Day 6 Thursday

On our last night together here in the City, several family teams mentioned the blessing of working together here.  Probably Grandpa Joe (Abuelito Joe ) heads the most extensive family team...as usual.

 Our last night of sharing with each other concluded with the presentation of our final Festival of Sharing hat.  The hat was awarded to Ashley Williams, who not only showed her sharing attitude, but delivered a marvelous performance in the skit as she finally taught us that the Bible is the only handbook for defeating the enemy that we need.  Hats off (or in this case, ON) to her.

Our skit ended with the launching of 6 rockets to defeat the evil, Darth Siniestro. All 6 shuttle crews assembled at the launch pad and witnessed the successful end to the story of the warfare that exists between evil and God's people.  In this picture, Katie Starrett and several Mexicano starfighters gather to witness the final countdown.  


Patrick Cole, disguised as Waldo, poses in front of a
local Waldo's store where our teens shopped for sundry items to distribute to approximately 15 church families along with large supplies of food.  "Where's Waldo?" was one of the themes of the week that made us think about standing OUT from the world while living IN the world.

NBYG-sponsored, Alexis Nunez, flashes the Starfighter salute at the launch site to indicate membership in the Family of God.

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's family."      Ephesians 2:19

On our final morning, all of the team went to the house site to dedicate the home to this needful family.  What was once just a patch of dirt, became a slab of concrete, then a sturdy house.......and now a home.   And with tearful eyes, Guadalupe accepted the keys and a signed Bible, along with various gifts, to continue her story as a member of this same eternal family.

"Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:39

Day 5 Wednesday

 Well, we have one full day left, and this week has been awesome so far! It's so hard to believe our trip is almost over, but it sure has been an eye opening experience. I still miss my family back at home though. (Hey Mama, Grandmama, and Grandaddy!) Today, I was on the paint crew, and we went to the local school building to paint the outside walls. It was so neat to watch all the little kids running around making crafts and playing basketball while we were painting. Many of them were so excited and interested in what we were doing, and Callie and I even got to take a picture with one of the girls there! Besides the satisfaction of serving the children of the community, the teens/adults on the crew had a wonderful time full of laughter and bonding. By the end of the day, we were all absolutely covered in red paint! The rest of the day was just as exciting as the beginning. The end of the skit was presented, and it was AMAZING. Many of the little kids got so engrossed in the story, and everyone could tell that God was working in their lives because of our youth group's talented actors. Even though tomorrow is our last day, I know everyone has been changed in some way. We have all realized how extremely lucky we are to have houses to live in and food to eat. The food crew and the house crew got to experience this firsthand as they worked in the neighborhoods of poverty stricken families. Even though these families own close to nothing, they still have such joyous attitudes and welcoming smiles. Well, I guess I'll finish up and go get ready for bed. (Most of the teens went up to the amphitheater tonight to stargaze and worship together.) Hopefully, there will be no screaming girls or stray mice tonight! (For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, I'm sure you will definitely hear from someone haha.) I know God has immensely blessed this trip, and I will never forget my first trip to the City of Children. See everybody on Friday!
-Greer Kimbell                                                                                        





Our Festival of Sharing award today went to Addison Durham, who has exhibited a great servant heart all day Wednesday.  He also plays a very "logical" Mr. Spock.
"Live Long, and Prosper Y'all".
                                                                                                   

Day 4 Tuesday

Today I went to deliver food, and was touched like I am every year by the extreme poverty in which almost every family lid teens. I was amazed to watch the Mexican teens work with these kids and to just see the love they had for them. I realized that the teens at the home are surrounded by small children every single day, but they never seemed annoyed or frustrated at them. I loved the opportunity to watch the teens interact just like they had twenty or more little brothers and sisters. And then I realized that this is a family. It is bigger than most with more parents and children, but a family nonetheless. I love the feeling that I get while being down here, the feeling of love, unity and the utter lack of technology (with the exception of the blog). I am loving this feeling and I can't wait for what God has in store for tomorrow.
    - Biven Alexander
 

Turf battles are never good.  They can get ugly and mean.....especially when much is at stake.

Our enemies want to stop the Story, interrupt the Song, and weaken the Work.  Some of them are very visible.  Some are not.  And the enemy can be crafty.  They can work from within, find the slightest fault, and exploit it.  And the Apostle Peter warns us in I Peter 2:11 about our "sinful desires which war against your soul".  Our pride, fears, failures, and even successes can be used against us.  But we press on......

