Camichines, Mexico

Well, it all started back in January when our Youth Minister at church approached McSweetie and Number 1 son about going on the Mexico mission trip over spring break! I was so excited. Since the boys were little I have always wanted for them to take some sort of BIG trip when they turn 16. Not ever really specifying what the BIG Trip might be. Well, this is the BIG TRIP I prayed for! Number 1 son had already discussed going to Honduras for Spring Break with one of his swim buddies because we have good friends that live there. After much discussion he decided on the mission trip. { McSweetie backed out because of the time off of work he would have to use. He gets 2 weeks and that would have been half his vacation time. I really wanted him to go and did not mind that he would use so much of his time because it would be such a bonding experience with Number 1.} Of course the whole time I am thinking of how much I would LOVE to go! Low and behold the team had no female adults signed up to go and I was asked if I would be interested. In that time one other lady was asked and now Barbra and I are headed to Mexico as well.

OUR MISSION: working with CASA HOGAR Orphanage. McSweetie has already said, "Do not bring home a child." He knows me too well! I have teased that I have an oxygen canister in my suitcase with detailed instructions on how to use it while riding in the luggage compartment in my suitcase. We will be running a kids VBS, and someone let the cat out of the bad that I am a PE teacher so we will have fun PE activities, crafts, etc to do with the children.

COST: BIG!!! It had to be a total GOD THING for us to be able to go... I mean COMPLETELY!!! There is not a spare penny around our house. We as a team had a little over 5 weeks to raise over $10,000. So far we have had 2 BIG fundraisers and helped with the Mission Festival at our church this weekend and we are just a few thousand shy of our goal with 3 BIG fundraisers left to go!!

OBSTACLES: Cost of course... and my getting a Passport. With a quick hop over the state line one day and back to the local courthouse, my paperwork was off to NO!! And PTL arrived yesterday!

Our sweet Youth Minister has made this trip several times and the itinerary has most always been the same... location of stay etc... Well this time it seems that we will be staying at the orphanage. So no quick trips to starbucks {It's just right down the street, pizza, major grocery stores, etc} Tyler says he is not good with change. But I wasn't good with driving around MX everyday to get to our location after the HORROR stories he told me about the drivers there. Add that to the fact that I can get car sick and that had me VERY concerned. That and if you are in a wreck ALL PARTIES go to jail!!!! REALLY??!?!?!?!?!? {PS, I have already called shotgun and Number 1 son and his friend Savannah have called WAY WAY... another story for another time}

Couple this with McSweetie being elected as Deacon at our church... the Bible studies we are ALL a part of {with the exception of Number 2 son}, different committees we are serving on, God is really leading our family. And THAT IS EXCITING!!! Not top say that there aren't bumps in the road... Last night a good example, but I think we are all changing our focus off of self and worldly things to our treasure in HEAVEN! That which cannot be stripped away from us. The ONLY thing that will last for eternity!!

My prayer is that this trip to Mexico will have eternal impact on those we go to serve! That we will have safe travels to and from our home. That we will all stay well!! {I think of Sex and the City and Charlotte's PUDDING IN HER PRADA... what can I stash in my Louis??!!} That while we are gone Number 2 son will enjoy his Spring Break.

Well, that kinda catches y'all up on the BIG happenings around our house!

Another BIG happening is a BIG BIRTHDAY this weekend! Somebody turns 14!! Fun times with friends and family for the weekend!!