After spending a month a home, I have to tell you about some of the great things south Texas has to offer. First, the food! It’s amazing that in five minutes I can get authentic Mexican food. I looked for a whole year in Jersey and did not find anything to compare. I never thought I would enjoy walking from my car through a hot parking lot to get into a store, but after looking for parking for hours in Jersey and New York it is a welcome change. Finally I missed my family and friends I only recently discovered the joy of coming home, having never been away from home long enough to miss it. When I went to YWAM in Pichelemu, Chile I was finally able to miss the quirks of home. Growing up it was hard to see the beauty of the valley, but now it jumps out at me.
My favorite thing about coming home is getting to spend time with my family and friends. During my last year working with the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI,) I had the privilege of talking to the merchant mariners who work tirelessly to move goods to and from our coast. They work months at a time and in my conversations with them many times we talked about home and family. I would ask them when they were able to go home, and if they would be home for the holiday season. One of the sailors responded that anytime spent at home was the holiday season. Necessity has never taken me from home, it was always a choice supported by my family and friends in doing so. Through this I have realized how special it is to be home.
With three weeks left before I head out on my next mission trip, the time has given me the ability to get organized and take a breath before I go out again. I am flying out on September 15 and heading to San Diego. From there we will drive into Mexico where I will begin to acquaint myself with my new home in Tijuana Mexico. Thanks to the support and prayers of many people I have received 5,930 of the 8,500 dollars I am trying to raise. I am amazed and humbled that so many people have come forward to partner with me on this trip. Without your support this would not be possible.
I am excited to tell you about the local mission work that is taking place in Tijuana Mexico. If you would like to know more about YWAM or the program that I will be participating in you can visit http://ywamsandiegobaja.org/training/chronological-school-of-biblical-studies/. It is exciting that I will get to spend the next year looking, studying and questioning my faith. Not only that I will be able to continue to serve others and learn about new cultures. For now though I plan on soaking up as much Texas as possible. Continue to pray for me and keep in touch I look forward to share this new chapter in my life with you. God Bless
