"Something happens when a creation does just what it was created to do - it sings." from Hope Lives by Amber Von Schooneveld.
Last fall, I travelled to San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico where our team did some work on the home of new friends Carlos and Rosa. I can honestly say that I was not really enthused about taking this trip. I don't like flying for starters. And I was hesitant to spend the money and to be away from my family and work. It just didn't seem like a prudent thing to do. But my friend Bob was very persistant and I reluctantly agreed.
I cannot sum up this trip better than with the opening line of this post. It was simply amazing. The simple improvements we made to this humble house was easily the most satisfying work I have ever done. Providing this family with real walls, a roof that didn't leak and safe wiring was nothing short of thrilling. What appeared almost post-apocalyptic as we arrived, San Luis was like nothing I had ever seen. I thought I was going there to bless them from my vast American resources. Boy was I wrong. I was quickly taken back by the people and their faith. A simple way of life that is very real and genuine.
Our worship service was beyond words. Real and raw. The members of our team had talked about supporting the local folks and decided that we would simply put our money in the offering and let the church decide where it was best used. I was feeling kinda smug because I knew that collectively we were going to give a tidy gift that could go a long way. As I watched the locals drop a few coins into the offering, the fistful of dollars in my hand seemed to turn to dust. Laughing at my notion of a blessing, God told me "We don't need your money here. I got this."
Life changing trip, to say the least.
Last fall, I travelled to San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico where our team did some work on the home of new friends Carlos and Rosa. I can honestly say that I was not really enthused about taking this trip. I don't like flying for starters. And I was hesitant to spend the money and to be away from my family and work. It just didn't seem like a prudent thing to do. But my friend Bob was very persistant and I reluctantly agreed.
I cannot sum up this trip better than with the opening line of this post. It was simply amazing. The simple improvements we made to this humble house was easily the most satisfying work I have ever done. Providing this family with real walls, a roof that didn't leak and safe wiring was nothing short of thrilling. What appeared almost post-apocalyptic as we arrived, San Luis was like nothing I had ever seen. I thought I was going there to bless them from my vast American resources. Boy was I wrong. I was quickly taken back by the people and their faith. A simple way of life that is very real and genuine.
Our worship service was beyond words. Real and raw. The members of our team had talked about supporting the local folks and decided that we would simply put our money in the offering and let the church decide where it was best used. I was feeling kinda smug because I knew that collectively we were going to give a tidy gift that could go a long way. As I watched the locals drop a few coins into the offering, the fistful of dollars in my hand seemed to turn to dust. Laughing at my notion of a blessing, God told me "We don't need your money here. I got this."Life changing trip, to say the least.
Glad to see my prodding had such an impact. Looking forward to more serving opportunities with you, and to hearing about your families adventures this summer.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Bob