God's Way is the Better Way

As humans, we learned to rely mostly on ourselves and our planning. During this time of training we are learning that no matter how much we plan, we have to remain open to throwing our ideas out the window for God's plan.

A few weeks ago, we were serving with a group from Grand Rapids and during this particular day, nothing was going the way that we had anticipated.

 We were doing a concrete project that, according to our plan, wasn't getting finished since we didn't have enough man power. God's better outcome: We finished in record time! No explanation, but with fewer people and less that were able to do the physical exertion, somehow we managed (through God's miraculous help) to do it quicker than ever.

This was my first time translating for a medical clinic and I didn't know what to expect. We went around the community   telling people to come over around noon. We didn't find many people outside or at home and it seemed like the clinic was having a slow paced day. God's better outcome: We saw 28 people. Most of them went home with the medicine that they needed to get better. I had a great time getting experience in the medical arena. The doctor was patient and kind with me and the people that we saw. The people of Tres Reyes benefited greatly from this medical service.

Usually when we visit this particular community called Tres Reyes (Three Kings), we finish the day of work with a prayer walk. God's better idea: We finished praying for pastor Victor and his family (We partner with his church as a main contact in this community) and another family that helped us finish the project. It was a time of blessing and healing.

It is amazing to see God's hands in and on everything we do. Every time He takes control, everything turns out perfect.

Short Term Trips

So, one of the main things that we spend our time doing here is planning, preparing and hosting groups of teams that come down to serve alongside of us here in Cancún.

For our site, we can handle groups up to 22 in size and as small as a couple. Typical groups are here from 3-7 days, but with our unique location, we are able to take advantage of people being here on vacation and just wanting to spend one day with us!

Over the last several weeks we were blessed to have a couple of teams join us to do some great work and really invest in the kids that we work with here.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who came down to serve, and also invite those of you who may be interested in doing something similar! If you are interested, just email us at aconrad@back2back.org

Here are a few shots of some of what we have been up to, and what could be you in the future, making a difference in the lives of the orphan and the widow in Mexico:

Praying for Pastor Victor and his church, before working to build a concrete beam

A prayer walk through Tres Reyes, to meet people and pray with them

Having the kids over for a pool party/barbecue to celebrate some of their birthdays

Mixing Cement by hand, and hoisting it up to make a concrete beam to add a second story to Pastor Victor's church in Tres Reyes

Anna teaching the kids and leading a craft time with a lesson

Pouring a concrete floor for a widow in the Tres Reyes neighborhood

Anna translating for Dr. Marvin, at a free medical clinic in Tres Reyes

Building a new playground for the kids at Casa Hogar San Jose

Casa Hogar San Jose

One of my favorite days of the week is Monday, because that is the day that Andrew and I have designated to go visit the children at Casa Hogar San Jose (San Jose Children's Home). We love the kids there. There are thirteen girls and one boy.

Every time we go, I hear the same question "what happened to our play ground?" Two weeks ago they had a play ground that was covered in wasp nests and falling apart. It was to the point that it was too dangerous for them to play on anymore, so Back2Back, along with a visiting group that was touched by the need and made a special donation, decided to build them a new playground. It has been two weeks of hard work with each group that has come and now the kids are starting to see it take shape and even play some in their new and safe playground.

Mauricio and Alfredo (one of our van drivers) working on the roof structure of the first tower.

Chave playing around on the unfinished product

Bety hanging out on the slide that has yet to be added to the tower

Ana swinging and playing

Jeny playing around

Jorge, the only boy at San Jose, helping the men out assembling the structure

Along with this project, Back2Back Cancun has also started a program to teach all of the kids we work with the Fruits of the Spirit, and the kids are enjoying their time singing, playing and making crafts. This week we talked about peace. they loved getting messy.

Playing a singing game with the kids and the group from Northstar.

Right in the middle, you can see Kai enjoying himself with everyone

Craft time!

One week ago I found out that someone had donated some Bibles for kids with pictures and easy to follow stories in Spanish. The following Tuesday, we took the group to San Jose and I took the Bibles with us. I did not know that they were going to be so popular among the children. They know that we always bring a box with surprise crafts and art supplies to use while we are there. When we got there and they opened the box, one of the girls immediately came back to me with one of the Bibles. She wanted me to read it to her and all the other girls came too. I spent so much time reading story after story to these four girls that day that my jaw was hurting.They are so hungry for the truth and the word of God!

I love getting to know them more and more every time that we see them. Having the opportunity to be one of the many tools that God is using to bring reassurance into their lives is such a privilege. They remind me of my purpose here in Cancun, to bring peace and living water wherever the Lord wants me to.