- I would love to assist in continuing to support the sewing machine ministry.
- Get a few more sewing machines
- Have a couple more sewing workshops
- Patterns
- how to modify
- how to make
- Machine care
- how to oil
- small fixes they can do
- covers ect
- Advance Sewing
- Items that can be sold
- Shirts ETC
- A couple of the teen expressed in photography
- Get them Cameras
- Have a photographer mentor them
- Maybe have a showing
- Music
- I want to get the congregation more involved
- Hymnals
- I am typing out and putting them in a binder hopefully by the next trip
- Insterments
- tamburines
- Guiro
- Claves
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Ideas 8D
As promised from my previous blog here are some of my ideas to help.
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Mission Trip July 2018
I have traveled through Mexico. I have spent time in Elk Balaam and in Mazatlan with the locals. Got stranded in airport and "bonded" with the locals there. But something special about this trip to El Zorillo, I was home. My heart, my soul was home. The people were so welcoming. It was amazing. My journey to this trip started awhile back when I was connected with a missions them. Perfect timing they were building a church. Unfortunately scheduling and other issues we didn't connect to go to a trip until this one (4 mos yes I am impatient) but this was perfect.
A group of awesomeness came from Texas with this vision of teaching the women to sew on a machine. The church in Dallas managed to gather 4 sewing machines and tons of fabric, sewing kits, needles, just everything you needed to start to sew on a machine. They had a diagram of a sewing machine with the parts labeled in Spanish. They took the sewing machines to get a tune up (didn't know you could do this) and make sure everything was in working order. Then brought everything from Dallas to San Diego. Like I said Awesomeness.
I know I am going on this mission trip. I have no idea what I am doing whats going to happen but I need to go and want to. My Spanish is limited. I can sew on a machine but the line is not straight. I take forever and I am not comfortable enough to teach others. (Even in writing this I see a lot of I's in this equation and God just removes them but that's for later) I have committed to this. Prayed on it and its been 4 months in the making. 1 month earlier as this trip was being discussed I started with theses thoughts but talked with the organizers who assured me (rightfully) I would be ok. At this point my Mom (who has become my security blanket in mexico) is excited and is going to go. So I am good. My mom sews on a machine owns a machine and speaks Spanish
The FRIDAY before we leave my mom backs out. Internally I am panicking why is she doing this to me, But its to late in this journey for me to back out. On Tuesday my cousin calls me and askes if its ok for his girls, who have been in town for a few weeks but our schedules haven't meshed for me to spend time so I am stoked, can spend the night on Thursday and he will pick them up on Friday evening.. I tell him of course, because they are amazing and i love them and been wanting to spend time (literally those words spewed together in like 1.5 seconds) but I leave Friday at 3 but my mom will be here, I can take the girls to the pool. (Joke on me he forgot to tell them about the pool) Then Wednesday I get a call for an interview for a job that I really wanted since before i was unemployed last year but the only interview they have available is Saturday while I am in Mexico. Combine all this with the self doubt on my abilities going on in my head. But I am committed to going on this Mission. I take a breathe say a prayer for Gods words and I tell the person on the other end "Thank you I am interested in the job and have been since the visit of the construction site but unfortunately I have already committed to an international mission trip that leaves on Friday and does not return until Sunday" I am panicking inside. She kindly responds oh I am sorry I am only interviewing on Saturday so I end the telephone call with "Thank you for your consideration if you do not find the right fit or a position opens please keep me in mind" Now I am thinking do I need to be committed. At some point during Wednesday my mom tells my Tia who helped raised me is coming to town. She is someone who I never spend enough time with. BAM all these reasons not to go but. Its TOO LATE TO BACK OUT. Then Friday my Tia texts me she will be here late Friday leave Sunday. So yup not seeing her. I pray. I know God wants me to go. Can't explain it but i know.
