Despedida

I'm sitting here, home, in Minnesota with the chance to reflect for probably the last time in this manner, on how God has blessed my life through Children's Haven International. These last two summers have been an incredible journey. I often feel that I don't have the words to completely describe all that I feel when I think of CHI and the brothers and sisters in Mexico I have come to love. I hope that these photos, of the ones who made my summer spectacular, will speak the words that I seem to be lacking.

BJ and me at our Despedida (Good-bye) with members of Casa 4

Poncho, Me, Juan

Betsy Chacon, CHI director and me

BJ & Benjamin

Miriam Sarai

My adopted family: Brad, Ann-Marie, Brandon, Miller, & Jackson Boyles, and most importantly mi hermanito, BJ Mestnik

Thank you to those of you who have allowed me to become a part of this ministry, thank you to those I love who have become my family in Christ, thank you to those who have prayed for my safety and well-being, and mostly, thanks be to GOD for this place in the center of it all.

Signing off in Christ,
Eliza
Numbers 6:24-26

Untitled

I absolutely cannot believe that today is August.

All summer long, when asked about my date of departure, I have answered "Oh, I´m not leaving until August", stressing the fact that August was eons away. Well, August has arrived, and in less than one week I will be on a plane Minnesota bound. I am once again so so excited to see everyone from "home", but once again, I´m leaving a little more of my heart here than I had planned.


Throughout this year of preparation for my Summer 2009 in Reynosa, Joshua 1:9 was continuously running through my head and heart. "Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take." I now, once again, find this passage comforting. To know that God is watching over each and every one of us, with the big picture in mind, will help me get onto that plane. I step forward knowing that God has my best interests at heart, if I only listen. I have learned so much from mis amigos here al Refugio. God has blessed me incredibly by allowing me a spiritual sanctuary for two consecutive summers. I hope to take this peace that I feel and share it with all those who have supported my time here. Thanks to all who made my time here a realistic possibility.




I will be seeing you all, oh so soon.



En Cristo,

Eliza

And then there were two...

I´m a numbers person. Not in the fact that I´m a math person, much to my mothers dismay (A math brain seems a little more reliable in today´s job market :-), but in the fact that I´m a detail oriented person: How many gallons of koolaid for dinner? How many colored tickets do I need for the clothing handout this week? Well this week, CHI was blessed with the presence of 47 servents from Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The sentiment in the title reflects how quiet this place seems now, with only BJ and me.

It was so awesome to reaquaint with old friends and faces, and meet dozens of new ones. This group accomplished so much, brought so much energy and they will all be missed. With so many people, this group had a little bit of everything. Many jobs were completed, and so so many smiles graced the faces of the children. En lieu of the usual nightly game of futbol (soccer) this group ended each night with a massive dance party that included Little Sally Walker, Cotton Eyed Joe, and YMCA. It was great to see everyone let loose and just be silly.These little moments I know I will always remember, and I am so blessed to have a front row seat at this place that so many people love. At the end of each week, when we say good-bye to each group, I get to stay. I do not take this for granted. I do realize how unbelievably lucky I am to be serving God in this manner, and I thank Him every single day for calling me to Reynosa once again.


I´m a numbers person, so it has not escaped my eyes that BJ and I only have three weeks left. I pray for strength to make it to the end, and even more, for the strength it will to take to drive away for the last time, knowing the summer has ended. I hope to live every moment, whether dancing in the cancha, spending time in a morning devotional, or fumbling through my Spanish. Thanks once again to all who have made it possible for me to be here, doing what I LOVE.

Dios les bendiga!
Eliza

Perla came for a visit, just thought I would post this so old friends could see a familiar face! She´s doing well and about to start working.

¡Pura Vida!

