How One Trip Changed My Life
My first mission trip to Mazatlán, Mexico was when I was 15 years old. I had no idea what to expect; God had put it on my heart to go to Mazatlán with my church, so I just went. It is interesting to look back now, I can see how Jesus’ hand was working in my life, preparing me to go on a trip that would forever change me. After I arrived in Mazatlán, I quickly got to meet brokenness, joy, heartbreak, peace, and God’s presence like I have never met it before. My team and I would wake up early every morning to go to a feeding center called Genaro Estrada to help feed about 30 kids breakfast. Afterward we would get to hang out with those that didn’t have to go off to school, and pour love into them, which they so desperately need.
That is when I met my new family. I noticed that every morning one mom would come with her kids and stay and help out the women who cooked breakfast and ran the feeding center. Carmen came every morning with two small children, Elias who was 3 at the time, and Jatziri who was 5. Almost instantaneously after I saw them, something clicked. It was as if I knew at that moment that this family would forever be a part of my life. I cannot explain this in any other way than to say it was totally Jesus.
Over the past four years my life has been changed completely because of that one trip that I took a leap of faith on, and the family I met through going. I now sponsor Elias and Jatziri, and have a special relationship with them and Carmen like nothing else. Carmen writes me the sweetest letters, and has the heart of Jesus. This family is true joy, and has taught me that the greatest gift from God is not wealth or possessions, but Jesus himself.
Jesus opened my eyes while I was in Mazatlán, and made me see three main things about Himself: He is bigger than we ever imagined, He is more loving than we can ever hope, and He is faithful beyond what our brains can even comprehend. I so encourage you to go on an upcoming trip, it will not only change lives around the world, but it will change your own as well!
Editor’s Note: Interested in going on a mission trip with GO? Check out our upcoming trips on the trips page.
