Today I went to laundry. Which is not exciting, but sitting outside of Waldo's [dollar store] with the keys in the van, while it is running, was.
Amanda and I went there while our clothes were in the dryer. All I wanted was a fish watch.
When we were getting out she says, "Oh no I...didnt" Which is when I hear the engine still running, and both our doors are locked.
I have only heard stories like this, and I feel bad for those people because they did not have 7 Mexicans helping them. It was like a Help signal was sent out around the parking lot. Random people came from...everywhere. Then, after about 10 min when it was fixed, they just walked away, not needing recognition.
I have learned a lot from the nationals here.
This summer has been hard. I am glad that I have blogged, some, and journaled so that I can look back on how God changed me and seeing the other steps in life he is taking me through. Going home is something that my mind keeps belittling. I have only been gone 2 and 1/2 months. I know things will be different when I get home, and settle. Something I really never want to do now. I dont want to get so comfortable to where I have to work up a longing for heaven, because I love my life to much. Now, in Mexico, it is much more simple to desire God. There are distractions..but you really have to listen for them to take your attention off what is going on here spiritually. I think I just subconciously defined a Christian bubble. perfect.
I know that I have been in that for the summer, but if it made me change my view of the world, then I dont care.
I desire you, whoever you are reading this, to learn the things I have. Please..talk to me when I get back. Not so I can give you a sit-down but because I truely believe that God meant for our lives to be so much more....and maybe I learned a piece of how that works the past few months here. If I dont share, that is something I know I will be held against me in the end.
When I first decided that missions is what I need to do, I wrote this down during one of the morning talks. I am probably not going to post after this, or I will change the name, who knows or really cares. OK, here:
My life- to me- matters equally as much as someones life metters to them. All is futulity. Giving my "important dreams" to God should be easy. I am trading a failed plan for the promise of an Adventure.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Comparison is the Theif of Joy
I am leaving Mexico in about a week.
I realized this when I was sitting on my roomies bed eating a nature valley peanut bar. I have only been here for...well less than 3 months, but it truely feels like I have been here for (some amount of time longer than that) I have mixed feelings about leaving. I was praying/talking through staying with Eddie and Maggie, the director and His wife who I sadly dont think I have mentioned yet, and I decided I needed to decide for myself.
My ear is ringing.
I think that to often I get all flustered about "what does God want me to do in this situation" when He is not making it clear...but sometimes I think that he is sitting back and waiting for us to put our free will into practice. If I stayed here through till December, I would grow and learn more no doubt. If I went home, I would be faced with challenges, also growing and learning there. Coming to the win win scenario conclusion, I chose home. I need to fix up some damage I made there.
I will hopefully be attending EBC. whoo whoo. I dont know why I typed that...am I excited for hours of studying? well...yes
So Cornerstone was here last week. They were here with two other groups which added to the largest group we had ever. That is what the summers usually look like. Building ever day with 70 high schoolers running around...and yelling. It was the best week of the summer. I dont know if it was just my group being there, or the combination of a lot of things.
One of the nights I took them to Rene's. This is the greatest taco place, ever. It is owned by Rene's mom and dad, while Rene cooks outside with his friend. Best adobada burrito and cheeseburgers. We think we do it right in the states, oh no. After we were done leaving and getting ready to head home, Rene handed us a large cake. [to preface, this was my theird time at Rene's that week. There is a Bible school were friends with up the street. Yes I just made an excuse] So he just gives us the pan dulce, for free, as a gift. What the devil! It was amazing. Not just the pan dulce, but the fact that He just gave us a cake. When would that happen in the US. Yea, never.
I should take this time to blog about my friend on staff Andew (spo). Today he build an addition house to where I built my first day. So if you are an avid reader of this blog you would remember Brenda. When they were saying goodbye after the build, Brenda attempted to kiss Andrew. I know, my high innocent view of both of them is lost. That is how I will finish this blog.
I had so much to say...and now this has become my shortest entry. Whatevs
I realized this when I was sitting on my roomies bed eating a nature valley peanut bar. I have only been here for...well less than 3 months, but it truely feels like I have been here for (some amount of time longer than that) I have mixed feelings about leaving. I was praying/talking through staying with Eddie and Maggie, the director and His wife who I sadly dont think I have mentioned yet, and I decided I needed to decide for myself.