I've been state-side for the past couple of days, helping out at the office in Pharr. Above are some of the faces I miss, but it is always a welcome opportunity to reconnect with the American side of the ministry. As much as I LOVE living at the home in Reynosa, it is so so so important to remember that we could not have the children's home in Mexico without all of the work done here in Texas. I send my thanks out into the abyss for each volunteer that has put their heart and soul into Children's Haven in whichever way God has called them.

I'm awaiting the arrival of our GRUPO GIGANTE. This week we have groups coming from three separate churches, totaling at a whopping 47 people. Anyone who has spent a week at the home can imagine what shower time will look like in the dorms :-) I ask for your prayers for the TEAMS safe arrivals from Pennsylvania and North Carolina, and that we may be God's hands for the week, doing His work at the Children's home.

I've had a very pleasant week of rest and I am so excited to get back to Reynosa and get EXCITED! A large portion of the kids have been gone for the last couple of weeksto visit family members, and it will be so so good to have the homes filled again. We are celebrating the arrival of two "new" sets of House Parents, Tios Mariano and Silvia, as well as Tios Jorge and Lucy. As well as the joy that comes in seeing these past members of the home return (Both sets of Tios have worked as House Parents at some point in the last 5-10 years), this week brings some bittersweet feelings as we say goodbye to Hugo and Rosa Ortiz Rodriguez and their daughter Dalia who have been Tios at the home for the past six years. They will be moving back to Tampico, MX where their family lives and I ask for your prayers for them, as they say good-bye and transition back to life outside of Children's Haven.
That's all I've got for now! I have crossed my halfway mark, and I cannot believe how quickly this summer is flying by. I hope that you are all having safe and blessed Julys .

Hasta pronto...
Eliza

Falcon Dam

July 4th brought sunshine and fun to the members of Children's Haven International. For my first 4th out of the U.S. I didn't stray too far from my native soil. Falcon Dam bridges the border between Mexico and the states, so although I wasn't technically home, this lake created by the dam is the closest I've felt to MN thus far. After a great day of fun in the sun, with a grilled lunch for all of the children, staff, and volunteers, we packed up and thought that we were all headed back to RIN. A right at the exit of Falcon park would keep us in Mexico and take us back to Reynosa, we took a left. We were smuggling dozens of Mexican children into the United States! Not exactly... but we did go and spend a few minutes at the actual border between these two countries, and the kids were ECSTATIC. At first they couldn't comprehend what we were saying, that they were going to the U.S. This idea is so taboo that they continued to clarify as we were headed toward the border. As a United States citizen, with my magical passport that is rarely, if ever, questioned in any country, it was extremely humbling to remember how blessed we are to be from a country that so many people trust. I hope that you all had a blessed Independence Day weekend, full of all that makes America great and I hope that we all remember how lucky we are that we were born North of the Rio Grande. Being a citizen of the U.S. is a gift, and if we all realized that and used that gift to care for those less fortunate than ourselves, we would all live in a better world.

The children had an awesome 4th of July. We weren't celebrating American independence, but I was celebrating all that makes the United States of America great, while sharing it with our neighbors to the south.

Dios les bendiga los Estados Unidos de America y los Estados Unidos Mexicanos.
God Bless the United States of America and the United States of Mexico.

And may we remember that we are all citizens of one world, God's world, God's children.

Let us REJOICE and be glad!

Both years that I have served at Children´s Haven, I have been blessed by visits from my home church, Rejoice Lutheran. The moment they stepped off the bus on Sunday, June 21, I was overwhelmed with how much I love the people of this congregation. The Dream Team had an incredible week, and I am so thankful that I could be a part of it! If any members of the Team are reading this, I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart for all you accomplished this week, and for all that you have taught me. After an intense week, we headed off to South Padre Island for a fun-filled Friday, and after some sun, waves, and sting-rays, Rejoice headed back to Minnesota, as BJ and I headed back across the border. No tears were shed this time, for I know that I will always be returning home, but an empty space was left here at CHI. It is coming to the time in the summer where the weather gets warmer without ceasing and the work continues. I keep telling myself, ¨You´ve done this before, you can do this!¨ However, I was reading a book, recommended by a friend, when I came across this passage from Colossians,

