Tijuana Team I 2010 - The Return!
Post by Julie Barnes on Tue Mar 2nd, 2010
After only three days back from Tijuana, my heart already longs to return! Our trip home on Saturday was wonderful. No delays, no disturbances, no weather issues . . . just a long day of travel. After arriving home at midnight, we crashed for about five hours then got up to face the same old day at home - feed the dogs, let them out, make coffee, eat breakfast, go to church. So far so good.
Unfortunately Dave, Al and I got some kind of cold/chest congestion/sore throat on the way home, which left us exhausted and not feeling 100% on Sunday. But, there was no time to rest. We had a concert with Everyday Sunday at New Hope Assembly of God on Sunday night, so the day began early and never let up. After church, we grabbed lunch at Mazatlan, our favorite local Mexican restaurant (no, we didn't get enough in Mexico!) then picked up the sound system and headed off to the Youth Center for set up.
Sound check with On This Rock and Everyday Sunday took up the rest of the afternoon. Then the concert - which was awesome, as usual. These guys really do put on a good show. We were happy to see the crowd enjoying the evening; but we were sure ready for bed when it was over! We decided to leave all the gear and pick it up the next day - which Al had to do alone. But, at least it was after a good night of sleep. Except for the fact that Al was feeling even sicker by Monday. Luckily, I was feeling better.
I was thrilled to check my emails Monday morning and see that I had at least five people already signed up for more information about our next trip to Tijuana! I can't wait to go back. We're looking at the second or third week of August. If you'd like more information, let me know! We'd love to have you join us! We're contemplating a house build next time, however that requires a minimum of 15 people, plus an additional fund of $5,000 for materials on top of the personal fees - which we're hoping to keep at $600 per person, including airfare, lodging, food and general ministry expenses.
Well, I wish I could say it's great to be back, but I'm not quite there yet. However, it is great to see family and friends and prepare for our next time. I CAN'T WAIT!!!
Tijuana Team I 2010 - Day Seven!
Post by Julie Barnes on Fri Feb 26th, 2010
Today was a great ending to an awesome mission trip. We began the day finishing up a few projects at the base, then headed off to the feeding kitchen to serve lunch to the kids again. With fewer women onsite to help serve, our help was greatly appreciated. God was so good in giving us perfect timing with the meal as we had most of the plates ready to go as soon as the memory verses were shared. Serving was fast and efficient and the kids enjoyed their meals quickly so they could go outside and enjoy the beautiful weather.
From there we spent an hour at a taco stand where we ate our own lunch, then moved on to the coffee shop to feed some addictions and use the facilities. Having a full day out for ministry often leaves us without modern restroom facilities. Though we are able to use whatever might be available at the orphanages and feeding kitchens, they often don't have running water or electricity, so we attempt to make other arrangements, when possible. We were grateful for this plan, as the entire team used the facilities at the coffee shop before moving on to Casa Hogan Sion orphanage.
The orphanage has a policy which prevents photography, so we were sad that we weren't able to take pictures of the kids as they played with us. We had so much fun making balloon animals, blowing bubbles, playing basketball and just holding the kids. When we joined the kids for dinner, we were given permission to take some limited photos, as the kids so enjoyed their gifts and getting their pictures taken with us. They really loved seeing their photos and were in awe of how quickly we were able to take the photo and turn around with a beautiful 4x6 glossy photo that is "guaranteed to last 100 years!"
As we finished the meal and cleaned up, we were exhausted. It's amazing how much energy we expend playing with the kids. Sometimes we think we haven't really done a lot, but we get so physically tired from the play that it really does wear us out. But, it's a great tiredness. We know we have shared the love of Christ and the kids have touched our hearts at least as much as we've touched theirs - if not more!
It is with sadness in our hearts that we head off to bed for our last time in Tijuana. Even Faith said this morning, "Nana, I don't want to go back to Iowa on Saturday." While she's been bashful around the kids sometimes and tired from the long days without naps, she has so thoroughly enjoyed her time here that I don't think she'll ever forget it. Nor will any of us. The smiles, laughter, hugs and kisses have all been priceless. We can't wait to come back again!
Check out our photos from Day 7 here!
Julie and Al Barnes are the founders of Spirit Midwest Ministries, which began in the summer of 2006. They have continued and expanded the ministry through faithful supporters like you. Read more of their blogs entries on the blogs page.
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