Now its go day Friday. I have spent 3 days packing, unpacking, repacking and checking the list to make sure i have everything. Its 2:00 pm I don't need to be at the meet point at until 3 I live 5 minutes away. Awe confirmation I am ready nothing is going crazy. I am confident that I am following Gods wishes. I can be a little type A so if you say meet me at this time I will start to panic if I don't think i will be there 5 mins early. But i was ok with the group leaving late as I was at the meeting point (the leaders house) on time.
We make it to the border inspection this is where i have a mini meltdown a my only real moment of doubt. Mind you for the last week I have had my mom drop out of the trip, people who I love to spend every minute I can with when they are in town drop in, and an interview for a position and a place I have wanted for a while. So when the Mexican agent is taking forever going through things then asked for the registration to the van in my mind we have already been there for an hour. Then we couldn't find it. I was freaking out. I was praying that we found it but not just because this is a great ministry (sewing machines) but (freak out time) if we have to go back then that voice that I thought was God calming me letting me knowing i was doing right was wrong. I was running my life not God and I had thrown an opportunity for a job that may have been put there by God. I lost time with the Girls.. In the midst of this silent meltdown i lost track of everything going on the next i hear is they are going to let us in. GOD IS GOOD.
The drive to where we were staying was beautiful with great people. That I got to know better as the time went on. The place we arrived to was beautiful. The rooms were a little hot but you know what takes care of that opening the windows turning on the fan and socializing outside for awhile. Which we totally did as we got the plan (because nothing follows a schedule and we are on Mexico/Island time).
As we are driving to the area we are going for and I am transported back to a time when we would cross the border go up the hill. Turn to the left. Past the plaza. To my Tio's house, Yup back in Zaragoza. The directions weren't the same but the smell the look of the houses, the dirt road, and the house next door to where we were at, had a little store inside it was even the same color as the one i remember in Zaragoza. Ahh my youth i was back.
The ladies from Texas started by explaining the parts of the machines and showing them how to thread the machines, Each machine was different so the ladies from El Zorillo took turns on each machine. The plan was to have the ladies practice on paper with no thread so they get the feel of the machine and comfortable then move on to sewing on fabric squares. I don't know if that happened because next thing i knew the ladies were sewing bags and pillow cases. We had a delicious lunch of tamales. Then gave the the ladies a basic sewing kit and showed them how to measure for a basic skirt, the ladies were taught how to use the machines for basic hems (something about rolling) and finishing. Some ladies made skirts, others made curtains and table clothes. It was great. As the creator of this ministry said she taught them to fish.
What really moved and spoke to me was the church service. The love of God is so evident, As a child the church in El Paso had a sister church we would go and help and fellowship with. This brought all those memories flooding back. The teens playing the instruments, the heart in their voice as they sung to God, the song they sung, My eyes would go from seeing the pastor playing the guitar to my old pastor. The structure of the service. Kids being at the service. Everything brought a memory of my childhood back. All great. I am remembering little things we did to help our sister church like giving them song books. My mind is running with this idea and many more. A church is the center of the community how can we set this amazing group up for successes in the community. I want to keep the ministry (sewing) going. A couple of the kids expressed an interest in photography how much would it be to buy a couple cameras. my mind is going a million different ways my next blog will detail my thoughts and maybe you my friends can assist by refining and maybe donating.
We get in the van to go home and one of the other missionaries says he wants to come back and work with the musicians. BAM!! God has done it again on 2 different ways. My mind went to a way so that everyone will know the words and he went to the music. I can read music i understand its composure. I have been taught the drums, violin, and fiddled with the piano, but i have not mastered any (ok i have a little ADD if you haven't noticed yet 8D) The real sign if you will that God had blessed this was as i was telling my mom about this great trip. And how my mind is going crazy overflowing with ideas (and yes at 40 she is still trying to teach me to focus on one task at a time) she tells me she found my Tata's old Spanish song book. I cried, I am still crying. They are smiling I am making them proud and God approves. And those Spanish songs from my youth are still coming out a jumbled mess but i am going to sort them out and type them up for the song books. All those I's before didn't matter when we got there. They understood my broken Spanish. I knew how to thread machines, I knew to tell them let machine do the work don't pull the material. Want to see pictures from this triple its on my google+.