As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you´ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul- not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory strength that God gives. It is a strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us. -Colossians 1:9-12 MSG

This passage reminded me that I am not doing this alone. God is the one who brought me here, and his hands are in everything. I will continue to draw my strength from God, and when I begin to feel those pangs of lonliness, these memories will flash in my head:

Or the crazy ¨Caballito¨ dance with ZJ and P.Scott that I can perhaps update at a later date :-)

Finally, I will look into the face of a beautiful child, and thank ¨the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.

I am so blessed to be His hands.

How do you solve a problem like Maria?

This spring, a woman interned here at Children´s Haven with an unpronouncable American name. The children proceeded to call her Maria, it was easier to pronounce than her given name, and it stuck. In fact, upon my arrival, I have had a hard time ridding this name from the brains of the little ninos, and now go by a combination of Maria/Eliza/Elisa. This little example constantly reminds me of how the ministry of this children´s home has touched so many people whom I will never know.
While cleaning the dormitories yesterday (in preparation for Rejoice´s arrival!), BJ came across a letter ¨To Future Interns¨, from one of the past. Sam, intern 2006, wrote a letter giving such beautiful advice as to what to expect, how to react, even advice as to which Bible verses to read when lonliness overcomes you. I could not believe how spot on this guy was. Everything he wrote was something I had either experienced or felt, thought or wished for. I´m thankful that this letter found its way into my life, and I´m hoping that I can leave my stamp on CHI in a similar way.

Dios les bendiga!!

Eliza

*Really, yes.

My first week in Reynosa is now behind me and I am in awe at how much has happened in just seven days! One set of house parents left CHI, and the new ones have arrived, Tio Jorge (or George of the Jungle as he likes to introduce himself) and Tia Lucy. Please keep them in your prayers as they adjust back to life at the home. The group this week from Missouri has been such a blessing, they have sponsored a daily VBS for the members of the home and children from the outside communities. It has been an incredibly fun, yet at times very challenging experience. I am finding that my Spanish is feeling easier every day by the grace of God, but still there are moments of confusion and frustration. Today during one of these moments a friend came to my side with some encouragement and prayed with me which was the perfect thing, and always is. I am always amazed at the ministers of Christ that I meet through this TEAM program. I have been so incredibly blessed to cross paths with so many incredible brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you so much for your continued prayers and, Dios le bendiga!

Con amor,
Eliza

*The translation of the above statement has become my favorite Spanish saying. ¨A que si¨(sorry I missed the accents!) translates into ¨Really, yes¨and is a favorite among the young members of the home, often in times of disagreement. I couldn´t think of a decent title for this post so this one had to do!

Children´s Haven Part 2: The Summer Begins

Okay... so once again I am aclamating to a Mexican keyboard so please forgive any mistakes!

I AM HERE! After months of preparation, a couple of busy days of packing, and a few hours of delays in flights, I am at Children´s Haven in Reynosa. So much has changed here, I don´t know if I could ever explain it to the impact that it had on my upon my arrival. Being reunited with so many good friends who were so intricately involved in the success of my summer last year was so wonderful, and I thank God for his blessing of fellowship over the last few days. I arrived on Wednesday and I have been in Mexico since Thursday morning. BJ (the other intern) and I have been doing some odd jobs around the home, but mostly we are just becoming reaquainted with the children, house parents, and staff. My spanish feels a little rusty, but I´m sure I´ll be back up to speed within no time.

On a sadder note, one set of house parents, Tio Hiram and Tia Raquel and their daughters Liby and Dara left suddenly yesterday afternoon (Saturday). Tio Hiram had been called to pastor at a church in another city in Mexico, but the family was going to wait to leave until after Liby finished her school year, and Tia Raquel had her baby. Sadly, there was some sort of emergency at the new church and they needed Tio Hiram´s assistance immediately. (This is how I understood everything). It was so sad to see such a wonderful family leave the CHI family, but we all realize that this is all a part of the bigger plan. Please pray for Hiram, Raquel, Liby, Dara, and Baby Boy Bujano, as they adjust to their new life. I hope that their lives can be witness to others of the ultimate trust in our God.