Many moments in the lives of our mission team were successful today.  A house is slowly becoming a permanent dwelling and home.  A community began feeling the pride of a newly painted school building thanks to 2 hard days of work by our team.  Several families have been given food that can stretch for several weeks thanks to the efforts of our food teams.

(and I feel shame for scraping my unwanted dinner plate food into the garbage)  Our puppet groups continue to amaze the little ones with their muscical Bible stories that capture their attention and imagination.  Do you see God at work in these photos?

 Our kids continue to amaze us with their compassion and their self-less devotion to being Jesus to others.  The comments at our night devotionals indicate a change in perspective and a deeper appreciation of "what they were meant to be".  Our energy levels are hitting a slight mid-week drop, but the power of God and the healing refreshment of a new "vista" on life helps to transform and "energize" us.  

                                                                                      Alexandria Arnette helps one of the Mexicano children during afternoon games.

True change is difficult.  Habits are hard to break.  The enemy knows a lot of our secrets.  And our bodies are, at times, weak.  But the One who is within us, is greater than the one who is of this world.  We gain confidence and energy through this power and through this assurance.  

  Erica Goslowsky (left) and Austin Lowe (below) were our recipients of the Festival of Sharing on Tuesday and Wednesday.  They were chosen by our 2 interns for their servant heart and behind the scenes help in their respective areas of work.

We have a choice whom we shall serve.  We do not have to be slaves to the world.  And our teens have chosen wisely this week.  I am certain they will carry the pictures that they take and the memories that they make back home.  Pictures not just on cameras, but etched into their hearts.  They love their families back in Murfreesboro,  and they love the families they are serving here.  And they are showing that they love the Author of their story.

I will end this entry with a quote from the Toy Story movie, from the little green aliens.  In our skit, the little aliens (played by 3 of the Mexicano children) have been rescued from their captivity from the  evil Darth Siniestro.  They are so grateful that they come up to Commander Marco Antonio and say what all of could be saying to our own "commander":

"You have saved our lives, and we are eternally grateful."

Amen to that.

Jeff McClain

Today's Fab Five:
1. Suzie is changing careers
2. Where's Waldo? at Waldo's!
3. Salt Shaker Trick
4. "See God Work"
5. "Would you, could you, with a mouse?"

 

Day 3: Monday, July 12

   You've got to look up to see the stars.  And there are a lot of them.  Some are more visible--some seem to shine more than others--but they are there.  UP THERE.  
                          "TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!!!"

   It was neat to stand in our last night's final prayer circle under the stars that shine on us and everyone else on our planet.  Neat that we raised our vista towards the heavens and offered up our prayers of thanks and our prayers requesting our work forthcoming to be blessed . . . and saw the stars.




(Photo Right:  Stephanie Basinger strikes a pose before breakfast as our first recipient of the coveted Festival of Sharing hat for extraordinary service on Monday.) 

The morning started early with a carb loaded meal to provide the energy for a full day of work and play.  A crew of 17 trekked to Maneadero to begin the building of a 2-room house--but for an older couple from there--soon to be their home. It was slightly different building a house for an older couple. But those who are living in the twilight of life deserve compassion, too.  And they seemed grateful for the house and the love,...... and the great PBJ sandwich!!!  New workers and new ways of swinging a hammer.  The day was hot and long, but 4 walls stood at 3:00 P.M. where once only a concrete slab lay.  A group of 12 headed to the same area and cooked 200 hot dogs for a small community using the back yard grill from the tiny Church of Christ there.  The neighborhood families came from all over to enjoy the free lunch and toys that our group had tightly packed in the 2 vans.

   Yet another 8 headed into the city to begin a much needed and appreciated painting project at the local school.  This is a great work and a great relations tool that can only help the City of Children in the eyes of their community.  The City of Children already shines like stars and the fresh paint adds a special luster to them.  9 others stayed on campus to add some needed attention to young babies and toddlers by playing, holding, loving, and caring for them in playtime and puppet shows.  Hats off to those who daily work the puppet show, but their true reward is the laughter and singing that reaches heavenly ears as well.

