Mexico 2016 – Nicole Easton

 City lights seen in the darkness, the sound of roosters greeting a new day, a new day for God’s work to be done, these were the feelings, sounds and sights of México. Everyday in México was a new day: a day for new challenges, a day for new lessons, and a day for new prayers.

Day 1- we drove to the job site, full of energy and life, feeling ready for whatever comes our way while doing God’s work. When we arrived at the house the homeowner, Gerardo, was already outside ready to greet us. Day 1 was filled with hard work, sweat, big hearts, and some sunburns. With the concrete looking good after much frustration and God’s gift of a surprise visit and help from one of the Casas leaders, most of the walls and roof pieces built, we headed home to Rosa de Sharon.Day 2- Early morning arrival to the job site was greeted by freshly made pastries and smiles from the homeowner and his pastor. With God’s love, and some sugar, flowing through our bodies, we set to work. 


Day 2 was a long day, filled with lessons and prayers. God was at work on the hearts of all present, teaching lessons of patience and understanding. The roof went up, the walls went up, and despite the crazy wind the day’s work was left with chicken wire starting to go up as the sun began to set.

 
 

Day 3-

We had a long day ahead of us. God gave us a great gift- half of the other team came to help us half way through the day. What a great scene, so many people smiling and laughing, working on this house for this family, for God. Maybe the best part? Homemade burritos for lunch and a late afternoon snack. Day 3 saw 12 hours of work, a beautiful morning sunrise, a light night sky, and so much love. We dedicated the house, sang a song, and prayed. When the family got the house, they knew it was from God, a gift to them. They were so grateful for the group of gringos that God had sent to them. The end of day 3 saw smiles, faces plastered with sand, stucco covered clothes, and hearts full of love. Three days to build a house; only done because of the strength and love God provided for us on this trip.

México is a time for us to come and give to those in need, those that have to little yet still keep on smiling. Galatians 6:9-10 describes it perfectly “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the faith”. One of the best parts of this trip? The love the homeowner and his family had for Jesus. How strong his love was, and how thankful he was for us, for VGBC being sent to his family in Juarez, México. Everyday he would pray with us in the morning, thanking the Lord, praying for our safety and strength. This family was so grateful, and we were grateful to meet them and help them. We were thankful to do God’s work in Juarez, to spread his love to his people, the lives changed by his love. Amor por Juarez. The thing that sums it up best? The song Dios de Esta Ciudad, God of this city. In Spanish “Grandes cosas vienen ya, grandes cosas Dios hara en este pueblo” in English “For greater things are yet to come, and greater things are yet to be done in this city.”


Thank you for all your love, support and prayers,

Nicole Easton