Hello all; we have made it back home to Iowa. I believe our team returned changed people. For sure we now have a renewed appreciation of missionaries and the work they do. We have learned that we have the ability to help and can make a deference in someone else’s life that is less fortunate than ours. We heard from some very gifted speakers and were challenged to take the Gospel to unreached people groups of the world, if called to do so. If not, then to send those that are called. I personally thank the Lord for watching over us the whole trip. Prayers for our safety were definitely answered. I was blessed to be a part of the 2011 Mexico team – thanks..

Are you a goer or a sender?

Hola a todos! (Hello everyone) It's Danielle M. blogging away this evening! This past week has been the most memorable week I've ever experienced! At first, the culture and food was tough to get used to but now I don't want to ever leave! Sorry mom and dad! Everyone, including the kids, are the most considerate and family-oriented people I have ever met. The families help the workers and I out by building and painting the houses with us. I have felt the Lord tugging on my heart about applying for an internship here at Mexico Caravan Ministries next summer. I feel like I would have a rough time being an intern away from home for a long time but I love C.T. Studd's quote: Except great things from God; Attempt great things for God.

Today was an interesting day! I've been praying about building on a mountain and that's exactly what we did! Although it was extremely challenging trying to get down the mountain in our 15 passenger van. It was truly an adventure because the interns got a flat tire on our way there and had to wait approximately an hour for them to get it changed. But don't worry everyone, all of us kids in my van got Monsters! It was awesome! 

               Wednesday July 27, 2011

 Hey everybody! Once again, this is Tyler S, blogging away.  Jacey, Dani, and Jennifer say hi!  Last night after I finished blogging, we got to listen to Paul Gervasi.  Paul and his wife are missionaries in Indonesia, and are associated with New Tribes Mission.  Paul shared with us, his journey to becoming a missionary and his life since becoming a missionary.  He shared the stories of Moses and Gideon.  Moses had a speech impediment, but God chose him to be his mouthpiece to Egypt and his people, Israel.  Gideon had an army of 300 men to fight Midian’s army of 135,000 men.  God put these men in their position so that when they accomplished what they had set out to do, none of the praise went to them; instead it all went to God.  Paul said that God did the same thing with him.  He told us how he had failed Spanish two years in a row in high school, but with God’s help learned two speak three different languages and reach previously unreached people groups.

             July 26, 2011

July 25, 2011

Hola everybody!  This is Tyler S from Iowa!  I’m not really sure who may be reading this, but whoever is, I would just like you to know that Caravan Ministries is the place to be!  It is only the end of the first day, but I have already been changed and challenged.  Upon entering Mexico yesterday, our group got a glimpse of what it is to live with very little.  Unlike in America, the Mexican nationals appreciate all that they have, even when it may not be of the highest quality or it may be very little.  When driving to our dorms for the first time on Sunday, we witnessed a woman sweeping her sidewalk outside a building that many Americans might not even accept as a shed, but to her, it was her home.  She didn’t have much, and it wasn’t high quality, but she appreciated it and took very good care of it.  I think we can all learn a lesson from this woman.  Most Americans would complain if that was the only place they had to live, but she was grateful for what she had.

Monday, July 25^th, 2011

Hola from Tijuana.  (This is Brian W blogging today).   We are very blessed to have had a safe trip down here.  No delays….no issues so far.  The weather down here is a lot cooler than the 90+ degree temps in Iowa.  About 75-80 during the day, and upper 60’s at night.   The dorms are a little stuffy with so many of us in each room.  But we are blessed to have a place to lay our heads at night. 

Hello All: We are finally here in Mexico. The fights and drive was great..Praise the Lord.

We have settled in and had a great dinner at a local restaurant. The trucks are loaded and ready to go for the builds tomorrow. There are two other teams here this week and we plan to build five homes a day.   Truly God is at work here and we are blessed to be a part of it.  To Him we give the Glory.

Hi teammates – in two days we are on our way – praise the Lord.

Psalm 96:3 - Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.  

To the team: I hope you are all praying for each other and especially your smaller group. Also, that you are praying for yourself and are preparing your heart and mind to be a servant to the Lord, not just for this trip, but for your return. Have you started packing? In three day we are on our way – praise the Lord.

To all: Do remember us daily. There are many great reads in this blog. To Him we give the glory..

Hello all - we are closing in on our time to be there. Getting really excited to serve our Lord in at a new level. Please remember us in your thoughts and prayers.

God bless