¿Donde esta Rhonda?

.2011.

2011-01-24T20:50:00.000-08:00

So it's been a little while since i've posted - glad to hear some folks have noticed and have poked at me to keep them updated. Good to know people are tracking with me. Sometimes I dont feel I have anything too profound or exciting to share, but nonetheless, I want to keep you in the loop of my life here in Mexico.

So we are almost a month into the new year and things are going well here. Im currently writing you from my new sweet apartment! It's starting to really feel like a home - some photos up, some more furniture in to fill out the place, but it's still got that 'new' feel to it and Im really enjoying the space! It's great to have a place to lounge in when I want to be lazy, a place to be when I don't want or need to be "on", a place to have visitors over, a place to call home. I've loved the "residence style- communal living" deal but I am also grateful I can feel a bit more 'grown up" again and have more of a home. And let's not forget, I'm still in the thick of it here at the camp so Im just a stones throw away from the action. I'll post some pictures soon!

In ministry/work world, we're getting things rolling around the camp. Revamping the intern program is something new and exciting in the works - some new program ideas, a new leadership team, and some great interns are going to make for a fantastic experience I think! Also in the camp operations area, there some new leadership and staff helping in this area which has taken more off my full plate! It's so exciting to see new leaders rising up and to get to work alongside great people! Sometimes it's hard for me to let go of the control as I'd gotten to used to doing so much on my own, but it's also so rewarding to mentor new people and just watch others figure it out!

Personally, I am doing well as well. Still wrestling with... well, life. Not being where I want to be, or doing what I want to do all the time. Always struggling to want to be more like Jesus, but realizing how much I'm not. And continuing to work on areas of my life that I need to surrender more and be more disciplined... but God is a gracious gracious God... and He manages to still love me and meet me where I'm at. Although I still have some lonely days, I am grateful for the wonderful people I have to challenge me and love me everyday. From Ana who has figured me out and knows how to poke me and get me talking... and who feeds me wonderful food! To Sandy, a vibrant 20 year old who in the process of mentoring, I learn so much and am encouraged by daily. To Scott who is like a brother... I kinda feel like we sharpen each other - although Im sure sometimes pricking each other - we work so well together. To Marvin, a young filmmaker/video/artist who works with us & I continually learn from in our conversations as we drive around visiting families in the communities. I am so blessed by these rich friendships that have developed over the years. I know I often long for more... but I am wanting to be more content... content whatever the circumstances.

in fact, I think I need to spend more time sharing more about some of the people in my life. Perhaps when I dont have much to share in my life, I shall blog about these wonderful people that make up my community here in Mexico. I think that will help me reflect on the fullness of community I do have here... and hopefully share a glimpse into my life in the process. Whatdya think?

The pictures below are of a recent staff retreat we went on. Definitely the highlight moments were the times together as a family - laughing, talking, being.

.christmas in ensenada.

2010-12-15T20:23:00.000-08:00

It's weird to not have the 'usual' (for me...) triggers that Christmas is around the corner! I think partly b/c this fall has just flown by with everything that happened and it's almost like I skipped September and October. And now here we are almost finishing up the year!

We've hosted a few Christmas events and festivities this past week, but it's still wierd without the snow... or Christmas carols... I do miss it. Well, maybe not in the crazy intense snow storms and freezing cold weather. But I do miss the traditions and especially the advent season I grew up with. That at church all of December was spent preparing your heart for the celebration of Jesus... singing the carols... reflecting on the story of Christmas. I'll miss my mom's squares and treats she'd make and prepare - the house filled with way too much food - and how she'd decorate the house so beautifully! And even though we haven't always be able to spend Christmases together, I'll miss being with my family especially this year. I'll miss the christmas parties with all the "dippies and apps" and the spirit of community and fellowship often found in these moments. There will be alot I will be missing and probably a difficult Christmas, but I am so looking forward to having some time to really settle, rest, be...

With just a few more days of work before a week off for the holidays, Im looking forward to time to hang out in my NEW APARTMENT! That's right - my new digs are pretty much done! I moved in Saturday and Mardy and the guys have been doing a great job of finishing up the last few things. There is still a few projects to work on (like building stairs to my place - Im currently climbing up a ladder! haha), some furniture to gather, and then to make the place my home - photos, art, hitting up the dollar store for the essentials... but it shall be fantastic! Im really looking forward to having my own space. a home. a place to visitors. a place to call 'my own' amidst the chaos that camp life and community living sometimes brings. I am grateful for this blessing.

So although I was just wearing shorts the other day and although I will be eating tamales instead of turkey this Christmas... I am blessed. I have great people to create new memories with and celebrate new traditions with here in Ensenada.

.sometimes its hard.

2010-11-30T19:46:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's hard when you can't help everyone.
As the winter season approaches, we get more requests for help. Yes, there is an actual winter here in Ensenada - It's no Ontario winter, but it does get colder and rainer, especially as our weather patterns seem to get even stranger these days, we've had wetter winters. When rain hits us, the drainage systems are terrible, many houses are equipped with inadequate roofs, and many field workers are left unemployed. Many days in the winter season people are cold. wet. hungry.

The other day a tired, weary, couple came to the gate of the camp. Before I had a good 'excuse'. When I wasn't able to speak spanish very well I didn't usually have to tackle the tough gate conversations. We strive to help people in a sustainable, empowering, "hand up" not "hand out" kinda way. We work behind local pastors - equipping them to be the front line. We typically don't keep extra food to hand out at the camp or try to avoid taking on direct requests from families who come with needs to the camp. We desire to work in partnership and community with our pastors. We desire to be about relationship with people, not just give them what they need and never see them again. And even with that aside, we don't have the resources to help everyone. We can't keep up with all the needs. there will never be enough food to hand out. there will never be enough clothes to offer. there will never be enough money to fix all the roofs and houses.

Sometimes when people come asking for money or food, I gently explain what we can or cannot offer and I carry on with my day. Sometimes I'll offer what I personally can or although we don't encourage handing out food - will search around for some leftovers to offer them something. But these people come and go. And I carry on.

But back to the tired, weary couple the other day. It was a rainy cold day. They looked like they may have walked a ways to get here. They began to timidly share their story. Desperate. Hopeless. Tired. It wasn't a crazy drastic story - one that sadly I hear too often. Their house's roof isn't good - has leaks and when it rains the rain was pouring down unto their bed. Their daughter was getting sick from the rain. The father could barely speak from a terrible cold. I pulled in a fellow staff member into the conversation and began to explain our limitations of what we could do and suggested some next steps to get connected with some help. He understood we maybe couldn't do anything but he explained he was just desperate. He needed to do something, anything he could to help his family. He began to weep.

My heart ached.
I wanted to gather my friends together, grab some materials from the shop, jump in a truck and just fix the roof.
I wanted to buy some blankets and prepare a pot of soup for them.
I wanted to tell them everything was going to be okay.
But I couldn't.
But we did pray for them. Hugged them. Found some food for them. Gave them some phone numbers. Took down their information.
Hopefully gave them some hope.
Something.

I guess that's what it's about right?
Maybe we can't fix everyone's roof, but we can offer something. Time. A smile. A hug. A cup of coffee. Dignity.
I definitely prefer the moments where we hand over the keys to a new house. and everything feels perfect. at least for that moment.
But the tough ones, the ones where the couple has to walk away empty handed, remind me of why Im here.
The ache motivates me.
It reminds me there's more to do.
And there's always something we can offer.

.cait.

2010-11-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

I'd like everyone to meet my friend Caitlin.
She's all sorts of wonderful and she wrote a post on her blog (one of the few blogs i really follow) that I thought deserved some sharing. She's a fantastic writer.

Check it out http://furtherdowntheroad.wordpress.com/2010/10/31/wanting/

.return.

2010-11-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

As I write this I sit in the Buffalo Airport gearing up for my full day of travels. I always find myself wishing I could teleport...But later tonight I’ll be back in Ensenada, right back at it, hosting a team, enjoying the warm(er) weather, reuniting with mis amigos, catching up, and starting another chapter.

My time at home as been so refreshing. I must admit, after my mom died I wanted to cancel my trip to Ontario that I had planned. I didn’t want to preach, I didn’t want to get on a plane again, I didn’t want to feel more unsettled. But it was so great to be back home. Home... it’s such a changing word. I think I wrote about that a few times before. Although southern ontario will always be home, Mexico truly is my home for now. And I am anxious to get back into the swing of things with my peeps at the EOC.

As I look back on the last month of my traveling adventures here’s just a few of my favorite moments. I managed to bring my camera with me, without my battery charger... so I’ll have to just capture the moments in my memory this time.

- my pre-canada 5 day adventure in Virginia Beach! Beach front condo, fantastic people, and mi Nonita!
- fall colors. i forgot how gorgeous the leaves and tress are!
- deep rich conversations...catching up beyond the small talk...
- sharing a bit of my country with mi amiga Sandy
- the incredible ‘homecoming’ I always get at the Square.
- my dad getting to see me preach
- my Niagara Falls weekend adventure with Maddie & Sandy
- hot tub and wine with my sis-in-law
- going to the cemetery to visit my mom’s gravesite. not exactly fun, but good to do...
- hanging out with my various kiddies - from corn mazes to trick or treating!
- God’s provision in opening up new doors of financial support...amazing friends willing to go to bat for me...
- porch talks and debriefing with Maja... like the good ol’ days
- surprising God encounters through a good book, prayer times, conversations, or even in the many drives around ontario

Thanks to all those who have been so wonderful to me in these days. Taking me out for coffee, checking in, financial support, laughing with me until my belly hurts, praying for my family, crying with me or for me, missing me, loving me. I have felt so blessed by the many people I have who are on my team. I couldn’t have gotten through these last 2 months without you all.

So I think Im ready. Creo que estoy lista! Hope you are ready to join with me on my continued journeys in Mexico!
Vamos!

.inside peek.

2010-10-17T10:47:00.001-07:00

Want a little inside peek at some of the action that happens at the EOC when there aren't teams in.. check out this video blog we put together. Note the part where it shows some staff apartments being built! woohoo! Definitely looking forward to the sweet new digs!

Anywho, for now enjoy the video! More to come soon on my adventures visiting Ontario!

.my mom.

2010-09-24T10:24:00.000-07:00

IN MEMORY OF ADA ELGERSMA...

Saturday September 11 I received a phone call you never want to receive. “You better come home Rhonda. Your mom may not make it.” We had discovered just a month previous my mom had cancer. We knew it wasn’t likely going to be a hopeful prognosis. We’d just discovered days before that it was stage 4 breast cancer and had spread to various parts of her body. We were just accepting this news that my mom was on a journey to death, when an infection rushed her to an emergency surgery that changed the coarse of action. My family living in various parts of Canada, US, and Mexico rushed home in chance it was our last chance to say goodbye.

My mom did make it through the surgery okay, but her body was tired and her spirit was weary. She had been fighting and wrestling for years already - suffering from chronic arthritis pain that had essentially limited her mobility to her house. My mom told my dad she was ready to see her Maker. She was ready to go. We had precious moments of saying goodbyes, sitting with her, praying with her, laughing with her. We were ready to release her into a life of freedom... The doctor warned us although her spirit was ready her body may take some time to let go. We began to pray God would take her quickly and quietly so there would be no more suffering. God answered our prayers and took her home September 17. Mi mama es libre! My mom is free!

At the time I write this I am still recovering from the whirlwind of the last 10 days. Ups & downs, tears & joys, precious time with my family, experiencing emotions I never knew I had...It’s been exhausting but also been humbling to see the love, support and prayers from so many people - from old school friends, to church communities, to EOC partners and teams. What an amazing example of community. Thank you so much! I am sure I’ll be continuing to rely on you all as I walk through this process of grieving.

My mom was always proud of my work and ministry. She never got to witness my work first hand but always knew what was happening at the EOC and supported me faithfully. In honor of my mom, you can make a donation to my ministry with EOC YUGO. Help make an eternal difference in our broken world. Thank you for those who already have made a donation. I am completely humbled by the generosity of people in my life. Paying for flights, driving over an hour just to give me a hug, making yourself available, driving me places, feeding us, donations, prayers, emails... Its been an incredible outpouring of support. And I need it all more than ever, so thank you.

For more information/photos/tributes - you can go to www.cooperfuneralhome.ca (online condolences)

I will be returning to reconnect with my Mexico family for a few weeks. And then back to Ontario for most of October some previously planned visits to churches and partners. I am blessed to have such great communities of people all over the world who will be loving me along this journey...

.contrasts.

2010-08-16T15:15:00.001-07:00

I feel like Im living a bit in contrasts these days...
alot of moments where i think to myself "well on one hand... but then again, on the other hand...."

Like how we wrapped up our our last of 9 weeks straight of teams, finishing up a long run of teams. Ending a season...
Then shortly after hosted the first ever local youth camp. Two houses built by local mexican youth.
The first steps in an amazing new chapter of the ministry. Starting a new season...

Another example, Im sad to see that our extended staff are leaving us, returning back to their homes. Our team of interns are wrapping up their time here and many have already left us. We had a team of 10 youth from Canada, US, and Mexico serving together - working hard behind the scenes, selflessly giving themselves to the ministry. What a gang they were! But aside from working together, we also lived together, played together, celebrated together, wrestled together. It's a beautiful thing really! It will be sad to see them all go. They bring so much joy to my days!
But this community thing can be exhausting! I'll be excited to have my own space... to not be accountable for 10 to 100 other people. Maybe just a handful will be nice for now. I'm ready to know that if there are dished in the sink, I can only blame myself... Im ready to be able to walk around the house in my pjs without someone walking in. I'm ready to answer a few less questions in the day...
But then how long will that peace and quiet turn to eery silence... or lonliness...
The contrast of embracing the quiet peace of the camp, but also missing the joy and activity of teams and visitors!

The contrast of knowing this is where I need and want to be right now, but that there are some things back 'home' in Ontario that are pulling upon my heart. Some difficult news from home regarding my mother's health is racing through my head, but for now, we wait... Wanting to enjoy this season of preparation and planning here in Mexico, but not sure where I should be and where...

The contrast of wrestling with personal finances... not really being able to get ahead and tackle those debts and get what I all need [want] .. but also still living in abundance and richness compared to the people I'm serving here in Mexico.

So many interesting contrasts.
But I suppose that's the beauty of life. ups and downs. pulls and pushes. changes. growing. stretching.
it's what keeps you awake, alive, fresh.
and to be grateful - content whatever the circumstances...

.another season.

2010-08-06T14:37:00.000-07:00

Can ya even believe it? Another month has flown by and another summer season about to wrap up. 9 weeks straight of teams from all over the States & Canada. (And one more next week from Mexico!) Phew! It is with a little bit of a sigh of relief that the busy season is coming to an end. The early mornings, late nights, dishes to wash, questions to answer, lunches to pack, coffee to make, nails to hammer... it’s been a full summer!

But on the other hand you can never grow tired of seeing the keys being passed around for a new home, or the embrace of a child, or hearing testimonies of team members, or watching a team of interns work and serve hard. It’s a real joy and honor to get to be apart of all the activities, ministry, and community of this place.