My ear is ringing.
I think that to often I get all flustered about "what does God want me to do in this situation" when He is not making it clear...but sometimes I think that he is sitting back and waiting for us to put our free will into practice. If I stayed here through till December, I would grow and learn more no doubt. If I went home, I would be faced with challenges, also growing and learning there. Coming to the win win scenario conclusion, I chose home. I need to fix up some damage I made there.
I will hopefully be attending EBC. whoo whoo. I dont know why I typed that...am I excited for hours of studying? well...yes
So Cornerstone was here last week. They were here with two other groups which added to the largest group we had ever. That is what the summers usually look like. Building ever day with 70 high schoolers running around...and yelling. It was the best week of the summer. I dont know if it was just my group being there, or the combination of a lot of things.
One of the nights I took them to Rene's. This is the greatest taco place, ever. It is owned by Rene's mom and dad, while Rene cooks outside with his friend. Best adobada burrito and cheeseburgers. We think we do it right in the states, oh no. After we were done leaving and getting ready to head home, Rene handed us a large cake. [to preface, this was my theird time at Rene's that week. There is a Bible school were friends with up the street. Yes I just made an excuse] So he just gives us the pan dulce, for free, as a gift. What the devil! It was amazing. Not just the pan dulce, but the fact that He just gave us a cake. When would that happen in the US. Yea, never.
I should take this time to blog about my friend on staff Andew (spo). Today he build an addition house to where I built my first day. So if you are an avid reader of this blog you would remember Brenda. When they were saying goodbye after the build, Brenda attempted to kiss Andrew. I know, my high innocent view of both of them is lost. That is how I will finish this blog.
I had so much to say...and now this has become my shortest entry. Whatevs
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Making Life Choices
I have not posted in a while. Our recent discipline was "no contact with the outside world via internet or phone"
yup.
My parents are here right now. Sleeping like babies. I just checked up on them. I am nervous once they wake up they will give everyone a Larcomb wake up with our loud vocals...so here I am blogging before the rest of the staff is up.
SO many things have happened its a bit ridiculous. I try and remember things to blog about, but always forget as the week goes on. Cornerstone is coming next week! Them along with 2 other groups will be here which puts it at around 70 people. Im pretty sure we will have about 6 builds a day. That is how the summer usually goes but because of Mexico scares (haha) people have been backing out like crazy. On a side note....there has not been any sort of violence since I have been here or at Caravan, ever. When we go on builds, the neiborhood watchs out for us and on most of them comes to watch and help. On my last build there were about tweleve kids from 2-14 flocking around me. I have no idea why. That morning I put the Neo-togo and Band-aids in my bag, something I never did before, and when they started to gather one of the older girls showed me a cut on a little boy's arm. His name is Daniel. I guess because I am the gringo they assumed I could heal him. They assumed correctly because I had my Neo- togo yo! That day I was Isabella, El Doctor. This week our discispline is to visit our "Mexican family" which is any family we visit, spend time with, and usually bring gifts of beans and rice to. I chose them.
This is important. Below is my update letter....which you could pass off thinking it might be redundant, if you are an avid reader of this blog. But please, the letter has mostly everything I have never wrote in here..about missions and what I have truely been learning. Thankyou.
Dear Friends and Family,
yup.
My parents are here right now. Sleeping like babies. I just checked up on them. I am nervous once they wake up they will give everyone a Larcomb wake up with our loud vocals...so here I am blogging before the rest of the staff is up.
SO many things have happened its a bit ridiculous. I try and remember things to blog about, but always forget as the week goes on. Cornerstone is coming next week! Them along with 2 other groups will be here which puts it at around 70 people. Im pretty sure we will have about 6 builds a day. That is how the summer usually goes but because of Mexico scares (haha) people have been backing out like crazy. On a side note....there has not been any sort of violence since I have been here or at Caravan, ever. When we go on builds, the neiborhood watchs out for us and on most of them comes to watch and help. On my last build there were about tweleve kids from 2-14 flocking around me. I have no idea why. That morning I put the Neo-togo and Band-aids in my bag, something I never did before, and when they started to gather one of the older girls showed me a cut on a little boy's arm. His name is Daniel. I guess because I am the gringo they assumed I could heal him. They assumed correctly because I had my Neo- togo yo! That day I was Isabella, El Doctor. This week our discispline is to visit our "Mexican family" which is any family we visit, spend time with, and usually bring gifts of beans and rice to. I chose them.