Tio Hiram, Tia Raquel, Liby, and Dara- a photo from last summer.

Today we are prepping for the arrival for the first group from Kansas. This is the same group that welcomed me to Reynosa when I arrived last June. It will be nice to have some structure to the week, and great to catch up with some familiar faces. Thank you all for your prayers, talk to you soon!

Dios le bendiga!

Love Eliza

¡Mañana!

I cannot believe that this time has arrived. I've been busy with laundry and packing all day, but I wanted to document my last night in MN somehow. So I thought here it is. Thanks to all who have given me the courage to believe in this ministry.

Be there soon! Hasta Pronto!

22 days...

That's all I'm saying.

:-)

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I AM STRONG. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

The current political climate and health concerns in Mexico have become regular "players" on the national stage. It sometimes difficult for me to connect the two Mexicos in my life. The Mexico that the world sees, and then the Mexico that I know in my heart.

This is how I see the border...
These are the faces of the bordertowns...

My Mexico is a little different than the one presented in papers and behind news desks, but that does not mean that I am ignoring the very real situation happening in this country that I love. I am completely aware, but I am also choosing to take this opportunity to reflect on the weakness of humanity and take all of my concerns to Him. He that has the ultimate power to keep my Mexico safe. I am boasting my weaknesses so that I might have my strength in God. The situation will change day by day, and my plans may alter due to things beyond our human control. I ask for your continued prayers throughout this time of uncertainty. I pray for Children's Haven and all of those in Reynosa and beyond who are right now living in fear, I pray that they may discover the one who can erase all fears.

I thank each and every one of you for your continued support. I am where I am right now because of the relationships in my life. God has abundantly blessed my life, and I am so so thankful. I will continue to keep this blog updated with any news or change of plan. As of now we are still on track, with a plane leaving Minneapolis on June 3rd, southward bound.

Until then,

Dios les bendiga- God Bless you all!

Eliza

He Cares What Happens to You

As I have been planning for this summer's journey, I have had many worries. Economically speaking, this seems like a ridiculous time to be asking for monetary support for my summer mission. However grand my concerns and worries, God has continued to remind me of the human generosity that surrounds me. My friends at Rejoice Lutheran Church have been so incredibly kind and supportive of my calling, and if it weren't for them, this second summer might not even be happening!

A devotion, that I stumbled upon last night, reminded me of God's place in all this. "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you" (1 Peter 5:7). This devotion reminded me that instead of worrying, a totally passive activity, instead I should be praying, actively seeking God for guidance and safety. This is exactly what I did. I prayed for God to ease my financial fears, and remind me of what Children's Haven and this mission is truly about.

I woke up this morning to a generous donation from a family friend and a plane ticket $150 cheaper than I had budgeted for.

All of this because I simply took my worries to him, the absolutely the Amazing One.

Looking toward Summer 2009!!

¡Hola mis amigos!

For those of you who have visited before, this blog may look a little different, but I promise that it's still me!

I am preparing for another summer of service at Children's Haven, and so I decided that the blog could use a little face lift. All of my old posts are still here, so feel free to look around.

Thanks for your constant love and support,

Eliza

P.S. If you would like read about my friends from last summer, the Boyles, follow this address:

http://boylesfamilyonmission.blogspot.com

Brad, Ann-Marie, Brandon, Miller, and Jackson Boyles have decided to move their life to Mexico and serve at CHI as missionairies through the T.E.A.M. program. This family is absolutely incredible and I have learned so much from them. I pray for the Boyles family in the upcoming weeks as they move and follow God's path for their family to Mexico!