Thanksgiving

Every year it seems that Thanksgiving gets pushed aside because of the clamor to get more Christmas shopping in.  Most stores now open on Thanksgiving.  How unfortunate that in the United States a day set aside to thank God for His blessings becomes another shopping day to build up more of our stash.

I am grateful for my experience on that first mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico in the spring of 2006.  What an eye opening adventure!  To see the plight of folks 20 minutes south of San Diego still burns in my mind.  Each year when I visit, I get my memory jogged again as to what I have and what most of the world doesn't have.  It makes me grateful and gives me the desire to bless others with some of what God has so graciously granted.

Thank you for joining me in helping my family down in Mexico!  This work in feeding and educating children could not be accomplished without your participation and generosity. 

May God bless you richly this Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

Another trip, more need...

Just got back from my sixth or seventh (I am losing count now!) trip to Tijuana, Mexico.  It is always a bittersweet trip.  So good to see my Mexican family but so heartbreaking to leave when the conditions are so hard.  I come back discouraged, wondering what else can be done. 

 

But praise to my great God, Who sees every hole in the roof, and feels for every hungry belly, and aches for the suffering of His children.  Many would ask, "Well, why doesn't God just alleviate their suffering?"  We, who are so monetarily blessed are blessed in order to bless others.  I'm not sure how it all works but I do know that when I began giving instead of getting and started working on their behalf, the blessings just came in even more than before.  Some say it is the way God's economy works.  His intention is for all of us to be a part of His awesome plan.  It is where true joy and contentment lie.  Seven years ago my world was turned upside down and I don't want to ever go back.  I have experienced so much joy, peace, contentment and faith through this journey than I believe I could have experienced any other way.

 

Won't you join me?  I had six awesome, faith-filled women come on this trip.  I cannot tell you how blessed we all were!  It was so much fun seeing Tijuana with fresh eyes, hearts and that "newbie" perspective that I sometimes forget.  We will be working on another trip next spring so get on your knees and ask if you should go.  I promise you won't regret it!

 

One life at a time,

 

Mary

 

P.S.  We were able to raise over $3000 to feed the children this trip!  Thanks to all of those who gave so generously.