http://meridamissiontrip.snapfish.com/snapfish
please visit this site for all our pictures. I hope you enjoy them!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
friday
(Friday)
Hello everyone!
We are still alive and well =) We didn’t have a whole lot of time to sit down and write everything down so I apologize for that.
Where do we start? The orphanage! I think the last time I wrote, we were on our way to the orphanage. Wow. Each night we went to the orphanage, the kids would be shy in the beginning, but 10 minutes later we’ll have them chasing us, on our backs, and holding our hands. We went three nights (after painting the gym walls) to the orphanage and it was definitely our favorite part of the day. Each one of us connected with many kids and it really broke us when we had to say bye to them the last night (Wednesday).
That night, the pastor gathered everyone together, putting us in the middle and having the kids surround us by hugging and holding hands. We didn’t know what was going on, but we went along with it. One of the kids started praying for us; he would pray something and the kids would repeat after him. The thing that caught me was that he was praying for us. We came to bless them and pray for them, but here we were being prayed for by a precious boy who doesn’t have the things most children have. The pastor later told us that it was the first time for the kids to pray for other people who have come to help them. They were learning and witnessing how to pray and love others. Amazingly, we were able to be a part of it.
I think all of us felt the real meaning of God being in our midst when two or three are gathered in His name. We have our plans and our visions, but we really have to let God take control because he does things beyond our prayers and our plans. I believe that’s what he did that night. It was amazing.
So after three days of painting and visiting the kids, we were on to another project.
On Thursday, we had the hardest day of labor. We were laying down cement for a church that Shalom Church was helping out. You’ll see it in the pictures, but they have a tent-like structure set up, but there was only dirt for the floor. Odessa pointed out that we were helping to literally build the foundation of the church, so that was pretty cool. We shoveled gravel and sand into buckets, which were mixed in a cement mixer with water and the cement mix. Then, they were poured on the ground and smoothed out to make the floor smooth. It required a lot of strength and labor. The sun was especially HOT that day so we all got a lot of sun.
After coming back to the hotel, we rested, took showers, then went out to the souvenir shops and walked around the park near our hotel. People are so relaxed here in the afternoon (lunch is their biggest meal of the day), so it was great to stroll along the streets with both locals and tourists.
After a delicious dinner at Shalom, we went to see the women’s talent show in the gymnasium. They beautifully decorated the gym so the women of the church could show their talents. They were singers, magicians, dancers, storytellers, etc… There were many talented and entertaining people there and it was great to see all of them being so supportive and loving towards each other.
When it was time to go, we were waiting outside the church and two gentlemen approached us. They were musicians that were playing live jazz right across the street from the church and they invited us. We’ve been wanting all week to hear some live music or dancing so it was a great chance for us to go enjoy it. The keyboardist was actually the keyboardist for Shalom church and there was an American saxophone player from California. We stayed for two songs, and they were SO good. We were all mesmerized by the lively beats and intricate solos the whole time. Every single player of that jazz group was so talented and they synced so well together, as they spoke through their instruments.
Today is already the last full day before we leave to see all of you tomorrow. We’re going to the caves and the ruins so we’re excited about that.
I’ll have someone update you all on the Alan, Philippe, Johnny triangle (good stuff) =)
We all to go North Point church and Buckhead, but most of us didn’t know each other when we came together for this trip. I thank God that I was able to meet everybody and go on this journey with them. Alan, one of our leaders, is such a great encourager. Whoever it is, he could create an encouraging relationship with them (phillipe haha)
Odessa, our other leader, has the most infectious laugh ever. When she cracks up, I can’t help doing the same even though I don’t know half the time what she’s laughing about. They’re such great leaders also! Ryan is such a great and funny guy, and he probably did the bulk of the labor with Alan. We couldn’t have done this without him! The thing about this group is that nobody complains! Laurie is definitely our sugar high for the days. She is always entertaining us with her songs, stories, and her many boyfriends here =) (just kidding) Bonnie is a laid back and chill girl that everyone likes to hang out with. This morning, she shared her devotional with us (each morning, one person shares one). It was Luke 12 and she really put in perspective about how much we want things and update things that we don’t really need. Especially after seeing the needs here and meeting with the kids, following Jesus isn’t about going to the coolest church or having the slickest bible, tv, ipod i-whatevers, etc…. It’s about simply loving Jesus and following Him and wanting nothing more. It reminds me of a saying “ Live simply so others can simply live”. That’s what God wants and that’s how we need to live. Thanks Bonnie for reminding us again.