Remember God created this wonderful place for us. Take care of it get out there and do something even if its something as easy as putting down the cell, smiling and saying hello.
A group of awesomeness came from Texas with this vision of teaching the women to sew on a machine. The church in Dallas managed to gather 4 sewing machines and tons of fabric, sewing kits, needles, just everything you needed to start to sew on a machine. They had a diagram of a sewing machine with the parts labeled in Spanish. They took the sewing machines to get a tune up (didn't know you could do this) and make sure everything was in working order. Then brought everything from Dallas to San Diego. Like I said Awesomeness.
I know I am going on this mission trip. I have no idea what I am doing whats going to happen but I need to go and want to. My Spanish is limited. I can sew on a machine but the line is not straight. I take forever and I am not comfortable enough to teach others. (Even in writing this I see a lot of I's in this equation and God just removes them but that's for later) I have committed to this. Prayed on it and its been 4 months in the making. 1 month earlier as this trip was being discussed I started with theses thoughts but talked with the organizers who assured me (rightfully) I would be ok. At this point my Mom (who has become my security blanket in mexico) is excited and is going to go. So I am good. My mom sews on a machine owns a machine and speaks Spanish
The FRIDAY before we leave my mom backs out. Internally I am panicking why is she doing this to me, But its to late in this journey for me to back out. On Tuesday my cousin calls me and askes if its ok for his girls, who have been in town for a few weeks but our schedules haven't meshed for me to spend time so I am stoked, can spend the night on Thursday and he will pick them up on Friday evening.. I tell him of course, because they are amazing and i love them and been wanting to spend time (literally those words spewed together in like 1.5 seconds) but I leave Friday at 3 but my mom will be here, I can take the girls to the pool. (Joke on me he forgot to tell them about the pool) Then Wednesday I get a call for an interview for a job that I really wanted since before i was unemployed last year but the only interview they have available is Saturday while I am in Mexico. Combine all this with the self doubt on my abilities going on in my head. But I am committed to going on this Mission. I take a breathe say a prayer for Gods words and I tell the person on the other end "Thank you I am interested in the job and have been since the visit of the construction site but unfortunately I have already committed to an international mission trip that leaves on Friday and does not return until Sunday" I am panicking inside. She kindly responds oh I am sorry I am only interviewing on Saturday so I end the telephone call with "Thank you for your consideration if you do not find the right fit or a position opens please keep me in mind" Now I am thinking do I need to be committed. At some point during Wednesday my mom tells my Tia who helped raised me is coming to town. She is someone who I never spend enough time with. BAM all these reasons not to go but. Its TOO LATE TO BACK OUT. Then Friday my Tia texts me she will be here late Friday leave Sunday. So yup not seeing her. I pray. I know God wants me to go. Can't explain it but i know.
Now its go day Friday. I have spent 3 days packing, unpacking, repacking and checking the list to make sure i have everything. Its 2:00 pm I don't need to be at the meet point at until 3 I live 5 minutes away. Awe confirmation I am ready nothing is going crazy. I am confident that I am following Gods wishes. I can be a little type A so if you say meet me at this time I will start to panic if I don't think i will be there 5 mins early. But i was ok with the group leaving late as I was at the meeting point (the leaders house) on time.
We make it to the border inspection this is where i have a mini meltdown a my only real moment of doubt. Mind you for the last week I have had my mom drop out of the trip, people who I love to spend every minute I can with when they are in town drop in, and an interview for a position and a place I have wanted for a while. So when the Mexican agent is taking forever going through things then asked for the registration to the van in my mind we have already been there for an hour. Then we couldn't find it. I was freaking out. I was praying that we found it but not just because this is a great ministry (sewing machines) but (freak out time) if we have to go back then that voice that I thought was God calming me letting me knowing i was doing right was wrong. I was running my life not God and I had thrown an opportunity for a job that may have been put there by God. I lost time with the Girls.. In the midst of this silent meltdown i lost track of everything going on the next i hear is they are going to let us in. GOD IS GOOD.
