PTSM MEXICO 2010

Phil Brown

2010-07-23T11:53:00.000-04:00

#1 Twirling the little girls in the dirty streets near the mission that we visited on Sunday. Such a joy and blessing it is to be able to make a child smile and laugh.

#2 Watching passionate and gifted Abram tell the bible stories near the mission as many kids sat on the curb and watched intently, including teenaged boys.

#3 Giving my testimony in Spanish to the staff in the kitchen on Friday night. What a thrill! Maybe this is one of the reasons God arranged to have me take Spanish in high school 30 years earlier. Thanks also to Hannah for helping me write it.

#4 Praying for the unknown man in the vendor stall at the market in Puebla with Shara. Brought to mind immediately the "Four Evers" - whatever, wherever, whomever, and whenever. He was full of fear and weeping. I prayed asking God to be with him and bring him peace in el nombre fuerte de Jesus Cristo.

Perspectives and processing now that we're home

2010-07-18T14:59:00.001-04:00

Before leaving for Mexico I was extremely nervous about the culture there and the people I would meet. I explained to one of my friends that I was afraid once we got there I would go into culture shock and immediately want to return home. However, as we arrived at the church a group of kids were already outside playing a game of soccer, some of our team joined in. Then for dinner that night we had quesadillas which was a nice familiar meal for all of us; I realized quickly that all that worrying was for nothing. I felt God showing and telling me that I had nothing to worry about, that he's watching over all of us and we were there for Him and the people around us, not ourselves.

The children in Mexico were fearless and full of joy as they ran up to the doorsteps of people in run down neighborhoods handing out invitations to VBS. This fearless attitude they had reminded me that God wants us all to be this trusting of him. I immediately thought of the verse Matthew 18:3 where Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." It's amazing how much you can learn from children. As the week continued I overcame my fears and learned to trust in God.
- Kelsey Berglund

As I scroll though the hundreds of pictures that were taken on our trip, I can’t help but think “why me?” Why am I so fortunate to live in a nice town, with quality schools and to feel safe when I walk out my front door every morning? Why were kids like Adolfo and Brian chosen to live in such poverty compared to us in Maine? This question has baffled me for years, but now, more than ever, I find myself contemplating its answer. Why do we live in such luxury yet are not nearly as joyous as the people in Mexico who live in much worse conditions than we line in? In reality, I will never know the complete answer to any of these questions…all I can do is to try to have the happiness that I saw in the people in Mexico. I wonder what my life would be like if I grew up in Puebla…I wonder what the lives of Adolfo, Brian and Abel would be like if they grew up in Falmouth…
~ Michael Gardner

“No sky contains and no doubt restrains the greatness of our God”… these lyrics mean something more to me now. Down in Mexico we clearly saw and acknowledged the works of God. His hand held off the rain each day. His love joined our hearts with those we met and His joy was shown through those who we viewed as "less fortunate". The greatness of God is undeniable. My prayer is that God would continue to give me eyes to see more of who He is and that I would consciously worship Him. Worship is simply loving God with our lives… why else would He have given us breath?

Dear God,
You have brought me to this place of brokenness where who I am desires to fade away in an attempt to be captured by You. Draw me close, make me more like You. With a love that reaches beyond, with selflessness to serve whomever, whenever, however. May You use this humbled heart that has seen Your faithfulness to increase my faith. And Lord, may what I desire be further Your Kingdom, not further my pride. One whose desire is to be Your good and faithful servant and love You with her life, Rachel Miller

Feeling and knowing are two completely different things. Right now, I can’t exactly feel Mexico. It was like some surreal dream; I left in the silence of one night and returned in the quiet of another. I don’t feel as if God used me to impact people. I don’t feel like God has shaped me or helped me grow. I’m not even sure if I feel God at all. It has become my new blundering, panic-filled frustration where I find myself wondering if I’m doing something wrong or am just flat out missing the point. In the end, what I am forced to remember is that God is constant. Regardless of my up and down feelings He never changes. Hebrews 13: 8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” With that in mind, I pray that I can patiently wait for the time when I will understand with my heart, as well as my head, that God has done great things as a result of the week I spent in Puebla, Mexico. - Hannah Brown

On this missions trip to Puebla the most heartbreaking experience for me was when we went down to the mission to play with the kids and hand out VBS invitations. While my group was walking door-to-door to slide VBS invitations into a crack or hand them to someone in the yard, Abraham was talking to us about the lives of the children we had been playing with. First he told us that most of the children we saw no longer attended school, because it was either hard to get there or their parents simply didn’t care. Next he went on to tell us that many of the children’s parents had left them and gone to the United States, the lucky ones had been left with relatives and a few had simply been left on their own. As I watched the three little children in our group who were running from door to door eager to hand out invitations I began to wonder what their daily lives looked like and where they went at night or what they called a home. Shortly after wondering this, I was giving one of the little girls a piggy back and talking to her in Spanish. After telling her about my family and how all of them were here except Josh who was in the United States, she told me that her parents were in the United States too. My heart broke as I saw the sadness in her eyes as she went on to tell me that they were working there, but she missed them very much. After asking her more questions I found out that she and her baby brother lived with their aunt, uncle and four cousins in what was probably only a couple rooms worth of space. Finally, when I asked her if she went to school she told me she did sometimes, but I’m not sure if she was just one of very few lucky ones or if she had just learned that the “gringo” visitors didn’t like hearing she didn’t go to school and so she was just telling me what I wanted to hear. This memory of mine, although like I earlier said was heartbreaking, was also one of the most eye-opening experiences as well. Except for the short couple of minutes I described above where I saw sadness and hurting, for the rest of the time we were there, I only saw beaming smiles and joyful expressions on all the children. Those children I met there undoubtedly had the least of any person I’ve met and yet these same children likely expressed the most joy I’ve ever seen, because they had learned to be content in any circumstance. Although she was only five, I learned a lot from the little girl I carried, as well as all the children around us and I don’t ever think I’ll be able to forget them and the joy they showed. - Shara Linscott

I’ve been back in Maine for just over 67 hours now. See? I’ve already started to revert to my pre-occupation with the clock! I’ve been overwhelmed with multiple project deadlines at work, preparing to go on a family camping trip this weekend, routine vehicle maintenance, and college shopping for Michael. It’s been hard to find time to process all that God was teaching me last week in Mexico. I miss Manuel, Ruth, Abraham, Rachel, Mario, Silvestre, Oscar, and Lazaro. I miss Librada and the rest of the kitchen staff. I miss the fresh tortillas with every meal. I miss making balloon animals (perro/perrito, espada, and sombrero). I miss all the ‘regular’ kids. I miss working with the team. God has shown me that he is at work throughout the world, and that I am a part of the body of Christ which has other parts in Puebla, Mexico. And I think God is challenging me to use all that he has given me for his work throughout the world. There is joy in serving and there is joy in having just what you need. - Bob Gardner

Since I've been back from Mexico I have been making many comparisons between the life I live here, and the life I lived there. Monday morning, when I woke up, the first thing I did was turn on my cell phone. Next, I got on my laptop and checked Facebook. After this, I played Wii and then lounged around watching TV. It was not until that evening that I realized that my different forms of entertainment throughout the day were pure luxuries that the people of Puebla would most likely never be able to experience. I felt guilty, and I missed our team and the people we got to know so well from Dios es Amour. I don't find it fair that God blessed me with all these luxuries, while the people of Mexico can't even drink their tap water. I don't think I will ever understand why or how God makes these difficult decisions, but I will be forever greatful to God for what He has given me. The people we encountered are able to do this naturally in everything they do, which makes me wonder why I find it so difficult? I thank God for such an amazing week, and for the group of people who shared the experience with me. - Rebecca Howell

