I have taken 8,421 mission trips in my life. Okay, maybe just a couple less. It was just a rough estimate and all. I am not that into details. Details Schmetails.
More trips were to Mexico than any other place. (Just FYI -- this is total bare back...GO CG)
It has been over 2 years since I have been in a mission trip, and I miss them so much. (Recognize Chelsea?)
I started in high school traveling to Dulac, LA and continued the first summer Indiana Jones and I were married and ended in Cuauhtemoc in 2006. 
This mission trip had more impact on me than all others. 
And one boy in particular still resides in my heart. 
Nacho.
Nacho was a special needs young man who was at the gate EVERY MORNING wanting breakfast. He was never turned away. He would then go to a manual labor job in which he would take his earnings home to his dad. Who would take his money, beat him because it was not enough, and then drink himself to sleep. 
And that is when Nacho would arrive to us, again. When he first came we had to send him to shower and buy him new clothes and learn how to use a toothbrush. It was a must. Then after filling his belly, he would fill our hearts. There was much for Nacho to learn. Like we would never hit him, although he did feel me up everytime he hugged me. And let me tell you, he was not that stupid. 
Nacho was like playing with a lion. You never knew when he might turn on ya and you should never underestimate his power. But when he finally trusted you and hugged you, he never let go -- he would always have your heart. 
Nacho changed us all on that mission trip.
Although none of us were working on more than 4 hours sleep a night,
we could barely fall asleep at night in anticipation,
of whose life would be changed next.
We bonded and cared for things that were way beyond ourselves.
I think that is why we were all a little surprised...
when although we went and changed over 1,000 lives
in Mexico,
the funny thing was....
What we brought home... 
were 26 changed lives.
It is funny how you always get more when you are not even looking. I miss you all. Keep making a difference. I know you did with Nacho and with me. Keep thinking of others before yourself. Who can you make a difference for today?
13 comments:
CG,
Deja-vu for me. I went on my first mission trip to Mexico too. I didn't have a "Nacho" and come to think of it, I didn't even have a lot of nachos.....but I did have a lot of beans....like for breakfast even. It did change my life and I'd love to do that again someday. This was such a sweet post but it makes me wonder if it has to do with your coming decisions. I will pray for you.....and Nacho.
Blessings! Edie
I have gone on quite a few missions trips as well, and it has ALWAYS amazed me how much the actual group that goes gains just as much as the people they go to help. It is amazing to see and even more amazing to feel.
Wow - what an inspiration! I never got to go on a mission trip, but have heard from everyone I know that has gone... it changes you for the better! Nice post. Thanks.
What a wonferful story....and even a M*A*S*H shirt in there, too!
tiff -- i miss you so much too. don't cry...just remember what a difference you made. are you okay? how is being away from home? are you and ryan still in contact? are you making good choices? OF COURSE YOU ARE! You always have.
how is osu? have you declared a major? howmany times have you been to eskimo joes? and why have you not sent me a cute t-shirt? are you going to the games? Maybe we can hook up soon. you know you are ALWAYS welcome here -- always. I love you.
email me anytime dreamscountrygirl@gmail.com
Wow! What a great experience! I have never been on a mission trip, either.
My daughter is a prayer warrior today for a friend who is giving her testimony. So naturally I am praying for them both.
Have a great day!
Thanks for sharing! You and your hubby are great people! I haven't seen you in awhile! come on over for a visit...
Lanny :o)
My life was one big missions trip. And while I may not have held on to much of what I learned from living in Korea, I can tell you that there are faces of people I remember and lives that impacted me far more I am sure, than I ever impacted them.
you are a truly beautiful person, inside and out!
gah! this post was so sweet. it made me cry! i have wanted to go on a trip- not a mission trip, per say bc i am not, in general, very religious, but a trip to help communities in need and the people that are a part of them. it has always been something out of my reach, however, but this post just made my lil ol heart break wide open!! and here i was, DETERMINED to have a bad day today bc i was yelled at by a very not nice womani work with.. over something that wasn't my fault at all.. but after reading this, i've decided that all that anger? frustration? i let it go. bc that woman is very,very unhappy and i'm hoping she can let go of some of her anger and frustration too. so that she can have a better life. bc i know, me? i've really got nothin' to do with that rage at all.
thanks for giving me a 180 with your kind heart. :)
My princess, that was as precious as you...I will be praying the ephesians and colossians "I need to know what to do" prayers over you and IJ
I will always love you.
Watching you grow from a young girl to a beautiful Godly woman has been a joy...
You Queen
you reap what you sow..and you were sowing good will.. came back to you tenfold...amen!
What a powerful post! I would love to go on a missions trip someday. What a wonderful and memorable experience! Thanks for sharing!
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