Mexico - Day 6 - Travel Day
We said goodbye to Los Olivos at 6:00 a.m. and began the long drive to the border. We made a brief stop in Ensenada for breakfast, where the students chose between familiar places like McDonald’s and Starbucks and enjoyed a few options not available in Canada.
The border crossing was smooth and quick. We are grateful to God for His care in this part of our journey.
After arriving at the hotel in San Diego, the students had time to swim at the pool and take a short walk to explore Shelter Island nearby.
Tomorrow morning we will head to the airport for the final leg of our trip home. Please pray for timely flights and a smooth connection.
We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow in Canada. While we will miss Mexico and the families we served, we are thankful for all God has done and look forward to sharing these experiences with you. ... See MoreSee Less

Mexico - Day 5 - Dedication and Beach Day

Today is always such an emotional and special day as we present the homes to the families. Each team member receives a set of keys and has the chance to share a little about what this week has meant. It’s a beautiful reminder that God has been at work in every moment.
Both families were incredibly blessed by these simple homes. They now have not just shelter, but a safe place to call home. Seeing their reactions through tears of joy and gratitude was something we won’t forget. God is good.
The yellow house team had the privilege of hearing Marcelina share her story. When she chose to follow God, her family rejected her and she was forced out of her home. But through the love and acceptance of her church family, God made a way. Today, she received her home. Such a powerful testimony of faith and God’s provision.
At our team debrief tonight, Poly shared about Martha, the grandmother from the red house. She has taken in her abandoned granddaughters, and despite having so little, she gave the last four slices of bread to him and the pastors working on the foundation. When he tried to give it back, the girls said it was a gift. That moment really stayed with us and is a clear picture of generosity and love, even in hardship.
These homes are such a blessing, and they were received with overwhelmed hearts and tears of joy.
In the afternoon, the students were able to unwind a bit and play on the beach. Soccer, volleyball (without a net), swimming, and sitting in the sand ended this day.
We’re so thankful for One Life for partnering with our team, for Ginette Schewe (friend of the Honeymoon Bay Retreat Centre) who donated the beautiful quilts, and for the families who provided shoes for the kids.
We also want to thank everyone who has given this week toward the cost of the homes. We are almost there because of your generosity.
One of the things we kept hearing this week is that we may not be related by blood, but we are family. And truly, this has been a full family experience: serving together, loving together, and seeing God move in ways we won’t forget. ... See MoreSee Less