Voluntourism

This mission is set up very well for what they call "guest relations". In a number of ways this feels like a resort, or perhaps summer camp, where there are activities scheduled for us. We have some choice, of course, about what we would like to participate in.

As I was picking macadamia nuts and shovelling a trench I had the thought, again, that we are not primarily here to help. We are not here to save them from poverty or sin. For the most part we are not here because of our special skills.

I think we are here to encourage, to experience, to be changed, to share out lives, and to tell others back home about it and about God.

What do you think?

Adult Evangelism

Last night (Tuesday) we went along on adult evangelism. We drove to an area just outside a town and served a meal and then showed an animated film about Jesus. After that, Pastor Max (pictured above) preached a message and then we prayed for whoever wanted prayer. Then the staff handed out Spanish bibles and we packed up and headed back.

I've realized that most of my blog posts here haven't been particularly reflective, they've mostly been descriptive. Hopefully others (and I) will be able to tell some more stories and such later this week and after we return.

Wade (1)

The sunset was fabulous tonight on the beautiful Baja. All if us are fairing well, even after two days of hard work.  Our partnership with this orphanage is a very great blessing to us.  Thanks for all of you who helped get us here.

Wade. 

My first mission arrival! (Jake!)

So wow! These last 2 days are compleatly overwhelming and we have only just made it to the orphanage. It was my first time flying (since I was 2) and I was nervous at first about the many things that could have gone wrong, but the entire journey has been flawless. Starting at the Edmonton airport it was different to be traveling internationally without mom and dad, but im in great care. We did not loose a single peice of luggage on the flight here, and no items didn't make it through security. The first flight was on a small 50 person plane, so there seemed to be an understanding that noise travels and it was a peaceful flight. The second one (it was a 757 dad, I was close enough ;P) also went well. Everything was nice (aside from the really sappy sitcoms) until the descent/landing. That's when the baby started crying a little, as well as when our ears started to pop. So a few of us had to deal with that, but we are all better now! After a night in a small motel, we drove down to the border, and after getting our tourist cards, we were in Mexico without a single interuption. It is a whole different lifestyle then I am use to. It's sad to see such poverty, but it's such a beautiful place. On the way to the orphanage we first stopped at a beach. The ocean is so beautiful here! That was a good time to unwind after the flights for a few minuets. Then we had to keep going for awhile until we hit a place called  (the blowhole) where water would come up through a small crevice in the rocks and spray up. There was a large market there as well, so I got to put all the bartering skills I learned to the test (thanks mom and dad). Well we were there, we got lunch at this nice little place. But on the way in, there was a guy with a python around his neck asking if I wanted to pet it. Well normally I wouldn't go anywhere near it, but there were little 7 year old girls petting it so my manhood was put at risk! But then before we could leave, he put the snake around mine and Hannahs necks. It was super scary, but after a few seconds it was actually really cool.  It was hard to pass up all the people who just wanted to sell something to make that little bit of money, but we went in and out again without any trouble. So at about 1:30, we left of towards the orphanage. 2 hours later, we stopped for gas, and met up with  by sheer chance! After a brief conversation, we drove down to the orphanage and had a chance to settle in. We havnt met them yet but we will after they finish church, so I am exited!! We went to this taco place while they were doing that, and there were a bunch of kids that were super young and cute!! They were selling bracelets and I descided to buy one, then another from one of the boys who was hungry, then another, then one from the cute little 2 year old girl... Needless to say, they are super cute and we stuck around and had some good laughs!! So we are about to head down to the orphanage again, and I am super pumped to start this week!!! This trip has been absolutely perfect so far!! God is more then just watching over us!! I can feel His presence at every moment so far!! Well I hope I get a chance to write again soon! 
Love ya girls mom and dad!!!

A Few of the Parts of the Mission

In addition to the orphanage, there are a number of other ministries, services, and businesses.

The biggest, of course is the macadamia orchard; it's the only place that grows macadamia nuts outside of Australia and Hawaii. And related to that is the gift shop, which is the primary place they sell nuts and nut products.

They toured us through the daycare, learning centre of disabled children, prayer garden/experimental orchard, sewing centre, and outreach centre. 

They also have a print shop that produces all of the monthly newsletters and any other printing for this site and other FFHM sites.

Next on our tour was the warehouse that receives all of the donations and the purchases of essentials that they need I keep on hand.

We also saw the shop where they make custom wheelchairs and bicycles, as well as the first responders (ambulance and fire truck).

I'm sure there is more information about all of this on the website and in Charlotte's books, but those are my recollections at this point.

Babysitting This Evening

This was the night that we all babysat in the orphanage to give the house parents a night off. Hopefully some people can share their stories.

The house that I was in had five to ten year old boys. There were five of us (three from our team) babysitting six of them. Thankfully some people had brought some games and activities, but we also played outside and let them watch a bit of a movie. The kids were quite enthousiastic, and we had fun too.

Some Photos