First-Year Student Journals : Matthew : Journal 11

17 March 2003

As I was sitting at my desk on the first day back from spring break, I was wondering why I was even in class. These thoughts were prompted not so much because I wanted to skip class or because I was tired, but it was my desire deep within to go back to Mexico. I desperately crave to work with the children, speak to them in my broken Spanish and hear them yell “Mateo, Mateo” to get my attention.

As briefly described in my last journal (Web Journal 10), I went to Monterrey, Mexico, with a group from my church consisting of other college students, as well as high school students and post-college people. We left early Saturday morning for a drive of approximately eight hours to reach our destination of Monterrey. Later, we went to the church “Castillo del Rey: Cumbres” where our group has been going for many years. That night was the first night I was pushed into a culture totally different from my own. In many situations, I was required to speak Spanish in order to communicate even the slightest bit of information. It was there I met a handful of Mexican guys about my age, and I was privileged to begin friendships that will not easily be forgotten.

A few days after staying in Monterrey and doing a few outreaches there, we broke up into four groups and departed to different villages in the general area. My group of about 30 went to a town called Sabinas about one hour away from Monterrey. During all the outreaches we did in Mexico, I was part of the Kids, Ministry and Evangelism team. So, I luckily got to play with the kids for much of the time I was in Mexico. Driving away from our last outreach, my heart broke for the children. I guess it is pretty obvious, but I realized more than ever that there are so many children who do not receive love or affection. I can only hope and pray that I had an effect on the children there and that they will remember the affection they received these last few days.

My life was and is continuing to be radically changed by the ways my heart has broken for the children this past week. I am sincerely reconsidering the priorities I have for my life and for my destiny. It is amazing to see how quickly the plans you had laid out for your future can be so insignificant after being faced with reality. In choosing to give and serve by going to Mexico for my spring break, I received so much more than I would have in going any other place. I look forward to going back to Mexico next year, but until then, I will alter my priorities to be able to be around children more often and do the things I feel I am called to do.

I hope you had a wonderful spring break. Please send me an e-mail message if you have any comments or questions.



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	17 March 2003 As I was sitting at my desk on the first day back from spring break, I was wondering why I was even in class. These thoughts were prompted not so much because I wanted to skip class or because I was tired, but it was my desire deep within to go back to Mexico. I desperately crave to work with the children, speak to them in my broken Spanish and hear them yell “Mateo, Mateo” to get my attention. As briefly described in my last journal (Web Journal 10), I went to Monterrey, Mexico, with a group from my church consisting of other college students, as well as high school students and post-college people. We left early Saturday morning for a drive of approximately eight hours to reach our destination of Monterrey. Later, we went to the church “Castillo del Rey: Cumbres” where our group has been going for many years. That night was the first night I was pushed into a culture totally different from my own. In many situations, I was required to speak Spanish in order to communicate even the slightest bit of information. It was there I met a handful of Mexican guys about my age, and I was privileged to begin friendships that will not easily be forgotten. A few days after staying in Monterrey and doing a few outreaches there, we broke up into four groups and departed to different villages in the general area. My group of about 30 went to a town called Sabinas about one hour away from Monterrey. During all the outreaches we did in Mexico, I was part of the Kids, Ministry and Evangelism team. So, I luckily got to play with the kids for much of the time I was in Mexico. Driving away from our last outreach, my heart broke for the children. I guess it is pretty obvious, but I realized more than ever that there are so many children who do not receive love or affection. I can only hope and pray that I had an effect on the children there and that they will remember the affection they received these last few days. My life was and is continuing to be radically changed by the ways my heart has broken for the children this past week. I am sincerely reconsidering the priorities I have for my life and for my destiny. It is amazing to see how quickly the plans you had laid out for your future can be so insignificant after being faced with reality. In choosing to give and serve by going to Mexico for my spring break, I received so much more than I would have in going any other place. I look forward to going back to Mexico next year, but until then, I will alter my priorities to be able to be around children more often and do the things I feel I am called to do. I hope you had a wonderful spring break. Please send me an e-mail message if you have any comments or questions.