Desiree Gabor

 Hey guys, its Desiree! So, over the past week I got the opportunity to go on a missions trip. At first I thought we were just going to spread the word of God and help out struggling communities. Yes, that is a huge deal but it became way more than just that. I realized that we are put here on this earth for all sorts of reasons. I figured out that one of my reasons for being here was to heal the hearts of others by not only telling about God but learning from God to comfort others. Now, I started off this trip having issues with being empathetic and not really knowing what to do or say to make someone feel better. Thankfully, the team and God taught me how to make someone feel connected and close without using any words. The actual physical work taught me that effort and strength is needed to reach a goal and make real life changing difference. I wasn’t expecting that to happen at all!

              One of my highlights of this trip was going to the rehab center. Seeing faces of people who have been through WAY more than me and hearing their testimonies amazed me. These are the same people we are taught to avoid and are seen as bad influences but they ended up being such great teachers. It’s just surprising to find people who have done illegal acts want to become better and are now wiser because of their past. I got to see them in the place where they’re trying to make a change. Its just so beautiful to me. I could have sat and listened to them all day.

              This trip made me really get out of my comfort zone as well. I had always thought I had no problem with that until now! I had to go in front of crowds and sit with others and talk about myself. This made me so nervous because I don’t like to be vulnerable. There was a lot of that too, vulnerability, but I’ve gotten more comfortable with it now. All in all, this trip was something I wouldn’t trade for the world. I’m so happy about my experience and the people I got to experience it with.  So yea thanks for reading. Xoxo

~Desi

Julian Carter

Hello my friends and family. I’m currently still in Mexico having a great time. We have had a great time serving and loving the amazing people of Mexico. One way we have been able to serve is by building a new addition to a man’s house over these past days. The work has been challenging and hot but I love it. After serving, I felt amazing and want to do more, more and more. Here they are so grateful for what they have and I admire that. One thing I’m still looking forward to is finishing the man’s house. He really deserves it. I myself have still had some hardships. From cramps at work days and just feeling like I’m not hearing God. I love every single one of my team mates.  We are like family and we live, eat and sleep together.  The missionaries, Mike and Terrill have led us here and have done a great job. 

I would love to thank you for your prayers and funds. I love you all. I would love for all your prayers to keep coming and I will be praying for you. I couldn’t have gotten here without you. Thank you for that. Your prayers have helped a lot. Thank you again.

-Julian

Post from Chinira Washington

Hello All, 

Chinira here to tell you about my experience so far in Quintana Roo. 

On the first day of reading and talking to God through devotion, the team was asked to focus on 2 Corinthians for the whole trip. Day one of the devotion, I was reading and focused on comfort from Christ. I wrote down as a note to myself that you can’t give comfort to others if you don’t receive it from Christ first. This was something that God wanted to show me and I thank him for it. It was just the advice I needed for everyday life. Every day we have quiet time in the morning after breakfast. At first, I was nervous because I still needed to work on reading for myself every day and growing in my relationship with Christ but now I know that Christ has something for me and all I have to do is stop and listen to him in any way that he is communicating with me. I was, and still am excited to see what God has in store for me through this trip and I love that I am here not only building a relationship with God but with all of the people on the team who I’m glad to call my brothers, sisters, and friends of Christ. 

I have a funny/silly story to share with you. Yesterday night on our way to dinner it was raining and as I was walking to the restaurant I hear a dog behind a closed gate. I wasn’t paying any attention so when it barked at me I sprinted (yes I sprinted) to the restaurant and then as I was continuing to run, I slipped on the concreate (I am fine Thank God!). I couldn’t help but laugh when I got up because I thought the whole experience was funny but thrilling. Then at dinner a fly was sitting/eating Alli’s food so she had the idea that she could blow it off. When she experimented this idea, some of the food like cheese and lettuce flew on my clothes and kind of caught me off guard. Then, I kind of laughed after I brushed myself off. I love the people on my team and our relationship continually grows every day as we sing, dance, act, read, pray, and play jokes on each other. I don’t want to ever lose these amazing brothers and sisters of Christ. 

Prayer Request: Please continue to pray for each and every one of us as we continue to work and serve others and God.

