JUNE 20, 2011
Submitted by: Candace
A tropical storm is rolling in…I can feel the temperature in the air change. I´m sure that when the team arrives, the rain will be here to greet them. Let’s hope the rain stays away, but that the temperature stays down.
Today, I really accomplished a lot. The camp is ready and fully stocked with food. There’s soap in every bathroom and, most importantly, toilet paper! In the past week, I have ordered transportation to pick up the group at the airport, visited with all my contacts to lock in our outreach opportunities, and I have even had a chance to do a little ministry. God has really had His hand upon this trip and all it’s preparations. Talking with the group during their final meeting has gotten me excited all over again, and I can´t wait to see them walk through those doors on Wednesday morning, wearing their bright blue Mexico 2011 t-shirts! I believe this will be our best year yet!
I was having a very in-depth conversation with a good friend of mine recently about how with each new mission team, the members keep getting more spoiled. Let me share a few examples with you…try to contain your laughter:
Year 1 – The team had to walk about a mile down the main road from the airport to catch a bus (yes, we had our luggage with us) Entire team brings nothing but sheets because we assume that since it’s Mexico, it will be warm at night. We pretty much freeze to death and by night 2, and Pastor Jose and Olga supply us with blankets.
Year 2 – Mass amounts of toilet paper are supplied. This year, instead of taking a bus to the Huichol Village, we get to ride in air conditioned vans. This, by the way, is the same year we bought the church a new “gently used” van to replace the one that broke down every couple hours.
Year 3 – Huichol Indian Village four-hour bus ride to the middle of nowhere equals a near death experience. Not to mention the time we were told to get off the bus by the Mexican military so that the bus could be searched.
Year 4 – Our guide severely injures himself and is out of commission for three to four days. Instant coffee is no longer used, and a coffee maker is purchased. One guy brought a tent to sleep in on the patio to keep the bugs off him while he slept.
And Year 5 (2011)- A push broom has finally been found and purchased. The team will be “escorted” by the VIP service at the Puerto Vallarta Airport directly to the air conditioned bus awaiting them outside of baggage claims, fully stocked with cold bottles of water and sandwiches hand-prepared by some very underpaid laborers (Candace and Chris) and dropped off approximately 150 feet away from the front door of the camp. Hot breakfast will be served every morning along with freshly brewed coffee…and dinner will not be peanut butter sandwiches.
Really? Haa haa…..Of course, I love all the luxuries that we have now. As long as Pastor Don has his push broom and brewed coffee…everyone is happy. And if you have ever had a thought of wanting to go on this mission trip, trust me, you can handle it. And despite all the things we get here…the most important thing is that we meet with God on a new level. He always takes care of His children. He is so good and has great plans for this mission team this year. I can’t wait to share the amazing stories and the testimony.
Until next time.
Adios mi amigos!