One upside to the last day of the trip was getting to sleep a little later...until 8:30 am! After breakfast, we cleaned the entire upper floor of the guest house. Yes, this includes bathrooms (toilets, showers, sinks, etc.), sweeping, vacuuming, taking out the trash, and making beds! The kids ARE capable of doing these things, and we were proud of the job they did. Once the house was reasonably clean, we put on our church clothes and headed to San Jose Mission to worship at their noon Mariachi Mass.
Fred took the kids on a brief tour of a grist mill located behind the mission. We then waited in a long line for the mass - it's a very popular event for tourists. The mariachi music was amazing, and added a special element to the worship service. Dante and I were extremely moved by the priest's sermon. His sermon text was Matthew 10, which carries the heading "Jesus Sends Out the Twelve" in most Bibles. How ironic...seeing as how we had 12 amazing kids on the trip.
Jesus says in Matthew 9 (directly preceding the sermon text), "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." Another God moment...that quote from Jesus was referenced numerous times by the kids last night during our devotional with regard to their experiences on this trip and why they will continue to serve. It always amazes me how God brings things full circle. God has called these 12 kids to go and make disciples, and their hearts are ready and willing to do just that.
It was a tremendous honor and privilege for Dante, Fred, Jan, and I to take part in this trip with the kids. Yes - there was lots of fun, and yes - we had beds to sleep in and more than one bathroom to share...but God was in our midst, doing a new thing in our hearts and minds. These kids are the future of God's kingdom, and I hope you will join us in encouraging them and praying for them.
Gavin, Bailey, Leah, Rachel, Kristen, Drew, Kathryn, Toni, David, Diane, Dana, and Scott - you are all extraordinary young people, and God WILL use you to change the world. I am grateful to be a small part of your spiritual journey, and I am blessed to call all of you my friends...
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