This is important. Below is my update letter....which you could pass off thinking it might be redundant, if you are an avid reader of this blog. But please, the letter has mostly everything I have never wrote in here..about missions and what I have truely been learning. Thankyou.
Dear Friends and Family,
My time here has been unbelievable and I will attempt to place in words my gratitude for your prayers and support, but mostly I feel inept when it comes to this. I have read one too many updates and being in
I do not want to give you gritty daily details to find the loop out of repeating stories 13 times, because that is something I look foreword to...partially. Either way I would love to hear from you. Please, ask me specific questions; be annoying. E-mail me about life and we can chat about your day.
I must admit one thing to you. I completely misinformed you about Mexico Caravan Ministries. Although I had been here twice before and knew what it stood for, I subconsciously resisted what I knew they were attempting to change in me. I thought I could simply come down and build humble homes, build relationships with the groups, sweat a whole lot, and grow closer to Christ. God had much much more for me and I am learning to fall in love with his surprises.
I did not lie to you, I have been building homes and sweating pools, however I would like to share with you what the ministry is truly grounded on. Mexico Caravan Ministries is a mission’s mobilization ministry. This means that they are an organization centered around informing people who claim to be Christians about God’s heart beat for the world. I have been so astounded at how we as the
Initially I believed what the various speakers each morning spoke about was simply not for me. One of the sayings used here, “..go, send, or disobey” was pushy and I honestly saw it as unbiblical because I did not see how Christianity could be that narrowed. I was ignorant and foolish to think that simply because I did not like what I was hearing, it must have been wrong. After struggling with this concept myself, because I have much better plans for myself then leaving
I am learning that when I submitted my life to Christ, it became wholly His. Not dissections of my heart or my dreams lived out for Him. To act on my life dream or half thought out “plan” in life, is sin. I have decided to give my life to Missions not because I want to miss dozens of holidays or not see my friends and family for years at a time but because I have read what Christ demands of our lives and must obey. I am not attempting to convince you of the things I have been taught, I only want you to know what I have been learning because that is what updates are for right? Well, I have been learning so much more, and it is not through the teachings but through my time with Him. Through the other staff members here and clashing personalities that show me how ridiculous I really am. I am excited to come back and implement the insights I have gained and root them at home before I leave anywhere else. I thank you again so much for supporting me. Even taking time to read this letter means so much to me because…I could be assisting the needy in
Enjoy the Simi breeze!
Jenn
Friday, July 10, 2009
Some changes
When I first got here I felt so out of place, everyone did. You are given a bed and an area to make your own for the time you are here, but it just didnt feel like I belonged so my walls were pretty bare in comparison to the rest. I was resisting settling in because I just wanted to learn whatever it was God had me here for, and leave as quickly as the end of August came. Crossing the border back into Mexico was so so odd. I caught myself calling it home to Cydney. whhaaa was I saying and why did I feel so comfortable. We went thrifting in Arrowhead and as a "welcome to your new home after a month of being home present" to myself, I hung a peice of junk metal on my wall.
So, why the shift from complaceny to utter love of the dorm and even...can I say it...adobada? read on:
Th retreat was almost, a pinnacle moment in my relationship with God. So many things that I have been thinking through or attempting to understand about myself surfaced. I completely doubted the trip from the beginning, not even looking forward to it at all. I thought that being so close to home would only be a distraction, not even. All of my presuppositions were ridiculously off. This is becoming a constant behavior...well its more like a a three step process..1) I assume something will be a certain way, but I pray about it...with doubts like the lame human I am 2) God comes through, always 3) I forget why I never trusted Him in the first place... then repeat the process relatively soon.
Yea so I think the greatest part about the week was on Wednesday. We fasted and from sevenish to 2:30 we had to find a area to sit with only our Bible and a notebook, and couldnt speak for those hours. We were given a packet? I guess that is what is was, that asked us various questions about our life and made us look back on our past and focus on our present to see how and what God is working on through us and most importantly what we need to let go of.
