Ben Sayin'

So, June 15th. The last day of our trip, which also happened to land on Kiersten’s 13th birthday. Holy crap. We have a teenager.

Her gift from her parents? She gets 41 of her closest friends singing happy birthday to her, in 2 different countries. If that’s not some awesomesauce, then I don’t know what is.

Seriously though, this week has gone by so quickly and we all have made some really good friends on this trip. In fact, a few of us were talking about the pre-judgements we had on each other prior to the plane ride, only to have God step in and say, “Oh, yeah that person you’re judging, I’m going to pair you together so you get to know each other more and become BFF’s. I do that ’cause I’m God, and you need to learn a lesson here.”

I won’t say names for their protection, but when we all talked about it, we all agreed it was pretty awesome how things came together the way they did – perfectly, of course.

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It’s so crazy to think this is our last full day here in Merida, this trip seriously went by so fast and I am so grateful for all of the friends that I’ve made both young and younger 😉

When I walked around last night checking on all of the parent/student pairs as they were talking, it made me think about how intentional this entire trip is for the growth of these students, as well as the parents. I truly believe the impact this one night has had on some of these pairs will resonate throughout the rest of their lives. At least that’s what I prayed for last night.

Now today we get to do a little bit of exploring around Merida, and see places like Chichen Itza and the Ik Kil Cenote (sinkhole). I’m not going to lie, but I think this is going to be pretty awesome to be able to experience.

So let’s get to it.

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Our instructions last night had us splitting the parents and students up to give them directions for discussion between the two shortly after. I was teamed with Zach and Angela talking to the students while Matt, Cheryl, and Kristen spoke to the kids. Now I can only speak for Kim and Kiersten, but if they are any indication on how the discussions with the other pairs went, then last night was extremely powerful to say the least.

The memories just in yesterday alone will be treasured for many years to come.

Speaking of Kiersten, she was a lot better today and was actually able to eat and do some work. Unfortunately, we had a couple of other kids who got sick so we were down about 3 couples (I think). It doesn’t seem serious for anybody, but it still sucks for them.

Prayers are appreciated.

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I just wanted to mention the discussion we had with our small group last night. It was said that none of us had to speak the language, to show the workers at the work site, and the kids at VBS a glimpse of God’s love. What’s crazy is, neither did the Mexicans need to speak our language here. It was universal, and it was awesome.

I always find joy when others get to experience God working through them. To see them accepting that there is a greater power at work other than their own work, is satisfying in itself.

I pray that the changes that are happening to the members here, continue on when we leave Merida and go back to our daily lives.

Thank you God.

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I can only imagine what we have to do today, because it honestly didn’t seem like we actually finished more than just filling the holes with cement. I’m sure we actually completed more projects, or are at least came close to completing them, it just didn’t feel that way.

If we are being honest though, the work is work. I don’t want to say I came down here for completely different reasons because that would not be accurate. I did come down to help build more of the school of Blas Pascal, but where I feel God really uses me the most is within the small group with whom He’s entrusted to me.

Our small group time the previous night was nothing deep or profound, it was just truth. We were all tired, and ready to go to bed, but the questions I sent the parent/student pair to go to bed with was hopefully something that would have helped heal some of the brokeness that may or may not be in the relationship.

When that kind of stuff happens, it’s just so incredibly awesome.

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