We’re almost done here in Merida, Mexico and while it was short, it was amazing. When we get back, we’re probably going to process everything that happened here and everything we were able to witness and experience. Again, thank you all and thank you God for showing us that you’re alive here in Merida, in Atlanta, and all over the world.
Hello everyone!
We are still alive and well =) We didn’t have a whole lot of time to sit down and write everything down so I apologize for that.
Where do we start? The orphanage! I think the last time I wrote, we were on our way to the orphanage. Wow. Each night we went to the orphanage, the kids would be shy in the beginning, but 10 minutes later we’ll have them chasing us, on our backs, and holding our hands. We went three nights (after painting the gym walls) to the orphanage and it was definitely our favorite part of the day. Each one of us connected with many kids and it really broke us when we had to say bye to them the last night (Wednesday).
That night, the pastor gathered everyone together, putting us in the middle and having the kids surround us by hugging and holding hands. We didn’t know what was going on, but we went along with it. One of the kids started praying for us; he would pray something and the kids would repeat after him. The thing that caught me was that he was praying for us. We came to bless them and pray for them, but here we were being prayed for by a precious boy who doesn’t have the things most children have. The pastor later told us that it was the first time for the kids to pray for other people who have come to help them. They were learning and witnessing how to pray and love others. Amazingly, we were able to be a part of it.
I think all of us felt the real meaning of God being in our midst when two or three are gathered in His name. We have our plans and our visions, but we really have to let God take control because he does things beyond our prayers and our plans. I believe that’s what he did that night. It was amazing.
So after three days of painting and visiting the kids, we were on to another project.
On Thursday, we had the hardest day of labor. We were laying down cement for a church that Shalom Church was helping out. You’ll see it in the pictures, but they have a tent-like structure set up, but there was only dirt for the floor. Odessa pointed out that we were helping to literally build the foundation of the church, so that was pretty cool. We shoveled gravel and sand into buckets, which were mixed in a cement mixer with water and the cement mix. Then, they were poured on the ground and smoothed out to make the floor smooth. It required a lot of strength and labor. The sun was especially HOT that day so we all got a lot of sun.
After coming back to the hotel, we rested, took showers, then went out to the souvenir shops and walked around the park near our hotel. People are so relaxed here in the afternoon (lunch is their biggest meal of the day), so it was great to stroll along the streets with both locals and tourists.
After a delicious dinner at Shalom, we went to see the women’s talent show in the gymnasium. They beautifully decorated the gym so the women of the church could show their talents. They were singers, magicians, dancers, storytellers, etc… There were many talented and entertaining people there and it was great to see all of them being so supportive and loving towards each other.
When it was time to go, we were waiting outside the church and two gentlemen approached us. They were musicians that were playing live jazz right across the street from the church and they invited us. We’ve been wanting all week to hear some live music or dancing so it was a great chance for us to go enjoy it. The keyboardist was actually the keyboardist for Shalom church and there was an American saxophone player from California. We stayed for two songs, and they were SO good. We were all mesmerized by the lively beats and intricate solos the whole time. Every single player of that jazz group was so talented and they synced so well together, as they spoke through their instruments.
Today is already the last full day before we leave to see all of you tomorrow. We’re going to the caves and the ruins so we’re excited about that.
I’ll have someone update you all on the Alan, Philippe, Johnny triangle (good stuff) =)
We all to go North Point church and Buckhead, but most of us didn’t know each other when we came together for this trip. I thank God that I was able to meet everybody and go on this journey with them. Alan, one of our leaders, is such a great encourager. Whoever it is, he could create an encouraging relationship with them (phillipe haha)
Odessa, our other leader, has the most infectious laugh ever. When she cracks up, I can’t help doing the same even though I don’t know half the time what she’s laughing about. They’re such great leaders also! Ryan is such a great and funny guy, and he probably did the bulk of the labor with Alan. We couldn’t have done this without him! The thing about this group is that nobody complains! Laurie is definitely our sugar high for the days. She is always entertaining us with her songs, stories, and her many boyfriends here =) (just kidding) Bonnie is a laid back and chill girl that everyone likes to hang out with. This morning, she shared her devotional with us (each morning, one person shares one). It was Luke 12 and she really put in perspective about how much we want things and update things that we don’t really need. Especially after seeing the needs here and meeting with the kids, following Jesus isn’t about going to the coolest church or having the slickest bible, tv, ipod i-whatevers, etc…. It’s about simply loving Jesus and following Him and wanting nothing more. It reminds me of a saying “ Live simply so others can simply live”. That’s what God wants and that’s how we need to live. Thanks Bonnie for reminding us again.