Coming back together when it was all complete, we each went over how the day was for us, two life expereinces that we have gained insight from, what we are saying "no" to [or letting go of], what we are saying "yes" to [or changing in our lives in accordance with Gods plan..not our own], and...a final statement that sums up everything. The past and the present.
I am sure that I have not talked for six hours before, but never intentionally and with the mindset of I am not going to eat or move from this place until I discover what it is that is holding me back from giving everything to my Creator.
I dont think it is really necessary for me to type out on here all of the things that I told the other interns that day, but I would not mind sharing with you, so ask me, I am open to it.
Well, I am sure there is more, but the Wendy Peffercorn calls, and that is a beckon I cant resist.
So, why the shift from complaceny to utter love of the dorm and even...can I say it...adobada? read on:
Th retreat was almost, a pinnacle moment in my relationship with God. So many things that I have been thinking through or attempting to understand about myself surfaced. I completely doubted the trip from the beginning, not even looking forward to it at all. I thought that being so close to home would only be a distraction, not even. All of my presuppositions were ridiculously off. This is becoming a constant behavior...well its more like a a three step process..1) I assume something will be a certain way, but I pray about it...with doubts like the lame human I am 2) God comes through, always 3) I forget why I never trusted Him in the first place... then repeat the process relatively soon.
Yea so I think the greatest part about the week was on Wednesday. We fasted and from sevenish to 2:30 we had to find a area to sit with only our Bible and a notebook, and couldnt speak for those hours. We were given a packet? I guess that is what is was, that asked us various questions about our life and made us look back on our past and focus on our present to see how and what God is working on through us and most importantly what we need to let go of.
Coming back together when it was all complete, we each went over how the day was for us, two life expereinces that we have gained insight from, what we are saying "no" to [or letting go of], what we are saying "yes" to [or changing in our lives in accordance with Gods plan..not our own], and...a final statement that sums up everything. The past and the present.
I am sure that I have not talked for six hours before, but never intentionally and with the mindset of I am not going to eat or move from this place until I discover what it is that is holding me back from giving everything to my Creator.
I dont think it is really necessary for me to type out on here all of the things that I told the other interns that day, but I would not mind sharing with you, so ask me, I am open to it.
Well, I am sure there is more, but the Wendy Peffercorn calls, and that is a beckon I cant resist.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Second Fourth of July
In Mexico!
Last Year I was here As a group. Actually it was this week that I was here a year ago as a group.
surreal to think about. Oh time.
No groups are going to be here this year though and we are going to drive to Rosarito and watch fireworks. I dont know how that works... I mean the aspect of the Mexicans lighting fireworks for an American holiday. That is proabaly where the just because factor comes in, and I am A okay with that.
Im over my adobada sickness. That is just fantastic news for myself. Harsh times.
Yea you know.... OH yes I was about to say nothing exciting this week which it wasnt really....UNTIL staff meeting on Wednesday. Every week we have disciplines put into practice. Last weeks was not really a character tester so I will not even waste my computer time on that. However, he slammed us this week. Well it is actually for through till two Wednesdays from now when we get back from Staff retreat.
It is no sarcasm.
Every time that you make even a put down or degrading comment, you owe a dollar to the "Rafa fund". He is a Mexican man who is going to an Indian group to live with them and tell them all about Christ for the rest of his life...and needs money.
I am already at $7. Which is not to bad for 2 days but that is 3 taco meals at Rene's right there. They were a bunch of oopsies. That makes it worse...I just was not thinking.
Yes and I mentioned Staff Retreat but did not even say what it was or where we are going.
It is for a week in Arrowhead. I know right....Ill give a little drive by shoutout to my fellas in Simi. More like a swing around wave because Ill be a bit East, but who really cares about the details. I will be in California for a week and that is just weird to "Retreat" there. I didnt know this was part of the 3 month deal. Hopefully I will get some UV rays, and a lot of them because I am telling you, my legs beam of fluorescent white...and my arms from mid biscep on. yikes.
Well I can feel the vibe of my readers dimminishing which I am okay with because blogging is sometimes easy than e-mailing the family all the time.
So hello Mom..Dad.