The drive to where we were staying was beautiful with great people. That I got to know better as the time went on. The place we arrived to was beautiful. The rooms were a little hot but you know what takes care of that opening the windows turning on the fan and socializing outside for awhile. Which we totally did as we got the plan (because nothing follows a schedule and we are on Mexico/Island time).
As we are driving to the area we are going for and I am transported back to a time when we would cross the border go up the hill. Turn to the left. Past the plaza. To my Tio's house, Yup back in Zaragoza. The directions weren't the same but the smell the look of the houses, the dirt road, and the house next door to where we were at, had a little store inside it was even the same color as the one i remember in Zaragoza. Ahh my youth i was back.
The ladies from Texas started by explaining the parts of the machines and showing them how to thread the machines, Each machine was different so the ladies from El Zorillo took turns on each machine. The plan was to have the ladies practice on paper with no thread so they get the feel of the machine and comfortable then move on to sewing on fabric squares. I don't know if that happened because next thing i knew the ladies were sewing bags and pillow cases. We had a delicious lunch of tamales. Then gave the the ladies a basic sewing kit and showed them how to measure for a basic skirt, the ladies were taught how to use the machines for basic hems (something about rolling) and finishing. Some ladies made skirts, others made curtains and table clothes. It was great. As the creator of this ministry said she taught them to fish.
What really moved and spoke to me was the church service. The love of God is so evident, As a child the church in El Paso had a sister church we would go and help and fellowship with. This brought all those memories flooding back. The teens playing the instruments, the heart in their voice as they sung to God, the song they sung, My eyes would go from seeing the pastor playing the guitar to my old pastor. The structure of the service. Kids being at the service. Everything brought a memory of my childhood back. All great. I am remembering little things we did to help our sister church like giving them song books. My mind is running with this idea and many more. A church is the center of the community how can we set this amazing group up for successes in the community. I want to keep the ministry (sewing) going. A couple of the kids expressed an interest in photography how much would it be to buy a couple cameras. my mind is going a million different ways my next blog will detail my thoughts and maybe you my friends can assist by refining and maybe donating.
We get in the van to go home and one of the other missionaries says he wants to come back and work with the musicians. BAM!! God has done it again on 2 different ways. My mind went to a way so that everyone will know the words and he went to the music. I can read music i understand its composure. I have been taught the drums, violin, and fiddled with the piano, but i have not mastered any (ok i have a little ADD if you haven't noticed yet 8D) The real sign if you will that God had blessed this was as i was telling my mom about this great trip. And how my mind is going crazy overflowing with ideas (and yes at 40 she is still trying to teach me to focus on one task at a time) she tells me she found my Tata's old Spanish song book. I cried, I am still crying. They are smiling I am making them proud and God approves. And those Spanish songs from my youth are still coming out a jumbled mess but i am going to sort them out and type them up for the song books. All those I's before didn't matter when we got there. They understood my broken Spanish. I knew how to thread machines, I knew to tell them let machine do the work don't pull the material. Want to see pictures from this triple its on my google+.
Remember God created this wonderful place for us. Take care of it get out there and do something even if its something as easy as putting down the cell, smiling and saying hello.
A perfect introduction to me.
I am always me. I where my heart on my sleeve was born with an attitude and often have messy hair. Most importantly God comes first followed by family. I am no where near perfect (perfection is my enemy) and can be cynical and stubborn. These verses from Francesca Battistelli Free to be me describes me perfectly.
When I was just a girl I thought I had it figured out See my life would turn out right And I'd make it here somehow But things don't always come that easy And sometimes I would doubt, oh
'Cause I got a couple dents in my fender Got a couple rips in my jeans Try to fit the pieces together But perfection is my enemy And on my own I'm so clumsy But on Your shoulders I can see I'm free to be me and You're free to be You
If you want to know more stick around and read or see. I cant promise to post all the time but i will try. Also check out my former blog site on Yola, I may repost some of the stuff here but probably not. I have stuff from my Yucatan visit and other things. I also posted the address to this blogger.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)