My 14 year old son and I just returned from a week long missions
trip to Colima, Mexico. We went to serve the children and workers at
several orphanages. There were several reasons why I went on this trip.
One was that I wanted my son to see how people live in a different part
of the world, a part of the world that seems to be a little slower, a
little more laid back, a little more grateful. Another reason to go was
because I went last year and was excited to see the kids and workers
that we fell in love with last year. I also went because God called me
to go. He has put a longing in my heart for the Mexican people. He has
drawn me toward Mexico for years. He has softened my heart toward them.
For the last two years I've gone to Mexico to serve.
However, when I return home I find that I am changed more than the
others that I went to see. You see I had this preconceived notion that I
had something that the kids wanted and even needed. I had items to
bring to them (coloring books, crayons, toothpaste and toothbrushes), I
had something different for their daily routine, I could bring joy into
their hurting lives, I could bring the love of Christ. However, I found
that they already had Christ in their daily routine. They knew that
Christ loved them and it was awesome to share that with them. They were
very appreciative of the things that we brought them, but it was in the
act of giving, the personal one on one time, that they most appreciated.
I was also encouraged by the workers at the orphanage. I was
encouraged by the way they give and give and give some more. I was
excited that God put these people in charge and that they accepted the
calling to help with the children. I was encouraged by how the children
love so purely. How they are just so full of joy. How is it that these
kids can be so happy? They have been neglected by their parents,
immediate family and even family friends. They have nothing, but at the
same time they have everything... They have love.
In reflection, I find that
things get in the
way. I really don't need my iPad, my iPhone, my computer, my TV or even
my car. I really don't need any of those things. There is a love and joy
that these orphans have that I can't comprehend. There is a love and
happiness that these kids have that is so pure.
What I found in Mexico was that I was the one that
was missing out. I found that I was the one that was missing something, I
was the one that needed the kids more than they needed me. I found that
the simple things in life are the best. God doesn't make things
difficult, he makes things simple and we tend to confuse and compound
problems. It's the flesh of this world that confuses things.
Two final thoughts about my trip to Mexico:
- God is alive and well in Mexico!
- Kids (especially Hogar de Amor Orphans) have a lot of love to give!
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