   One other work was administering vision screenings to 35 of the children by Dr. Jeff McClain. With the help of Lilliana and Ydira, at least 6 children were found to have significant visual problems that need further attention by a local doctor.
   WOW--and that was all before 3 P.M.!!!

As the evening settled in, our skit team continued the story of HABITAR in which evil forces were battling good forces.  At risk was the souls of mankind through the direct conflict of 5 teenagers.  Evil Darth Siniestro was intent on keeping the Manual of Secrets away from the 3 teens while Commander Marco Antonio and his helpers (interns Kinsley & Richard) were plotting the ultimate destruction of Darth Siniestro using our teen heroes.  Darth and his minions have a secret weapon, but Marco revealed an even greater warrior for the good guys, "Buzz Lightyear" (Joe Mayes) and his classic flying entrance and "TO INFINITY AND BEYOND" declaration.  With 6 shuttle teams now formed from our group and the Mexicanos, we shall look forward to seeing how their story unfolds as the week goes on.

(Photo Left:  Ashley & Jennifer McGee play the part of a teleportee in the evening skit.)

   But the week goes on with work to do.  And the "weak" must go on as well to do His work.  We can see God at work here through our people, but, surprisingly, our group members see God at work through those they minister to.  The days are long, the weariness is beginning to set in, but Paul speaks to us in Phillipians 2:14-15
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe."

   Paul wasn't a complainer . . . and he could have looked down on himself.  But he looked up--he sought God and saw the stars shining above.

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star--How I wonder WHO you are . . . .  Which star is me?

Jeff McClain

Fab Five Today:
1.  "El mes de tres" (The Month of Three)
2.  Balloon Wars
3.  Where is the bathroom?
4.  Joe "Buzz" Mayes
5.  Suzie with Machetes

The Festival of Sharing award Monday went to Erica Goslowsky for a three -star day.  She led a great teen girls' class for the Mexican and US girls in the morning, volunteered for some definite clean-up grunt work in the afternoon and finished by taking someone else's place on dinner crew while they were in skit practice.

Day 2: First Full Day

Well the first full day is done haha. not even a true work day in, and already ive brushed up on my spanish, toured the home, seen some really cool mexican culture, and danced as a taco (ill explain later). This year feels different already to me. its just me and Dad this year (love u Mom and Averi!) so things are already kinda different. I'm one of 9 teen guys this year, so there's a lot of empty space in the dorm, and empty spaces on the job sheets. theres kind of a feeling tht we have to fill those spots. We've got a big week of work ahead on us, but when it comes down to it, we're not necessarily making a huge difference in this country. yes we give a family a home, but there are still millions without them. we'll give many families food for a month, but they still have to make do for the next 11 months. this trip is more for us than it is for others. its a chance to truly feel a servant heart. to have the sole task of helping others. Our theme every year is 51 weeks, tht u spend 1 week in mexico, preparing to serve those at home for the other 51. this trip is a great chance to help people we dont know in a place thts very far away from home. but the hard part for us is to remember to keep that level of servitude in our lives for 51 more weeks. im very excited to see what opportunities we have over this week. prayers are always appreciated, because God is in control. its an honor to serve in his name. well, its lights out haha, im being told i have to go to bed. good nite

Brennan A.

Sen`or Taco doing a dance!

Sunday morning came early as we set up a skype connection with our home church and had Sawyer Eddy read a scripture live to broadcast to our members. Alexis Nunez, our NBYG sponsored child, read the same scripture to second service attendees. It truly was an East-West feel geographically that took even more meaning from the great distance that God pulls us from our transgressions in the song "As the East is from the West."

David Skidmore spoke in our morning assembly and set the tone for our weekly theme of "inhabit." The idea that finding "Waldo" in a sea of people can be difficult captures the idea of the difficulty we have being in the world and yet trying to "shine like stars" so that we can be seen reflecting God. Furthermore, his analogy of the popular video game "Guitar Hero" illustrated the importance of reading the manual and pushing the right buttons. To quote another alien from the movies, as he was about to leave Elliot to go back home, ET points to Elliot and says, "Be Good." But to be good at life, like to be good at guitar hero, you have to read the rules and push the right buttons. Only then will you be in harmony with God and His will. Only then will the song of your life sound right to reach the victorious end when it's "game over."

After a great authentic Mexican meal lovingly and skillfully prepared and served by the students and staff, we enjoyed some play time with the little ones outside and in the baby dorms. The "song we sing" during this time must sound sweetest to our God mixed with the laughter and squealing of child and teens alike.