I've taken groups on a lot of mission trips over the past 25 years. Each has been unique but each has had unifying elements. My favorite part of mission trips, on the whole, is the worship and processing times. This was the first trip I've taken where we had little time for team times and sharing. There was just so much work to do that most of our team times got squeezed out. Even our final night was taken up by administrative stuff. Normally we spend a lot of time sharing, praying, singing and connecting. Laughs and tears flow freely. But this trip had us jockeying for showers and falling into bed to begin it all again the next day. Our devotoional times came individually whenever team members had a moment or two of downtime. I'm a pastor. I spend my life teaching and helping people discover strength in the Bible, but this trip had me mostly quiet. Instead of group times, I found myself working to help students connect with God's lessons while they worked on a roof, rode in a van or walked Aztec ruins. It was different but good. It was natural and seamless. We talked about the things of God as we lived life. I learned through it. Instead of being a mouthpiece, I had to weave faith into daily living. We didn't "go to church" much. Instead we were the church. Instead of me teaching, I had to rely on the Holy Spirit to communicate the Truth. I think the Lord gave me some wisdom for following Him completely. - Scott Linscott

I'd like to talk about how God worked through our mission trip. First off, he always held the rain when we needed to get work done. Secondly, he answered many of our prayers to allow team members to get better when so many of them were dropping like flies. Thirdly, God gave us a significant amount of oppurtunities to reach out to the people of Puebla. All these blessings seemed to happen regularly through the mission trip, which makes me think how hard it would have been to have done it all by ourselves. This trip has given me more wisdom and insight into putting our dependencies on God. - David Criscione II

The biggest difference I noticed between Mexico and home was the joy and happiness of the people. The people were amazingly welcoming to us, the people at the church and people everywhere we went. The children were so much fun to play with, they had the biggest smiles I had ever seen. Often times in the United States we are unhappy. But, when we stop and think, the issues that bring us unhappiness are nothing compared to the issues of people in other countries. We have so many things, those many things can bring us unhappiness. The people of Mexico do not have a lot, many of them live in complete poverty. Yet, they still have a positive attitude and will spend the time and energy to greet you with a big smile of God's love. I hope that God will give me the ability to continue this happiness and love the people of Mexico showed me and bring it back to Maine - Annie Criscione

I continue to reflect on Mexico on so many levels.
- The people were just wonderful. So friendly and hospitable. With so little "stuff" (cars, houses, electronics, entertainment, etc.), they really do seem to enjoy life and each other more than those of us who have so much more from a stuff perspective.
- We saw so much physical need in Mexico, that at times I wondered whether we could even make an impact. I guess the point it that we were able to focus on one small corner of need and hopefully lighten the load and provide encouragement for some fellow Christians at Dios Es Amor.
- From a family perspective, it was fabulous for all 4 of us make this trip. I imagine this is something we will reflect upon for many years to come.
- While we saw a fair amount of poverty in Mexico, we never felt unsafe.
Most folks just want to lead peaceful and ordinary lives. It is unfortunate that a small group on criminals and drug dealers can cause so much havoc and bad PR for a country. We should also remember that illegal drug use in the U.S. also gives a reason for these drug lords to exist.
- Personally, I am trying not to sweat the small stuff and be more patient but that has always been a struggle for me.
- From a spiritual perspective, I continue to reflect on the power of "faith in action", and how action that glorifies the Lord and trusting the Lord are linked. - David E. Criscione

When I think back to our mission trip to Mexico, I will remember the warm, friendly, hard-working, joyful people we met. I'll especially remember 3 women I befriended, Librada, Wendy and Carmen. In spite of the language difference we were able to communicate through broken English, broken Spanish, warm smiles and hugs.

I will also remember a devotional we all studied one day. Using the story of Joseph from the Bible, we were encouraged to be available to serve God as He calls us. The four ways we were encouraged to serve were whatever, whomever, whenever and wherever. Quoting from the study..."These four "evers" are played out in our lives every day; we just don't always look for them." I was humbled by this study realizing that my service to God is usually governed by when I'm available. With this in mind, I realized that I can serve God by serving others daily as I go about my l life. On the mission trip, I was able to serve other leaders, our student group, our hosts and people of the community. I was able to serve others through simple tasks such as helping to carry groceries or taking some else's turn at dishwashing when they weren't feeling well or were needed for another task. The bottom line is that I'm called to be available to God all the time -- I just need to have my heart attuned with His and willing hands and feet to serve -- whatever, whomever, whenever and wherever. - Joan Drake

I heard of people saying how dangerous Mexico was. Our team didn't experience any danger whatsoever. The only wounds sustained while we were there were to Gnome when he broke his legs. We stayed with very kind people and God kept us safe. I also want to mention how the kids have no language barrier. They can play with you even thought they speak a totally different language! It was cool. Thank you to all who prayed for us and our safety. - Collin Bowie

Monday morning reflections

2010-07-12T12:38:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure what I am feeling this morning, our first day back from Puebla. I'll try to put it into words the best I can.

First, I feel a sense of loss. It is odd after having shared only 7 days with our new friends in Mexico, that I feel as though I have left family behind. It's probably the reality that I will never see them again that makes my heart ache. I hope it's not true. I know I will see them in heaven but I'd rather not wait that long. How can you develop such deep bonds with people in such a short time? What a mystery is the bond of Christian love!

Second, it wasn't long after arriving in the USA when I missed the warmth and kindness of the Mexican people. Going through Customs in Atlanta, I could hear some arguments and complaining and see people rolling their eyes with impatience. I hadn't seen any of that in more than a week. The iPods were back out, earbuds in (mine included) and TV screens were back in the forefront. Ugh. I didn't miss any of that.

Third, I miss my team. I wonder how David feels this morning. Did Michael go to Dunkin Donuts yet? Did Rachel sleep well. I miss the cry of the "Wait-Why" bird and Roberto waking up the boys. How is Rebecca? Did my prayer-partner Dan have a good night? Where is everyone???

Lastly, even though suitcases litter the floor and the laundry is in a pile, my home makes me feel a little bit odd. God has blessed us with so much. I know Robin and I have come home stretched. I know the Lord has challenged us to give sacrifically and die to self. Manuel and Ruth, Abraham and Rachel have left an indellible imprint on us. Their example has motivated us to move forward in faith and do whatever He calls us to.

What a blessing.
Scott

Home at last

2010-07-12T02:37:00.000-04:00

It's 2:30 am and I'm here in what now seems to be a mansion. We have so very much. It's an amazing contrast.

It's good to be home but I will miss Librada's cooking in the morning.

Scott

We've landed in Boston!

2010-07-11T20:24:00.001-04:00

We are a hungry bunch since we haven't eaten anything substantial since this morning.
No sickies on the flights! That's a relief.

We've landed in Atlanta

2010-07-11T15:55:00.000-04:00

Back in the USA!

Scott Linscott
Sent from my iPhone - please forgive typos and cryptic writing
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We're on board!

2010-07-11T12:33:00.000-04:00

An hour until we board

2010-07-11T10:53:00.000-04:00

Gnome is bringing gifts!

2010-07-11T09:15:00.002-04:00

Gnome is bringing gifts for the kids who did his challenges and searched for him. Yay Kailyn and Epi, Elizabeth and Luke and Anna and Drew! We're very proud of you!

One more challenge ... Pray that we will travel safe and have smooth flights. Pray that we get home on time and no one feels sick. Thanks! Your prayers are VERY important because good loves you and He listens to you.

