Crossing the Border
 Imagine living atop a former landfill covered with just 6-12 inches of dirt. Imagine assembling a "home" with whatever you can find because the government doesn't provide housing for the poor. Imagine living in this shanty of a home knowing that for up to 3 years the government can order you out with just 6 hours notice.
These are the living conditions encountered by members of the Class of 2005 during their mission trip to Reynosa, Mexico. Seventeen members of this class set off in late July to build 12' X 24" cement block homes that served as either the first permanent home for a Mexican family or an additional home on a small lot for a growing family.
Reynosa, Mexico is a border town located just across from McAllen, TX. It doesn't take long to realize you've left the comfort and familiarity of the U.S. There are few paved roads outside of the commercial district. The colonias (neighborhoods) are marked by dirt roads that are littered with trash and full of pot holes. When it rained, it was more like driving on icy Nashville roads as the vans slid in the mud and spewed water and dirt as they climbed out of the ruts.
 The stark contrast from our own comfortable homes and neighborhoods, however, was easily forgotten when we pulled into our "camp" for the week and were greeted by scores of Mexican children from the nearby homes. We spent the week eating, sleeping, playing and worshiping at Ministerio de Fe (Faith Ministry). The complex is home to Primera Iglesia Presbiteriania (First Presbyterian Church) – Reynosa, a dining hall, and bunk bed-filled sleeping rooms. Visit Faith Ministry online to learn more about their organization.
  We spent our week building two homes and pouring cement roofs on four others. The projects were selected by Construction Director, Isidro Gallegos and supervised by Construction Foreman, Esequiel Rojas. We were joined each day by many locals who worked alongside us as part of their "sweat equity" requirement to obtain a home for their own family.
Our youth learned numerous new skills including making the re-bar support for the columns, laying level rows of cement blocks, mixing mezcla (mortar) by hand, and plenty of helpful Spanish phrases.
Most importantly, the youth said time and time again they were inspired by the joy and hope they saw and heard from the local Mexicans. This was evident in the singing and praising we shared in the daily Spanish language afternoon worship service we attended after lunch. It was especially evident when we were offered a meal or drink by the locals though we knew it was likely a great financial sacrifice to them.
These youth now understand better the plight of the Mexican people desiring to make a better life for their families. They understand better what it means to feel isolated in a country where you don't speak the language. They understand better, too, that the joy of knowing Christ brings a peace and happiness no matter your surroundings and that sharing that message of hope and joy is what we are all called to do.
It was an honor and privilege to share with trip with these youth. They are indeed growing into young men and women who will transform their worlds for Christ.
We hope you catch just a glimmer of the joy and hope we witnessed so constantly in our "neighbors to the south" through the photos on the page links shown to the left.
Peace and Prayers,
Becky Callaway, Patricia Heim, and Josh Leim
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:29-30 | 
