By Amanda Lee

On the STM trip to Mexicali, I learned a lot more than I ever thought I would. First of all, God showed me a lot of things and really broadened my perspective on different people and faith in different areas.
The two areas that impacted me the most was homeless ministry and the church that VBS was held at. Homeless ministry impacted me the most. I have never known or seen such a scene; when I got out of the car, I was in shock. When I saw all the people, I first noticed the unstable eyes that darted past us and the stares of curiosity and desperation. I was completely thrown off guard. But as I looked more, I didn’t see the outward appearance anymore. I saw people who went through hardship and people who needed God in their life; they were no longer a different species, but my brothers and sisters in Christ who I wanted to help more than anything.

Second, the church and the VBS gave me a new perspective. I was expecting families who were broken and reluctant to have their children go. I imagined children who would scare me, frighten me, not like me. But they were as friendly as everyday children and I felt myself connect to them. In conclusion, I think I went to Mexicali in the wrong mindset and didn’t spiritually prepare myself. This trip changed my perspective of helping people and has helped me to think of areas of my life where I am broken and need God.

Overall, I feel lighter than when I set off for Mexicali and I have a new light. When I got back home, I had a horrible couple days, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. But just a day before I wrote this, I realized that I had let Satan take control of my life again. I believed that I had really not changed and was the same person before the trip. But the moment I prayed to God and asked for help, things became better and I remembered his goodness and graciousness again.

Mexicali gave me a broader perspective and taught me how to keep a mindset solely focused on God. I had a good time(even though I was told not to), and hope to return next year to do even more work.