Reflections on Serving - Julie

Lindsey and I were privileged to travel to Colima this year with the CenterPoint Mexico mission group.

We have been thinking how to put to paper our collective thoughts about our experiences but feel this a very difficult task.

We were well prepared before leaving for Colima on what to expect. There were no big surprises with the who, what and where aspects but there were big surprises on the impact this trip would have on our heart.

Lindsey and I felt so well taken care of. Jamie Morningstar arranged every detail so perfectly that we needed only to show up. She made a difficult trip so smooth and easy for such a large group. I am grateful to have her as a friend and for her deep love for this orphanage. We also felt taken care of by Dan and Shane ensuring we were always safe in the streets and helping us with our heavy luggage. We loved spending a week with such good people from our church and making new friends with people from North Carolina.

It seemed like it took forever before we finally arrived at the orphanage. My heart melted when we laid eyes on the children and how beautiful each one was. The kids have very little personal possessions of their own. And yet they are happy and content. These are special and unique kids. They are well behaved, well taken care of and very loving. These characteristics are an attribute to the amazing care givers that daily display the love of Christ to these kiddos. We felt welcomed by everyone at each orphanage. There seemed to be a connection with everyone we came into contact with there even though we could not speak the same language.

There were so many amazing aspects of our trip. The food, fellowship, culture, and connection of those we served made for memories that will last a lifetime. It was just too short of a time there. We think about the children that stole our hearts We think about the Christians worshiping our Lord just as we do every Sunday. We think about the tears that flowed when we had to leave. We think about the hugs from the beautiful kids. We think about how we miss being there. We think about how great our God is!! Our hearts are full. Full of love and respect for a group of people in Colima Mexico.

We left Colima with much more than we brought or more than we gave. Thank you Hogar De Amor. You are in our hearts FOREVER!

Love in Christ,

Julie and Lindsey Poulton