Giving Back and My Journey Into Juarez

Hey all!

 So I recently returned from my very first mission trip and let me tell you, it was unbelievable.

It started about 12 months ago, when I knew I as being called to do a mission trip. Being my first time, I wanted it to be something somewhat local and for a short period of time. It just so happened that my church had 2 trips planned: one to Thailand for 10 days, and one to Juarez, Mexico for 5 days. Considering the mission in Juarez was to help build a house for a family and me being a ninja and all, Mexico was the perfect choice.

I came in with no real expectation except that I would help a family in need and be in the presence of God. Well, those 2 expectations where amplified to the infinitieth power. Not only was I able to help build a small home for a family there, but I was able to build two homes.  And not only was I in the presence of God, but I've never felt closer.

Truly an eye opening experience.

As soon as we crossed the border from El Paso, Texas to Juarez, Mexico, you could see the shift in economies.  Within 5 minutes of crossing the border, our bus was met with unpaved roads, homes built out of scrap pieces of plywood and pallets, and no sewage system.

In fact, the part of Juarez we were working in was actually built over a landfill.  And you could tell.

You would think that living there, you would see an entire population of people depressed, hopeless, looking for a better way.  Amazingly enough, I found the opposite.

I found an entire culture cheerful and grateful for the things they had.  Laughing and smiling just to be alive and well.  In a country full of "but my iPad screen broke!" (that's a direct quote from my daughter), it was incredibly humbling to see such joy in people's faces who literally had nothing but the clothes on their back.

The most powerful experience for me was having the privilege to hand the keys over to the owner of the second house.  She was a grandma who had a house built by the organization, Casas por Cristo (Houses for Christ), 7 years ago.  Then, 2 years ago, her daughter received a house across the street, and our goal was to build one for her daughter on the same plot of land as well as repair the roof of the grandmother.

Grandma's house before

What we came to find out was the grandma's house had been destroyed due to flood damage and was deemed unlivable, so she was kicked out and told to live in a shack next to her daughter.  With a larger team of skilled workers than normal, and with God's hand, we ended up building her a brand new home so she didn't have to spend the 40 degree nights in a house made of nailed up boards and billboard signs.

Grandma's house after

I got to say a little speech for her (translated into Spanish by one of our team members) about the power of giving back.  It went a little something like this:

"I present these keys to you as a reminder.  I've been told that 7 years ago, Casas por Cristo built you a house, and from there, you brought your entire family to know God.  And now look how much he's blessed you since! (showing off her 2nd brand new home).  We came here as missionaries from America, because we've been blessed and have come here to be a blessing to you.  So with these keys, I commission you.  I commission you to now be a blessing, not only to your family, but to your entire town, so that they may know the glory of God."

I wanted to share that with you as a reminder of how fortunate you are today.  If you're reading this on a smart phone, realize that it cost more than what most of the world makes in a single month.  If you have a house with windows, let alone a door and heat, you're incredibly fortunate.  First off, take time to be grateful every day for what you have instead of putting your time and energy into focusing about what you don't have.  Second, pass along the blessing.  Help others less fortunate than yourself, for the simple fact that you can.  Lift up others so that they can help lift up others.  The ripple effect of your good works will go far beyond anything you or I can imagine.

The kids: some were from the States, helping build the home. Some were just grateful to have friends to play with.

Mark Lopez blogs about leadership and personal development in order to strengthen his own leadership skills.  As a Christian, father, husband, and CEO of his own life, Mark looks to empower others so they can lead life by their own design.  To learn more about Mark, follow him on Facebook.