For our first session together, Jorgina and I attended the International Festival at Mariners Church. We learned about the different international ministries and the work they do to help others around the world. We stopped by the Mexico Child sponsorship booth and learned about their Faith Adventures (mission trips) to Mexico. I was interested in sponsoring a child and we were both interested and wanted to go on one of their day trips to Mexico.
At first, the December trip was full and we were on their waitlist. But, miraculously God worked it out and we were both able to attend! Many of my conversations with Jorgina have been focused on volunteering and going outside of our comfort zone. Not letting fear of the unknown hold us back. We both looked forward to going to Mexico to experience a different culture and to meet the local children. This was the first time for Jorgina to travel outside of the United States.
Even though we didn’t speak Spanish and it was challenging to communicate, we experienced so much love, happiness and pure joy. Meeting new people, laughing, singing, hearing their stories and seeing their love for Jesus was inspiring to both of us.
The day started early at 6:30am. We drove to Mexico with about 40 other volunteers to help set up for a local church’s Christmas Party just south of Tijuana. We had a puppet show, sang songs, made Christmas crafts, ate tamales and passed out gifts and books to all the children. Jorgina stepped right in and helped out with the puppet show, learn Spanish songs and made crafts with the children. She loved seeing how happy all the children were throughout the day—and loved the opportunity to be a part of that joy. We were able to meet the little girl I sponsor and her mom and little brother. Even though we didn’t speak Spanish and it was challenging to communicate, we experienced so much love, happiness and pure joy. Meeting new people, laughing, singing, hearing their stories and seeing their love for Jesus was inspiring to both of us.
The local pastor and his wife were so grateful for all of us to be a part of the Christmas Party and there were many happy tears at the end. It was very rewarding to hear how much of a difference our presence made and how much it meant to the children—especially to Jorgina. Both of our hearts were full that day and loved being able to step outside of our comfort zone to be used by God. With open hearts, we personally experienced how we are His hands and feet to love and bless others during the Christmas season.
Going on a service trip with my mentee broke new grounds in her life. It empowered her to be a difference maker, and to know that, no matter what her story or circumstance held, she has a part to play in impacting the world.
For more information on how you can be a mentor, and empower local foster youth to be difference makers, click here.
Photo by Andrew Neel