Maybe Danielle.
And to all the rest: Have a GREAT celebration of our rebellion. Eat a lot of cotton candy and get a headache from those wonderful poppers.
Last Year I was here As a group. Actually it was this week that I was here a year ago as a group.
surreal to think about. Oh time.
No groups are going to be here this year though and we are going to drive to Rosarito and watch fireworks. I dont know how that works... I mean the aspect of the Mexicans lighting fireworks for an American holiday. That is proabaly where the just because factor comes in, and I am A okay with that.
Im over my adobada sickness. That is just fantastic news for myself. Harsh times.
Yea you know.... OH yes I was about to say nothing exciting this week which it wasnt really....UNTIL staff meeting on Wednesday. Every week we have disciplines put into practice. Last weeks was not really a character tester so I will not even waste my computer time on that. However, he slammed us this week. Well it is actually for through till two Wednesdays from now when we get back from Staff retreat.
It is no sarcasm.
Every time that you make even a put down or degrading comment, you owe a dollar to the "Rafa fund". He is a Mexican man who is going to an Indian group to live with them and tell them all about Christ for the rest of his life...and needs money.
I am already at $7. Which is not to bad for 2 days but that is 3 taco meals at Rene's right there. They were a bunch of oopsies. That makes it worse...I just was not thinking.
Yes and I mentioned Staff Retreat but did not even say what it was or where we are going.
It is for a week in Arrowhead. I know right....Ill give a little drive by shoutout to my fellas in Simi. More like a swing around wave because Ill be a bit East, but who really cares about the details. I will be in California for a week and that is just weird to "Retreat" there. I didnt know this was part of the 3 month deal. Hopefully I will get some UV rays, and a lot of them because I am telling you, my legs beam of fluorescent white...and my arms from mid biscep on. yikes.
Well I can feel the vibe of my readers dimminishing which I am okay with because blogging is sometimes easy than e-mailing the family all the time.
So hello Mom..Dad.
Maybe Danielle.
And to all the rest: Have a GREAT celebration of our rebellion. Eat a lot of cotton candy and get a headache from those wonderful poppers.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Two weeks and a day.
But it feels like longer. Its 10:54 pm on Saturday right now and Im just getting over I think food poisoning? Who knows.
Adobada: A delicious taco meat rejected by my stomach early this morning.
All I know is I woke up at 2:19 last night from my sweet Mexican dreams to the bathroom swiftly on my mind. Yes....4 trips later I threw up Adobada everywhere. I mean...everywhere. My mom would be oh so proud because I did make it to the toilet (never something I did at home), however who wants to get intimate with a toilet shared by 13 interns who get the squirts...on the regular. So yes, cleaning up after myself was a first. I knew this day would come, however it wasnt too bad.
I will not be eating Adobada for awhile.
Sorry If that was an over share. I was raised in a house of girls (if that even credits me giving to much information). Good thing here the staff make it NBD t talk about these kinds of things. Reading my blog you will too.
Moving on...
Well today I went to church (It takes me a few days to write on this) and Eddie and Maggie ask that out of the month we can go to the local church that most staffers like to attend [Montereb] But today we went to a smaller church where us staff made up the congregation.
It was weird.
They played two worship songs that each lasted 10 min. Because we were not able to sing along, the only way we could show our participation was to clap. For 20 min.
Yes I had numb hands.
Well this has been a short post, buuuut I will post again soon. It has just been a long week and yes.
adios.
Adobada: A delicious taco meat rejected by my stomach early this morning.
All I know is I woke up at 2:19 last night from my sweet Mexican dreams to the bathroom swiftly on my mind. Yes....4 trips later I threw up Adobada everywhere. I mean...everywhere. My mom would be oh so proud because I did make it to the toilet (never something I did at home), however who wants to get intimate with a toilet shared by 13 interns who get the squirts...on the regular. So yes, cleaning up after myself was a first. I knew this day would come, however it wasnt too bad.
I will not be eating Adobada for awhile.
Sorry If that was an over share. I was raised in a house of girls (if that even credits me giving to much information). Good thing here the staff make it NBD t talk about these kinds of things. Reading my blog you will too.
Moving on...
