Update: Elsa in Mexico

What I did: I was there for 10 days total. I went to Ninos de la Promesa Orphanage in Playas, Tijuana to say goodbye to the kiddos I have been visiting for the past 4 years. The 1st weekend I was there, I took 4 of the older kids (Sergio, Johana, Debora and Julio) to go help out Pastor Juvenal (a church plant missionary in Tijuana) with an Easter outreach. We helped pass out 500 bibles and went knocking on doors sharing the gospel. 39 people accepted Christ that morning and many others heard the good news of Jesus and received prayer. It was so exciting to see the kids I had brought with me do this with such joy and compassion as well as it was so exciting to share with people about Christ. It was such a wonderful experience. We spend the entire weekend helping out with various activities prepared for that Easter weekend.

The rest of my time there was spent playing with the kids, talking and getting to know more about the kids testimonies, going to the circus and movie theaters, getting in the pool and watching movies at the house. I also was able to organize a total of 4 Slumber Parties with all kinds of goodies: chips, popcorn, brownies, ice cream, candy and soda. I had to organize different ones to accommodate all the kids at the house which are around 70 kids :) it was such a treat. Another exciting thing we did was to go feed women and children living in the streets in the red light district downtown. It was a wonderful experience to see the kids serving others with such joy and enthusiasm.

Reflection of my time there: I loved living with the kids. I loved being there everyday to be part of their everyday life. I enjoyed every moment of it, every little detail.To the most simple things like sharing meals to disciplining/encouraging/mentoring some of the kids at times. For about a week of the time I was there, I got to help oversee the older girls (15-20 years old). These girls were a handful, especially since majority of them are fairly new to the house and still haven't gotten the rhythm of how things are done at the house. A lot of them are still doing things they used to do prior to living in a Christian home and for that they are getting themselves in a lot of trouble. The experience of being their leader was challenging but extremely purposeful. In the past, they've known me only as the fun and crazy girl who takes them out for a good time. However, on this occasion, in addition to the fun Elsa they knew, they also got to see a more strict and serious side of me. Many times they felt frustrated and upset with me for telling them what to do and how to do it.

Inside, I must admit that It was very hard to discipline them and call them out on things, however it was very rewarding to do life with them, get a better idea of who they are, where they are at in their walk with God and the pain that is still in their hearts. In addition to disciplining them, I was able to speak into their hearts, to pray with them morning and evening and to encourage them to trust God ALWAYS! This was such a valuable experience. One that I hope and pray God brings around again. I hope someday I can come back to live with these kids or that someday I can create a home like the one I find with these kids. So grateful for this opportunity and experience.

I will miss these kids greatly. Please please keep them in your prayers. And if any of you would like to visit them, please email me. I will forward you their information. You can keep me updated on how they are doing and go on my behalf!!!

CLICK HERE to see the pictures of my time there. Enjoy!