Today marks the one month and fifth day of being on the World Race, and I’ve just been reflecting on all that has happened and how the Lord is showing up! Throughout our time in Mexico, the Lord has provided again and again in EVERY way! In the weeks before I left, I often prayed that the Lord would provide all the remaining funds I needed. During the first week in Mexico I found out that one of my sweet friends / role models felt God tell her to give her tithe to my mission fund. So she walked in obedience, even though it was a sacrifice and an act of faith. That gift got me fully funded. Praise the Lord! He is so faithful! 

For the past few years, I frequently sat with the Lord in tears talking (and sometimes not talking :)) with Him about my deep desire for Christ-like, genuine, and deep friendships. Before coming on this trip, I was worried that I may not find those people and I would be stuck (quite literally) communityless for 5 months. Yet, the Lord has been so sweet to put me in a squad with people who really love Jesus and really love deep community. I’m beginning to see the fruit of answered prayers in this group. How sweet is the Lord and His timing — which can be frustrating at times, but is so much better than mine. 

During the first week-ish of being at Casa Hogar Alegre, the walls the kids (mainly the older ones) put up around us were so evident. And who can blame them? They were simply protecting themselves from getting hurt. And let’s be real, don’t I do the same thing? But getting to see those walls slowly come down and them begin to trust us as their friends has been the sweetest thing. I have gotten the honor of their friendship, and to me, that is the evidence of the Lord softening their hearts. 

In the beginning of January when the team began working to restore a garden on the property, with the goal of lowering Casa Hogar’s food costs, the task seemed to be a daunting one. One night when we made the final estimated budget, the team looked around the room in disbelief and lowkey horror at the number we would need to fundraise to complete the project. Yet, in that moment, we came to the Lord, believing that He would provide everything we needed. A moment of panic and disbelief turned into a moment of peace and increased faith. A few days later, we found out that we were fully funded for the garden project! The Lord always provides! 

In this past month, the Lord has been so kind and faithful to show us His character. He has challenged me to learn how to trust people (I’m quickly learning I’m apparently not very good at that lol), to come to Him with EVERYTHING (not just the “bigger” things), and surrender my flesh so that I can be His disciple. On adventure day yesterday, as we were driving hours to see Mayan ruins (one of the most beautiful drives, if I do say so myself), the Lord reminded me that the call of a disciple is to give up your life. Not just a few hours here and there, but to surrender every day to Him, committing to give up your will to live within His. I was reminded that loving Jesus well also means becoming a servant of all. This does not always practically look the same for each person, however, the surrender of self remains. The Lord is continuing to teach / remind me of the heart of Jesus and how His actions display His heart. 

“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”    Luke 9:23-24

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”    Galatians 2:20

As we’re coming to the end of our time in Mexico (I don’t even know how to feel about that), I’m continually struck by the love of Jesus for people. Additionally, there is something so beautiful about the global Body of Christ. We may not speak the same language, but we are united by His Spirit in us. Man do I love the Body! 

With that, I want to say thank you for supporting me, especially in prayer. It is quite literally is actively making a difference. If you are willing, here are some updated prayer requests: 

• Hearts of servitude

• Protection of the kid’s hearts as we go

• Spiritual protection for the kid’s and our team

• Tangible needs of Casa Hogar Alegre (money, food, teachers, supplies, etc.)

• Tenderness to the Lord’s voice

• Finishing strong on the garden

• Protection for travel  

I’m excited to continue to update you on what the Lord is doing! To close this out, I want to encourage you: It is the Lord who is enthroned. It is the Lord who is the Almighty One. It is the Lord who fights for us. It is ONLY by the Lord that we can be redeemed and restored. In Him is life. We do not need to strive. 

Till next time!