August 2006 Mexico

This summer has been a time of preparation for us. We have been praying for direction with regard to logistics. Clearly we desire to love the forgotten in communities of Mexico.

I can clearly remember the day, early in 2004, I was returning to Ensenada from a visit to California. It was raining heavily, windy and cold. I was looking forward to my living accommodations at Campo de Suenos. Where I could build a fire and enjoy the rain. In almost the same moment, I thought about the many families who had received homes over the previous years, and how they too would be dry & warm. But I could not escape thinking of the many families who did not have an adequate house. Who were often living in a home made from old, often torn plastic tarps & pallets, with a dirt floor, that often turns to mud.

What about these families in crisis? How can we help?

August 30th, 2006, we arrived at Clinica 8, the largest of five hospitals in Ensenada serving those with Seguro Social (equivalent to Medicare or Gov Health Care), with an emergency. My mother in law’s blood sugar had skyrocketed to 800. We spent the next three days & nights, literally camped out at the hospital. We were very fortunate to have our Volkswagen Vanagon (sleeping), since most are left to sleep on the floor of the waiting room. There are bathrooms, but you have to walk to a nearby market for food and drink. The second night, we watched with broken hearts, as a wife and entire family, grieved when given the news that the husband had died. Over the next few hours more family and friends joined them; all the while they were in the waiting room and area immediately outside.

I found myself again thinking of ways we can reach out to families in crisis. How can we love them?

September 2nd, 2006, I read in the local paper, Hurricane John hit Los Cabos (southern most tip of Baja). Over then next four days I continued reading of the devastation as this moderate level 2 Hurricane affected towns along the east coast of Baja (Loretto, Mulege and Santa Rosalia) displacing scores of families living in the shanty towns, surrounding these popular tourist destinations. As I read on the 6th, there were a couple of military helicopters dropping supplies in these areas (without electricity & water). Three had died in Mulege. I wanted to drive the 16 or so hours south and help.

In the States, we have our share of disasters. Although one difference, is the abundance of organizations and agencies helping. Mexico, as well, has its share of major disasters, and when it’s big, there are Domestic & International groups here to help.

But what about the smaller crisis? When it’s a few, as opposed to a few thousand? Who is available to help?

WE ARE!

Going back to the rainy day in 2004, I called two friends and talked with them about the idea of stockpiling items essential to families in crisis. (tarps, blankets, water, food, medicine) And assembling a team, (on both sides of the border) willing to respond to such crisis.

Many of the areas we visited this year, and hope to visit again soon, have recently been in crisis. Chihuahua (flooding from heavy rains), Oaxaca (political turmoil and four months of protests), Chiapas (still rebuilding from Hurricane damage in Tapachula), and the above mentioned areas of Southern Baja.

And what about our local communities when the winter cold and rains come? There are multiple communities surrounding Ensenada, with in-adequate housing. Many of whom are adversely affected when the weather is harsh.

We are ready to go!

Additionally, we are continuing to look deeper into the current Health Care state, and opportunities to help. One thing is evident; the doctors and nurses are dedicated, caring and doing the best they can, in the current system. But that doesn’t make it any easier when you are in a crisis, and it’s your family. How can we go to the hospitals and love those in need?

We need your help!

Our biggest need is for the materials themselves. Items to distribute. We are stepping out in faith, and we know God will provide the ways and means. We have put together a Hit List, of items needed. As well, we continue to build a Crisis Response Team (CRT) here in Mexico, and in the US. (we will be sending out a list “by region” soon, with details on how you can help)

There are many ways to love and serve, in the Kingdom. Our passion is to love those who have been forgotten, or passed by.

What an opportunity, to love in a time of need, and be ambassadors of the Kingdom. While building “International Friendships” (Amistad Internacional)

This is the next step, in the journey. Thanks for following with us!

Ana & Scott

Ps. We returned to Clinica 8 this past Friday night (with 5 local youth) after preparing 70 homemade burritos. From 8-11:30pm we visited with waiting families, sharing food and the love of Jesus. We will return this Friday & Saturday, and hope to continue to expand to additional days, as more offer to go with us.