Well today I went to church (It takes me a few days to write on this) and Eddie and Maggie ask that out of the month we can go to the local church that most staffers like to attend [Montereb] But today we went to a smaller church where us staff made up the congregation.
It was weird.
They played two worship songs that each lasted 10 min. Because we were not able to sing along, the only way we could show our participation was to clap. For 20 min.
Yes I had numb hands.
Well this has been a short post, buuuut I will post again soon. It has just been a long week and yes.
adios.
Monday, June 22, 2009
This is not a joke: The Best Day of My Life.
Loved Ones:
Today I did my first staff build. This was absolutely great and so so great. Apparently it was so great that I cannot even muster up vocab. So this might take some of your creativity.
Our truck ran out of gas on the way to the build, but I stayed in the car with Rosario (the mother who leads us to the build in our truck with the groupo following us to the site) and she was so inquisitive and we mutually helped eachother speak.
So As a staff member, you....dont do much physical work. I learned a lot for the next build, to tell people what to do and where to hammer, buuuuut im alomost positive I only put in about 15 nails. sad
OK ok, so we built, finished blah blah (after eating the best hamburgers I have put in my mouth ever) And the family offered to take us to a lake that was about 15 min. away. Umm...yes?
So here is where the day just gets super.
As if my spanish skillz haphazerdly kicking in wasnt enough, Brenda (the 14 year old daughter) clung to me. I am not a touchy person.
This immediately turns into a personality stretching story.
We get out of the car and she grabs my hand as we walk for 10 min. down the mountain and it looks like a scum pond. I was doubting her repitition of the word "limpio" on the ride there. unitl...
we turn this corner and the entry to the lake is surrounded by huge mountains and reeds and yes, the water is limpio. Muy Limpio. I told Brenda that I planned on not swimming. However, her mom brought plenty of towles and extra shorts. Perfect.
Yes I had to change behind a bush in the dirt with a Mexican girl I just met named Brenda.
I was not...annoyed, but uncomfortable. I asked God to stretch me and do whatever necessary to change me this summer. He answers prayers.
I honestly believed that here with the staff is a place where I would "belong" or "fit in" most, being that we would mostly come here for reasons that were the same, or have the same love for Christ. But it was the second the I dove in the lake with Brenda...the person I felt so uncomfortable with, that I really did belong.
I realized that going out of our way for a few hours, maybe being completely shoved out of our comfort zones, gives them a glimpze of real love and ultimately Christ, and that is when it became the best day of my life. Because I found true joy.
We stayed in for about 20 min and I taught her how to swim! I never use exclaimation points, I really meant that one. I was super exctied.
So, here at Caravan you can "adpot a family" which means you visit them, bring them a gift, and just spend time with them while being Jesus to them. So...I decided to adpot the family we did a build for. Im going to try and visit them when I have free time next and hopefully it works out good.
Ill keep you posted.
If you have any questions orwant to talk about how amazing the tacos are ...I cant remember If I ever put my e-mail on here. But here it is.
Jarcomb@gmail.com
Today I did my first staff build. This was absolutely great and so so great. Apparently it was so great that I cannot even muster up vocab. So this might take some of your creativity.
Our truck ran out of gas on the way to the build, but I stayed in the car with Rosario (the mother who leads us to the build in our truck with the groupo following us to the site) and she was so inquisitive and we mutually helped eachother speak.
So As a staff member, you....dont do much physical work. I learned a lot for the next build, to tell people what to do and where to hammer, buuuuut im alomost positive I only put in about 15 nails. sad
OK ok, so we built, finished blah blah (after eating the best hamburgers I have put in my mouth ever) And the family offered to take us to a lake that was about 15 min. away. Umm...yes?
So here is where the day just gets super.
As if my spanish skillz haphazerdly kicking in wasnt enough, Brenda (the 14 year old daughter) clung to me. I am not a touchy person.
This immediately turns into a personality stretching story.
We get out of the car and she grabs my hand as we walk for 10 min. down the mountain and it looks like a scum pond. I was doubting her repitition of the word "limpio" on the ride there. unitl...
we turn this corner and the entry to the lake is surrounded by huge mountains and reeds and yes, the water is limpio. Muy Limpio. I told Brenda that I planned on not swimming. However, her mom brought plenty of towles and extra shorts. Perfect.
