Things I learned in Mexico

Things I learned in Mexico:

1. Missionaries like Juan and Alicia, George and Stacey are inspirations to me – their “sold-out-edness” to the will and mission of Jesus. I have a lot to learn!
2. Material riches do not = happiness. I know this is cliché but it is so reinforced each time I go out on foreign missions
3. It is a joy to serve and be part of a big vision. The vision of orphan babies in loving care made each Ikea drawer assembled and each trim piece painted a joy.
4. Jesus loves me. When I meet him face to face, there will be no need for hope and faith (faith = “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” – Hebrews 11:1) but love will persist (1 Cor 13:8-13). He loves me deeply and forever. My perception/understanding of that is partial and there is a deep longing for more.
5. I have a great extended family with which God has encircled me. The Hanschkes, Joslynn, my wife and kids are great! It was so great to get to know each of them better.
6. It’s a dirty desolate place – makes me wonder if a little irrigation / gardening / garbage cleanup would infuse more hope, self-respect and richness to their lives. I longed to get out of the dust and onto a patch of cool lush grass.
7. Safety is beyond my control. When all else is stripped away my fundamental dependency is on God and his sovereignty, love and grace. Even if I die (stray bullet? How often do I think of that reality in Langley?) I win.
8. It is hard to create a spiritual conversation. The best I can do is try to create space and opportunity and pray into it. I don't do this well.