And now, for the rest of the story ..
For seven days over Spring Break, I was forced to go without a shower, I got sand inside of every shoe and piece of clothing with me, and I slept on the ground in a tiny tent full of bugs…but I tell you the truth when I say that I wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world! Our Spring Break trip to Mexico is about taking the youth and leaders outside of our normal comfort zone to live together in a space where we can truly reflect on what it means to live as God's children, without all the distractions of our everyday lives at home in Nashville. For some, that experience came as we shared and sang and laughed and cried and prayed together around the campfire each night. For others, it came about from the relationships they built during the week. Relationships with one another, with those we served, and with God.
This year's trip began with great uncertainty due to concerns about the current stability of the Mexican government. In an eleventh hour decision, our destination was diverted from Tijuana (our annual spot for the past 9 years, making this our 10th year for a Spring Break trip to Mexico), to Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Port), the site of another Amor Ministries camp about an hour south of the Arizona/Mexico border. However, it didn't take us long to recognize what a blessing in disguise God had given us in Puerto Peñasco! The 29 youth and 10 leaders split into three work crews for the week, and we each built a home (from the ground up!) for a Mexican family in need of a roof over their heads. Each team interacted with their family in a unique and personal way, but I can tell you that no family, youth, or leader was left unchanged by the end of our week together.
Throughout our week, we both talked about and practiced what it means to serve the least of God's children. So I pray for all 39 of us, and more than that I challenge each of us, to use our experience in Puerto Peñasco as a springboard for our faith. Rather than look back and remember our trip as just another fun Spring Break, strive each day to live your life in a way that you will remember it, as a trip that ignited your passion to serve all of God's children and changed your relationship with God forever.
Peace in Christ,
Ryan Wallace
Jr. High Youth Director
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