We’re almost done here in Merida, Mexico and while it was short, it was amazing. When we get back, we’re probably going to process everything that happened here and everything we were able to witness and experience. Again, thank you all and thank you God for showing us that you’re alive here in Merida, in Atlanta, and all over the world.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
First Blog in Merida
Hello everyone!
This is our first blog in Merida and we're so excited to finally have internet connection.
We're happy to have you all following us on our journey here in Merida! My name is Alison and I'll be writing the first blog, but a lot of us will take turns joting down our thoughts. So here we go!
(Saturday)
From Atlanta, we flew to Houston then to Merida. But when we were trying to get on the plane to go to Merida, there was something wrong with Laurie's ticket and she didn't have a seat on the plane because the airline overbooked. It got pretty intense for a little bit with Laurie in her "boarding jail" and not knowing if she was able to get on the plane. Thankfully, a couple decided to take the airline's offer and get off the plane so we all could go together. Thank God! She was almost whisked away by a friendly (but still dangerous situation) who offered to take her on the next flight. But of course, we wouldn't let that happen =)
Gabby and Israel met us at the airport in Merida and entertained us the whole way to our hotel.
As I was passing by the houses and streets at night, I was so excited to see these colorful scenes during the day. Hotel Del Gobernado is such a great place for us! It has a beautiful pool, which we try to enjoy in between our breaks, and the rooms are great and comfortable. Unfortunately, Odessa and Bonnie had a room with a broken air conditioner so it was uncomfortably hot for them that night. Oh! The weather is great here (around mid 70's) and not much humidity.
(Sunday)
We woke up and had breakfast at 8 (delicious eggs, salsa, cereal, etc...) and went to Shalom Church for our Sunday service. Although we didn't understand a lot of the message because it was in Spanish (duh), it was great to experience a different kind of service. Surprisingly, the praise songs were familiar (All because of Jesus, I am a friend of God, etc...) and we participated in Communion: We got in a line and took a piece of bread and a sip of wine "grape juice" and went back to our seats. It was awesome to be in a place of believers who didn't speak the same language or have the same culture but still God was being worshipped even in Merida.
After church, we had fellowship time with the church members and everyone was very nice and helpful by introducing themselves and seeing if we needed anything. Jenny(pronounced Yhenny), our fabulous cook, showed us around the city and we also went to the anthropology museum. It was cool to learn about the mayans and see their culture through the remains of skulls, bones, stones, and other neat discoveries.
When we came back to the hotel, a lot of us went to take a nap and some went to the pool to read/meditate.
Around 7pm, Gabby took us out to dinner. This amazing, open-aired, place had the greatest taco I've ever eaten! It was so simple but so good! So here it is: Tortilla (mine was flour) with meat on top, and you could spice it up with onion, cilantro, lime, guacomole, and salsa. so good =) Later, we came back and enjoyed the rest of our night by hanging out and practicing Spanish with Philipe (our bellman). Fortunately, Bonnie and Odessa also got new rooms with air condition.
(Monday)
Our first day of work!
The mission today was to paint the gym at Shalom Church. I'm going to let the pictures explain that to you, but it was a lot of fun and a lot of labor. We painted for a couple of hours and had snacks, then painted some more and had dinner. Carlos, Gabby, and some students were assisting us so it went by pretty quickly. We were surprised at how much we were able to do. But we had to get everything cleaned up before 3, because there was supposed to be basketball practice there at 4. Tomorrow we'll be continuing our painting project...
Now, we are back at the hotel and resting for a little bit. In an hour or so, we're going to the orphanage to meet and hang out with the children there. This is a major part of our trip here and we're so excited to meet with them, give them gifts, and just share our time with them. And have fun!
Well, my group and I want to thank everyone for supporting us through your finances and prayers that made this trip possible. And thank you so much for following us via our blog. Hopefully, we'll be able to update often and keep you guys tuned in what we're doing. Enjoy the pictures, We miss you all and we'll talk to you soon =)
God Bless!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Alison Kim
Hello, my name is Alison Kim and I'm a Hospitality major at Georgia State University. I recently started going to Buckhead church and was exposed to the opportunity to go on a mission trip. I thought it was a great time for me to see God is a totally different place working and living in the places I've never dreamed of finding him. Thank you for all your support and hopefully our short journey to Merida will be filled with purpose.
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