Good job everyone! You rock!

How did Gnome (Know Me) get his name?

John 10:14
Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and they KNOW ME."

We all want you to grow up knowing Jesus and trying to be loving like Him.

On our way

2010-07-11T07:18:00.000-04:00

Soon everyone will be up

2010-07-11T05:47:00.000-04:00

In 15 minutes everyone will rise and shine for a long travel day. Pray all goes well and we clear customs in Atlanta quickly. We have only an hour and forty minutes to make our connection.

We are due in Boston at 9:40.

Please have the church remember to pray for us too.

El Baleos

2010-07-10T19:06:00.000-04:00

Ordering

2010-07-10T18:51:00.000-04:00

Now to the restaurant

2010-07-10T18:45:00.001-04:00

All the group except David Tuawala is now headed to dinner. The bug hit David and he was taken back to the church and started antibiotics. Pray that he will be well tomorrow for travel.

We enjoyed a great day at the market!

Market

2010-07-10T15:51:00.000-04:00

Lunch!

2010-07-10T14:36:00.000-04:00

3 pyramids built on top of each other

2010-07-10T13:35:00.000-04:00

Cholula tour

2010-07-10T12:55:00.000-04:00

Great Pyramid Cholula

2010-07-10T11:55:00.000-04:00

Crazy group! All are hiking it except 5 of us.

We are ALL tourists!

2010-07-10T09:54:00.001-04:00

We're all up and everyone is going sightseeing! PTL!

A great finish!

2010-07-09T22:38:00.001-04:00

What a great day! Guess what. The rain stopped when we started work and started again about 30 minutes after we finished. Weird, huh? ;-)

We spent the night giving gifts and sharing with our new friends. Great laughs and lots of smiles.

Tomorrow we head out sightseeing. I will stay back with any who are sick but we're praying all will be well.

Gnome is not very happy

2010-07-09T15:08:00.000-04:00

Gnome does not like the stomach bug that is wreaking havoc with our team! He has a touch of it too!

Plus he's very upset that no one took Gnome's challenge to tell us what Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches them. So, he's gone into hiding a bit more than normal.

How many times can you spot him in the pictures below?

The final day!

2010-07-09T12:09:00.000-04:00

What we have learned- Part Tres

2010-07-09T12:01:00.002-04:00

God doing in me; stretching; growing; challenging

Always heard that people who have less materially,but enough, are likely to have joy and be more open to the ideas of a savior. This week God is showing me this in the flesh.

Phil Brown-leader

On this trip, God has shown me that life isn't about appearances of material things. It's about relationships and love. I've witnessed this new way of life many times here in Mexico but one lady stood out the most to me. At the fair last night, I was working at the nail painting stand. A woman sat down and when I asked her what color she wanted, she replied with, "I want a different color for every finger." This surprised me; I had to clarify with her a couple of times because I didn't really believe it. She didn't care about looking good or mature because she was a grown woman. She had pink, green, white, purple, red, orange, and sparkly fingers as she left the stand with a huge smile. We shouldn't waste our time worrying about what we look like or what others think, but instead we should enjoy the life we're given and spend it by praising God for giving us life on earth and in heaven.

Nicole Mason- 11th grade

We were only in Mexico City for a short time as we drove from the airport to Puebla (2 hours away), but glimpses of the city through our bus window made an impression on me. 21 million people in one sprawling city, concrete block houses as far as the eye can see, many unfinished or partially finished, lots of cars both on the road and broken down/ junked on the side, graffiti on the sides of shops and buildings, open air shops and eateries selling food and other goods. Many of the 21 million people move about the city in buses and vans. Most of these buses and vans look like they are privately owned- they are in various states of disrepair. Some interpreting folks must have seen a need for transportation and filled it. I wonder if that is what God asks of us? To see a need and fill it? While in Puebla, (Puebla is a mini Mexico City in many ways with poverty and physical need apparent), we have seen many needs as well. We can't do something about all of them, but we can do something about some of them. Even the church of Dios Es Amour supports other missionaries in Mexico, Cuba, and Asia! So even the needy find a way to support other in need. This reminds me of the widow that gave just a few copper pennies.

David Criscione Sr.- leader

I realized, down in Mexico, that the work that we do on Mission Trips is not just about the number of walls we build, the time it takes to build them, or even playing soccer with the locals. It's so much more than that. Someone on the trip said that the walls that we build may not last for many years but the seeds of Christ that are planted in the children and teenagers and adults have the chance to impact generations to come! After hearing those words my attitude of work changed. I became more interested in working with the people rather than on the walls.

God gave me the chance to give them Jesus and looking back I think I did just that. The love that the families and children poured onto me only fueled the need to share God!

We can give them walls but God can give them life.

David Tauwala, Grade 12

What we have learned - PART DOS

2010-07-09T09:41:00.000-04:00

I am a self-centered, self-absorbed, materialistic man who has not lived simply. I awoke this morning at 5:30 with images of the children at last night's fair fresh in my mind. I immediately began to pray and weep. "Lord forgive me for being so selfish. How do you even tolerate me? Forgive me for my whining and all I take for granted. I want to be like Jesus. Mold me. I give it ALL to you." The Lord has taught me much about love. Micah 6:8
- Scott

It is generally hard for anyone to answer this question, myself included, but I will try my best. I have been here for five days so far, and half the time I've been sick. Even with only two and a hlaf days of experience, I have seen that people who have significantly less than us seem to have much more joy than us. I have thought about this and this is what I have determined: it is their culture; when you have nothing, any bit of kindness or happiness or fun increases tenfold. I believe that all of us should be as enthusiastic as the least of us.
-David Criscione Jr., 9th grade

This trip has made me realize that I needed to find more joy in my life. I also need to learn to love others completely . I also need to learn how to work 12 hours and not be tired.
- Jake Linscott

The word of the week is "willing." God has taught me that my goal should not be to impact the prople and places of Puebla, Mexico. Instead, my sole focus should be to bring Him glory. Only then will I make any difference in the hearts and lives here. So I am called to do. Willing to stand on a roof for hours to lay brick after brick; willing to eat whatever type of chicken, rice and beans is placed before me; willing to walk though some of the poorest neighborhoods lead by children; willing to paint hundreds of small brown cheeks with a cara feliz or arco iris. We have shifted from one thing to the next without much pause in between, but in the middle of the chaos there is an overflowing joy.
-Hannah Brown, grade 11

This week God has truley revealed to me the meaning of the phrase "money can't buy happiness". The people of Puebla, Mexico are certainly less fortunate than us when it comes to material objects. But, they are also certainly much happier than the average US citizen. They find joy in doing simple, tedious taks such as cooking and cleaning. You can see God plain nd obvious in the actions of these people. This week, I have made it a goal for myself to bring back home this same mentality. It is amazing hoe God can take a group of people to do His will in another country and culture, and then make it a learning experience for the group. I hope I can leave atleast half the impression on them as they have on me.
-Rebecca Howell, grade 12

Our time in Mexico is comming to an end. I have learned something this week and it's that God's love is everywhere. we came all f the way down to Mexico and we meet people who love and worship the same God as we do. It's amazing. I also learned about life in general. That is that everything points to God. Everything started with God and everything will end with God. After seeing the church grounds and all of the kids I have noticed how happy everybody is down here and that have so little! I pray that us New Englanders can share that happiness at home.
-Collin Bowie, grade 10