Next week we are excited to launch our first ever Mexican Youth Camp! Due to the generosity of others, we have two houses sponsored to be built by local youth! We are excited to open this new chapter!

We have already begun planning, dreaming, and thinking ahead to the next season. Ideas on how to serve the teams, staff, and community better and more effectively. And really the ministry doesn’t stop.... maybe the pace changes, or the work of visiting teams slows down... but the needs of the people

here in Ensenada continue and so does our work.

But I won't complain when we get some vacation time at the end of August either. Woohoo!

Sleep is near my friends, sleep is near!

.small moments.

2010-07-17T17:05:00.000-07:00

The other day at staff night/hang out time, we had to share our high & low, or rose & thorn of the week so far. It's always so great to have a chance to peek into how someone else is doing...as we can be working alongside one another but not have a chance to really connect.

Anyways, it was my turn and I was having the hardest time thinking of a high point. It wasn't b/c I had such a terrible week - there were a few tough moments as in any week really, but I just couldn't think of anything "worth sharing". I realized my highs were these simple, little moments throughout my week.

Things like

... laughing with Maddie (my hometown intern from Burlington. such a delight to have a face from home here again, serving together!) I think we were reminiscing about good ol' days with the youth. I laughed until I cried. Love those moments.

... translating at a house dedication. Thursdays when we hand the keys over to the house, the team has a chance to share words and blessings for the family. So we need to help translate... and I was the only kinda-sorts-bilingual one there. Although my spanish still require MUCH work, little feats like this are encouraging. Besides the family didn't speak very good spanish anyways (spoke a dialect from Oaxaca) so Im sure they were full of grace. And well, they nodded and smiled at the right times it seemed!

... my morning walk/run on the beach with Ana and Kim. as tough as that 5:45 alarm is, it does feel good to start the day off this way with dear friends.

... I got all goosebumpy introducing the intern team this past sunday -- all 10 of them! from 3 nations! So exciting to see more and more local youth wanting to help! To the point where Im having to turn some away! I was so proud to call out there names as they proudly wore there staff tee's... ready to serve! How inspiring they really are!

... playing and singing and laughing with Naomi. Scott and Ana's almost 3 year old girl is full of energy, character, and joy. It's a pleasure to be able to watch her grow and be apart of their family.

... meeting new friends. I got to spend some more time with some friends Diego & Selena these couple weeks and am excited to get to know them more and was blessed to partner with them in ministry this past week. They work in the Migrant Camp areas and it is so amazing to see how this community loves and respects them. Being around passionate, fun people is good

for my heart!

So those were some of the small 'roses' or "highs' of my week. Maybe not too mayn mountain top moments, but I'll take those rich, simple moments of love, joy, and community anyday.

By the way, my 'thorn' was when I was trying to fill the ketchup bottles up and the bag exploded all over me. again. It's definitely not my gift.

Enjoy those simple moments today.

.space.

2010-07-03T12:25:00.000-07:00

So i've been thinking about the concept of space lately. Whether it physical space or mental head space or spiritual space...

I think it's one thing that I have wrestled and defined and redefined many times here. I live in community - 24-7. My house is located in the middle of the camp. My office is about 80 steps away from where I sleep. Sometimes the camp is filled with 200 other people sharing the same space as where I live and work. Currently Im living with 6 of my 'ninas' - 6 girls who are interning with EOC this summer (from canada, us, and mexico! it's actually quite beautiful!) My schedule often starts from 6am to 11pm with litle space to sometimes breathe or rest or stop. Then there are other times and seasons when the camp is empty and my world has so much space and time and it's a bit lonely.

Im not sure I've found that balance of space entirely yet. Using space wisely and intentionally... knowing when to pull out and read and pray and retreat. Or knowing when to step out and connect and seek out community. It's a tricky balance but an important one. We need physical, emotional, and spiritual space to recharge. But we also need community. Im learning I thrive most when I've found that balance.

We are just about half way through our summer run of teams. The biggest weeks still to come. We have a stacked team of interns and volunteers, we have full camps, and programs prepared. We are ready. I think (hope) I am too. This past week was a quite week and so I think Im geared up to serve these teams well. These weeks will be full in all senses of the word and in all forms of space - but I hope I will be intentional with my space these next two months - Enjoying the joys of community and busyness of the season, but also knowing when to pull back and recharge.

Pastor Fransisco skips with some kids in his community.

Summer intern team 2010

Chapel reno fun!

.mas fotos.

2010-06-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

...some photos as captured by camp photographer of one of our summer weeks...

.fotos.

2010-05-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

.catch up.

2010-05-05T11:10:00.000-07:00

Well where to start! I have failed miserably on the blogging and updates! So much to catch up on! Letme just start by walking through a few highlights of the last several weeks! Then we can get a bit more personal...

* 29 houses have been built so far in 2010!

* We’ve hosted 18 visiting teams from all over the States & Canada who came to serve, build, and love.

* Over easter, we survived a week of facilitating and hosting over 250 campers & staff, 9 houses, and 5 other ministry activities! It was a crazy week but we were so impressed by the hard work and flexibility of the teams and staff! What an fruitful week it was for God’s Kingdom!

* It continued to be a rainier spring season than normal around here! There were several wet and cold building days; and many communities and field worker impacted by the unusual heavy rains. We are excited to be enjoying some sunny, clear skies these weeks!

* We experienced some of the tremors of the nearby earthquakes in Mexicali in April. Thankfully we weren’t affected by the quake. We pray for our brothers & sisters in Mexicali who suffered significant damage in their communities.

* Our fearless spring intern team of Jon, Travis, Thomas, Anahi, & Sandy continued to impress us with there passion, willingness, and hard work! Go team! Thanks for your dedication! We are excited for our summer interns to arrive in June!

* our staff team enjoyed a weekend camping trip to a local waterpark “Las Canadas”! About 40 of us, staff and families enjoyed great food, campfires, volleyball, laughter, play, and even some zipline adventures! It was great for us to have time together in fellowship and celebrate what God is doing among us! (header photo and below are some of the fearless who conquered the canopy tour/ziplines!

*we have been enjoying the change of pace here in these weeks post-spring teams/ pre-summer teams! We are busy programming the weeks, interviewing families, renovating the camp, and preparing the camp and our hearts for the busy summer season ahead! Some of our staff will also have some time of vacation, deputation (support raising) and traveling. We are especially excited for David & Kimyco as David recently received his visa and they have been enjoying some time in Fresno with Kimyco’s family!

* one of our hopes for this year has been to open up this place for more local events - especially local youth groups! Sandy, a Mexican young adult & the newest addition to our staff team, has been working on building those connections with local churches and youth pastors. We’ve hosted a few events and look forward to running a youth camp in August where local youth have the opportunity to build houses and serve in their very own communities! Please pray for this!

.wishful thinking.

2010-03-05T15:06:00.001-08:00

This is exactly why I hate making goals or resolutions. B/c as you can see by my latest post, I have failed miserably.I suppose alot has happened in this last month or so of "blog silence"...but at the same time I feel I have nothing "new" to report that I am able to articulate...

Work wise we've been busy planning, preparing, and hosting small teams. I dig having small teams in - you get to know them, you get to journey with them, you get to be flexible and more 'organic'. And I suppose its less work too ;). We have a great team here at EOC. I am blessed. It's work sometimes, but really - what a beautiful team we are! Our latest interns are fabulous and it's definitely a different tone when you have all guy interns! Right now we are getting the camp ready for our spring run of teams! Including my very own home church - Wellington Square Youth team! That shall be all sorts of wonderful for my heart! Shortly followed by our biggest week of the year with over 230 people! Phew!

Trying to balance the various roles and jobs I have, the constant running list of things to do, enjoying the challenge of it all, but also just enjoying the quiet still moments. Ive been having some great conversations with Scott - my dear friend, leader, and partner in ministry. Talking about finding balance and ways to keep filled and protected.

One of the things that has been added to my plate but also has given me so much in return has been being apart of the Homes of Hope program. Visiting the families con mis amigos Juan & Ana is something I look forward to in my week! Its great to be reminded what we are all about. We being EOC... but also we being followers of Jesus. Taking time to care for people. Or just be with people. Be invited into their "homes", enjoy a fresh flour tortilla, and talk about their hopes and trials. Listen. Laugh.

Personally, continue to know this is where Im supposed to be. Even in the tough moments where my world feels so small. I am so grateful for the friendship of my dear sister Ana who continues to journey with me in all the ups and downs. Continues to ask the tough questions that I hate. Continues to push me to search deeper. Finding time and 'ganas'/desire to do this, to search has been hard sometimes. But God is full of grace.

this photo captures a bit of my beautiful community here. diverse in all sorts.

Lucy - dear new hermana. phenomenal camp administrator. woman extraordinaire

Ricardo - a true example of servanthood

John - one of my fantabulous interns. interns are amazing. we wouldn't be the same without them.

Marvin - Marvin was one of my first amigos aqui. We continue to work side by side often. Spending many days driving around - talking, laughing, or comfortable in the silence.

.relief.

2010-01-26T18:31:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we were given the opportunity to put our love and words into action. As previously shared, the heavy rains impacted the local villages in huge ways - not being able to work, not being able to buy food, not haven't adequate housing... So we gathered some resources together, purchases some staple foods, blankets, and tarps, connected with our partnering pastors, and headed out to the communities to distribute some releif items. No agenda. No sermons. Just love. And action. The weekend was a powerful example of teamwork, servanthood, and Jesus. It was so humbling to be apart of this opportunity.

Stay tuned for a video, but for now, here's a few photos...

.rain.

2010-01-21T16:26:00.001-08:00

Although comparatively 'insignificant' in light of the tremendous tragedies in Haiti, but heavy rain storms in California and Baja have been hitting hard.

While the rains have been heavier in California, when rain comes to Ensenada.. it doesn't know where to go! We just aren't used to this type of rain! Cars stuck or stalled out, roads flooded, mudslides... not to mention all those folks with inadaquate housing.

As we scrambled to patch leaks here around the camp, I couldn't help but think of the many families who are without a shelter in the wet, wind, and cold. We can give away tarps and help where we can, but again, can't help feel a bit helpless...

Keep these folks in your prayers....

in Ensenada.... photo credit: Daniel Meza

check out my friends work here or here

.the square.

2010-01-18T21:51:00.000-08:00

One of the reasons I love the square.

This was the welcoming I got at my home church, Wellington Square, when I returned in

January...

.haiti.

2010-01-15T08:31:00.000-08:00

Im not sure what to think. what to do. how to respond. I can't say I've been blessed with the gift of mercy and don't usually have strong reactions to world disasters or crisis. This time feels different. Ive been really rattled by the news of the recent earthquakes in Haiti. It's kept me awake, its brought me to tears, its made me uncomfortable. Maybe it's b/c its closer or maybe because I have a little more understanding of what poverty is like and can't imagine how destructive this event would be for a country like Haiti. I think how much devastation something like that would bring to a country like Mexico... I can't imagine in Haiti which has more corruption, poverty, and lack of infrastructure. It's been a bit overwhelming and paralyzing. But instead I want it to call me to action. The strongest action I can offer right now is prayer. It's funny how i initially think "well, i guess i can only pray...". But really. it is the strongest action I can offer at this point. I hope you are joining me in this.

As a ministry we are trying to figure out what our response is. We're investigating organizations where we can direct donations personally and as a ministry. We're talking about our short term response as well as long term ideas. We are also determined to stir up a response among our partnering pastors and churches here in Ensenada. This will be another challenge to them regarding the shift of not just receiving, but giving as well.

May we not let this just pass as another news event. make it stir in us, ache in our hearts, and call us to action...

.confused.

2010-01-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

I think my body is confused.

What time is it? Why is it suddenly warm and you are wearing flipflops and tshirts after bundling up in the snow?! So I think my body reacted with a sweet head cold and all around sluggish-ness... but it's great to be back! Jumped right back into things with a big leadership breakfast with the local government and then hosting a team this weekend.

Today's agenda... to get caught up, visit some dedications, and enjoy the sun.

.2010.

2010-01-06T05:36:00.000-08:00

I haven't always loved making resolutions. Mainly b/c I fail miserably on them. But I feel that this past fall has already been building up and beginning some new habits in my life, and Ive been working toward some goals that I need and want to be intentional on this upcoming season.

So Im gonna copy a few friends (like this one) and try and attempt at a "my 10 in 2010".

Here we go. (in no particular order)

1. explore more of Mexico. visit at least three other cities/states.

2. improve my spanish skills. study periods two times a week.

3. do better at communicating and connecting with my friends, encouragers, and supporters back home. (this includes blogging!). Develop a team of folks in Canada to help with this.

4. continue to take care of myself. keep running/exercising every morning. improve diet.

5. manage my money better. be more aware/organized with my finances. and develop a plan to tackle my school debt.

6. continue to invest in sharing life with Scott y Ana and the team at EOC... in all our messiness and realness.

7. call my mom more.

8. share time weekly with some dear sisters... journeying together, challenging one another.

9. dare to be "girly" sometimes.

10. procrastinate less. especially in personal life details.

Some are lofty goals... some are tangible and completely doable if i just take action. Its funny b/c I can be very organized and make things happen in my work life, but can fall so short in personal areas.

This year I want to take action. I feel this fall has been a wrestling, intangible, reflective space. Its been hard. beautiful. and enlightening. This stage is far from over (ever...).

But when I left for Canada I was given a challenge... to take time away and return ready to take action. Ready to make some changes. Im nervously excited.

This year I want to be in love with Jesus more. I didn't include goals like "reading the bible more" or "improve prayer life" b/c really at the core of this has to be a motivation to simply be with Jesus. I pray this stirs up more and more for me this year.

This year I want to to nurture new gifts of the spirit... and restore some that I have neglected. I want my character to overflow in joy. patience. and gentleness. Not cynicism, judgmentalism, or selfishness.

Phew. I guess when you write it all down like that, it really does seem lofty. But this year more than ever Im ready - no, willing, to make this year a good one. And I suppose I just made myself a whole lot of accountability in sharing it with you all.

thanks for your support friends. in every which way.

.home is where the heart is.

