
the joy in his laughter.
the kindness and love behind the freshly over-painted block of wood.
his name is orlando.
he's six years old.
last night, for the first time ever, he slept in his own bedroom
in his families new house
with his very own mattress.
but through all this bliss, i don't think he actually slept at all.
the excitement and joy that comes from his smile is overwhelming.
his laughter is piercing...but in the good way.
it pierces the heart.
this is why i love being here.
its why i just cant wait to pack up my stuff and move down here for 14 months.
to know that every week, everyday, i will be presented with the opportunity to change someones life.
as much as i know that i could do the same at home,
i know in my heart, that this is where i am supposed to be.
here, in mexico, is where God wants me.
and i am so undeserving of the grace and mercy and love that God has shown and given to me.
everyday i wake up in a warm bed, in my warm house.
i complain so much about all the things i have.
if i wanted i could go on forever about how i'll never have enough.
i don't deserve to live in california,
in a nice house, with a family that loves me,
friends that i know i can always count on.
i don't know why God chose for me to be born in America.
the only difference between orlando's family and my family
is that they were born in mexico.
orlando knows nothing but poverty.
up until four years ago, i knew nothing of poverty.
i knew it was here, in the world, somewhere.
i knew there were hungry kids.
kids who didn't have a family because their parents couldn't afford them.
but i never, for even a moment, thought i would be here right now.
i never pictured my self taking a year off of school to serve the poverty stricken families of Mexico.
I thank God everyday for the passion he's placed in my heart, i cant imagine my life without it, without Mexico, the people i have met here, the everlasting friendships i have made with people thousands of miles away from my home, and the family i have come to rely on.
I'm so stoked to see how God uses my life and the lives of everyone else supporting or working here at the Ensenada Outreach Center. He's done some absolutely amazing things down here. He's changed hundreds of lives and touched countless numbers of hearts. And all that he's already done could only be the beginning.
i know that his plans are big.
-Lil Britt
"Mama Rho" here...back and in the house!
For those who don't know me, I was on staff here at EOC this summer as the camp host and intern leader. When I'm not in Mexico, I work as a youth pastor in Burlington, Ontario, Canada and had the incredible priveledge of having my two worlds join forces this week! I took down 18 youth and leaders from my church in Canada, partnering with another church from Southern Ontario, and we trekked through the snow storms to get to Ensenada this past Sunday!
What an incredible week! I won't say how it's the best team I've seen pass through here, because I know that's a little bias... but I will share what a blessing it was to be here! The camp is looking and feeling awesome! The staff is full of life and energy, the site has some new great colors and additions, and the program continues to offer some new exciting elements! For those groups returning, you have some new things to look forward too!
Last night in small group time, I was talking with my kids about what we learned about ourselves this week... and what we learned about God this week. I had a startling revelation.
God is enough.
God is all I need.
It's a statement that terrifies me and one that is hard to really live out. I know I still cling to so many other things... worldly things... things I like to control... and even though I may try to encorperate God into my life as best as I can, it's often after I have everything in order
Whether it be watching families who don't have much of anything, still be content in all circumstances; or whether it be living in community and feeling alive and so purposeful... i was reminded God is enough.
this is how He wants us to live.
in community. interdependent. purposeful. serving. loving.
and not just in mexico.
not just on missions.
in our everyday realities.
So I want to redefine what is normal and everday for me when i return home.
I want God to be more than enough.
It's been a pleasure to be among my family here in Mexico again. I look forward to contining to see God move in this place and in the teams that pass through here week after week!
blessings my friends,
Mama Rho
Finally, Spring Teams have arrived!
This past weekend (Feb 16,17) we welcomed our first arriving Teams for 2008. Talk about a cross section of North America! Alberta Canada, Montgomery Alabama, San Jose California, Bellveue Washington & Mammoth California! Whew.
Praise God for our staff, including new interns: Joshua, Allison (both from Whitehorse, Yukon Canada; and David (Niagra Falls, Ontario Canada). Look out, the Canadians are taking over!
This week 124 people (ages 3 - 62) are participating in VBS/ Children's Ministry, Sports Ministry, Feeding Program, Community Development & building six homes.
What a great way to kick off the season!
Well, 2007 was a great year. Thousands of lives were touched by God! Here's a video showing what 2007 looked like for us.