Yes I had to change behind a bush in the dirt with a Mexican girl I just met named Brenda.
I was not...annoyed, but uncomfortable. I asked God to stretch me and do whatever necessary to change me this summer. He answers prayers.
I honestly believed that here with the staff is a place where I would "belong" or "fit in" most, being that we would mostly come here for reasons that were the same, or have the same love for Christ. But it was the second the I dove in the lake with Brenda...the person I felt so uncomfortable with, that I really did belong.
I realized that going out of our way for a few hours, maybe being completely shoved out of our comfort zones, gives them a glimpze of real love and ultimately Christ, and that is when it became the best day of my life. Because I found true joy.
We stayed in for about 20 min and I taught her how to swim! I never use exclaimation points, I really meant that one. I was super exctied.
So, here at Caravan you can "adpot a family" which means you visit them, bring them a gift, and just spend time with them while being Jesus to them. So...I decided to adpot the family we did a build for. Im going to try and visit them when I have free time next and hopefully it works out good.
Ill keep you posted.
If you have any questions orwant to talk about how amazing the tacos are ...I cant remember If I ever put my e-mail on here. But here it is.
Jarcomb@gmail.com
Monday, June 15, 2009
Church, Bull Fight and the beginnings of Orientation=Music Fast
Loved ones:
Time is like a vortex here friends. I have only been here for 5 days, but im telling ya...its been weeks.
Sunday was intro to culture day, for me. Just before we left for church at 11am, two more interns Andy and Andrew arrived. Yes, the service is all in Spanish and was very encouraging. I was so frustrated because I could not understand a lot of the things they were saying and it was just then that I wish I payed more attention to Senora Flood in Spanish 3 two years ago...I hate to say school had a purpose.
I guess now I will have to learn patience...yes. some of that.
bull fight:
This is not what you see in cartoons. Which I never liked anyway...
3 hours of watching 6 bulls be tantalized by Mexican men on power trips. yea.
They would release a bull into a rather large ring and hundreds of people would watch as 6 men would take turns jabbing it in the spine. And then...after about 30 min, they would take the death sword, and put an end to its misery. Then, bull two, and three...and so on.
good culture experience (especially the chocolate churos) buuuut, im thinking I wont be going there again, ever.
Time is like a vortex here friends. I have only been here for 5 days, but im telling ya...its been weeks.
Sunday was intro to culture day, for me. Just before we left for church at 11am, two more interns Andy and Andrew arrived. Yes, the service is all in Spanish and was very encouraging. I was so frustrated because I could not understand a lot of the things they were saying and it was just then that I wish I payed more attention to Senora Flood in Spanish 3 two years ago...I hate to say school had a purpose.
I guess now I will have to learn patience...yes. some of that.
bull fight:
This is not what you see in cartoons. Which I never liked anyway...
3 hours of watching 6 bulls be tantalized by Mexican men on power trips. yea.
They would release a bull into a rather large ring and hundreds of people would watch as 6 men would take turns jabbing it in the spine. And then...after about 30 min, they would take the death sword, and put an end to its misery. Then, bull two, and three...and so on.
good culture experience (especially the chocolate churos) buuuut, im thinking I wont be going there again, ever.
Orientation:
Which means No more Secular music for the rest of summer. That just means, no music that isn't Christian. Yes we can listen to instrumental.
It is a week long this year due to groups fear of the Swine Pandemic H1N1 (now declared by World Health Organization....yeesh) taking their lives here in TJ. Thank you group. I get free food and a relaxed precurser week due to your freight.
So, Each day is different and has one or two team building activities (physical ones that are lengthy and testing) along with 4 of us sharing our "life stories" each day.
So, Each day is different and has one or two team building activities (physical ones that are lengthy and testing) along with 4 of us sharing our "life stories" each day.
Those are about....30-45 min stories...about our lives, some have gone for an hour or longer. Its basically an extended testimony. I loved hearing everyone else's, or the 5 that shared so far, just to see where they came from to better understand who they are and choices they make. I shared mine today and it was more difficult than I thought it would be. Mostly because I have THE worst memory and did not mention a lot of events that impacted my life greatly. So I guess each of them getting to know me individually over time will change that.