2010-01-06T05:10:00.000-08:00

Well here I sit at the Buffalo airport, en route back to Mexico. Im uber early - thinking I'd need to combat some wintery weather and upgraded security, but all was smooth sailing. So what a better excuse to write a blog... finally. (I do promise to post more regularly... really... its a resolution/goal for the year. and i have people going to harass me if i don't... so track along with me this year!)

home.
canada is home. it always will be. i am still a proud canadian and the last three weeks visiting family and friends in Ontario have been a reminder of the incredible people in my life. And although I am happy to return to a warmer climate, it was even good to be home amidst some snow, christmas season, favorite pubs, good restaurants, sane drivers, and a country where a tall, white girl doesn't stick out so much!
but even more than Canada, my 'people' in canada are what make it home. the history of friendships are so rich. there were so many visits that we were able to just pick up where we left off...there are some friendships that I am just so able to be known, really known... there are people who know how to ask just the right questions to get me thinking... It was so amazing to reminisce - to celebrate our past memories but also be secure in the future of our friendship no matter where life has taken us. Whether it was time with my family and getting to know my nieces and nephews a bit more, or time with the ol' highschool gang, or faithful camp friends, or Wellington Square peeps... I was surrounded by people who love and support me. I am truly blessed.
It was hard to manage these three weeks - wanting to visit with everyone, but knowing I couldn't. And even though I was determined to not run around too much, by the end of my time in Ontario I was tired of visiting and ready to head back. home. home to mexico.

the first time i used the word 'home' for mexico, i was a little surprised. but i suppose i shouldn't be. it is my home. it's where my everyday community is right now. its where my purpose and passion is right now. its where my calling is right now. and despite the cheesiness of it, it's where my heart is right now. i desperately missed my friends and faces of the EOC. It was refreshing to step away from my work, but I am ready to jump back in the game of my job and life. not to mention my own bed and not living out of a suitcase.

so it was so fullfilling for my heart to be home. in ontario.
but im so ready to go home. to mexico.

here's a few pics of my wanderings this christmas...

and so many more wonderful faces and moments that im unable to capture...

.strength.

2009-11-15T14:09:00.000-08:00

Meet Kauyagene. The story of this young woman has been an incredible one. It's been a pleasure to have been able to be apart of this journey with the Sanchez Family. For the story, check out the 2 posts called "God's faithfulness" on the EOC webblog.
www.eocyugo.org
Just click on the blog section and give it a read.

God is good.
and big.

.pics.

2009-11-15T14:07:00.000-08:00

Just some shots from this past fall season

.im still alive.

2009-11-09T18:50:00.000-08:00

I once again have become the bad blogger I hate. Not updating my blog. Im determined to get back on track so hopefully you will stay with me my friends and supporters!

The fall has been a fantastic season thus far. Here's a few updates on the ongoings of my life and activities of EOC.

- The fall months mean planning, visioning, implementing new programs and ideas, and improving on past ones! When teams aren't in we still have lots of work to do and my list of things to do and projects to work on, never seem to disappear!

- We have hosted teams from Petaluma, San Diego, & Idaho to build houses, install bunkbeds, and run VBS programs! We enjoy having small teams in at this time as we really have a chance to connect & build relationships. I really enjoy the bigness of the busy weeks in the summer, but also enjoy the intimacy of these smaller teams as well! This past week we hosted a team of folks where the majority of the members were retired seniors! I was so impressed by their passion, love for Jesus, and stamina!

- We have converted the “ camp store” to more of a “coffee shop”. (C3 - coffee, community, connect). The hope is that it can be also be a place open to local community - especially local youth to use internet, have a safe place to hang out, and raise awareness about the world around them. We have been enjoying the new look and feel of the place!

- Our video guy, Marvin, who many of you know and love, recently celebrated the birth of his first daughter! He and his wife Monica welcomed Natalia into the world October 23.

- More local youth have been hanging out the EOC which makes us very excited! Roberto hosted a night of games, hang out, and movie on the big screen and over 40 youth from the community and various churches showed up! We also hosted our first weekend retreat for a local youth group! We are excited about opening up our doors more and more for the local community. Its cool to get connected more into youth ministry world again. Although Im still a bit timid in up front leadership b/c of my spanish, I am hopeful I will be able to serve and connect more with local youth groups and pastors in the upcoming months.

- Ive become more involved in the "homes of hope" program - the house construction ministry. I am now facilitating the team that helps monitor the selection of the families, interviewing potential recipients, and programming the calender. It has been a very rich experience as it provides me with more 'front line contact' with the people we are serving. I love meeting the families before they receive a home and building a relationship with them. Now when the teams are in, and I visit the progress of their home, it is that much more significant! It's been a pleasure to work alongside Pastor Abraham, Juan, and Ana on this.

- A team from my church (wellington square) as well as two other teams from Southern Ontario will be coming here next week! Im soooooo excited! To have familiar faces here and share my home with my community from back home! I have started the countdown of "how many more sleeps!" It should be a great week!

- Our staff team and their families will be building a home and working on a few other projects together in a few weeks. This is an exciting chance for our staff to come together! We will end off the week together with a fantastic Thanksgiving feast! Later in December, a team of pastors that we work with will be building a house together! What an amazing opportunity this will be for these brothers to come together with one purpose and focus! We are excited about these opportunities to empower the local church - these are homes that teams from canada and the states have sponsored but are wanting local hands to build. How cool eh?! We are excited about this new step in the ministry!

So that's a quick glance of some updates of the happenings around here over the past while.
Oh! And for my Ontario peeps, i've booked my flight home for a visit - Dec 15 - Jan 6! Hope to get lots of great visits in!

.mulege.

2009-09-26T22:18:00.000-07:00

Well Im back from our adventure and trip to Mulege/Santa Rosalia. Our team of 9 from EOC headed out Monday to Friday to help with hurricane relief and support the needs of these communities in any way we could. We all kind of felt like a team that we host here at EOC. We were reminded of what it was like to travel together, to a new place, with new weather (HOOOOT weather!!), new routine, new culture, and new needs. We were humbled. We were stretched. We worked hard. We sweated (did I mention it was hot?!). We laughed. We enjoyed fantastic hospitality. We partnered with new brothers and sisters. We built new roofs, new rooms, and even a few small one room houses. We connected with pastors as well as government officials (including the president of the municipality). Doors have been opened to see how we can continue to partner with our new friends in these areas... where the needs are great - and not just b/c of the hurricane. Imagine a family already struggling to get by, living in a shack for a house, when a giant storm comes and destroys there home. They barely can pull together enough money for water and food, not to mention another home. It was hard sometimes to think "there is so much more that needs to be done... isn't there more we can do?!". Yes. There is more. And we are excited to explore those possibilities.

It was encouraging to hear of the testimonies of some of our new friends. Hearing how these communities were buzzing about a group of volunteers (from ensenada, us, canada, and locally) that were going around helping people. They shared this was the first time a team had come and offered aid like this. This is exciting - not b/c of wanting any praise, but to see how quickly the impact is felt. In just three days we were able to help with 15 projects... 15 families lives were impacted and some relief offered. A team of volunteers from 2 local churches joined us every day and it was so encouraging to hear of their excitement as well to carry on. This was new for them as well - to reach out, to share the love of Jesus... in action. I am confident the ripple affect will carry on in these beautiful communities.

It was also special to share this time together as an eoc team. The joys (and trials) of travelling, living, and serving together were a highlight as well. Laughing over a meal, tackling a project together, or sharing thoughts and stories under a night sky, are all moments that have brought us closer together as a team.

Look forward to hearing updates on the status of Mulege and pray with us as we seek to determine next steps to help and serve our friends in the Mulege area.

.hurricane jimena.

2009-09-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

Many of you probably heard about the recent Hurricane Jimena that hit here in Mexico in the beginning of September. Likely most of you heard the initial warnings, and once the hurricane was less impact than they thought and new coverage backed off, many of us didn't think much about it after that. Even here in Ensenada we didn't feel any impact of the hurricane and I know personally I didn't take much time to investigate if there was impact in other areas.

Last week, contacts in Mulege contacted us with an appeal for prayer and donations. We soon learned of the devistation that had occured in there area from the hurricane. We decided to take this opportunity to see how we can reach out further, to see how we can serve. EOC Director Scott and staff Juan made a short trip to Muleje last week to meet with some pastors and government leaders. They quickly realized the needs of our brothers and sisters south of us. Houses, buildings, hospitals flooded ... belongings ruined... cars demolished... roads torn up... infrastructures damaged... power & water lines lost...

Upon their return we quickly began to communicate the needs to the local churches here in Manadero. We are collecting donations of clothing, food, blankets, and needed supplies here at the chapel at the camp. We also felt we had resources to share with our friends in Mulege and so a team from EOC and some local churches will be making the 10 hour drive to Mulege early Monday morning (sept 21) to spend a week to help with relief work. We will help repair roofs, cleaning, and however we can! Pray for our team and for the people who lives have been turned upside down. Imagine the damage a hurricane can do in our north american cities - now think of the impact these violent storms have on shanty houses and cities with little infrastructure.

Im keen to embark on this adventure. Who doesn't a love a 10hour road trip?! Im excited to work side by side with my mexican hermanos! Ready to get out of the office... pumped to get to do some front line work... to get my hands dirty. It should be a good week of hard work with great people. And Im sure the guys will keep me laughing as well.

Some shots of Scott's trip to Mulege...

trying to salvage one's belongings...

the local hospital... notice the water line on the wall...

.another september.

2009-09-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

funny how even though i've been out of school now for several years, september continues to have that 'new year' sense and feel for me. even more than january, september is a time for new seasons, new starts, new routines, new goals.

after a busy summer season, we took a well deserved vacation time. i think i must be getting old or something, b/c this year more than ever i was so ready for it. i could tell i was weary and and my spirit needed to recharge. the first week i spent just enjoying my house, my space, the liberty to be lazy... we did some changes in my house, some redecorating, moving rooms, etc and so it had a fresh appeal to it. it feels much more like a house now and less like a dormitory. i spent time reading, watching movies, napping, resting up. the second week i had a different sort of mission. i needed to now feed my soul... my spirit... recharge. i went away on a little retreat [thanks to the help of eoc]. i spent 5 days away. alone. just me. God. some books. journal. and my thoughts. the first few days i went to 'la mision' area (about 1 hour from eoc) to a place called 'la fonda' (i highly recommend it if you want a rustic, chill mexico get-away!) i had a cabana right on the ocean... huge windows all along the front of the room... balcony... no tv. no internet. i tried to be intentional with my time - walking, reading, writing, listening. it was hard at first but what a blessing it was. it was like a long-lost reuinon with an ol' friend. it felt like it had been so long since i had really been with God, that i was a bit nervous, worried about it being awkward or contrived. but like the good friend he is... he came through. it was so refreshing. i worked through ephesians and was challenged deeply. it was good to wrestle again. then the last few days i drove a bit further north to another hotel which was a bit more resorty... jacuzzi, pool, free breakfasts, cable tv in english (i know... the things i miss!). nothing too extravagant, but enough to feel like a lil' vacation. i was able to meet up with my friends kimyco & david on their vacation adventure for a few hours as well. but aside from that...solo. there were a few days i don't think i even spoke to anyone. it was actually easier than i thought. i suppose i was hungry for this time and space. i am blessed i was able to do that.

so now we're back at it. and with new seasons comes lots of meetings and times to gather, refocus, brainstorm, vision. we've been really trying to dream about what God has for this place. how to really better serve and empower the people here in ensenada. to challenge ourselves not to just run programs and a 'well-oiled machine' but to be really about people. loving people. to think outside of the box. so exciting, but at the same time difficult... especially for a coordinator job like myself. hard to facilitate and program things that are fluid and changing. but jesus wasn't about putting square pegs into square holes. he was about people. and people are sometimes square. sometime round. and sometimes don't want to be put into holes. so we are continuing on this journey to figure out how. how to love people here in ensenada. how to meet needs in an empowering way. in a sustaining way.

and im continuing to learn about to be. how to be rhonda. im still learning how to live in different culture(s). im still learning how to be the best i can be to this community. im still learning why God wants me here.... what more he has for me.

and im still learning how great He really is...

happy september everyone.

may it be filled with new routines. new visions. new opportunities to experience & serve him.

.website.

2009-08-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

oh. and check out the eoc webpage.

www.eocyugo.org

it's got some photos, blogs, videos, and just all around good information.

(and i made the website! woo! go macs!)

.update.

2009-08-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

Well well well. Don't I get a failing grade for keeping in touch! Sorry its been so long since i've blogged, or posted new photos... 'Tis the season around here at EOC and it's hard to find the time to pull off a remotely coherent blogpost. So I wish this update wish i could be more raw and personal. like shared over a drink on a patio on a summer evening. But I wanted to post SOMETHING at least...

Well, we are on our last stretch of the summer season here in Mexico. We've had about 9 weeks of teams in already, just two more weeks to go. The summer definitely has had a different feel this year with smaller teams, lots of cancellations, smaller numbers, etc. Due to fears of violence, a bit of the swine flu scare, and then the economic situation, it hasn't been the best of years for teams and EOC. Over 30 teams cancelled, there are over 40 families waiting for homes that we anticipated we would be able to build this year, our finances are tight, and the needs here in Mexico are growing even more as the economics hit them hard!

Its hard... but at the same time we are excited and optimistic about the opportunities this situation has stirred in us to continue to become less 'reliant' on teams from Canada and the States. To work more and more on empowering the local people and church. Obviously, our partnerships with the teams and churches in Canada and the States are still so vital and an important part of the ministry, but it's been a interesting journey trying to figure out "now what" as we look at homes that still need to be built, children that still need to be fed... One way I've really been stirred up is to work more on rising up the youth here in Mexico. Particularly in the 'downtown' Ensenada churches. Where even though they still may be considered 'poor' in the world's standards, they have so much more than many of the people in the rural communities we are serving in... and these young people haven't been challenged or empowered to serve their own people. It's the same problem we have back with our youth back home... it's hard for them (and us!) to see the needs right in our own backyard. So we are planning some camps just for youth here in Mexico. Its been cool to meet with youth pastors from these churches and see them get excited. So even though its been a trickier year in terms of numbers, finances, etc. we are excited for the possibilities.

Regardless, this summer has been rich, smooth, and full of God's presence. Even though this is my third summer, each week brings its own tone and energy. There's been a good mix of teams this year and it's kept it fresh. And actually I don't mind some of the smaller weeks as you get a chance to get to know the people a bit more. Its definitely neat re-connecting with teams and leaders. Maybe I'd dare say it gets easier too as I feel I know what Im doing now. But there are still tough and long days, so easy isn't the word I want to use too quickly. And for me whether we have a team of 30 or a team of 130 my job is still the same. So as fun as having teams are... Im ready for the summer rush to be over. The cool thing about EOC is that just when you get bored of not having teams and the rhythm of 'off season' ministry... teams come. And just when you get tired and need some space.. they leave. So its a good balance. And Im definitely looking forward to some vacation time at the end of August. That will probably just mean for me lots of sleeping in, enjoying my house to myself (normally shared with my wonderful intern girl staff...but this fall it will be just moi!), puttering around, and hopefully treating myself to some little mexico getaways. I know my heart and energy is low.... i know ive been trying to run on empty too much, not fueling up with time for myself, or with God. Ive never been great at that whole balance thing... discipline... and its catching up to me. I know I need to be spending some time listening. waiting. reading. soaking. but right now that seems impossible... not just for my schedule but for the state of my heart/mind. So i need some time to really unwind and be. just be.

As I step more and more into leadership and working closely alongside Scott (the director) and Abram (our "pastor") I am both humbled and empowered. It makes me want to do more and be apart of the next steps for this place. Where other moments Im overwhelmed. There's so much to do. Not just in my job... but in this world. There is so much need. There is so much to do... It can be a bit paralyzing sometimes to have to pick and choose what to focus on.