At the beginning of this week I found myself getting very frustrated with the language barrier. I watched Shara and Rachel as they were able to communicate with people. I wanted so badly to laugh and play with the kids but I didn't know how to get there. I asked that God would present me with opportunities to reach out to the kids. The next day I was having balloon sword fights with them and teaching Jesse how to play "Heart and Soul" on the piano. God has shown me this week that you don't need to speak the same language as someone to build a relationship with them. There is a universal language which we all know. We are all God's children and a family no matter where we are from.
-Kelsey Berglund, grade 12

It is different to put into a short paragraph what I feel God has been teaching me. First and foremost I've learned that I have a lot to be thankful and happy about, so be happy. The joy of the people here is striking. Secondly, I'm feeling God reminding me that people are so much more important than things or lists and tasks. Checking something off my list is much less significant than sharing a smile with someone. Finally, God is teaching me to be available. Spend time with him. Look to allow his fruit to spring up in me at anytime, not just on my schedule. God is good all the time and He wants me to be close to Him all the time.
-Bob Gardner, leader

God started to prepare me for this missions trip earlier this year. He has been teaching me and stretching me ( I think I'm at least an inch taller ) in the area of trust. I have always thought I have trusted God, but it was in the areas that either I had no control or opinion or in the basics, like I trust He will provide. But his year He has been teaching me to trust Him in the areas I like to control like when I choose to serve Him and the circumstances under which I'd serve Him. I wish I could explain how difficult yet how exhilirating it has been to totally let go. I guess I'd compare it to bungee jumping, getting up the nerveto stand on that edge and jump becuase God will not push you, you have to make yourself jump. Then that feeling of truly letting go of EVERYTHING and trusting is exhilerating. I still try to take back control of things, but God has been faithful to remind me of my desire to trust Him in everything, the big and the same. Since I have started to trust Him with everything I have begun to feel a weight off my shoulders and a freedom to be able to do or accomplish anything when I "lean into God". He has been faithful and I am beginning to see small changes in my relationship with God and others. I has not been easy and it never will. It is a daily surrender to our Lord, but if I can't trust the creator of the universe, the lover of my soul... than whom can I trust?
-Robin Linscott, leader

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Not too hard to spot Gnome

2010-07-09T09:21:00.000-04:00

Dish washing

2010-07-09T08:45:00.000-04:00

So good to Skype with family last night

2010-07-09T06:56:00.000-04:00

We were so glad to connect with so many last night. As you could tell, we have been impacted on this trip.

When your kids arrive home they might seem quiet or have a difficult time putting their thoughts into words. It might take awhile. Just be patient and pray while they process. It will start coming out gradually.

With everyone waking in the next 30 minutes, I'm praying that today will be a day to finish strong. I will send an update on Robin and Rebecca when I see them. (Twitter)

Scott Linscott
Sent from my iPhone - please forgive typos and cryptic writing
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New walkway

2010-07-08T22:19:00.000-04:00

Thought

2010-07-08T21:10:00.000-04:00

"Christians don't tell lies, they sing them."

From Pete's devotional tonight. Wow. That made me think.

Worshipping together

2010-07-08T20:49:00.000-04:00

Gnome's Challenge!

2010-07-08T19:33:00.000-04:00

What we've been learning - PART UNO

2010-07-08T16:19:00.000-04:00

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:11
The people I've met in Mexico have complete joy. They know that God is the only one who can give them that. Their outsides radiate because of their beautiful heart they have inside. I want to be like them. I want to have God's joy. -Kristan Bowie, 2010 Grad

There is so much we can learn from the people of Mexico. The happiness and love in their culture is truly amazing. In the U.S., we often associate happiness and satisfaction with the things we have; such as where we live, our job, our school, the clothes we wear, the cars we drive, or the sports we play. In Mexico many of the people have next to nothing. However, they are some of the happiest people I have ever seen. Their joy comes from their relationships with others. They are very welcoming, they enjoy simple aspects of life to its fullest. On this trip God has taught me the importance of our bonds with other people. There can be so many distractions and obstacles in our path. However, in the end, the relationships we have with each other are what matter and cannot be taken from us. Jesus taught the most important thing is to love one another, the people of Mexico have definitely shown this love. -Annie Criscione, Grade 11

On Monday, our team went to a local park to play soccer and hand out invitations to the fair. A small group of us went with two women from the church to give out pieces of watermelon, candy, and flyers at the playground. Soon after we arrived, one of the women was talking to a girl a few years younger than me. She was telling her about the church and then pointed at me. She said, "Ella es mi hermana." "She is my sister." Although we have many differences-cultures, languages, backgrounds-we have a common faith. The entire church has welcomed us as a family and is so excited and dedicated to giving everyone the opportunity to become a part of it through faith in Jesus Christ. Laura Mason, 2010 Grad
God has taught me to rely on Him and His people and not only on my own strength. There have been times this week when I don't think I can stay awake or keep going any longer but then someone comes along and makes me laugh or does something to help me. It is like God is telling me that He is in control and has made our team to help each other in this. He is showing me more each day "how good it is to live in harmony with our brothers."
-Bryan Simpson, College

Over the past week of working, I've been assigned a wide variety of jobs. Sometimes I've been swinging a sledge hammer to knock down some of the remaining rock. Other times you'll find me on top of a ladder, waterproofing the church building. In other words, sometimes I lie in my bed at night with aching muscles and a sore back, and other times I lie in my bed with an empty feeling inside of me like I didn't accomplish anything significant all day. I guess what I'm trying to say is that God has been showing me that any job, regardless of how important the job is in my eyes, is important in His eyes and the eyes of the people we're serving. Whether it be laying bricks or pouring rocks over the edge of the roof, all are equally important in the eyes of God.
-Michael Gardner, 2010 Grad

Romans 12:1 "Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.

Janelle is a living sacrifice. This woman has given up everything so that all that she is, is a spiritual act of worship. She lives in a small house that is attached to the church. Janelle fills in wherever she is needed with selfless and genuine love that reflects the heart of God. Yesterday she was cleaning our table, so I got up and offered to clean it. Her response greatly challenged me. She said, "WE ARE ALL HERE TO SERVE." Janelle's life is this church and serving the people in the community. If this is the life she has chosen, is dedicated to and lives with such an immeasurable amount of joy...how much more can I give as my spirtual act of worship? I desire that I would be a living sacrifice holy and pleasing to God. Lord hear my heart, may each breath I take bring you the glory and honor you deserve. Without complaint, or an excuse, Lord may my everything be yours.
-Rachel Miller, 2010 Grad

Sharing God's love is not something to be grasped but is something to be achieved. What God has taught me this week is that sharing love is not as hard as we have come to believe. If I can share the love of God with kids who don't even speak our language then why is itso difficult to show love to someone back home. I guess that we are worried at what the response will be but in the end fear should not be the same kind of motivator that love is.
-Sam Larabee, 2010 Grad
I am learning through this missions trip that less is more. The people we have met and served live off of so little and are so happy. It reminds me of something I learned in a psychology course. Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theory that basically says that you cannot have complex emotional thoughts unless you have food, water, and shelter safe and readily supplied. This is not what I am seeing. People who live in half built homes are enjoying our fair which we probably wouldn't enjoy. God is teaching us a lot while he works through us. This is a great opportunity and I am proud of the work I am doing. The work we are doing is important but the people's lives we aim to change are far more important. -Jake Groom, College

Wordless Bracelettes: Sharing the Gospel with the people of Puebla
Black, red, white, yellow and green; I never thought God could teach me so much through 5 simple colored beads on a string, but during the fair last night He did. While explaining the meaning of the bracelette at least a hundred times, in Spanish, I learned that God doesn't need big, complex, detailed or perfect explanations to tell people who He is and what He did. In fact, my words don't really matter, but instead what matters is if God is the driving force behind me. Whether sharing the gospel in Spanish or serving God in daily life, if he is my force behind me great things can be accomplished.

