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.
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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.