Im still loving living here and making this my home for awhile. My spanish is getting better (maybe?!) but I want to kick it up to the next level. My verbs and conjugations still need alot of work and Im sure people are being very patient with me as I hack up their language... but Im getting by. Im still working out every morning at 6am (gah! yes, even in the summer craziness! Who woulda thought!). Its been great having my friend Ana to help motivate me to get my butt outta bed and obviously its so worth it. My friendship with Scott and Ana continue to be one of the biggest blessings of friendship here. Its been so important for me to have them to just be myself around. There's a growing community of people that is happening for me... its slow. and work sometimes. and sometimes its lonely. but its been good. Im still continuing to learn alot about myself and about people and community. Sometimes its tough lessons, but lessons nonetheless.

So that's a bit of a glimpse of me these days. Hopefully not just about what Im doing but how Im doing. Hard to articulate sometimes... but I hope its a start...

Please continue to pray for me.

For energy, for focus, for discernment. For listening ears. For perseverance. For balance.

And pray for the hungry. The broken. The homeless.

Be blessed my friends and partners.

.simple but complicated.

2009-06-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

when did loving people get so complicated. or is it? we just make it that way.

helping. loving. serving.

seems like simple concepts right? they should be. but somehow i still get confused and frustrated sometimes.

the other day Ana and I were getting some groceries at Costco. As we were leaving, we notice a young father with a frail looking little girl in his arms standing near the exit. We then see the nearby mother and Ana asks what is wrong with the little girl. We learn she is seriously sick with a throat infection, she's been the doctor and has a prescription. Ana turns to me and says i dont want to just give them money, but I will go buy the meds. So in she goes to get the drugs. I attempt to make some conversation with this young family, but with my limited spanish and their timidness, we didn't get too far. At one point I asked them where they lived. They looked at each other and didn't answer. I thought they just didn't understand me. But later learned when Ana asked the same thing, they responded with a similar timidness. They didn't know how to answer because they didn't have a home. a city. a anything. They had recently made their way down here from Oaxaca. They hadn't found work yet. They couldn't have been older than 22 and their little girl was 5 years old. They looked tired. weary. sad.

Ana returned from the store unable to find the right drugs. We hopped in our car to another store to find the meds and also picked up a few groceries for them. In our drive, I could see a passion in Ana come to life. "This is my purpose. To help people like this. Just to do what I can." Isn't it supposed to be all our passions and purpose?? I wish I had the passion and drive like Ana does in those situations. Something comes alive in her. She even wanted to take the time to take the family to another clinic in order to get some specific drugs and help this family even more. They unfortunately were hesitant to come with us and said they couldn't leave as they were waiting to see if their uncle would return having found them work. Ana spent some more time talking with them, both in a loving but challenging way... to be sure to care for their child.

We had to drive away that day not knowing what would happen to this family. We weren't able to hand them keys to a new house. Or know that the daughter got the care she needed. We only could step in for a moment and offer some love and hope in a couple bags of groceries and medicine. But I am confident that simple act of love likely impacted their day... or week...or life?

So why don't we do it more often. stop. ask. listen. help. serve. it's easy when it's 'ministry', but what about when its just life. life's everyday ministry. Im not sure I have an easy answer, but at least for this small moment it felt right...

.one year.

2009-06-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

I can't believe its already the summer camp season. I can't believe it's technically a year ago that i moved down here semi-permanently after leaving my church job and life in Ontario. So weird. One year. Some ways its gone so fast. In other ways, so much has happened.

This month has been a rich one for me. in a subtle kind of way.

I really enjoy that teams are in again and that the camp is woken up, and we're in full motion. I have actually kinda liked the slower start to things, the smaller teams (aside from its repercussions). It's been a month where I too, like the camp, am feeling 'woken up'. I remember having a conversation with Ana last fall about why i thought God lead me here. I think its partly b/c i have gifts to offer, its partly b/c i crave community living and ministry like this, but I know it is partly too b/c God has some specific things He wanted me to work on, think about, ponder, change... I think that season is emerging for me. Some things I look back on in my year here and see growth, change, and positive impact. Other areas I know still need attention, conviction, and surrender. My eyes need to continue to be opened. My heart continued to be stirred. My spirit continued to be woken up. I know it is in these moments, these awarenesses that God meets with us intimately.

On a more tangible note... a few highlights this past few weeks have been...

+ My dear friend Cait just came to visit for the week and it was INCREDIBLE to share life and ministry with her. She is a joy.

+ Prayer & worship night with the staff

+ Watching new teams experience their week with open hearts and innocence. a beautiful thing.

+ The Holy Spirit

+ Helping pour a cement floor for our security guard Damiana. like real work. with sweat and dirt and stuff. Felt good.

+ Las Canadas staff trip

rodolfo. cooking. with a stick.

some of my fearless and fabulous interns!

.single rose.

2009-06-08T22:48:00.000-07:00

I saw this on my friend Caitlin's blog...

it's inspiring. at 12...

thought i'd add the link so you can watch it, and also explore my friends blog... who i admire greatly and thought you may enjoy her thoughts and bloggings too...

.single rose.

.back at it.

2009-06-05T17:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been delinquent in my blogging. Since I've been back, things have been pretty chill around here - not without some good times tho! We all just eased back into things after some good vaca time. Even managed to get some fun adventures in my calender too... including a day out at Las Canadas - a local waterpark. I did however forget I wasn't Mexican and got a pretty bad sunburn! And then last weekend took off on a little camping trip to San Carlos where there is natural hot springs! So fun to just get away and enjoy new friendships and cool parts of Mexico. It was fantastic sitting around a fire, relaxing in the hot springs, and being surrounded by the awesome view of the mountains!

This past week we've been busy getting the camp 'woken up' and ready for the summer season! Sunday starts the 9 week run of teams. Our numbers are definitely down this summer... over 25 teams have cancelled (mainly due to economics and fear of violence). Its been a tough season for the ministry... but puts us in a place where we truly need to rely on Him... and listen. What does God want for His ministry? Its a bit unnerving, but kind of exciting too. I am totally guilty of relying on my own strengths... knowing what Im capable of and forgetting where these capabilities came from! Im hoping this is a season of 'awakening' for me as well... of listening... of stirring.

But I am excited to serve the teams again this summer and see the amazing work that can be done when people offer themselves, surrender their agendas, and step into the purpose of God! Im also excited about some new initiatives to connect in more local youth into our ministry. We will be having 2 or 3 local mexican interns helping and volunteering this summer! Im so pumped about this! One will be living in the girls staff house with us. I think this can really enrich our community. We are also in the beginning stages of planning a mexican youth camp/mission week in August. We will run the same program we normally do (chapels, meals, video, etc) but instead of hosting american/cdn teams... we will host youth from churches right here in Ensenada. There are alot of youth who live in the more 'central Ensenada' area who don't come face to face with the poverty in their own back yard. Even tho many of these youth still may be considered "poor" in some people's standards, some of these youth aren't aware of the villages and communities just 20 mins down the road who don't have homes... food... clean water... etc. It's a familiar story isn't it? My youth (or not so youth) back home in Burlington, Ontario didn't often want to realize the poverty in their own little suburbia or the homeless just a go-train ride away. But we want to stir up awareness in these local youth and to empower them... to make a difference in their own community! Maybe they don't think they have anything to offer... but we know they can! I am excited about this call of action on their faith to the young people Ensenada!

So, there are many things I am looking forward to this summer. New interns. Worship times in the chapel. Sitting around the fire in Scott & Ana's patio. The energy of teams. Thursday dedications. Watching our community do what we do best. Serving. More camping trips?. Laughing. Listening.

Oh and more shortly... receiving a visit from my dear friend Cait! I am so excited to share my new home with Caitlin - she is a friend I really respect and have a lot of fun with! She's coming for a visit in just over a week and I am pumped!

So here's to it kids! In the terrible words of some fellow mexican mission trippers...

let's git'r done.

.highlights.

2009-05-13T09:30:00.000-07:00

So im almost back home in Ensenada. Im just chilling in my ghetto motel 6 until kimyco and angela pick me up and we make our way back to EOC. Im so excited to see everyone again and be in my own space again. But my time home in Canada was wonderful.

a few highlights...

...watching maja enjoy countless hours of fun with mac photobooth!

...reuniting with wellington!

...my numerous lunches, dinners, and coffee dates

...girl talks with steph

...shopping spree with tracy

...getting bumped to first class & having a wonderful conversation with my seatmate

...playing soccer with my niece and nephew and visiting with my fam

...the greenness of spring in canada

...the dinner party with some of my favorite people in the world

...my san diego time with steph

...picnics and bbqs with some of my wonderful ol' youth crew

...the return to the poacher

...being known. being in the familiar. being reminded of the many people who love me.

but for now. ensenada bound! vamanos!

.home.

2009-04-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

im sitting here on my balcony at a hotel in san diego. just enjoyed some hot tub time, vegging out with steph, and the only decision i have to make tonight is where to go for dinner.

im about to head home to ontario for a 2 week vacation/visit. im sooo excited to see my friends, catch up in person, visit my church, be with some family... when i thought about going home earlier, I wasn't quite 'ready'. im ready now and cannot wait to see people near and dear to me.

but its funny. the word home. b/c right now my home is that little house at EOC. my home is in Ensenada. violence, swine flu, and all... (all of which i think are quite hyped up... anyways, perhaps another post! just know im nore than safe and healthy and no need to worry!)

anyways. im friggin' blessed. to have so many places to call home.

.some pics from the past few.

2009-04-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

road trip to san carlos!

the meillon brothers

donations are fun things. today it was sunglasses.

um. highschool musical still has its place in my heart in mexico.

a visit from my sister and her family! :)

our new saturday night beachtime tradition

myra y rodolfo

with my girls steph & myra at the beach

.raindrops on roses....

2009-04-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

these are a few of my favorite things [of the past few days at least...]

~ sunny gorgeous weather! Today was actually too hot (high of 37C)
~ talks with Ana
~ dutch blitz madness
~ afternoons at the beach, eating savechi, and rescuing lady bugs
~ surprise visitors
~ quiet days in the office - working on the new webpage (yup. ima geek...)
~ enchiladas at Lakipackis
~ being silly with Stephanie
~ freezies that make your tongue blue...

what a great weekend it twas!

.rescued.

2009-04-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

i admit my approach to easter and holy week was far from holy. with having our biggest week of the year hit easter, good friday only meant 'it was a good friday because the teams were leaving and i get to sleep!'. i hardly thought about what it really meant.
but i am thankful for moments when God rescued me from my business to open my eyes to see his glory. his resurrection. his beauty. and isn't that what easter is really about?

things i had perhaps seen or heard many times before, touched my heart in new ways this week.
...talking to a single mother of 5 kids. whose husband left her for another women two streets over, who still returns to her house when he's drunk and beats the kids. my heart ached. that motivating ache.
...driving through the lush green hills and mountains... which that day seemed brighter and clearer
... hearing the excitement of our first mexican 'intern', Sandra, be empowered and passionate about serving her fellow Mexican brother and sisters in need. in hearing her desire to stir up the youth in her church to step outside the church and change their country.
... listening to youth talk about changing the world. and having their heart changed in the process.
... being encouraged. supported. prayed for. and hugged by friends and teammates.
... driving around with Marvin (our video guy) and a new friend Billy (a talented and passionate photographer) talking about their perspective of the world behind their lens.
simple things that reminded me of God's presence in this world. today. now. in my life.

and last night a few friends gathered together to share in communion. Good Friday was always one of my favorite services at my church, and knew I needed to take some time to stop. think. reflect. so we gathered in scott & ana's living room, candles lit, a guitar, some wine & bread... reading scriptures... remembering Jesus's words... listening... worshiping.

God has rescued us. And he is still in the process of rescuing us from the mess of this world. And he wants us to help.
And I am so glad He rescued me this week from allowing business and 'ministry' to rob me of His beauty.

Happy Easter.
Christ has risen. He has risen indeed.

.fullness.

2009-04-08T18:51:00.001-07:00

Im learning a bit about fullness these days. We have over 215 campers here this week, plus our staff and extra staff we've called in just for this week puts us at about 250 people on site! We have people sleeping in tight quarters, we have two dining halls, we have buses and vans, we have a full camp.

Amidst the busyness of a week of a week like this, amidst the running around, organizing, and answering questions...there's an excitement in having so many people here. full chapels. full worship. full community.

We are building 11 houses this week and 8 other ministries including a cement project, children's ministries, women's ministry, and clothing distribution. It's amazing how much work 215 people can do in only 4 days! Hundreds of lives are being touched this week... hundreds....

In these weeks of business I too am reminded in the need to be filled with his love, perseverance, patience, and Spirit. I need the fullness of God to be dwelling in me as I strive to serve and care for these teams and people. When i try to do it on my own strength, i run dry. i fall short. i mess up. and i don't see the fullness of God in what's happening around me. I end up missing those moments when a little bit of heaven crashes down to the earth. And i don't want to.

May you be filled with the fullness of God today...

.i suck.

2009-04-03T23:34:00.001-07:00

Sooooorrrrry. i hate blogs who aren't updated and now i am one of them. Its been too long since i updated you all. I thought it was time I got on top of it again.

I suppose it's because now we are having teams in more regularly again, I am getting back into a more 'predictable' rhythm of things. We've had two weeks of teams, and two more ahead of us. Lots of Canadian teams which is always fun - in particular a team from St. Andrew's United Church in Niagara Falls is down this week. This is a sister church to my home church at Wellington and was the first church our youth group partnered with some 6 years ago when I took my first team down here. It's just neat some familiar faces and be encouraged by folks who have seen me grow and serve over the years. It does make me excited to head home in a few weeks for a holiday and visit with friends and family back home. Ill be heading back to Ontario end of April, beginning of May for a couple weeks. I hope to hook up with many of you friends!!

Im writing this blog the night before the busiest week of the year around here. Next week we will have 250 campers & staff here at the camp. INSANE! We don't really have capacity for all those people but have just enough room to squeeze everyone in (with the help of a nearby hotel). The past week has had its stressful moments but Im sure will be fantastic week. These big weeks can be exciting and keep us on our toes.

I hope that amidst all the business I wont miss the simple moments. This week there was this dear grandmother who was receiving a home for herself, her husband, and her grandchild. This lady was so full of joy and life. When she received her house she wept. When the team presented her with a cross with the lord's prayer in spanish on it, she wept even more. And after entering the house and discovering the gift basket and other gifts for their family - she was lost for words! I have never seen someone so excited about curtains and clothespins before! It was like watching a child at Christmas! Such pure joy! A simple moment... Im glad i got to witness.

So this week i pray for simple moments of joy even in a full week of [organized] chaos!

.who woulda thunk.