In addition I also learned from the people of Puebla as they came to my booth. God used the people to remind me what it looks like to hunger for Him. Seeing so many large, innocent, wondering eyes staring intently up at me, giving me complete unfading attention while I shared about God's love, made me wonder how often I had that same hunger for God, and how I could change my heart and mindset to be more like that of these children.
Lastly, as I saw humerous kids return to our booth to use a free space, I realized they were giving up the chance to play a game with prizes to instead hear the gospel again so they could soak it in and later be able to share it with their family and friends. As each child returned, I saw a heart that God had filled with evangelical fire, these children truly desired to share the good news with everyone they knew.

All of these lessons make me wonder, how often do I let myself get caught up in the things in this world and convince myself God and His work is like a simple bracelette and not the amazing and incredible being and work it truly is? When I first looked at the bracelettes, on first glance I thought they said "worthless" (rather than "wordless") and how I'm wondering how many times I look too quickly at one of God's wordless acts and perceive it as worthless acts and simple. What would it be like if instead I let God be the force that was behind everything I do, if intent on God, and if I had a heart filled with evangelical fire for God. How many 'simple worthless bracelettes' would turn into an amazing act of God or a life-changing event? I challenge you to ask yourself the same. -Shara Linscott, College

God has blessed us richly by sending us here. Every person we meet is smiling and anxious to communicate with us as much as we are with them. The masons who are working with us are so patient, smiling, cocking their heads a little as they watch some of the things we are doing, and then quietly correcting our mistakes and showing us a better way. It is a blessing to watch how God is working on this team, getting a lot of work done on a skill that no one has done before but more importantly how eager everyone is to interact with the people here after a hard day of work. God has taught me to be patient in the last few days in issues I usually would not be patient with. -Dan Larrabee, leader

What has God impressed upon me?

2010-07-08T15:50:00.000-04:00

Since arriving in Mexico, I have been overwhelmed by the love, joy and hospitality of the Christians here. From the owner of the charter bus who met us at the airport, to Lazaros, our lead mason, we have seen God's love. Our "Bienvenidos" (welcome) time during Sunday's service was amazing. I truly believe it was the goal of each church member to greet each of us personally with a warm smile, a kind greeting and a kiss. Christians here also have a strong desire to share their faith. Their evangelism tools are simple: a cooler full of watermelon, a soccer ball, and, most importantly, a willing heart. We greeted folks in the local park and handed out invitations to last night's fair. The results were amazing. One girl I met at the park, Jacqueline, was eager to speak with me when she learned I was from Los Estados Unidos. I was able to speak with her about our different cultures in a mixture of Spanish and English and to give her an invitation to the fair. Lo and behold, she was here at the fair. My hope is that she'll return to this wonderful church and find God here.

We've just finished lunch and it's almost time to go back to work, so I'll end with some impressions I"ll take home with me....loving people, brothers and sisters in God's family, open hearts, amazing hospitality, joyful children, love for God and willing hearts to lead others to Him. ~~ Joan

Everyone is up and at 'em today!

2010-07-08T14:26:00.000-04:00

Our tummies are settling and the team is working well. We have some new projects because of all the rain. We are now going to pour a cement sidewalk and put in a drainage ditch in addition to walls. Kelsey, Rebecca and Robin are cutting out maps for the children who will be coming to VBS in a couple weeks.

We are very excited to try Skyping with our families tonight!

Laura and a new friend at the fair.

Below is one of our deaf friends. She is legally blind and needs eye surgery. She is so sweet and laughs so much. The deaf school ministry here is such a labor of love. We wish we knew more sign language..

Lots of rain overnight

2010-07-08T08:18:00.000-04:00

Good morning!

2010-07-08T07:14:00.000-04:00

All are asleep and starting to stir. As I lie here I can hear Chicito (beagle puppy) crying, rain falling, dogs barking and rain falling.

David JR was up and around last night smiling and wrestling with Ethan! But Joan headed for bed feeling sick.

I now hear a delivery truck of some type driving through the neighborhood playing music to signal people to come out and get their propane or whatever. It's a different take on our ice cream truck!

Pray for the rain to stop,

Scott Linscott
Sent from my iPhone - please forgive typos and cryptic writing
<><

Beautiful weather for fair!

2010-07-07T17:28:00.000-04:00

Preparing for the fair

2010-07-07T15:41:00.000-04:00

Tall walls

2010-07-07T13:40:00.000-04:00

The bathroom is about ready to put into use. Pray that seals hold when we turn the water on.

The pros have booted us off wall work because they are so high now. We'll start new ones tomorrow.

Now we will eat lunch and prepare for the fair. Pray that the rain holds off.

Sealing walls

2010-07-07T09:30:00.000-04:00

We've begun another day. Cool and overcast. Heavy rain last night.

Prayer need - several of us have some intestinal issues. David C. JR. still out of commission with illness.

More photos in the gallery

2010-07-06T19:35:00.001-04:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ptsmmexico/

Our internet connection continues to be spotty but there should now be new photos on our photo gallery page at the link above. I think we got Monday's pictures to load.

Keep praying for David C. Jr. He still is not feeling well.

Wow! Walls are going up!

2010-07-06T18:22:00.000-04:00

Big walls

2010-07-06T13:17:00.000-04:00

Time to break for lunch. The walls are looking good. Kristan and David sealed walls on the first floor. Bob, Phil, Groomer, Hannah and Rebecca making great progress on the new bathroom.

Poor Gnome (know-me)

2010-07-06T13:12:00.000-04:00

Gnome suffered a tragic accident and broke off his legs. Dr. Sam fixed him up with mortar.

GNOME'S CHALLENGE!

2010-07-06T12:53:00.000-04:00

Hey kids! Can you find Gnome (Know-me) in each of the pictures below? After you do the challenge is to pray for each person on the team before tomorrow at dinner time. When you complete the challenge, just leave a comment to let us know you completed Gnome's challenge.

We love reading your posts and hearing from home!

2010-07-06T10:21:00.000-04:00

Yankee haters even here in Mexico?

Our leaders.

Thanks so much for all the comments and encouragement. We share the blog posts at breakfast and supper each day. It is awesome knowing so many are praying for and thinking of us.

A video finally uploaded overnight!

2010-07-06T09:59:00.000-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZaTFY_-qGQ

This is Rachel sharing her faith Sunday morning in the service.

A true Mason

2010-07-05T16:58:00.000-04:00

Walls going up!

2010-07-05T16:57:00.000-04:00

Progress!

