By Esther Lau
So coming into the Mexicali Missions trip, I already knew that it was going to be so much more different than last year’s trip. Our team was smaller and I had sensed from God to not expect similar experiences but to find totally new changes. I came to Mexico with many fears and worries. Fears of not knowing how to reach out to the homeless. Fears of VBS(vacation bible study) not going well. Worries of being alone as I was separated from my close friends and put in the other van with people I didn’t think were as fun. I think back on it now and realize that God probably did that on purpose so I wouldn’t rely on my friends and their Spanish speaking skills and instead be able to grow.

I remember journaling one day about how I really love this Mexicali team and that everyone is really cool to be around. I’m pretty sure that we all bonded closer and I would love to hangout sometime soon. They were always there for anyone who needed support or prayer. Whenever our crafts team(which is the group I was in) needed hands to prepare for the VBS, anybody free would be there. It was fun and much easier when you see kids and adults working as one, chatting and smiling. None of our crafts would have been ready without them and I want to thank God for these amazing people.
This year, I was pushed past my limits and out of my comfort level many times and I am glad of it. I had to wake up early. I had to be more outspoken. God was there for me and I just needed to rely on him. He put in my head what to pray for the homeless. He gave me the courage to lead the dance moves(hand motions) to the children with joy even through my mistakes. He combined both to give me words when I had to speak to the homeless. I learned to conquer my fears through prayer.
When I returned home, I was immediately hit with troubles and sickness. Distractions are leaking back into my life but now I know that God is always with me and I just need to seek Him. I do not know if I will go back to Mexicali next year, but it was an extremely wonderful experience and I would love it if many others took the chance to go.