2009-03-01T17:31:00.001-08:00

I can't believe its already March 1st. Time is flying by! Who woulda thunk I'd be here, living in Ensenada, making it a real home. This time last year I was planning for another team from Wellington Square Church (there church where I was the youth pastor before moving to Mexico),. It was one of my favorite weeks down here and enjoyed it with some of my favorite youth! But a year has now passed, and now look...who woulda thunk.
It's a BEAUTIFUL day here in Ensenada, about 29degrees out today, a quiet Sunday afternoon, and my heart is full. I just returned from a women's retreat up at an incredible ranch, in the mountains, about an hour from Ensenada. I know, some of you may be thinking... Rhonda, a women's retreat... i know. i know. i sometimes dread these sorts of things - specially knowing Id be one of the only single gals there as well. But God usually surpsises me and tells me to get over myself. My friend Ana was attending, and I was ready to get away from the camp for awhile, and thought I'd give it a shot.
Im back home and my heart is refreshed. Not necessarily from the teaching times or retreat (although some great moments and nuggets to chew on came out as well!) But more from the community times and getting to know some incredible women. The retreat had a mix of about 30 women from mexico and california - different ages, spaces, places - a mishmash of sorts. I found myself pulled toward my fellow 'ensenadians' and realized again how I am so blessed to have the opportunity to be here. to meet these women. to laugh. to test wine and go for ice cream. to sip on sangrias and talk about life. to enjoy incredible mexican comida. to find like-minded sisters. to learn from women who are far wiser than me. to not have to lead the program. to receive. to not always understand everything they are saying but to simply savor the joy of life with these women i look forward to getting to know.
it was one of those weekends that made me realize again, this is where I'm supposed to be right now.
it feels a bit more like home today here in ensenada.
my heart is full.

.oh facebook.

2009-02-19T11:14:00.001-08:00

Being away from my family and friends, I love using facebook to keep in touch (aka lurk). Whose kidding who, even when i was in Canada, I was a facebook addict! Anyways, I did find this video quite hilarious...

.new rhythms.

2009-02-02T21:23:00.000-08:00

i know. i know. i suck. its been over a month since i last posted. I am usually the one around here who harasses other bloggers and tells them that they need to keep their blog updated or people will stop reading and checking. and now look at me.
well with the new year (which i cannot believe its already a month into it!) comes new rhythms, new goals, new schedules. and apparently i haven't included keeping my blog updated... so i shall work on doing better again!

but with the new year came a reemergence of one of my favorite phrases.
being intentional.
being that im not a naturally disciplined person i need to be intentional with things.
whether it be staying on top of bills and correspondence, reading the word, or working out, just to name a few
... i need to be intentional...
im often content to chill, waste time, lurk on facebook for countless hours, let that to do list lay dormant. but i also find myself desiring change and productive days.

i realize that one of the reasons i am supposed to be here is b/c God knows me. He knows i needed a new start, some new rhythms, in order to change. grow. be more the person Jesus wants me to be... the person i want to be.

it's been about 9 months now since i moved down here "semi-permanently". the honeymoon phase is over. it's real, raw, normal, everyday life. its funny tho b/c now the things I am learning and wrestling with aren't necessarily directly related to the fact that i am living in mexico... or "serving the poor"... or in a different culture. it's normal everyday stuff. its trying to figure out how to live like a follower of Jesus in the simple stuff too. in taking care of myself. in filing my mind and time with useful things. in not rushing around too much. in listening to people. in asking good questions. wrestling with answers and not just settling.
its about being intentional to put these things into action.
im really good about thinking. reflecting. and pondering my desires for change... but suck at doing anything about it.

so here's to new rhythms. learnings. attempts. and failures too.
so far 2009 is turning out to be a good one....

.joy.

2008-12-25T11:26:00.000-08:00

JOY TO THE WORLD
THE LORD HAS COME!

joy. it's defined as
a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciate
i can share that this christmas, i am seeing clearly what true joy is about...truely valuing one another, family, laughter, simple pleasures, delighting in one another (and not just in stuff)... this is the joy Jesus was all about ...

.feliz navidad.

2008-12-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

It's crazy to think Christmas is just a few days away...
There's some things Im definitely been missing this Christmas season...
belting out the christmas carols in church... all the incredible nibbly-dippy-dip foods... all christmas parties (and especially new years at Jill & Duncs!)... holiday fun with the Maxwells... playing games of scattagories or big birtha with my family... being home..

I won't be missing the snowstorms (hahah snowmaggedon!) ...running what seems like 10 services on christmas eve at the square...the crazy shopping... the freezing cold weather... (well, ok maybe i will miss even those things, for a moment too!)

But my first Christmas season in Mexico is starting off to a wonderful start! We're enjoying some time of vacation - time away from the office and down time before we host some teams over and into the new year! Enjoying the visit from my friends Rebecca... savoring moments around a fire, enjoying a bevie at the beach, or simply being. It's wonderful. Yesterday I spent a couple hours visiting Marisol -a young woman who our staff built a house for over US Thanksgiving week. It was incredible getting to just chat, talk, share... and i managed to stumble my way through speaking spanish the whole time. Good thing for Spanish/English dictionaries! It was actually a bit exhausting, but all worth it. Also got to receive some Mexican cooking lessons from Ana and her family... preparing tamoles, rolling out tortillas. Let's just say Ana's 7year old niece was putting me to shame.

I had a moment at my church's special christmas program - reminding me of the universal-ness (is that a word?) of Christmas. I chuckled at the familiarity of a corny church drama. But what really impacted me was the power of "O Noche Santa" (o holy night) being sung by a incredible choir of voices, suddenly reminding me that it was Christmas.

Jesus. His birth.

All that that means.
Immanual. Christ with us.
Christ is with me... even as Im far away from what I'm used to. from my family. my friends. my traditions.
Christ is with you... wherever you are reading this.

Merry Christmas all.

.rain.

2008-12-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

ok, so before you start hatin' on me about getting out of the snow,
we haven't exactly been enjoying sun and fun over here.
we don't have rain, but enjoying lots of rain. and what do you get when you cross a dusty, sandy city with lots of rain?

not that im complaining. i'd take this over "Snowmageddon" anyday...

Please remember to take some time to pray for the many people who don't have the comforts of a cement floor, a real roof, or warm blankets...

its crazy how quickly I even forget about that. As I complained about my shoes getting muddy as I'd walk across the street, I didn't even think about the people I meet and see everyday who are really impacted by weather like this. EOC is partnering with local government and 'redcross' type groups to aid in any way we can.

.blast from the past.

2008-12-16T16:19:00.000-08:00

In March, back in the youth pastor days of Wellington Square, I travelled down with a team of amazing youth from Wellington & Calvary United to build two homes down here with EOC. This one family particularly touched my heart and I was able to visit them a few times since my return.

So to the Youth Mexico Missions Team '08... to Wellington Square.. to Calvary.. to all those who supported to this trip or others like it... thank you. This is what it's all about. You are all apart of changing lives...

.road trips.

2008-12-09T21:18:00.000-08:00

im writing this on the long ride home from a retreat and road trip adventure up in northern california. there were many rich pockets of teaching, conversation, sharing, and learning. In both formal and informal times.

here's some of my top fav moments of the past week

observing a community of people getting it. living it. an inter-generational mish mash of people who were sharing life together, challenging one another, and loving one another. their ‘philosophy’ was, for lack of a better word, very ‘emerging’, however they weren’t disgruntled 20something, they weren’t trendy, most of them probably hadn’t heard of Rob Bell, and they probably didn’t really even know the term “emerging church”... but they were already wrestling and living out the same questions myself and many of my friends were asking. it was refreshing. inspiring. humbling.

laughing & reuniting with my roomie and dear friend Nona.

teachings on ‘the jesus way’. again reminding me that this whole following Jesus thing is in fact as simple as that. its about Jesus. we complicate it so much. its about love. we are called to care, not cure. how did Jesus do it? he sat among them, listened. and asked questions. what kind of ‘revolution’ would happen if every person who claimed to follow Jesus lived life out this way....

airbrushed grad photos and counting the cost... more teachings... ill save them for another post...

becoming known with my friend Ana. I wrote earlier about my desire to really know and become known. this is starting to happen with ana. through language barriers we are beginning to really journey together. i am thankful for the times we had this weekend to laugh, cry, ask, search together. she is truely an answer to prayer.

naomi. the joy and smile of this little girl is beautiful...

enjoying food. and too much of it.

seeing changing leaves and living in cold (ish) weather. although im excited for a break from the cold, snowy, long winters canada, it was wonderful living among green, trees, and brisk mornings.

roaming around san francisco (and riding the cable car!)

more realizations that mexico is my home now. gravitating towards fellow ensenadians (?) at the retreat, moments of “woohoo!” as I understand full conversations in spanish, and noticing the stir of excitement in my heart when we crossed the border back into mexico. home.

.moments.

2008-11-29T15:30:00.000-08:00

i have these moments. these moments when everything seems surreal and right and spiritual and a whole whack of other emotions. i had a few of those this week...

This past week we had a special week at EOC. We got to work on a house build project together as a whole staff. No teams. Just the staff. The 'hired pros', the office staff, the kitchen folks, the interns, all of us! We invited our family members, some pastors, and got to really live out community this week. It was a beautiful thing. We ate phenomenal breakfasts served by various people during the week. We savored incredible lunches prepared by Ana and her family (who conveniently happen to be neighbors to the family we were building for). We enjoyed working together for once... a first in EOC history. It was really special for many of us. Alejandro shared before the build he'd be dreaming about this opportunity! And Jose shared that he hopes this won't be the last of these types of builds!

we laughed. we built. fast. we learned. we served.

and we fell in love with the wonderful family we were building for. Their story is rich and full of struggles, health issues, perseverance, joy, and smiles that is so full of love...

So when we were dedicating the house on Thursday, I had one of those moments. standing with my friends. from 3 nations. from different spaces and places. for one purpose. to love. so often, even here in the ministry we make it so much more complicated than that..

That evening we had a grand feast. my first american thanksgiving. in mexico.

We invited staff, families, neighbors, pastors, friends... over 100 were there to celebrate. to bread break together.

It was a night of abundance. joy. fullness. diversity. community.

After watching the highlight video together of our week's work i had another moment.

Looking around the room, some faces i didn't know, some i only recognized, and others who i can now call real friends. these people were my family.

As the evening unfolded I had just finished saying farewell to Marisol, the young woman (and new friend) who we built the house for. Then suddenly I see someone calling me over...

it was Christina. Christina was part of the family I helped build a house for the very first time my youth group came down to Ensenada! Over 5 years ago we met Christina and her mom and we built a home for her. She's now married, with two children. I've been able to visit with her a few times since my return and she's always excited to see me. always telling me she's never forgotten us! And so I sat with Christina, holding her newborn baby... and had yet another moment. Who would have thought... over 5 years later I'd be sitting here holding Christina's newborn. Who would have thought... over 5 years later I'd be sitting among these people and calling it home...

.moments. that shake me. and remind me Im apart of something really cool...

and indeed I am thankful.

cheers

2008-11-17T17:13:00.000-08:00

i raise my glass (of sangria?

to my friends & family who i got to serve and work alongside last week
to the teams of wellington and calvary
it was a pleasure to share this, my new home with you.

it was an emotional week.
much laughing... 'remembering whens'... feeling safe... accepted... being challenged and challenging...worlds colliding...being inspired and humbled... knowing im in the right place... being encouraged and empowered... late night sleepovers & cigars with dear friend...trips to estero to debrief the day... moving beyond the surface... serving friends and family... grand reunions and tearful goodbyes...
im exhausted.
but what a fabulous week it was!

.to be known.

2008-11-12T15:20:00.000-08:00

this week has been a wonderful week! My church (wellington square) and 'sister church' (calvary) is here serving and building here at the EOC! It's so awesome to have familiar faces, to reunite with dear friends, to get to share my new home with people, to have people cheer you on, to know where the team you are working with has come from and is going back to.
what a privilege.
i realize this week how important it is to be known. to really be known.
how often in a day do we pass someone as say 'how are you?' only to keep walking without even hearing their response.
it's often because we are too busy, or too distracted. i can confess to both those excuses. and add in there some language barriers and you've got a recipe for some pretty surface conversations. you sometimes can't get to really knowing someone, or really being known among a community unless you take the time to really hear how someone is doing, to ask the good questions, or to stumble through some broken spanish to say more than just 'que pasa!?'.
these last few weeks I've been feeling that bridge is being built more and more. feeling more and more that I am here. i can be me. and people are learning who that is. i am being known.
this week in particular it's been incredible as i visit the work sites everyday how refreshing it is to have people, friends, mentors pull me aside and say, so how are you really?! hearing people who i hold in high regard encourage me... and tell me that I am where I am supposed to be.
i am blessed and proud to be apart of these two incredible communities where for this week they get to collide into a hilarious, meaningful encounter! I suspect it will be hard to have my team leave... good thing it's only wednesday.
for now, im off... to the hardware store.

Spanish Mike

2008-10-29T09:36:00.000-07:00

Spanish Mike is back! For those who forgot or didn't see the original,
click on this link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngRq82c8Baw

but here's a pretty funny follow up with Spanish Mike! (and yes, my spanish is getting a bit better. I hope to get as good as Spanish Mike someday....)

.a new normal.

2008-10-27T23:02:00.000-07:00

Living down in Mexico is new for me, but also feels right and normal and like it always has been...

my new normal includes:

...getting up and working by 8:00 (that hasn't happened in awhile)

...eating delicious tacos many times a week

...not understanding most of the conversations happening around me (but my spanish is slowly improving! im taking classes monday nights and my comprehension is getting better everyday!)

...living a 'rez kinda life' again, but the girls are awesome and wonderful housemates

.... experiencing new traditions (including smashing the birthday guy's face into his cake!)

..getting to type this on my/the camps new mac! woot!

...answering lots of questions and asking even more

...going to sleep tired and satisfied

so far, im liking this new normal.

.feels like i never left...

2008-10-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

So it hasnt even been a full week and it feels good. and safe. and kinda like i never left.
So Sunday early-gross-am I made my way to travel from Buffalo to San Diego. To then meet up with Scott (and a team we were hosting) to drive down to Ensenada. I ended up getting a bonus 'catch up night' in San Diego due to the team we were meeting's flight got canceled to the next morning. It gave me a chance to survive the jet lag, lack of sleep, and also a chance to catch up with Scott on the ongoings of the camp since i left. And hey, i still get excited about staying in a hotel, so that was fun too.
When i made my way to the camp on Monday it immediately became familiar and it felt awesome to be back apart of this ministry and community. And i had to jump right back into things as we were hosting a team. Its still a much different change of pace than the summer, as the teams are smaller and things are quieter. I look forward to this 'off-season' life around here. really hoping it will give me a chance to enjoy new parts of my role, community, and Mexico.

I look forward to keeping you all updated on my adventures and random thoughts! first stops when in mexico.. poblanos & marios! :)

.goodbyes.

2008-10-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

goodbyes suck.
tomorrow i head back to EOC after a 'furlough' visit in Canada. its been almost 2 months... visiting, connecting preparing, paperwork, sponser letters, celebrating, savouring...
its been wonderful and i am so blessed.
its hard leaving these people who know you. who love you. who you feel safe around.
i have amazing friends & family who drive me places, throw parties for me, give me financial support, cook me meals, take care of me when my wisdom teeth get taken out, laugh with me, pray with me. love me.

but.

its time.
its time to really start this next season of my life. the summer was a bit easier as i knew i was returning in a short while. but this time its really happening.
as life at EOC starts to pick up again, and we look to host our first team since the summer, the excitement builds too.
i know im ready to have purpose again and to offer what i can to this ministry.
and hey, the nice weather helps too!

i look forward to trying to keep all those who are interested and curious updated on my adventures.
it should be a good ride.