2010-07-05T16:54:00.000-04:00

Thoughts and Prayer Needs

2010-07-05T16:50:00.001-04:00

Just a few words to describe how we are feeling from today:

Scott - Impressed
Prayer need: Back muscles
Ethan - Ready
Kelsey - Determined
Prayer need: Energy to keep working
Kristan - Inspired
Prayer need: To keep up enthusiasm
Pete - Blessed
Prayer need: To stop coughing, be able to sleep
Rachel - Like I am under construction
Prayer need: Willingness to be renovated
David Jr. - Satisfaction
Annie - Rewarding
Shara - Grateful
Nicole - Useful
David C. - Arms throbbing
Prayer need: Muscle recovery for the concrete demo crew
Jake L. - Content
Bryan - Beginning
Prayer need: That all of us can stay healthy and uninjured
David T. - Awed
Prayer need: To not get too exhausted, to pace myself
Sam - Excited
Collin - Trusting
Prayer need: That I will trust God and he will meet me when I am doing something outside of my comfort zone
Michael - Honored
Robin - Efficient
Prayer need: That things continue to go well. Keep up the good work Vern and Barb.
Joan - Befriended
Prayer need: Safety, especially on the work site
Bob - Humbled
Prayer need: That God enables me to translate what I learn about myself here into action back home
Hannah - Content
Rebecca - Motivated
Prayer need: Relief of back pain
Jake G. - Occupado
Phil - Well-used
Prayer need: For good health
Dali - At peace and at home
Dan - Motivated to do God's work
Prayer need: For the safety of all of the workers
Laura - Stretched
Prayer need: Boldness and willingness to be used by God

Prayer need for the team: We need more tools. Pray that we can find a way to get more.

A Photo Gallery

2010-07-05T11:52:00.000-04:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ptsmmexico

I have uploaded 70 pictures to a Flickr Gallery. Just click the link above.

A brief report - Monday

2010-07-05T11:40:00.000-04:00

We have had very little free time to this point so blogging has been a challenge. I stayed up for about an hour after everyone last night to get a few pictures up but then sleep overtook me.

The Sunday morning gathering was quite an experience! Shara and Rachel shared their testimonies en Espanol and then the team sang a total of five times. I am sure you can look forward to hearing more when team members get a chance to write down some reflections.

While I am blogging, one team is working on demolition, another on installing a bathroom, another on building walls for the new classroom and a few are going to be working with children in the deaf school. The Internet connection is much slower than at home but I am hoping to get video and more pictures up soon.

Epi is leading the challenge in finding GNOME. But there is still an unfound one in one of our older posts. Can you find him? Look for a picture of a room packed with children.

Our team time was sweet last night. There were a number of tears and, I must admit, I am again the biggest cry baby!

We were all overwhelmed by the poverty but the joy that radiates in the people makes us feel like they have more than we do. David C. Jr. summed it up by saying they just seem so much happier than we are in our lives.

Stray dogs roam the streets everywhere you look. You can see their ribs because they are so hungry.

The children play everywhere they can. You will see pictures of them playing in dirt piles and in a rusty street vendor cart. How I wish we could build a playground! But we found out that they do not attend school and most cannot read. The missionaries we are working with are educating as many as they can but there is so much to do.

It is so great to be serving. Please pray for our strength and health as team members swing sledgehammers, carry 100 pound bags of cement and work with mortar.

- Scott

Ready!

2010-07-05T09:13:00.000-04:00

some pictures - everyone now asleep

2010-07-04T23:23:00.000-04:00

Playing at the park

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Up on the roof

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We will be turning this space into classrooms this week.

2010-07-03T18:22:00.000-04:00

Our bus

2010-07-03T15:40:00.000-04:00

Ready for the bus

2010-07-03T14:43:00.000-04:00

Gnome felt I'll

2010-07-03T13:15:00.000-04:00

Landed safely!

2010-07-03T13:05:00.000-04:00

We're in Mexico City 30 min early! Now for the 2 hour bus ride.

Scott Linscott
Sent from my iPhone - please forgive typos and cryptic writing
<><

We've got a great team!

2010-07-03T11:50:00.000-04:00

I wonder what the Lord has in store for us. Whatever it is I know that He'll take us through it and grow us.

I have really enjoyed the first few days of our journal. On day one it highlighted major building renovation and how crews come to put up scaffolding. All the scaffolding hides the building and no one can see the work going on underneath. Finally, when the scaffolding comes down everyone can see a difference.

I have that feeling in my own life. Scaffolding here. Canvas covers there. Underneath the Lord has been renovating, power washing and even chiseling. Sometimes it has been pretty painful but I know He has been preparing me for something. Just when I get tired of the scaffolding He reminds me that there's more work to do yet.

I bet a bunch of us on this trip are in the scaffolding stage. I wonder if we'll see some of it come down this week. With others, I am sure that they will invite the Lord to start the remodeling process for the first time.

We are so blessed by your encouraging words. Knowing you are praying for us is a HUGE help.

And, can you believe I'm about 33,000 feet in the air over Montgomery Alabama writing this post with wifi access? That's an answer to prayer! I've got a contextual analysis paper on Romans 12 due tomorrow and this is allowing me to get a lot done since my seminary's server was down Thursday and Friday.

Hugs from all of us!
Scott

Boarded at JFK. Bigger plane!

2010-07-03T09:29:00.000-04:00

Kelsey sleepy

2010-07-03T09:05:00.000-04:00

Touchdown at JFK!

2010-07-03T07:10:00.000-04:00

On board

2010-07-03T06:01:00.000-04:00

We're off! 2:15

2010-07-03T02:19:00.000-04:00

Gnome has his passport. Make sure you have yours.

2010-07-02T16:30:00.000-04:00

I want the right motives

2010-07-01T21:25:00.000-04:00

Wow, this trip came up fast. We have been talking about it for a while now and now its come. I haven't really put a whole lot of thought or prayer into this trip. One thing I am concerned about is not having the right motives for the trip. I want to go down there and have a good time but I also want to make sure I keep my mind on God. That's the biggest thing that I need prayer on. - Collin Bowie

Look at what the children of First Baptist are sending the kids in Mexico!

2010-07-01T19:01:00.000-04:00

It's time for packing!

2010-07-01T17:09:00.000-04:00

Watch out for stowaways!

Who's praying for us? Kyra is!!!

2010-06-30T11:30:00.000-04:00

Have you been praying for our team? Will you keep praying while we are gone? We're counting on you.

Kyra is praying for us and she's stylin' in her hat too! Thanks Kyra, you rock!

HEY KIDS! READY TO FIND THE MISSION TRIP GNOME?

2010-06-28T13:53:00.000-04:00

Hello kids!

My name is KNOW-ME. It's spelled Gnome but it sounds like "know me." You can remember it by remembering that Jesus says, "I want everyone to know me."

We are traveling to Mexico to show people that God loves them. We will work hard to build a classroom and we'll have a carnival for kids just like you. We've got face paints, soccer balls, silly bandz, wooden airplanes and fun gifts for the children. We also bought 200 bracelets that have 5 colored beads on them - yellow - black- red- white and green. We'll use the color beads to tell children about Jesus. Do you know what the colors mean? Just click the COMMENT word below to tell us what they mean and you might win a prize that we will give when we get back.

Would you like to play a game?
It's called, "Find Gnome!" Your job is to find me in pictures and in posts every day on the blog. Sometimes I will be big and easy to find (for the youngest kids) and sometimes I will be tiny and well-hidden to make it tougher for you older kids. Just leave a comment each time you spot me. We'll be bringing some prizes home for the top Gnome spotters.

When you find me, look at what's going on in the picture and pray for the people around. If you find me in a post, read the post with your mom and dad and talk about what you think we are learning or doing.

Sometimes you will see something that says, "Gnome's Challenge!"
When you see Gnome's Challenge, do your best to answer my question by typing your answer as a COMMENT below the challenge. (Just click the word "comment") Ready to give it a try?

GNOME'S CHALLENGE!

Where do you think you would like to go someday on a mission trip to show others God's love for them? Why would you go there?

giving my best

2010-06-28T11:23:00.000-04:00

I'm having trouble wrapping my head around the fact that in less then a week I will be getting on a plane and flying to Mexico. Usually when I hear that people are are going to Mexico, it's for a vacation. But this trip is going to be a little different. I know this trip will challenge me and stretch me way outside my comfort zone. What I've been praying for is that I will be ready and willing to be challenged and to be stretched. And as Scott put it yesterday, I want to be able to give my best to God on this trip.

