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Global Urban Trek 2008
Having the Time of My Life!July 13, 2008
While trying to come up with a good title for this journal entry, I realized that our last four entries all have pretty negative titles, and I didn´t want to give the impression that we´re not having a good time (we are!), so I decided on something more upbeat. That said, it actually has nothing to do with this entry.
As I wrote in my last entry, Danielle, Katye and I are living in the home of the Ramirez Martinez family this summer. I was really excited about this placement because I really wanted to live with and get to know a family here. As I hear what the other groups are doing, however, I have mixed feelings about my site.
The other two teams have had a lot of interaction with the some key leaders in their organizations. The group at Servant Partners has had a lot of theology classes, and the group at Armonia has been learning about Mexican culture and religion. We haven´t had a ton of interaction with the people at World Vision, particularly because we don´t live at the community center. It also sounds like the other groups have had really full schedules, while our activities keep getting cancelled or moved, and we´re only busy about three hours every day.
Because I am living with a host family, I get to experience exactly what life is like for them. At the same time, I am not receiving instruction in theology, missionary philosophy or culture. I wish I could hear from people who have devoted their lives to this type of work. Also, I feel like since I´m on a mission trip, I should be doing more mission work.
However, as I think about it, I realize that I am learning these things. Maybe I´m not learning them as completely or in such an intense manner, but by talking with Luci and Karol and by observing my surroundings, I have learned a lot about Mexico and God and incarnational ministry.
Also, I have come to see that living with this family is a ministry in itself. I may feel like I´m not doing any good when I´m just washing dishes or watching a movie with Luci or watching Karol teach me how to make chilaquiles, but these small things probably make a bigger impact in their lives than English classes do in my students’ lives.
Through everyday experiences, I am becoming a part of this family. I believe t is through such relationships that God can really change lives.
- Kara
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