.people who need people.

2008-09-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

During my visit back home to Ontario, ive been savoring moments with many wonderful people who apart of my life. here's just a glimpse of a few....

.community.

2008-08-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

When i decided to step down from my position at Wellington Square Church, I was looking forward to a break. But I did know that I still desired two things.
purpose & community
I am so grateful I have so many wonderful experiences where i can find those things.

I was reassured that even tho I was traveling to another country, leaving my friends and family behind, that I would not be alone. As i lived and work at EOC, I am blessed by a diverse community of interns, pastors, Mexicans, Americans, Canadians, rich, poor, construction workers, accountants, young, old, conservative thinkers and liberal Christians. And even though it takes effort, it somehow works. And its wonderful.

I flew home early to make sure I could spend time with my family - my parents, siblings, their spouses, and my neices and nephews. It was crazy having 17 people in the house at one point, but cool to be reminded of the importance of family. Sometimes dealing with family dynamics can be tricky, but it was a life giving couple of days...

And then camp. Where do i start with this incredible place. I spent over 10 summers working and living at this Christian children's camp (8 of which i was the director) and had invested alot into that place. So much of my identity, my transformation, my purpose was stirred up in that community. I made my 'comeback' this past week after being away for 2 summers. It was strange and wonderful all at the same time. Catching up with old staff, reconnecting with youth campers who I watched grow up over the years, and being encouraged that I was apart of something big... it brought me so much satisfaction. I was reminded of how well we do community at camp. Living, eating, working, worshiping, serving one another... it's an incredible picture of how we are supposed to be. I also forgot how much joy and laughter is important to community. It was good to laugh until it hurt. Also great to talk and connect with people... working together to figure out who they really are... What an honor it was and is to be apart of that community...

So as I spend the next month here in Ontario, I am so looking forward to more moments of community. Whether it be celebrating my friends' wedding, or sharing a drink on a patio or taking some youth out for lunch...
I realize how friggin' blessed I am.

I don't know how people try and do it on their own. It meaning life. faith. everything.
I am created for community and am so glad I am apart of some of the most fantastic communities out there.

(photos to come soon... once i find my camera cord!)

.quiet.

2008-08-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

after flying back to Canada, I jumped right into a frenzy of family reunion fun, a week at Silver Lake Youth Camp, and living with my dear friends who have two lively boys...

it's fantastic to sit and be quiet.
i've spent the last day watching bad tv, vegging, and not thinking.
it took awhile to stop my brain from thinking, but after running some errands and making a few lists, it is so wonderful to stop and rest.

even for an extrovert like me, its so healthy and good.

.simple pleasures.

2008-08-11T20:08:00.000-07:00

well, im making my way home. (but what a strange word home is...perhaps another post...) and as i chill in my hotel room, im reminded of some simple pleasures...

sitting on a balcony.
watching bad tv. (i know... what a terrible things to enjoy!)
being alone.
salad made with non-iceberg lettuce.
flushing toilet paper down the toilet.
no one asking you questions.
being still.

this little layover in california has turned out to be a nice one.

canada bound tomorrow!

.rest.

2008-08-10T15:57:00.000-07:00

So im rolling outta here Monday night/Tuesday morning. Just for about 6 or so weeks ... back up to Ontario, Canada. Its sad to not finish out the summer season here and leave some things unfinished, but as the time approaches for me to step away, I am excited for a season of rest.
im not good at resting.
don't get me wrong, im really good at being lazy or slacking. ive mastered the art of vegging and even have enjoyed a few nights of lounging in my room here enjoying episode after episode of "the office" as i fall asleep at the end of a long day.
but rest. that's something im not good at.
sabbath. rest. being still.
its been a nice quiet weekend around here and its giving me a glimpse of the 6 weeks i have ahead. I know they will be filled with visiting, running around, getting things done, etc.... but really with little 'agenda' in most days.
i hope i can work on resting.
or as some of my friends have called it "pre-retirement".
here goes it!
looking forward to kicking back on the patio, sharing and reflecting on my own and with my dearest friends, playing with my nieces & nephews who don't really know auntie rhonda, returning to SLC, romping, playing, laughing, resting...
that and getting some wisdom teeth pulled.

.a glimpse.

2008-08-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

.perspectives.

2008-08-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

a challenging perspective....

(thanks cait)

an overdue update of my ponderings and such...

2008-07-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

It’s a quiet Wednesday night. No chapel to lead as the groups are enjoying a night off at the beach or a local church service. Its so nice admist this group of 180+ people this week to enjoy an evening curled up in my room, enjoying a movie and visit with my roomi Nona. The interns are all off enjoying some time off too – and well deserved – they have been working long days and nights this week!

Its crazy to think that the summer is half over, but been crazier to think that just in 12 short days I’ll be flying back to Ontario. It feels weird to not finish out the summer, but Im heading back to get to spend some time with my family (who hasn’t been all together in over at least a year!) and also to spend some time volunteering at my ol’ stompin’ grounds – Silver Lake Camp. It will be strange but wonderful to get to enjoy that special place again, and to support some friends as they lead and finish off with Youth Camp. It will be a bit of a whirlwind upon returning home, but I’ll have a good month to enjoy ‘pre-retirement’. My only goals in September will include visiting friends& family, sitting on many pub patios, getting some wisdom teeth pulled, deal with insurance and business of sorts, and raise support for my upcoming year in ministry. I know I will enjoy these 6 weeks back in Ontario, but Ensenada feels like the place I am supposed to be right now. So that’s encouraging I suppose, knowing Im in the right place right now… encouraging, but still strange…

As the chapters and seasons evolve, its so crazy to think about all the change that has happened and will happen in the months to come…

I was reminded this week why I am here. You see in most situations I am meeting “poverty” when it’s admist hope and help. I see families with great need – but I get to see them receive a new home, a fresh start. This past week I was reminded the work is never done, and there is such deep needs that we can’t always get too. I met a family my friend Marvin has been trying to help out. We gave them a ride home one day and learned of their stories. The 4 kids who were starving and quickly gobbled up the simple sandwiches we bought them from the variety store... the father who was a recovering drug addict.. their run of bad luck as they just saved up to buy a [crappy] car just to get rear-ended a week later…. Aside from giving them a ride home and a bag of a few groceries, there was little I could offer this family. In that moment I tried to offer what I could… but that’s nothing. They will likely be going to bed hungry again tonight. And still will have mountains of struggles to climb again next week.
This time, I didn’t get to see hope amidst their poverty.
I just saw the poverty. The need. The hunger.
Right in my face. With limitations on what I could offer them… EOC can’t just build houses right away for anyone who wants it – there is process and healthy steps to take. I can’t just give away l my money to every person I see with a need.
So again, I’m hit with that tension. How do you best help everyone? What do you do?
Maybe as they hugged me with deep gratitude for the simple act we did for them, that was what I was supposed to do.
Love them. In that moment. Listen to them (even if I didn’t understand it all). Look them in the eyes (and past the dirt and hunger and weariness) see people. Just like me.
But it was heavy on my heart.
And Im glad for that. Im glad for that ache.
But I sure am glad for those moments we do get to offer hope amidst the ache.

.water.

2008-07-26T21:13:00.000-07:00

water is something of importance here in mexico.
don't drink the tap water
drink lots of water so you don't get dehydrated.
watering the streets to keep from the dust flying.
the watertruck honking up and down the roads.
water. a vital importance to our living.

on Thursdays at chapel I talk to the camp about living waters. i share how we need to soak up the living waters so that we can pour out and drip on those around us. that we want to be filled up with that living water of Jesus so that we can live in the overflow. and pour out unto others.

this weekend my dear friend Nona reminded me another significance of water. Nona has been my roomie for a bit here - someone i have loved laughing with, enjoying a cold bevie with, being inspired by, debriefing the days events with, and just living life together. Nona got baptized in the ocean by the camp. it was a privilege to be apart of that holy moment...watching my sister in Christ walk out into the crashing waves... seeing the waters wash over her... her old self gone and new self refreshed, renewed... her thirst quenched.

as things continue to get busy around here, i know i need to find time to be drenched in the living waters. i know i need to remember my own baptism and find moments of renewal and allow the crashing waves to refresh my heart. as i pour out everyday - coordinating, answering questions, mentoring, leading, listening - i don't want people to see my work, my strengths nor my weaknesses and shortcomings- but i want them to see the living waters of God pouring out of me...

may you be filled to overflowing today...

only in mexico

2008-07-08T11:53:00.000-07:00

I was taking one of the interns out for lunch downtown, and only in mexico do you find a jumpy-castle-thingy outside of the store... that's an upside-down cow!
As mexico becomes more my home, things shock me less. The craziness of the driving, or the amount of dust that flies every step you take or the idea of putting hot sauce on everything (including popcorn at the movie theatre!)...it doesn't really phase me anymore. Even the sight of randomly designated dumps and garbage piles, the shanty homes or barefoot children don't shock me anymore. In a way this is good - the overwhelming sense of "pity" is no longer my reaction. And I don't even really approach the families we are working with, or the friends I am making here as "poor people" anymore. They are people. They are part of my new community. They aren't a statistic or a label or a project. They are people. But I don't want to become so accustomed to the poverty that I forget that these people have needs. There is poverty here that I never want to get used to seeing. Last week I spent some time at the Migrant Camps - where the living conditions and poverty are even greater than most of the areas we regularly work in. I was reminded again of why I was here. I was reminded of how my heart ached, but also how it inspired me to continue to be apart of this ministry. It reminded me of Jesus's calling to be his hands, his feet, his disciple...
I may get used to seeing kids jump on an upside down cow, but I don't want to get so used to seeing poverty that I forget why I am here...

A week under my belt...

2008-07-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

Well, it's crazy to think just a week and a few days I had just arrived here. it feels much longer... in a good way. Returning back to the EOC has a 'returning home' kinda feel to it this time around. Alot less awkward, alot less questions, and i was quickly reminded of the warmth and energy of the EOC.
Scott, the director of EOC, asked me today 'so what do you think of the craziness around here?'. I immediately responded, "i thrive in it!" It reminds me of that same pulse and organized chaos of camp life... something is always happening, there's always someone who needs a question answered, there's always something that needs to be done, and about ten distractions before getting around to it. I love living in community tho... i think its how God intended us to live. maybe not in a dorm style - camp residence type living... but in the sense that we are to eat together, worship together, serve together, share everything you have together... so that no one is in need. I get a glimpse of that when Im here at EOC. And it energizes me. It's got its stresses too and I know I need to work on setting some bounderies and time to rest, but its definitly been going well and Im feeling more and more settled as the days go on. Im remembering all the ins and outs and how to answer the 87 questions i get a day... Im enjoying my staff of interns who are incredible servants and who really need little direction... and Im loving connecting and reconnecting with the phenominal team of staff here at EOC. It's a priveledge to serve alongside them.
As i get more settled, I hope to be able to post more regularly, not just the ongoings of the day but that you can journey with me in what im learning and experiencing down here. So stay tuned.

re: top photo: rockin' out at chapel to Los Pollos! bottom photo: my intern crew at the circus!

blessings to you all!
and oh! Happy Canada day!

And so the next chapter begins...

2008-06-21T23:01:00.000-07:00

Well, its funny how quickly things can change in just a few days.
I spent just a few days ago, packing up my life into a uhaul, spending special moments with my dear friends and youth, and then after a few hours of flying across the states into san diego... suddenly Im in another world...
It was a long, but smooth travel day. After spending the afternoon running errands for the camp in San Diego, we arrived at EOC in the evening on Friday. It was exciting to see all the changes at the site, and great to catch up with Scott and remind myself why I was excited to be apart of this ministry. Because admittedly, I had a few moments in those first few hours thinking "what am I doing here! take me back!", as i thought of friends, youth, and community I was leaving behind but here I sit in my sweet new place, and it already feels like home.
Saturday included staff meetings, a taco run, unpacking, pizza diagonal!, and a chillax movie night with the rest of the staff. Sunday I hope to enjoy some QT on the beach, and work on my chapel teachings... and then Monday, the chaos begins! But am looking forward to seeing the rest of the staff again too!
I have a deep sense of peace, calm, as well as anticipation and eagerness to see what this next chapter is really going to look like.... i know i can't just race again and read the end of the story, i gotta watch it unfold page and page...

packing up ... packing in...

2008-06-13T19:47:00.000-07:00

Well, here I sit in my half packed apartment. It's soooo weird. I can't believe how quickly these last 3 months have gone. The last few weeks have begun the farewell process - from youth retreats, to confirmation, preaching my 'last words', and cramming in lots and lots of lunches and coffee dates - i've been immersed in this last phase for awhile now and am quickly approaching the final goodbyes... it will be emotional. hard. and strange. but i know it needs to happen. and im almost ready to just start the next chapter of this adventure...

I move out of my place Wednesday, and I fly out to Cali Friday. I'll spend the summer serving at EOC, resuming my duties as camp host, leading chapels, and mentoring the intern team. I'll come back to Ontario for a month or two at the end of August - that will give me time to raise support, figure out all those details of moving to another country for a year. It's all a bit blurry, but Im confident in the plan God has for me (jer29:11) and confident in the opportunities I will have to use my gifts and passions in this new community... and culture.

oh. and im really excited to actually really learn some spanish.

so keep posted to the blog. im sure you'll see more regular updates and photos in the weeks and months to come.

a glimpse at some of the incredible youth over the years
... at my farewell at the Square...

im leaving on a jet plane...

2008-05-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

So, there ya go.
Im moving to mexico! It doesn't quite seem real yet. the reality of leaving my youth, my friends, my community, my comforts haven't quite sunk in yet. I still feel a lot of excitement and peace throughout it all - even the moments of uncertainty and fear of the unknowns. It's been an amazing couple months, sharing in the lives of my youth and watching in the impact one week in Mexico had on so many of these young people (and leaders!). As June comes closer and closer, the grieving and sadness start to pick up as well. This church community has been my family, my life, my everyday for so many years.... it will be hard to let it go.
Not to mention my friends and family and personal life (is there really such thing when you work at a church?!) I think its comforting to know that I will be back in september and october to just get to hang out with them. these last few months have been so busy wrapping things up at the church and closing that chapter of my life up. But my friends - they will continue on through the next chapters of life's journeys...
So June 15 is my last sunday. June 20 - August 20 (ish) I return to Mexico to resume my duties as camp host, intern leader, and whatever else Scott has up his sleeve! I will return to Southern Ontario to kick around, raise support, and figure out what it takes to live and move to another country. Ill return to EOC again in november for an indefinite period of time... 8 months...a year... more... who knows...
so how's that for an update?
be sure to keep reading as this new journey gets more exciting and blog-post-worthy!

more mexican journeys...