Kristan Bowie

Mighty to Save

2010-06-27T11:45:00.001-04:00

Click the title at top of the video box to launch in its own window

9 Days

2010-06-24T15:21:00.000-04:00

I've got nine days. Nine days to buy tiny tubes of toothpaste and travel sized soap. Nine days to fold clothes and pack my bags. Nine days to pray like crazy. Nine days to begin wrapping my head around the enormous idea of Mexico.

I've come to understand that the true reason why I'm still searching for a sense of readiness is not a lack of time. In reality, it's the fact that I don't know how to tell my heart to buckle up and brace for impact. I haven't got a clue what you do when you know you're about to be completely overwhelmed by God's incredible power and love. Despite all I've yet to figure out, what I do know is that God said go and this obedience is simply an overflow of my love for Him. -Hannah Brown

Brushing up on my Spanish

2010-06-16T11:44:00.000-04:00

Our trip is a lot closer that I think it is. I've been so busy with graduation stuff over the past month or so that I've forgotten how soon we leave for Mexico. Throughout the past month I've just thought that I have plenty of time to brush up on my spanish and prepare for the trip but I've finally realized that I should start preparing now because the trip is only a couple weeks away. After going to one spanish lesson, I've found that I've forgotten a lot of my spanish. I can understand what people are saying, but I can't seem to make myself produce the correct words in spanish. I just hope that I can re-learn enough spanish so that it won't have a negative effect on my experience in Mexico. – Michael Gardner

concerns, worries, and excitement

2010-06-16T11:25:00.000-04:00

Although I've been on a missions trip before to New Orleans, the emotions I've been experiencing about going to Mexico have been slightly different.

Going to a different country isn't something new to me however the other trips I took were always vacations with my family on resorts and such. I am expecting Mexico to be somewhat of a shocking experience for me as I am introduced to a language I can't speak, a completely different culture, and possibly a kind of poverty that I've never seen before. I fear that these differences will become too much for me to handle and I'll immediately wish I was home.

We hear stories of violence occurring in Mexico everyday and this not only concerns me but many of my family members as well. Puebla is supposed to be pretty safe but there is still that concern lingering in the back of my mind. Prayers for safety, health, and a strong state of mind would be extremely helpful.

Though I have concerns and worries I am also looking forward to this trip greatly. I'm so excited to see what God has in store for our entire group and who he has planned for us to meet while we're there. I can't wait to meet some of the children there and possibly have an impact on their lives. I am confident that this trip will be a life-changing one and will draw me even closer to God.

- Kelsey Berglund

Getting ready for the carnival with the children

2010-06-15T22:27:00.000-04:00

We've ordered 200 wordless books in Spanish to go along with 200 wordless bracelets to help us connect with kids and tell them of God's love.

Kelsey Berglund got a donation of 4 soccer balls and a pump from Olympia Sports. In addition we have lots of Bandz bracelets to give out for fun. Steve Turner set us up with 800 balsa wood planes,

Ruth and Manuel have sent a wish list of things they need. Can you help with any of them? Just drop them off at the church by Monday June 28.

Colorful Calligraphy Markers
Dish Towels (not white)
Canon 40 or 31 ink cartridges
Crest spin replacement toothbrushes
Baby toothbrushes that fit on mom's finger

A message from Ruth - one of the missionaries we will work with.

2010-06-14T12:43:00.001-04:00

Please pray for Jose Angel who may be having surgery on his appendix today.
Nayeli, our smallest deaf student (Pete, she is the one that arrives in a motorcycle taxi a few minutes late each morning) had surgery to correct a heart murmur on Tuesday.

Norma, one of our deaf adults, had surgery on her gall bladder on Wednesday.
When it rains it pours… which it did yesterday while we were at the hospital with Jose Angel, and we got lots of water inside our house… under a closed door and in an open window. The lap top got slightly wet but seems to be o.k.

Do pray also that rain won’t interfere with team work or ministry… particularly with the fair on July 7

Ruth

No place like gnome

2010-06-11T11:45:00.000-04:00

Jake Groom - Ready and Willing

2010-06-11T11:42:00.001-04:00

I keep getting more and more excited as this missions trip takes shape. I can't wait to get there and start doing whatever it is I end up doing. I don't want to get there and feel crippled by the language barrier, so I'm hoping between the little spanish I am retaining and many people I can look to for help, I can understand and be understood. Other than that I am not too scared of what may come. Hopefully God doesn't take this opportunity to teach me about fear. But I think this is going to be awesome and I hope this is another experience I can use to relate to people back home with and open some doors for conversations. – Jake Groom

Spanish lesson

2010-06-10T20:08:00.001-04:00

For those of us who know no Spanish.

Follow the Prime Time gnome! Can you find him on our blog?

2010-06-10T17:57:00.000-04:00

Can you find the Prime Time Missions Gnome in our posts and pictures? When you find the gnome just leave a comment saying "I found the gnome in this post!" Don't tell other people where you find him. Sometimes he will be tougher to spot than other times.

He's already hidden on our blog a few times. Can you find him?

If you follow us on Twitter you will get some notifications to find him in new places.

One more thing ... don't just find him. Remember to ray for us each time you spot him.

Excitement is Building

2010-06-08T22:40:00.001-04:00

For me excitement is growing. Also, trying not to get too bogged down in all the details and concerns - paperwork, vaccinations, etc, etc. I will be praying to not get ahead of God on what he wants to have happen on our Mexico trip. Was talking to a friend recently about his really great mission trip experiences in Guatemala. I want ours to be just as great. But what God does through us there will not be the same, nor should it be. I would like prayer for my heart and mind to be open and accepting of God's will. Also, I am very excited about working with our team. You all are such great people. I pray for our unity and that we could be a stunning example of people for God and for others.

- Phil Brown

Purpose

2010-06-08T22:35:00.001-04:00

I have recently been captivated by the fact that God knows me deeply. Not only does He know me (He knows what brings me joy, what things I am looking forward to and even the parts of the trip I am anxious about) but God also knows about me (He knows exactly what I'll be doing in Mexico and who I will meet). This is such an encouragement. He knows all of this and has called me to Mexico. God is very intentional. He loves with purpose, He runs the world with purpose and He is sending me to Mexico with purpose. He has set aside ways for me to serve that only I can do. I am just praying that God would make me aware of what He has for me to do… and this is not just when I am in Mexico, but every day, in the big and little things. Intentionally loving Him through what I do and how I do it. Living with purpose.
Rachel Miller, class of 2010

Thoughts with our trip coming up fast

2010-06-08T22:02:00.000-04:00

A whirlwind of Activity
One month to go: Life has been a whirlwind lately for the Gardner household. Graduation activities, work schedules, and church activities abound. It’s been hard to get my mind and heart around the fact that I’ll be in Mexico one month from now. What does God have in store for our team? For me? Am I going to be able to communicate with the local people? I’m excited for sure, and I know God will show up in new and wonderful ways while we are there! - Bob Gardner

My Needs Have Been Met
In the past few weeks it has become very real that we are going to Mexico! I can't say that I wasn't getting a little nervous that we're less than a month away and I hadn't raised all my money yet. I've been praying that God would supply it, but was being to think that I would be paying for part out of my savings. It was an answer to my prayers and such a relief when I read the text messages saying that I had received new donations that brought me past the goal! Now that I've raised all my money, I am 100% excited to go to Mexico! Please pray that I will be able to learn some more Spanish before July 3rd so that I can communicate somewhat with the locals. Please also pray that I will keep my focus on God now that youth group events are winding down and that I can be consistent doing devotions. - Rebecca Howell, grade 12

You might be interested

2010-06-04T14:49:00.000-04:00

http://www.puebla-mexico.com/

We will only be out seeing the sights one day but I thought you might enjoy seeing the beauty of Puebla at the link above.

