Update #2- Sunday in Merida, Mexico

Today was different than had originally been planned, but I think all agree it turned out great. We thought we would be in Tizimin, worshipping at a church we didn’t know and visiting a cenote. The mixup with our reservation at the hotel meant we stayed at Shalom. This was the Lord’s plan for us all along, and we are grateful for it! Norah’s favorite things today were the people she met. She writes…. “I got to talk to a lady after church that was holding her adorable little girl. Even though I don’t know much Spanish, and she didn’t know much English, we held a small conversation and she was very sweet!  I also got to talk to the cook. Even though she doesn’t know much English, I could tell she was trying very hard and was doing great! She asked what my name was in Spanish, and then when I didn’t understand her, she asked in perfect  English! If you ever come on this trip you definitely need to talk to her, if possible.” The people we’ve met at Shalom have been so kind and welcoming. It has been such a blessing to begin our trip with their company. We are driving to Tizimin as we write this and will be eager to settle in and get ready for the work ahead. Our work project is helping to put a roof on a small church. Thank you for praying for us! 

Meredith and Norah IRWIN

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I’m sitting in church next to my two favorite people this morning writing this. I sadly do not understand enough Spanish to know what the pastor is teaching on, so while I have these thoughts on my mind I figured I would put them down. 

We just finished worship, which is a little bit louder than what we are used to simply because they use more electric instruments and have a drum set! Even though I cannot speak Spanish I was able to recognize all of the songs and still be able to sing along with the words they project in the screen.

Even if I’m not a Spanish speaker, the name of Jesus sounds just as sweet in Spanish as it does in English. The Holy Spirit is just as present in Shalom this morning as he is at Faith. We are still surrounded by fellow brothers and sisters in Christ! There are still children here to whom I’d love to take home with me for a few hours, give them all the candy they’d ever want and then return them  to their parents! 

Although I am unable to understand what the pastor is preaching, I know he’s speaking God’s word. He opened his Bible and he’s reading directly from it. Even if I don’t understand his words, I’m still in the presence of my Father in Heaven this morning.  

Our plans changed yesterday, right before we landed. We were not supposed to be at Shalom this morning, but I believe it’s a blessing that we are. Many of the people on this trip have never been here before and it has been by the hands of past church members who helped to build the building we are sitting in right now. We are able to reap the good of what those in the past have done. 

I will say, as I sit here unable to understand, I am thinking about those who come to America and do not know English, nor do they have the same safe nets I have. Emily has been able to explain some of the sermon to me, and I know I ever want to know what was said all I’d have to do is ask Sarah. But, I’m here for a week on a mission trip and I’m safe in a church. When we head out to downtown Merida in just a little bit most of then employees in the shop will speak English or I’ll have someone with me who can help translate. The employees will show me patience as I try to figure out how much money to give them and I get nervous and stumble over my English words! I can’t imagine not having my safety nets. 

This takes me to our ESL program and just how beautiful it is. We aren’t just teaching our students English but how to live and thrive in a country where they are strangers. We are giving them safety nets and giving them the tools to make their own! And, even if some come who cannot understand English, they are getting the love of Christ the same as I am sitting in a service where I have no idea what’s going on. Language is not the only way we can communicate, especially when it comes to understanding and sharing the love of Christ. 

I’ve had the goal to learn Spanish for several years now, but my poor brain doesn’t seem to let me, however, that doesn’t mean I can’t love the people around me well while I am here! I don’t know how God plans to use me this week, but I can’t wait. But, as much as I hope to touch the lives of those around me, I can’t wait to see how I’m changed by those around me!

UnderHisLove, 

Hope Eason

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In this blog I have the honor of speaking to what we did this afternoon. After eating a delicious lunch, we were blessed with 2 hours of free time. Most of us slept. Around 4, we loaded the van and went to the Blas Pascal, the school where Ms. Sarah teaches English to the middle and high school students. These kids have a bright future ahead of them. 

To relax our bodies from the heat  some of us hit the pool the school provided. Others played a game of frisbee and a game of soccer. We all had a great time bonding with each other and becoming closer friends. 

Bethany

This is the church on the main square in downtown Merida. It is one of the oldest churches in the americas.