2008-05-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

an assortment of shots of the past few visits and trips down to EOC...

update time!

2008-05-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

it's been so long since i've updated, but some big changes happening and on the horizon, so let me catch you up to speed and share with you the letter I wrote to my church family here at Wellington Square church.

It is with mixed emotions that I share with you this news. I will be stepping down from my role at Wellington Square at the end of June, 2008. Although this has been a huge decision to make, I have a real sense of God’s peace in this being the right decision for my own future and the future of Wellington Square

This journey of searching and questions began over a year ago when I started to feel restless. I have been completely satisfied with my role and time at Wellington Square, however began to feel God moving me, nudging me, and shifting my heart towards new possibilities. I want to be clear that this decision has nothing to do with Wellington Square or feelings of frustration or conflict. This decision has had to do with me and God.

I wrestled with the decision because I absolutely love my job. I love this community. I love my youth; they mean more to me than anyone will ever know. I love the encouragement and training I received here. I know I’ve grown a lot since that rookie 23 year old who joined the staff team some 7 years ago. And much of that thanks goes to the incredible people that I’ve gotten to work with, be mentored by, and thru the opportunities you have provided me. As well as from the incredible young people who have taught me so much about life, passions, and living for Jesus. This church never put me in a box and I have always felt Wellington Square is a safe place for me. So of coarse I then questioned “why would I want to leave?!” , but I know God has new and fresh experiences for me, and I need to be in a place where I can hear and be open to those callings. I knew if I stayed I would either become too comfortable or too restless…

I will spend my summer in Mexico, and likely eventually spend some extended time there as well. From there I will continue to seek out God’s plan for my life. It’s my hope that these next few months will allow me to transition out well, equip volunteers, and make this transition a healthy one for the youth and the church.

I again must thank you for your support of me and my ministries over the past 7 years. I am forever grateful…and Wellington Square will always be my family…

2008-03-29T16:18:00.000-07:00

I posted this for the eoc blog a few weeks back, and thought i'd bring new life to my dying blog and share it here too...

"Mama Rho" here...back and in the house!
For those who don't know me, I was on staff here at EOC this summer as the camp host and intern leader. When I'm not in Mexico, I work as a youth pastor in Burlington, Ontario, Canada and had the incredible privilege of having my two worlds join forces this week! I took down 18 youth and leaders from my church in Canada, partnering with another church from Southern Ontario, and we trekked through the snow storms to get to Ensenada this past Sunday!
What an incredible week! I won't say how it's the best team I've seen pass through here, because I know that's a little bias... but I will share what a blessing it was to be here! The camp is looking and feeling awesome! The staff is full of life and energy, the site has some new great colors and additions, and the program continues to offer some new exciting elements! For those groups returning, you have some new things to look forward too!

One night in small group time, I was talking with my kids (who are an incredible inspiration to me btw) about what we learned about ourselves this week... and what we learned about God this week. I had a startling revelation.
God is enough.
God is all I need.
It's a statement that terrifies me and one that is hard to really live out. I know I still cling to so many other things... worldly things... things I like to control... and even though I may try to encorperate God into my life as best as I can, it's often after I have everything in order
Whether it be watching families who don't have much of anything, still be content in all circumstances; or whether it be living in community and feeling alive and so purposeful... i was reminded God is enough.
this is how He wants us to live.
in community. interdependent. purposeful. serving. loving.
and not just in mexico.
not just on missions.
in our everyday realities.
So I want to redefine what is normal and everday for me when i return home.
I want God to be more than enough.

It's been a pleasure to be among my family here in Mexico again. I look forward to continuing to see God move in this place and in the teams that pass through here week after week!
blessings my friends,
Mama Rho

my return to mexico

2007-11-08T19:21:00.000-08:00

Im sure most people have given up on reading any new posts on this blog. i know, i've failed. i know i've had many other adventures since my return to Canada... but i suppose none worthy of being blogged??

well, in about two days i get to return to my community of friends in Ensenada. I head out Sunday with a team from my church and cannot wait for the grand reunion!! Seeing Lil' Britt in the airport, driving around in the jeep with Marvin, catching up with all the guys, and of coarse seeing new addition Naomi! I just can't wait to swing a hammer, eat some tacos (and perhaps drink a margarita or two...) and be part of such intentional community again. there's few times i feel as close to God and such a tangible example of being Christ to people in need than i do when i'm at EOC.

i can't wait to return "home" my friends!

so Rhonda, did you speak lots of Spanish now?

2007-09-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

It's the question I get alot having returned from Mexico for 9 weeks.
This video pretty much sums up my lack of spanish speaking still...

...

2007-09-12T12:54:00.001-07:00

this week... i miss mexico... alot...

things i learned this summer...

2007-09-04T13:20:00.001-07:00

im going to continue to add things to this list as i continue to unpack my experience down in mexico the next little while...
but here's a scattering of things i learned this summer...

to love.
simplicity.
obedience.
that love is an action.
it's not always about the mountain top experiences. it sometimes just is.
humility.
passion.
chirizo is so yummy.
thankfulness.
that i want to be more in love with God.
...and then live with that passion.
community is beautiful.
diversity is beautiful.
diversity is essential.
generosity.
a little bit of spanish

to be cont'd...

back home...

2007-09-04T13:09:00.000-07:00

well, here i sit in my office. at my church. in burlington. ontario. canada.

no more dogs barking.
no more ice cream man bells.
no more fireworks.
no more dust.
no more crazy mexico driving.
no more toilet paper in the waste basket.
no more awkward spanish conversations.
no more crazy groups.

what i would do for it all back again!

no more mexico.

so i've been home for almost a week today. last week was a bit of a blur. jumping into our church's VBS (on the energy and power of God!), visiting with friends, and sleeping. lots.
After a great long weekend, and momentum that the new season has started, i am slowly feeling settled. Switching gears to my ministries at the church. Enjoying the blessings I have here in Canada... but still being reminded of the simple things (like flushing toilet paper, drinking from the tap, having a roof over my head even if i don't have furniture right now!)...
The transition is going pretty smooth. I don't think I know how to articulate it all yet. Or know what to articulate yet either.

But wanted to say "im baaaaaack" if you haven't figured it out already.

Cant wait to share this experience with you... if i can find words to explain it... or if you have the time to sit thru photo after photo after photo!

thank you all for your support and encouragement and prayers! I am so blessed!

...well...

2007-08-26T23:58:00.000-07:00

Well, it's midnight on Sunday night. My last sleep here in Ensenada, Mexico. Myself and the other Bdot crew are rolling out to San Diego for the day and night, and then fly home Tuesday.

I don't really know if i can really write much at this time. Im not sure i have any wise epiphanies for you all yet... i think most of my reflections and ponderings will come most when i return home to the bustle of Burlington, the north american 'church life', quickly bombarded with 'stuff', but also embracing the comforts of familiar faces, a language I speak, and a community i love. It's bitter sweet indeed....

it's definitely been sad saying the goodbyes the last week or so - sharing community, ministry, and a home like here at EOC draws people together. Diverse people of different ages, personalities, and nationalities - but a unity I only see in Christ. What a blessing it has been to meet every single ones of these brothers and sisters... I wish you could all have the chance to live and work alongside them b/c i know you would be blessed like i was... but i'll be back - and perhaps next time you'll join me!

but I am so grateful for my community back home too. my church. my friends. my family. for supporting me and encouraging me as i ventured out for this wee chapter of my life. I could not have done it without your support - financially and prayerfully! Gracias! I look forward to the next chapter of the journey - sharing my experience with you, sharing with you the hearts and passion of these brothers and sisters here in Mexico, sharing with you my photos and stories, sharing with you what i've learned.

so like i said - i dont have much to say...??!! (when am i not wordy and rambling... come on!) But i will continue to post and share with you on this lil' bloggy thingy. I'll try and post more pictures too (for all you folks who haven't been able to check them out/stalk us on facebook. )
So keep posted as a come on back to the mother land!

thanks again my friends.
and adios.
Rhonda
(aka Mamma Rho)

TOP TEN

2007-08-21T22:42:00.000-07:00

TOP 10 - no wait- TOP 20 REASONS

WHY I LOVE MEXICO AND WILL MISS IT SO MUCH...

20. Because 'todo bien in el barrio'!!!
19. Tuesday night games night! Obvi!
18. Beach bonfires. and fireworks. no wait. just the bonfires. the fireworks terrify me.
17. Driving around in my sweet ride - the 15passenger van! ah yeah!
16. Coca. from a bottle.
15. Meeting people from all over the States, Canada (go Yukon), and of coarse Mexico every week!
14. Attempting to learn Spanish...or smiling and nodding "si" (aka I have no idea what you just said!)
13. Worshiping with a chapel full of youth and adults everyday!
12. $5 Chinese Buffet!?! need i say more?
11. Watching "The office" after a long hard days work...
10. Taco stands on every corner sure beats Tim Hortons on every corner in my books! And alot cheaper too!
9. The simple smile of a child whose excited to see you even though you've never met them before....
8. Hearing 'you can do it sister' and other such encouragements every day - in broken English from my Mexican brothers!
7. At any turn catching breathtaking views of mountains and the ocean!
6. Grocery runs with Kimyco... and stop offs at Mi Ranchitos...and watching eva & jose bicker as they make us our food! (ok, i know that was three... but they go together!)
5. Jeep offroading everyday. With Marvin.
4. Getting to watch my interns grow and serve - especially those Canadian punks that tagged along with me :)
3. Living in community.. a taste of the acts 2 church if you ask me...
2. Being a part of a real life 'extreme home makeover' every week. except cooler. and realer. and way more practical.
1. Living everyday with purpose and tangible opportunities to be the hands and feet of Christ in amazing ways!

Deception - a link from cait!

2007-08-10T18:54:00.001-07:00

The following is a blog posting from my friend Caitlin"s blog
Hope you enjoy her insights as much as i did

When I was driving today I was thinking about the phrase "two-thirds majority world"- I think I must have read an article recently that used that term. Also, at Guelph, development students almost always use "majority world" as opposed to the common "third world."

So, I was driving, thinking about the phrase "2/3 majority world" - but this time, rather than just letting it be a fleeting thought, I actually did the math. I pretended for a second that 2 out of every 3 people I know lived in poverty. It is sad and strange how the phrase became so much more powerful when I used people that I know in my imaginary illustration. The bizarre thing is that I was driving and if I had pretended that two thirds of the people on the road were a part of the 'majority world', 93% of the cars on the road would suddenly disappear because only 7% of the world's pop'n owns a car. Almost everyone I know owns a car. Most families have 2 and many have 3 cars...

It made me think about how even though two thirds of the world's people live in conditions that I can't even begin to understand, I never see it. I feel like this one third of people who live like I do, live in such a bubble- in such ignorance of what the world is actually like. What makes this possible is a complete stratification of poverty- we NEVER see the other two thirds. We live in complete oblivion ( or purposeful ignorance?)- we forget that "our world" is really only a tiny fraction of the bigger picture. I am not saying that there are not seriously poor people here in our midst- because there are-but it's sad the criteria that I use in order to determine if someone is poor- where and what they live in, where they get their clothing, how many and what type of possessions they have, etc. Especially when a great majority of the world does not even have food security or access to save drinking water.

Imagine a world where the 'two thirds majority' world intersected with our 'rich one third world' - imagine that you didn't need to fly across the world to see what that really looks like.. Imagine if suburbia didn't protect and shield you from the reality of how MOST people in the world live. Imagine if most of your neighbours didn't have access to basic health care, water or food? Imagine, like I did, that two out of every three people you saw every day lived in sub-human conditions?

I wonder if things would change? I wonder if we would actually do something. Maybe the reason that we (myself fully included) are so apathetic is because we are masters of deception. We have successfully convinced ourselves that we deserve excess- and more than that, that our 'one third' world is really all there is. We have convinced ourselves that we need to compete with our neighbours so we are not poor in relation to them. We consume so we don't get left behind. We consume and compete because we think financial freedom is real freedom- but we are in chains. Chained to the very thing that we think gives us life, freedom, and choices.

I don't know what make me think about the actual breakdown of rich and poor in the world today- but I am glad that it happened. I don't want to continue to live in ignorance. I need to remind myself daily of the realities of our world. If I don't- all that I am left with is the lies that I tell myself- that I am all that matters, that wealth is determined by what I have in relation to those immediately around me.
I need to remember that not that long ago, I met people that lived and worked in a garbage dump- that I could hardly breathe in. There is a lot more to the world than what we can see.

a rough missionary life!

2007-08-07T15:44:00.000-07:00

don't get me wrong... this 'missionary life in a 3rd world country' isn't so rough. aside from many 'luxuries' and comforts... we are always having a great time together as staff and community!

I've been reminded of and taught a lot on joy this summer. getting to see what being 'content whatever your circumstances' really looks like as I watch 3 young siblings play with 2 empty plastic coke bottles... finding joy in family, in simple things... as i see a mother or father weep for joy at the site of their new home which to us would be the size of a small tool shed, to them is a castle... to even just falling asleep so tired - that good, satisfying tired - where a smirk is on your face as you drift to sleep. that kinda joy...

I'm encouraged again that living this acts 2 kinda life... this living together, sharing together, encoruaging one another, so that no one is in need kinda living is so life giving. i know this 'camp life' isn't for everyone, but this community life should be. i thrive in it. i love it. i love that there's a person just a walk across the hallway... i love that laughter abounds from this place.
This experience is so much more than giving and 'intense ministry'. It's also been about community, memory making, and a whole lotta fun.... God knew what He waqs doing when he made us relational beings...
here's some random pics of some of those memories and good times so far!

transformers! INTERNS-A-CON!

EOC BLOG

2007-08-07T15:43:00.001-07:00

Wanna check out some posts of some of my interns and see some more pics?
Check out the EOC blog

www.eocyugo.blogspot.com

EOC on youtube!

2007-07-30T22:46:00.001-07:00

so every week, well every day really we have highlight videos... to show at evening chapel, to wrap up and celebrate our day's work! one of the leaders who was here for two weeks, is posting some up on youtube! check 'em out... maybe you'll catch a familar face or two. likely not see moi tho b/c im either behind camera or with the camera guy! but will give a sense of the incredible minsitry i get to be apart of! every day!

http://www.youtube.com/RLCCVIDEOS

some pics...

2007-07-24T12:15:00.001-07:00

our first of many tacos runs...

'mamma rho' (as they have nick named me)
& one of my interns Lil' Britt... ... a first wall...

a "before" and "after" of a home build...

what does it mean to be poor...

