Day 1. Wow.

What can I say. Im sitting here in a room full of guys getting ready for bed, laughing their heads off after a great first day. I can't believe how well everything went. The sun was shining, the US/Mexico border was a breeze. The drive from the border to Ensenada is absolutely stunning, with its vista points overlooking the ocean. I found myself soaking in the incredible blessing that it is to be here with these people. If it sounds like I'm having emotional stability issues, hahaha, it's perhaps because I do. ;) IT'S JUST SO AMAZING!! Haha.

Anyway, we got to our home for the week around 3:30pm and unpacked into our rooms. Everyone got to meet Rhonda, who was my mentor/pastor when I was in university. She was there at every major step in my faith life, and it's such an honour for her to meet the people that I am now journeying with (or trying to!).

Tonight was unbelievable. After a great walk on the beach, we got to meet the family we will be building for. A husband and wife, 4 children. The kids are adorable. It's amazing to see the conversations that have already happened on day 1 - kids wrestling with the divide they see with our lives and the poverty they see in this culture. Kids wanting to push and explore their faith in new ways. Rhonda encouraged all of us to think about the rocks that we are carrying that are needlessly weighing us down - fear, greed, pride, dreams, etc. It was so great to hear everyone talk about their lives and the changes they see and long for.

Anyway, Im going to leave you tonight with some pictures from a great first day. Tomorrow, the building process begins!!!!!

Things to pray for: I LOVE that everyone feels comfortable, but please pray that it doesn't come to the expense of letting our guard down when it comes to simple things like not drinking the tap water. Also, that we'd be able to put aside our fears and all that and just jump out there and connect with the family. Thanks for all the love!!! :)

Ok...so I add this picture for dramatic effect. I always find it important to provide some form of transition for the team so that they don't experience being in a new context away from home AND cultural shifts all at once. It provided for a great morning. 

As you can see, Mike, whose new nickname is "Special Mike", and Sam have developed a special kind of friendship. Sorry Jimena. In all seriousness though, this picture makes me smile, because it captures just how much fun the team is having - already!

Team picture!!! Taken by Dylon and Lee's sister who lives in San Diego! Yes, our shirts have a cat with 3D glasses, and yes many people have asked us "uh...what's with the shirt?" Haha.

Dylon and my aunt Theo, sporting their white glasses at the vista point along the highway.

Arriving in Ensenada!!!! What a team. :)

Katie is goooood times!

Vivian has been blessed with instant-photogenia (if that was a word).

Mike and Nicole on the beach. 

Marcella. She's hilarious.

Christian Classics: The Thoughtful Pastor.

Just hanging out with Ben and Viv!

Classic beach shot.