Sticking With It

Unless you have been living under a rock (or like me, do not have tv or internet access at home), you have probably heard about the unusual and persistent rainfall that southern California received in the middle and end of December. The rain was particularly inconvenient for the residents of San Diego and surrounding areas. It appears San Diego is essentially a bowl in which rain water is diverted and collected. To compound this problem, it seems that most San Diego drivers' responses to what the rest of us would consider a normal amount of rain is to drive 20 mph slower and turn erratically until they hit something. As a result, there have been many reports of property damage, homes and roads being flooded and car accidents. San Diego is such a major city news wise, that the surrounding areas that have been affected sort of become a footnote. One of these surrounding areas is another major city by the name of Tijuana, Mexico.

The week before Christmas, I was tasked with taking a group down to the outskirts of Tijuana on a two and a half day trip. Initially, it was going to be a group of twelve, but they clearly got the message that we had been receiving rain, as the size of the group dwindled down to six by 8:00 am Monday morning, when we were set to depart. Tijuana had been receiving rain all through the weekend, just as San Diego had, but there is one important difference between the two places. A large percentage of the roads we travel on in Mexico are hard packed dirt and sand. When rain is added to this mixture, the resulting substance is roughly the same consistency as partially melted butter. The mud that covers the Mexican roads has a way of completely adhering to tires, shoes or anything else designed to give you traction. As a result, there is absolutely no friction to be had, so both driving and walking can become extremely tricky propositions.

(This is what it looks like in Mexico when it rains.)

Over the two work days we had, we were scheduled to complete a home build for a family. The structure was basically framed up, so it was in need of wire, paper and stucco. I was very excited to be able to complete this home before Christmas. Unfortunately, the community in which this house sits is up a rather steep hill. To make things a little more difficult, the lone paved road going into the community was under construction and completely blocked off. This meant that our only way in was a rutted dirt road which travels up the side of a steep hill. We quickly found that the participants' van would not make it up this hill.

Around the same time, I heard over the radio that there were flash flood warnings for the area over the following two days. I gathered the group leaders together to discuss our options. I let them know about the flood warnings and also informed them that we would be flying by the seat of our pants as far a finding alternate work for them. The leaders took the the options to their participants, a group of teenage boys. They were ready to stay in the rain. Amor offered them accomodations in the store on our campsite (the store is the same type of structure we build for Mexican families) so that they would not have to sleep in tents in the pouring rain.

Over the next two days, the group met with several more challenges and had to continuously reevaluate their decision to stay in Mexico. In the end, they stayed and worked the full length of time they had originally planned.

Although we were not able to complete the house I had been so excited about, we were able to bless two other families the week before Christmas. As it turned out, the group that was scheduled to complete Tony's home had to cancel due to weather. My group was able to spend one day completing his home. I had hoped to spend some more time with him, but he was not around while we were working. I'm sure he was very excited to come home that day and find his house completed. The following day, we were able to put a last coat of stucco on a house that had been waiting awhile for it. It's really neat to show up at a house when a family is not expecting you and see the surprise and delight on their face, particularly if they have been waiting awhile to see you.

Several times this trip nearly came to an end, but the guys that came down had a sense of both adventure and of God's will, and they were able to help provide an awesome Christmas present for two families. As I type those words, it's a reminder to me of why I'm here and what moves so many of us to action. So I ask, where's you sense of adventure?

Adelante!

-Clint