I really didnt know that I would get close to the people here so quickly but then again... I didnt know I had expectations, until those unexpected expectations were changed. Yes I hope that makes sense.
Im sorry to everyone who knows and loves me because I think you will not recognize me when I get back. I officially have already gained 50 pounds and that number is only going to increase dramatically. Ok no, but in reality they have the "Caravan Ten" because between the groups taking you out and paying for amazing tacos/ice cream, not working as hard as you do when you are a group (do to being the staff and commanding people around)....eh so that wasnt such a large list of excuses, but they are big ones okay. empathize.
However, the staff here has some caravan ten remedies. Such as Hip Hop Abs which is a once a week routine. Also the weight room..OH! and Cydney and I have picked up a little yoga in the upstairs room to Sigur Ros, Explosions in the Sky.... or other peaceful none secular music. Suggestions welcome.
Okay loved ones. Dinner time is soon.
farewell.
and im sorry about my font. I really dont like this computer. maybe its just me.
and im sorry about my font. I really dont like this computer. maybe its just me.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Im here! And it is weird.
Loved ones:
I cannot believe I am here. I have been thinking about being here, meeting the staff, driving around TJ ...and I guess so many other things for months now and being here is just plain weird.
About:
So I love the staff. Not all of them have arrived yet, still 3 more guys to come, but it is just so (word I cannot think of to describe emotion) to meet 12 people you know who you are going to be around all summer and grow with. I feel very un-myself. Time will bring out the beast.
So today I arrived at around one, "settled" in, and half of the staff was gone so the few that were here (Roman, Cydney, Kevin, Alisa) ran some errands. Ill have you know, I believe I can mark my first genuine Mexican experience, already. When I was at Waldo's, which is the dollar store here, a Mexican man meowed [yes like the cat] into my ear when we passed by. Maybe it was more of a jaguar puur. It was awesome. They also took me out grocery shopping and here, it is a horse of a different color. I got:
- bread
- meat (I have no idea what kind. It looked questionable but Kevin said it was tasty. we will see...)
- cereal
- milk (which came with a balloon shaped like a...dog? yes.)
- snack
- something else i cant remember
So on Monday we start our orientation which is now going to be all week due to a group canceling. I will write something about our bonding experiences.
I do not have much else to say. Thank you for everyone who helped get me here SOO much. Financially and especially your prayers. Please please please please be praying for our team.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Pre-trip post.
Loved ones.
Time is really ticking and in exactly seven days from today, I am off to explore the great unknown. Which is more metaphorical than literal because I actually know where I am going and it is highly inhabited...part of the point of me going there...
Yes well anyways, I just wanted to post a bit of a...how do I say, explanation of why I am going to Mexico for those who may not understand or even heard my purpose. I realized quite recently my trip would be in vain if I leave and never tell the people who really know and love me, why I even chose this decision [yes that is redundant]
On that note I should probably let you know: I dont do well with grammer, especially run ons and puncuation. I also improperly overuse "" and (( )). Sorry Auntie Lisa. (very wise English Aunt. English meaning she has completely mastered the English language, not that she is British.)
reasoning:
My reasoning is simple. I became a Christian my sophomore year of High school and although being taught so many principals of the "religion" since I was young, I never understood or wanted to accept it. Once I did though, which is a whole nother (that isnt a word? Come on really...think about it. Everyone says that. Get with the times Webster.) Yes well that is a completely different story but I knew that everything I once wanted, including the goals that I had for my life needed to be in subjection to what He wanted. Once I gave those things to Him, oh yes life then became a whole lot simpler and I never felt pain or cried tears. Lies.
High school has been a bumpy road...and I feel like I am getting off topic.
Basically I wanted to let whoever you are reading this know that the simplicity of my decision is obedience. I cant relay the joy I have in Christ over the internet, which is a minus. But I can say that the faithfulness and unconditional love that he offers daily is seen everywhere. I hope with everything in me that you experience that...or already do.
Yes well I imagine that I will write again after my first few days there? Perhaps...
My e-mail is jarcomb@gmail.com if you want to talk.
Yes I will be able to go on Facebook...I dont know if ill be a fan of that though. We will see...
Goodbye for now loved ones.
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