Natasha's Notes: Rancho 3M 2012

My week at Rancho 3M with the kids, staff, and the rest of the E-team was one of the best, if not the best, week of 2012 so far. Excitement built as we drew closer and closer to the ranch and especially when we pulled in the gate, and the children surrounded us with welcome, hugs, smiles, Spanish chatter, and begs for pushes on the swing.

One of the things that Dean (the director of Rancho 3M) had told us that the kids really needed was love and attention. With the danger in Mexico in the past several years the teams have been fewer, smaller, and more focused on work leaving the people on the teams too tired to play much with the kids. This week at Rancho 3M we were able to spend a lot of time interacting with the children. Melissa had brought enough crafts to have an activity for them every day. We also spent a day where Alicia gave the girls fabulous haircuts, other ladies on our team styled the girls' hair, and we even painted fingernails. Other members of the team involved the kids in various sports including soccer, volleyball, and baseball.

Other work was also completed. Garden beds were moved and planted, swamp coolers received maintenance, the rooms of the house of one of the families on staff were painted, and some of us organized and sorted clothing in a storage area. All these, and more projects, were completed while still allowing for plenty of time playing and loving on the children which was wonderful.

Sunday we were all able to go the church in Juarez. It was a neat experience being in a Spanish church and singing worship songs in Spanish. A small taste of the biblical reference to "every tribe, and language, and people, and nation" (Rev 5:9). I could understand the sermon very well because Eric preached (with a Spanish interpreter).

Monday we all woke up around 5 AM or earlier and by 5:30 we were outside to begin the goodbyes. Many of the staff and most of the kids had woken up at this early hour in order to say goodbye. It was a long time getting back home, I was exhausted. It was good to be home, but I miss Rancho 3M and those children. I think that this trip has firmed up my thoughts that I want to do something missional with at least part of the years of my life. I do not yet know for sure when or where (though something long-term with Rancho 3M is a possibility), but I want to do something. If you think of it, please be praying that God's leading would be clear to me, and that He would provide for all the needs for whatever He calls me to do.

Below are some pictures from the trip. I have even more posted on my facebook page if you would like to see them!