Our bus from Mexico City to Puebla

2010-06-04T10:56:00.000-04:00

We have a charter bus taking us from the airport to Puebla and then back. We decided to go this route rather than displace folks by putting 27 on a public bus route.

Yard Sale Today

2010-05-29T10:16:00.001-04:00

What a busy weekend! Our team has worked diligently on a huge yard sale to raise funds in support of our trip.

Spanish lessons? Teacher Shara recommends this site

2010-05-27T18:16:00.000-04:00

http://www.spanishdict.com/

We are busy trying to learn Spanish. A number of our team members have taken Spanish in school and are comfortable. But others of us have no idea at all!

Where we will work

2010-05-26T23:13:00.000-04:00

Why follow us on Twitter?

2010-05-24T21:19:00.000-04:00

You've probably heard things about "tweets" and "Twitter" and have thought, "What good is that?"

If you get SMS messages on your cellphone, you can join Twitter and then follow ptsmmexico. You can set it up to send our tweets directly to you cell phone. Then, you'll get short updates and know what we're up to even when you are away from the blog. Just go to http://www.twitter.com/ to set up an account and then follow ptsmmexico.

It's one of the fun things we're planning.

Another will be the travels of Prime Time the Missions Gnome. Our hope is to photograph him in a variety of places so your kids can get excited about looking for him while following us.

Where will we be? Mail?

2010-05-24T19:46:00.000-04:00

Would you like to send mail? Letters can be sent to the following address but be sure to mail them by June 10 to be sure the team receives them while we are there.

The mail is VERY slow. Please do not send packages because of the importation tax.

Manuel and Ruth López
FBC TEAM 7/3-11: NAME
Apartado Postal 1235
Puebla, Puebla 72000

What do you hope to offer?

2010-04-24T21:20:00.000-04:00

I do play sports like football (American), a little soccer and lacrosse. I could use these to get close to the kids to tell them about God. I also speak a little Spanish and I can write a little. I have done construction at service projects before like maybe fixing a fence or a gutter, nothing big.
~Ethan Brown

Art, organization, working with kids, cleaning, I speak some Spanish, and can do some construction work. I hope that God will use these gifts/abilities to benefit the team and the people we will be serving.
~Hannah Brown

Ministry skills & talents – I look forward to working in construction with the students & adult leaders and anyone there in Mexico as well. I am a patient person and good listener as well, so look forward to using these skills as I’m sure they will very much be needed as well.
I like working with young people – so this will be enjoyable.
I have professional skills in working with computers so could help out there if need be, but prefer to work else where, if possible.
~Phil Brown

My hope is that I will help others and show them the love of God.
~Annie Criscione

Ministry skills – work with youth, some musical ability (piano with music, sports, outdoor games)
~Joan Drake

Through this Missions Adventure, I hope that the Lord will open my eyes to the differences between my world and the world of others in other countries. This may be through interactions with the people of Mexico, or it may be through just sitting back and observing the lifestyle of the people.
~Michael Gardner

I hope that the Lord will be able to use me to bless those less fortunate than I am. This may happen either by the work that I do or the conversations that I have with others. I also hope that I will be able to grow closer to the others who will be going on this trip.
~Bob Gardner

Give me strength in faith also clarity in what my calling is. I am praying for boldness and a bigger heart for my Lord and Savior.
~Jake Groom

I’m hoping that through this Missions trip I hope to become closer to God. I also hope that I will be able to spread His Word and love to new people and make a difference in their lives.
~Rebecca Howell

Through this trip I wish to be the Lord’s hands and feet. Ever since my first trip to New Orleans I have had a great calling to serve others and I believe this experience will let me accomplish this.
~Sam Larrabee

I hope the Lord will use me to minister to the people of Mexico with dignity and grace and to show God’s love. I hope the Lord will continue to change me and make me more like him.
~Robin Linscott

What do I really have to offer? I don’t know Spanish and I have no construction skills. I’m not even in good physical shape so the manual labor aspect worries me some. I’m going to offer whatever I can. Maybe the Lord will use my webdesign skills to develop a site for the mission we are serving so that future teams will have a better sense of where and how they will be serving. Maybe he’ll use my photography skills? Maybe he will use me to encourage the pastors in the area.

Past mission trips have taught me that I need to just be willing to be used however God wants. In fact, I’ve learned that I run into problems when I let my plans and goals get in the way. So, I am heading to Mexico willing to offer whatever I have.
- Scott Linscott

I have taken 6 years of Spanish in High School and hope to be able to communicate with the people of Mexico as well as helping my team communicate. I also love working with kids and am athletic so I’m looking forward to playing with and showing the kids there God’s love.
~Shara Linscott

I hope the Lord will open my eyes to see how I can be used to impact others on this trip. I hope my relationships with him will grow stronger and that I continue learning to trust him fully. Also, I hope to gain a new perspective on what is important in life. Although I had these feelings after seeing true need on other trips, sometimes they seem to be fading.
~Laura Mason

I have experience in painting, construction, helping/playing with kids, and sports activities while being on previous missions. I hope that I will be able to play with kids, and help with any painting or construction of buildings or whatever needs to be done.
~Nicole Mason

I have had many opportunities to use various gifts God has given me. Through our youth group, I have served on the Student Leadership Team, planning and organizing events, as well as mentoring peers. I have taken care of younger children at our church’s summer camp and Vacation Bible School. Through my church I also sing and play the piano with a group of teens who lead worship monthly. I have also taken Spanish classes through Spanish 5 at my high school. In regards to construction, over the past two summers I have helped my dad as he built our house, so I have some knowledge of building.
On this trip, I would love to use my Spanish. I hope that I would be able to converse with the natives and through the power of the Holy Spirit; I believe I will be able to. I also look forward to meeting the kids. Even when words fail, smiling and hugging the kids will allow me to share the love of Christ. I also will give my physical strength to help make a difference in the community.
~Rachel Miller

Through this “missions adventure” I hope that God will use me to be His hands and feet where they need to be. I would love to touch the life of just one person for the glory of God. I know that God will use this trip to strengthen our relationship and to show me so much of Himself. I know that He will show me many things that I couldn’t learn from just sitting at home being comfortable.
~Bryan Simpson

Hospitality, exhortation, teaching, music, sports, etc. I can use these to help reach the people and shine Jesus to them. I can also use these things to help the people on my team. I also know some Spanish I can use to communicate some with the people in Mexico.
~Dali Tauwala

This being my first missions trip I really only am confident with sports and music. These are the two things that I can walk right into a room and be ready to go if someone needed me right then and there. I am also very good with children.
~David Tauwala

I have some musical ability, experience with drama, and can speak some French. It would be nice to use some of my musical talents to reach the people down in Mexico maybe by playing them some worship music. My experience with drama I would love to use with the children down there just to have some fun with them. Though the language down in Mexico isn’t French, there is a possibility that some of my knowledge may help me with a little bit of communication down there.
~Kelsey Berglund

I play sports and am able to organize any sports activities that might be played. I also play guitar.
~Collin Bowie

I like to sing, so I could help do music stuff and I also love sports, so hopefully I can play sports/ games with some of the kids there.
~Kristan Bowie