Our schools mission is to raise disciples to go out into the world and make a difference and one of the ways that they prioritize this and mobilize students for ministry is by asking every high school student to participate in a mission trip every year the week before spring break. Some stay in Oregon but most travel to YWAM locations in other parts of the United States and abroad. Honestly, when I get the email about choosing a trip each summer this feels like a lot and sometimes I think it's too much. We're about to have 3 in high school at the same time and I've been fretting about that for awhile. Life is sooo expensive, especially with 7 kids, and I truly do think there are many meaningful things we could do here locally instead, things that even in some ways feel "better" because they're more sustainable. However, then I remember trips I went on at this age and how truly formative these experiences were in my life. I remember the way they opened my eyes to a hurting world and challenged me to get out of my comfort zone. I remember how they made me fall more in love with Jesus and what it felt like to be the hands and feet of Christ in such tangible ways, and then I take a breath and think this is what I want for my kids. More than fun vacations or cool clothes or cars or whatever, I want them to love Jesus and to know that He's the only way to peace and meaning and joy. I know that when the distractions and comforts of our regular lives are striped away God shows up and we hear His voice more clearly. I truly believe these experiences change our hearts in a unique way. My wallet wishes this wasn't the case, just like I wish the closeness I feel to God in the hard times was the same as when life feels comfortable and easy but that's just not the way it's been, at least in my life. And so although these trips feel like a big sacrifice I am grateful for them.
Before heading out each team is paired with specific elementary or middle school classrooms and each high school student is paired with specific younger students. These students and classrooms pray for them while they are away and before they leave making this truly a whole school experience. I helped out in Aubrey and Maddie's kindergarten class this year and before we left I had a chance to share with them what we were going to do and to ask for prayer. We then gathered on their classroom rug and little hands were laid on me as they prayed for our trip. The memory still makes me teary. I'm certain God was smiling down on these sweet prayers from some of the tinniest ones in his family and it was a beautiful picture of being a part of God's family.
Day 1
It's Saturday, March 14th at 6:30 a.m. and we are headed out. We said goodbye to the kids staying at home with Grammy, we prepared for everything we could think of to help their time go smoothly, we fixed the water pump on the suburban which decided to go out at 3:00 p.m. yesterday getting us home very late last night to finish packing, and we are filled with nervousness and excitement as we pray and then set out to do whatever is placed before us this coming week.
The line at PDX was pretty intense but we made it to our flight with just a few minutes to spare and everyone accounted for.
We landed in San Diego and took a charter bus across the border.
I loved Robert's commented on this photo "perhaps the only bag in history to make airport security uncomfortable."
To add to the fun this was on the street just outside the YWAM base all week.
The YWAM base was beautiful.
Worship was full of so much energy.
The first of MANY MANY Oxxo runs. Oxxo was the convenience store at the end of the block. The kids loved getting out to buy Mexican Cokes and snacks and Brandon quickly became the bottle opener.
DAY 2
The day began early as we headed to local churches for their morning service. The students prepared a lesson for the kids and a craft as well as testimonies to share.
Mataeya, Felicity, Quinley, and Sadie
Testimonies
Zac
Cole
Mataeya
Felicity
Sunday School
They taught a lesson with a translator from YWAM on the parable of the wise and foolish builder.
And we did a craft which was a bit of a flop.
We then shared lunch together and played with the kids until it was time to head back to base.
Wyatt and Zac
Wyatt, Zac, and the Pastor
Thankful for the body of Christ around the world and for this opportunity to encourage and be encouraged by one another.
Shopping
The boys may have had too much fun!
Wyatt, Cole, Zac, Noah, and Tayden
Lookin' cute in their new sunglasses.
Lisa has been a sweet friend for so many years. Thankful we were on the same team.
Sunset
DAY 3
We began the day with breakfast and a morning worship session and then it was off to our house build sites to get started. We had 3 teams this year all working on building a home in 3 days. Its pretty incredible what Homes for Hope makes happen with 3 days and some volunteers.
Day 4
Day 4 started with some awesome morning sessions games. I'm telling you things happen on these trips that you just never could imagine. I'm still laughing at Brandon and Pete's "monkey in a tree." Then it was out to our build sites for the day. Day 2 on site included roofing, exterior paint, and drywall. We also got some time to get to know the family a little better which was awesome and then after dinner we had the incredible opportunity to baptize both Sadie and Wyatt along with some of their dearest friends Wesley, Johan, and Gavin.
Brandon and Pete
Wyatt and Noah
J.B. and Sean
Vivienne and Corina
Sara and Brandon may be among the more competitive adults.
We had a chance to write verses and blessings on the interior walls of the house before they were drywalled.
Zac, Wyatt, and Brandon
Noah, Tayden, Cole, Pete, and Lisa
Buried with Christ in Baptism, Raised to Walk in the newness of LIFE!!!
They were able to stream it so that all the kids at home could watch them be baptized.
Day 5
Last day of our home build. Today we finished up the paint and trim, assembled furniture, a few from our group took the family out shopping, and then we handed them the keys and prayed blessings over this family and their life going forward. This was such a truly impactful day. When I did this as a college student we never meet the family we were building for and I didn't have children of my own. Something about making the beds for these little one and watching their little boy soooo excited to sit at the table and pour cereal into his bowl as we prayed undid me. I cannot fully process this experience. I just kept thinking about laying my own babies in their beds and moving them into their new rooms. We live such a different life back at home and yet we are family in Christ. What a privilege it was to be a small part of this family's story.
Day 6
We spent our final day at a shelter for women and children. Tough stories!!! Heartbreaking stories!!! Feels like giving a day is way too small a gift but I'm thankful for the way YWAM has partnered with this shelter the past 20 years and that we are a part of the body of Christ all over the world doing our part to share the love of Jesus. There will be more groups visiting in the coming weeks and months and the kids know that when YWAM shows up they will be loved.
Day 7
Saying goodbye for now...
2026 Ensenada
Leaders
Kristen, Meaghan, Sara, Amber Lisa, Me, and Bridgette
Girls
Sadie, Wyatt, Johan, Wesley, and Gavin
Felicity, Sadie, Shilo, and Mateya
Crossing the boarder back into the U.S.A.
Wyatt witnessing to a stranger at In-N-Out. A fire was lit in Wyatt for sure. He and Miko spent their time in the airport witnessing to whoever would talk to them and he says maybe he'd like to go back and do a DTS (discipleship training) with YWAM some day.
This was an amazing trip but I'm glad to be back at home with my babies too. Found this little note slipped under the bathroom door when I got out of the shower.
May we never stop giving thanks for all God has blessed us with or being Flame Bearers to the world around us. "Look Up!"
Psalm 67:1-2 "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah, that your way may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations."