-Chinira

A Word from Sarah Little

Hello world.

Not exactly sure whose going to be reading this blog post, but whoever you are, please note that I haven’t written one of these in quite a while.

Let me just start by saying this is my first ever “missions trip”. I put “missions trip” in quotation marks because I am still in the process of figuring out what those two words mean. What is the true significance of a “missions trip”? Are we actually on a mission? And if so, a mission to do what? To stock up every pesto-less kitchen pantry with jars of pesto? To resurrect the King of Pop? To make teleportation a reality? What really is our mission in Quintana Roo, Mexico?

I’d like to think it’s a number of things. Let’s just take a step back and think about what the generic answer is to that question.

“What’s your mission?”
“To spread the love of Jesus.”

BORING.

Speaking as a Christian, an avid follower of God, a person with too many flaws to count,  but most importantly, a human being who lives in a society where the word Jesus has more negative connotations than positive, I can speak for many when I say that “spreading the love of Jesus” is not the best answer we can give when people ask us what we’re here for.

I’d like to think that we are here spreading the love of God, but what does that even mean? Sure, we have talked about it. We have been taught what to say and what not to say. But what does it really mean? I’m on a missions trip right now, and I don’t even know.

Within the first couple hours of getting off the plane, I was in tears. Like, not just teary eyes, but I was bawling in a Mexican mall outside of a grocery store. With little kids eyes screaming in my face, “Why is there a strange American girl crying by herself in a mall?” Yeah, it was embarrassing to say the least. *shoutout to Dave!! Thanks buddy!!* :-)

And no, that wasn’t the last of the tears on the first day. A fresh batch came just a couple hours later, during prayer and devotions. Not sure how that is physically possible, because let me tell you, Reader, I am no crier. But it happened. And they didn’t stop until I got back in my room later that night.

Fortunately, the tears came to a halt and haven’t made another appearance since that first day. Fortunately, I think God was attempting to get my attention. Fortunately, knowing Him, He probably will persist until He does. Hopefully, I will be willing enough to pay attention.

Post from Jordan Williamson

Hey we’re in the middle of our second day in Mexico.  God is already working in us and through us. This morning we worked on building a house for one of the locals. We wanted to help her because she has dirt floors which get muddy when it rains and makeshift walls. It was hard but God gave us the strength to collect rocks and move the buckets of sand to make cement for the floor.  I can feel that God is going to do something amazing. Our briefing last night was great, everyone was excited and ready to see where God wants to take us and how he wants to use us. It’s been great coming back and seeing everyone from last year. I can’t wait to see what God is going to do.

Thanks for your prayers

-Jordan

Here and Safe!!

Looks like we made it! Had a flight delay leaving BWI this morning but aside from that, everything went smoothly! Our students are pros at travelling!

We got to Cancun around mid afternoon and the weather was beautiful. We met up with our ministry partners and went through a little orientation.

Then, we led everyone to the grocery store to pick up any essentials needed for the week. We got back to our hotel and took some time to pray and worship together. It was a great way to start! Our leaders gathered around the students and prayed over each one of them.

We then went to dinner at one of our favorite sports in the area. Tortas y Tortas. They have...sandwiches. (That's what tortas means in Spanish btw) After dinner, everyone was pretty wiped out so we walked back to the hotel, gave instructions for the morning, and sent everyone to their rooms.

Thanks for all of your prayers and support. Please keep it up. We need those prayers now more than ever. Pray that God would have great work for our team while we are here. I'm continually blown away at our students' heart for serving God and His people. I'm excited to see what God not only does through this team, but in the hearts of those serving as well.

-Dante

Almost That Time!

We're getting closer and closer to beginning our journey in Cancun, Mexico. The excitement and eagerness is palpable as our date draws near. The team has been preparing, praying, building relationships, and fundraising over the last several months. We are all excited to see what God does through this team.

Please pray for us as we get ready to leave in just a few short weeks. You may also support us financially, as several team members still have yet to meet their goal.

http://www.bridgestudents.com/Mexico.html

Click this link to see our video recap of last year!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m18DxOClBY0&feature=youtu.be