Stephanie Basinger was the first recipient of the traditional "Festival of Sharing" hat: Interns Kinsley and Richard chose her because she was very assertive playing with the children despite the language barrier. Also, her initial goal has been to learn all the children's names so that she can form relationships better.

Our own kitchen crew prepared another awesome dinner (Deborah Garman, Nancy Webb, Anne Batey, Nancy Bagwell, Ruth Mayes, and Randy Hobbs) and we began our skit story. Using 3 young teenage video-gaming boys (Daniel Neeley, Gunnar Magnuson, and Kody Harvey), the story unfolds about how achieving victory over a game is limited on your own. A lot of effort can get you far, but the final success lies in the manual--the secret tips to get you through the enemy fighters to the final goal. But little do they know that this is not just a game, but a war for their very souls. Whose side will win? The Darth Siniestra side (Sam Bagwell and his henchmen), or commander Marco Antonio (David Skidmore)? The story continues.

We completed the evening with a surprise performance from a local folk dancing group who impressed us with their skill, charm, and colorful costumes. They danced some incredible steps and added some unwilling and unqualified NBYG members to join ...This added to the warm welcome and hospitality of our friends from Ensenada. But after all, we are family, aren't we?

We are the aliens and strangers here. We are the unfamiliar. Yet we read the word from Ephesians and it changes us (Eph. 2:19)

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household."

So, the journey this week begins to discover our true habitation, our true family, our harmonious song, our ultimate destination.

Where is the instruction manual? Where is the tuning fork? Where is our real home? Murfreesboro? Ensenada? And where are you Waldo?

Jeff McClain

Fab Five Phrases

1. Where's Waldo?

2. Cinnamon Toast

3. Skyping Scripture

4. David Skidmore, Folkdance w/Knives

5. "Dear God, we're in Mexico..."

Day 1 Saturday July 10

The "Heathenites" (guess who was the team artist?) beat "Lightening Awesome" in a draw-off (Win, lose, or draw) game Jeff and Natasha planned to review the rules of the Home.

With our talented writer, Nelson Eddy, missing (and missed) from our yearly trek to Ensenada, I will attempt to fill in with minimal dialogue daily about our trip. 54 North Blvd members left Nashville to arrive safely in San Diego today. After a nice 2 hour relaxation at Seaport Village, we "put our game faces on" and headed to the border towards Ensenada to Inhabit the City of Children.

As we usually discuss, the number "51" always comes up since we feel that we don't prepare 51 weeks for our 1 week here, but rather the 1 week we spend here prepares us for the other 51 weeks we spend at home.

"Inhabit" fits the theme of the week for our group. We have spent the past few weeks memorizing 10 key scriptures that will capture the essence of our time this week. The idea that we are inhabiting this world, yet we are not of this world is key. Key to our work, key to our skits, but most importantly, key to our own walk "in the world, but not of the world."

We're thankful today for our safe trip and for our first night of fellowship and fun. We're thankful for the bond that can quickly form after a couple of competitive games of "musical chairs of death" (don't worry--no actual children were killed or harmed during the playing of this game). And we're thankful for the opportunity this week will provide in ministering to the City of Children and to the outlying community.

Check out our pictures from today that Eldridge has loaded, and look for the nightly Fab Five Phrases of the Day ...

Oh, here are today's :

1. Kara Tuggle's Weigh In

2. Rojas Five Gang

3. Heathenites

4. "Be Good"

5. "What's Next?"

Five of our group: The Rojo Cinco (The Red Five) were randomly red-lighted at the border for a baggage check. Brooke M., Callie and Greer K., Nancy B., and Randy H. ultimately made it through!

--

Stay tuned daily to see, indeed, what's next... Jeff McClain

(ps, Jeff made a goal for our fifty and over contingent Saturday night at the soccer game. It was a great mix of age, gender, and nationality. Pray for that mix all week. It is good to be together again. M. Eddy)

No. 1 - 1 Timothy 4:12

No. 2 - Psalms 119:9

No. 3 - 1 Peter 2:11

No. 4 - Colossians 3:2

No. 5 - 1 Corinthians 3:16

No. 6 - Philippians 2:14-15

No. 7 - Ephesians 2:19