2007-07-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

So obviously I expected to see poverty when i came down here... but how quickly you become used to seeing shacks as houses, kids with no shoes, families crammed in a small one room house...
I've been praying lately for God to open me eyes to see things in a new way while I'm down here - to reveal new things to me....

i've been stirred alot about what it means to be poor. in the full sense of the word.

i took one of my interns to visit a family her church had built a house for a few years back. they maintained a relationship and wanted to drop in for a visit. what an incredible family it was! Jacob was the father of this family of 4 - two daughters, and his wife. Quickly they invite us all into there home. how many of us do that - when visitors drop in unexpected we grumble or wish we had notice to prepare something for them. instead, they immediately offer us a coke or somethingto eat. we find a spot of some dusty old chairs, and quickly learn of Jacob's passion and minsitry. He recently started a cell group/church out of his home. Every Tuesday and Saturday Jacob hooks up an old CDplayer, and some old school speakers and hosts an informal time of worship and teaching. his neighbors come over, they share in community together, they worship on there beaten down instrument that were just covered by a tarp, sitting outside his house. he shares with us his vision and passion to share christ with those around him, how he wants to build a 'real church' in his community. his need right now? just for some screws and parts to help fix his drum kit. but they can't afford that...
he was a simple man. with a simple vision really. and even tho he now had a yugo house, it was still obvious they were poor. but they were so rich. in spirit. in love. in generosity.

many of the pastors and national workers i meet here are teaching me lessons on what it means to be rich in spirit, even if they are poor in the world. I am being shown again how so many of us live lives that are full of stuff, but we are so poor... so poor in spirit....

i know these aren't new things. or earth shattering reflections. but i have names and faces to "these people" now. I have made friends here who are reminding me of what the beatitudes are talking about...

may you be full of the riches of God's blessings today...

the week 2 mark...

2007-07-14T00:34:00.000-07:00

here's a post i put on the EOCYugo blog....(www.eocyugo.blogspot.com)

hola from a newbie Canadian staff here at EOC. It's the 2 week anniversary of the three Ontario-ites that joined the staff team here. My role is a pretty sweet one - host the groups; connect with the groups, leaders, youth; lead chapels & worship; a 'go-to' gal; hang out and mentor some incredibly fantastic interns, and a favorite - cruise around to the sites with mi amigo Marvin as he takes video... It's really a pretty awesome job!

So i get to see so many different sides of this rich ministry. Leading chapel, I get to see youth worship and draw close to God. Hanging out with interns & staff, I am reminded of what Christ centered community is all about. Chatting with our national workers, I am humbled and inspired everyday. And Thursday I was reminded of yet another reason why I was here.
It was dedication day, and I hadn't yet made it to a dedication of a house yet. I had incredible memories of this moment when I have brought teams down from my church, but had forgotten the power of that moment. Sitting off to the side, I was quickly overwhelmed seeing these young jr high kids attempt to find words to capture the moment.... watching a mother clutch her young child as she holds back tears of joy... praying with a pastor as he blesses their new home... catching a glimpse into a moment of that hope and future God promises his children (Jer 29:11).

so another week down and another showering down of God's love and power in and thru this place....
continue to lift up EOC in your prayers!

blessings
'mama rho'

blessings...

2007-07-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

as i sit here in my comfortable room, on my laptop and wireless internet, I know I am not yet experiencing any real sacrifices while i'm down here really. I have a beautiful house to live in, 3 meals a day (which is more than i can say somtimes even for back home - most of which require the help of cooks Wendy or Ronald...), have an office, technology... and living in community, daily worship, prayer times....

i know that the base camp is a place where we want to serve our groups and staff well, so that they can better serve the Mexican people in need. But as I drive around to the different work sites where the groups are building or serving, Im reminded or how even here in Mexico I take so much for granted. How quickly I already get used to seeing shack houses, garbage on the roads, dirty water, no electricity... I know it's not about going and living in Mexico that will teach or humble or reveal things to me. it's about being in a place - spiritually, mentally - where I allow God to stir my heart... for my eyes to see things the way he does... to see his chidlren he loves...

every night when i lead chapel, we have a sharing time and I ask the kids how did they see God today. the simple momentsw where God reveals himself to them, how he stirs up something in there heart - an awareness of injustice, a moment of true joy, or surrender, or confession...
I pray I won't forget to do that myself more and more...
as the weeks go on, that i won't my eyes and ears will become more and more aware of God's heart for his children... here in Mexico and in Burlington and around the world...

Gonna catch a nap before the next crew comes in for the week. 100 jr. highers. God bless us!
blessings and thanks for your prayers!

first full day - check!

2007-07-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

it's 10:10. i just sent the groups off to bed. i'm a little burnt (particularly on one arm) a bit tired, but completely satisfied. what a privilege it is to be here!

there's about 75 youth in right now, more to come this week, and four homes are being built in the nearby villages. today was the first day where we hit the work sites and I forgot how amazing the first days in construction are. walls get built. the slabs of wood turn into pieces of a real home. you meet the families, the groups bond together... it was amazing to be apart of and observe as i roamed around to the different sites. my role during the day is to support and connect with the groups, youth, leaders, and interns. some days i will drive around in my sweet jeep (well, im the passenger. i haven't gotten up enough courage yet to drive here... and it's standard, so that's my excuse for now), sometimes taking video for the highlights clips and sometimes i'll stay around the base prepping for chapels, worship, bible studies, etc.

so today i cruised around in a very bumpy jeep (thus the one armed sun burn) with Patrick and an incredible kid named Marvin. He's a local youth who heads up the new video stuff (capturing the days highlights, putting together a dvd for the groups, etc). He's an awesome young man and it was so much fun to learn about the real culture of Mexico from him... and some spanish too! Today I lead my first two chapel times as well! One short one in the morning, and one longer one at night. I wasn't quite as prepared as i wanted, but God provided words and the kids seem to be receptive and responsive. Worship is going pretty good and it's great with play with Patrick - he's such a talented musician! The Spirit has been already moving in the groups and in our times together!

other than that im enjoying being the 'go-to gal' for the leaders, connecting with kids, etc. it feels alot like camp (except i know alot less... but doing a good job of faking it!) Having a great time with Steph, Patrick, the other youth interns and meeting the other staff as well. Besides, it's really only been 3 days! wow! almost feels like home. the awkardness already fading quickly. a few more days under my belt and i'll be even more comfortable.... but hopefully not too comfortable as i know this summer is a space to allow God to speak, move, and be in control. not something im often good at allowing him the space to do....

so all that to say - i'm doing fantastic down here! please continue to pray for me and the ministry of EOC.

blessings friends!

im here!!!!

2007-06-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

Hola! Quick report just to say we have arrived and are settling into our new home here in Ensenada! Our travels went super smooth and our night in Cali was fun and great transition moment. Steph and Patrick , my travelling amigos/2 youth from my church, and myself have had several moments where we've turned to each other and squeeled "where goin' to Mexico!!"

and now we are here.

we have been warmly greeted and taken care off. im definitly not 'roughin' it' in my sweet digs in the staff house... and i don't need to point out that im already on the internet. from my laptop. in my room. so yeah. God is good.

feels great to be back. an element of comfort and home...
but also lots of changes and new faces...
so we are looking forward to a weekend of chill to settle in, but also getting a week of routine under our belts. right now we are still a bit in the 'awkard' phase.

people seem excited to have us. i feel a bit overwhelmed/nervous that starting Sunday i have to run all these things and I don't really know anything... but I know i'll be fine. and have the spiritual gift of 'winging it'.

please pray for transition, meeting people, and settling into my role as a newbie, but a newbie whose a senior staff/leader...

and fyi. it's way hotter in ontario than it is here. for all you folks who said the heat would be unbearable. it's just perfect. suckas.

tommorow!

2007-06-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

So I'm pretty much all packed... my list of things to do is almost done... and in one more sleep, i'll be off on my summer adventure!

Thursday at 2:00, we're flying out of Buffalo to Georgia then to San Diego, California. We'll spend the night in Cali, and Scott will pick us up sometime Friday and bring us back to our new home in Ensenada! gaaahhhh! So excited. After all the preparations and goodbyes, i just wanna go now! The anticipation is building that im so ready now.

I know it's going to be an amazing experience. And i know it's not 'about me'...but i have a sneaky suspicion God is going to be working on me... The last month or so have stirred up some new questions, transitions, and changes which are prompting me to reflect and ponder a bit more than normal... which is good. It's good to be shaken and challenged. And i pray this experience will provide freshness and new chapters in my life and faith.

now in the (terrible) words of some fellow mexico mission'ers...
it's time to
GET 'ER DONE.

winding down... winding up...

2007-06-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

it's such a strange season. wrapping up at the church, saying goodbye to my youth - many of which will be moving on and out of youth/burlington. it's been bitter sweet for sure.... excited about newness and freshness - both in the summer and in the fall - but definitely am gonna miss sharing life with these kids.

slowly im wrapping things up at the square for the summer, and checking things off my 'to do list'. i think this week it will become more and more real as i work on more mexico preparations.

i've felt so encouraged by such a community of supporters... brothers and sisters in christ, who are so excited for me. it's helped me, in turn, get more excited too. not everyone is called to travel to another country to serve, and in many cases it's not even always the more effective and efficient use of resources - however, im feeling called and know that part of it is about my personal journey, learning, and sheer adventure of it all. but it's so cool to see how although im going on the actual trip, there are so many people apart of this mission. people supporting me financially, thru prayers, and encouragement. what a blessing it is to be apart of the family of God...

What will I be doing?

2007-06-07T20:58:00.000-07:00

I promise... this will be the last looong, rambling post. But I just want to be able to sketch a picture of where I'm headed and what I'll be doing...

YUGO Ministries, and in particular the "Ensenada Outreach Center" (EOC) is a great organization that seeks to serve the Mexican people. Currently YUGO works primarily in 'border cities' - areas near the US/Mexican border. Every time I make that drive from San Diego airport into Mexico, I'm humbled and moved by the obvious differences. Poverty is a real issue in many of these Mexican cities and towns. YUGO's desire to to show God's love to these people in various ways. What I like about YUGO and EOC is the desire to do missions "well" and in a way that's empowering to the local people, leaders, and pastors. Scott Wester, the director at EOC shared with me how he hopes the mission can become more and more invisible - simply providing behind the scenes resources, support, and man-power to the local churches and leaders. We don't want to be the 'white canadians/americans to the rescue with all the right answers'. Instead we want to simply respond to Christ's call to take care of the widows, the orphans, the poor...simply, humbly, and in love...

We aren't all called to do that in other countries. I never thought i was "one of those people" either, as I still feel a strong calling to serve in the local church here in Burlington, Ontario. But for this season, I am being called.

There are many ways in which EOC serves the people:
CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS/SCHOOLS - many children are not able to afford to go to school. You will often just find them playing and wandering about in their villages and towns. YUGO runs several school and daycare programs, as well as runs VBS programs.
FEEDING PROGRAMS - Currently there are 2, 3 programs which provide breakfast or lunch for children of various villages. It's often just a cup of oatmeal and a biscuit but for some of these kids - it is all they will eat that day.
WOMEN'S MINISTRY - They have just begun to work in this area, connecting with the women of the villages/towns. Meeting with them, caring for them, ministering to them.
CONSTRUCTION MINISTRY - this is the area which our church has participated the most in. In about a week, a group of 10-13 people can build a home for a family. Many people in the nearby towns live in shacks, half built homes, some made of cardboard and tarps, roofs caving in on them, rooms too small to house there large extended families. Teams come up to volunteer and by thursday or friday they are handing keys over to a family. It's such a powerful and emotional experience and I dont think I'll ever get used to that humbling experience. There are other construction projects such as building banjos (bathrooms), churches, and schools that YUGO does as well.
... AND MORE... - I know there are many other ways EOC works with the people, handing out food at the hospital where people wait for days to be seen by a doctor, working with local pastors, supporting other ministries, and so much more! i can't wait to learn all about it!

So where will i fit in all of this? Well, hopefully i'll get to put my hand in it all a bit. Give some "capochees" (piggy backs) to some kids, hammering some nails (i'm a good hammerer!), helping with special services (aka cleaning bathrooms at the base camp) - wherever! But my main role will be as the base camp director/host.

In Chipultapec, EOC has its 'base' camp. This is where many of the mission staff live, as well as where the volunteer teams and groups stay. It can house up to 200 people in dorm style rooms, includes a dining hall, kitchen, chapel, and several garages/buildings for the construction projects and donations. During the summer the camp is full to capacity and there's always lots going on. When a group arrives - the questions, details, and craziness begins. Where do sleep? When do we eat? What do we do? How do we do this? I'll be the one hosting, facilitating, and directing these groups when they arrive. I will also be leading chapel times, an essential aspect to the process for the groups - helping them debreif and gain the most out of there time in Mexico. You see the EOC does not just serve the local Mexican people but also the hundreds of Canadians and Americans who come down to volunteer. So i get to help empower, encourage and provide a positive experience for everyone involved!

Im really stoked about the position - i love watching people grow and learn and feel empowered. I am excited to see the transformation in people in just a week! And this way too - Im not totally screwed because i don't know very much Spanish... at all.

It's a great example of the body of Christ... we all have different gifts, passions and callings! im excited for this unique role where i can use my gifts and skills to help serve the teams that come, so that they can serve the Mexican people. I hope and pray I can jump into this leadership role with ease and a quick learning curve. I guess those years of directing at camp will pay off again! It'll kinda be like camp... except not with children... and in Mexico.... ? ok, so it's not like camp at all... but Im still excited!

So hopefully that will give you a bit of a picture of what I'll be doing in my time in Mexico!

21 days and counting

2007-06-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

On June 28 I'll be boarding a plane to begin my journey to Ensenada, Mexico for two months. 21 days away... crazy! I can't believe how quickly this month is going to fly by. I can't believe how it has just crept up on me - i guess it's a bit different than preparing for camp where I would have already invested so much in the pre-camp season, and often check out earlier in mind than in body. Where as for this experience I haven't had to really think about Mexico much and so outta nowhere it's here! It's pretty exciting!

Maybe I should start from the beginning, for those partnering with me on this journey in prayer and support, so you all know the full story...

I began my adventures to Mexico about 4 years ago, when I lead my first Mexico Missions Trip with the youth. God lead us to YUGO thru a random internet search and it was a great first experience! My first trip was more about the excitement and the 'spiritual adrenaline rush' i get when my youth 'get it'... watching them grow, step up, step out - it was amazing! Since then i've lead 3 more youth trips, and been apart of an adult/mixed team as well. As I continued to return year after year, friendship formed with staff and local people, and i grew more and more in love with the culture, pace, people, and beauty of Mexico.

I have been involved in summer camp ministry for over 10 years and I don't really know what a summer looks like without morning devos, mosquitoes, and random dress up clothes and spandex! I sensed my time at Silver Lake Camp was coming to an end, and this fall after much thoughts, prayer, and some tears... i said goodbye to my role of director at SLC. I quickly began to plan ways to distract myself and fill up my summer months! When I spent two weeks in Mexico in November I had a chance to get a small sense of what it would be like to be there a bit longer. The leadership at YUGO asked me to pray about joining the staff on the summer. And that's what lead me to today... preparing myself for an amazing adventure in a wonderful country!

God works in mysterious ways...

I am so looking forward to this experience. To experience a new culture, living in simplicity, in the face of poverty but still so much beauty and purpose. To have a break from my work at the church - a world sometimes clouded with politics, meetings, and emails! To be the hands and feet of Christ in a hurting world. To provide homes, food, hope, and love to people in need. And hopefully have lots of fun in the process...