Mexico Part 3

Before I share some thoughts on our trip to Mexico last week, I want to tell you about my morning. It was nothing exceptional, other than the fact that my family (all 3 of us) went out to walk, jog and run together. Jon is training for the Chicago Marathon (see link to the left for more info) and today decided to jog for 40 minutes. Joshua was going to ride his bike and then changed his mind to run with us. Well, I am at the walking/jogging stage, so Joshua ended up joining me after about 3 minutes of running with Jon. But as we started off down the bike trail, the smile on my face must have stretched from ear to ear as I watched Jon and Joshua jog off in front of me and I acknowledged the amazing gift of having my whole family together.

After we got back and Jon showered, the guys headed off on their monthly tradition of breakfast at Ruby's. They always try to use the coupon from our Ruby's calendar that provides something Free, with the purchase of something else. Their plan was to order the Cinnamon French Toast Combo Breakfast and thus earn a free Banana Split. Maybe not the most healthy breakfast in the world, but Hey! we all just had 40 minutes of exercise and they walked to Ruby's. :) So I have enjoyed a couple hours to myself at home.

While on our Mexico trip our team of 29 joined together each morning for a time of devotions, using a devotional created by our Pastor Tod Bolsinger and Global Mission Coordinator Sarah Killelea. I hope they don't mind if I share some of their thoughts here.

The first day was called "Leaving Home" and we read Ephesians 1:16b-20. At the time verses 19 and 20 didn't sink in as much as they do now that I look back. "I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead..." Paul was praying that the Ephesians would "begin to understand," probably because we will never be able to fully understand this amazing power that we have access to through the Holy Spirit. Looking back over the week, I can see how the Holy Spirit provided power for me 1) to work even though I was ill, 2) to trust Him to keep Joshua safe, 3) to stop working when I needed to rest. I have come to learn that what is hardest for me is to STOP when I need to. I think it takes a lot of strength and maturity to know when to stop and be still even when there is still work to be done.

One of the quotes from our devotional on day one was from Eugene Peterson, "One way to define the spiritual life is getting so tired and fed up with yourself you go on to something better, which is following Jesus." This continues to be true for me every day. I often think that I can do a better job of running my life than God can, but soon enough I get "tired and fed up" with myself and go back to following Jesus. What a blessing that he is always there when we turn back.

Well, this has turned into a fairly long blog, so I'll stop for now. The pictures are some random shots from our time in Mexico. The little girl is Annailee and we painted her house the first day. Joshua and Diego are being crazy for the camera. We painted Diego's front porch covering the second day. The kids at the orphanage loved Jon's hat and glasses as you can see from picture number 3.

Sheryl