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Annual Year of Service |
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Dear Friends,
Four Amigos |
Our week in Oaxaca has come to an end and we, once again, continue to reach a new level of clarity. I know that these updates are lengthy but hopefully I put enough pictures in them to draw you through! It's funny, a good fundraising letter traditionally doesn't exceed one page, but it is so difficult to contain what is happening with our outreach that I want to put as much information together as possible so that when the day comes that you join us, you'll feel that you already know our family in Oaxaca.
Let me start this recap by saying that I left my luggage in Oaxaca. My shoes, pants, socks, favorite hat, and toiletries - all left behind. What you may already suspect is that it was intentional. As another week in Oaxaca unfolded, I realized, well, months ago actually, that my heart is in Oaxaca. And now my luggage is with it, ready for my next work trip.
Benny & Monte |
This trip was structured a little differently in that Monte Baker and I were dividing up the trip so that we were both not away from our businesses for too long. Monte arrived on Saturday. He was greeted in Oaxaca by the Cruz family and the weekend that followed was one that, by his description, made an indelible impression and provided a perfect perspective for the week's work. Since he is preparing his thoughts about those initial four days, I'll not go into his details. But I will say that the latter success of our trip was built on his preparation.
All's Well That Ends Well
I don't know that there is any biblical reference for that thought but this really became the theme for the last four days of this work team. The concept of this particular team was a joint effort between Friends of Pimpollo (of which Monte and I are former board members), the youth from Pimpollo, who are doing their Annual Year of Service (AYOS) and Mission Oaxaca.
 Mixing by Hand |
There's an important principle that has to be part of your mentality when serving in Mexico. Things may not turn out the way you intended it and those of us who have worked in Oaxaca for many years realize one vital concept - go with the flow and be patient, and at all times, take advantage of the chance to get to know people. So, on Monday when the Cement Mixer wouldn't start, that tool was the first one brought out. On the next day, when material was delivered to the wrong address and needed to be moved, we went with the flow. But by Wednesday, all of the kinks had been worked out and in the process, a kindergarten had not only a floor in their classroom, but an extended cement slab for their playground. And two families had new floors, all in the space of two days.
A little history before I go on. In 1995, my job allowed me to coordinate the first team of builders from Salem, Oregon to build a floor for a family in Mexico City, the first of what would become an important part of Northwest Medical Teams' experience in Oaxaca. While I was the stateside person recruiting the team, one of the members of that team was John Kerr, founder of Friends of Pimpollo and fellow NW Medical Teams alum. So, in many ways, to be finishing our second annual team together is a feeling of having come full circle to our roots in Mexico.
In all, the trip was a major success. And for those of you who are supporting our efforts financially, I couldn't be more excited than to report the return on your investment. Here are the results from 5 days of work in Oaxaca.
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An enlarged Playground Slab for Vicente Guerrero Kindergartenv
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A Piso (floor) in Kindergarten classroom
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30 New Balls and Jump Ropes for VG Kindergarten
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Enough Paper and Supplies for Remainder of VG Kindergarten school year
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Four Pisos for different VG families
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Three Pisos for the Women's Shelter (Floor is finished!)
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Purchase of wheelbarrows, shovels, buckets, and material for present and future use
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Provided lunch time food to Friends of Pimpollo volunteers
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Paid three workers for a week's wages to prepare and assist the project
When we originally forecast the budget for this team, we anticipated it costing $2,500 to $3,000.00. At projects' completion, Benny reported to me that we still had just under $700 remaining. I can't explain how important this was to continue affirming our confidence in the Cruz family. Their adherence to the strictest standard of stewardship is not only confidence building with us, but an absolute demonstration of their gratitude for God's provision. What is the bottom line? We did the entire project for $1800!
What's next?
As we worked with Gloria and Benny, we constantly were searching for clarity in our next project and how to move forward responsibly. As the week unfolded, we identified the following projects in order of priority.
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Transmission repair on Ministry Van:
the mini-van that we used in January and replaced tires for is just about shot. To be driven, it will require a new transmission.
Cost and date: $700, April 1
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Putting it in Gear |
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Completion of Women's Shelter:
Now that the entire first floor is finished, the second floor will be added and interior walls. The bottom floor will contain a kitchen and common area while the upstairs will be used for dormitories for women using the safety of the shelter.
Cost and date: $5,000 June 1
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Vincente Guerrero Shelter |
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Construction of Additional Classroom at Kindergarten:
The director of the kindergarten indicated that they are at capacity with the existing buildings. They managed to build one building but require one more. We've established a three phase project that we'll report to you later but the first phase involves building one more classroom.
Cost and date: $1000.00, May 10
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Need One More Classroom |
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Student Education Fund:
At the discretion of the Cruz family, we have identified individuals who require assistance to continue their education. Mission Oaxaca has agreed to support its first student, Manuel Vargas, in the form of education assistance. By design, Manuel will work 15 hours per month in our projects and MO will provide the money he needs for tuition, books, supplies, bus fares, and food for one year. That's for a high school education.
Cost and date: $1000, June 1
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Extended Van | |
Purchase of a Ministry Vehicle/Van:
Every vehicle that the Cruz family owns is limping along on its last bad leg. Benny had to take the gear box apart every time we went somewhere in the Bronco, the Jeep emits exhaust fumes that nearly fumigated Monte, and the Van's transmission is out. We could nickel and dime it together or ask our supporters to help us solve the problem and provide a passenger van. The upside is that they can use this van for outreach and at their church as well as haul needed material. It didn't take Gloria long to dream about picking up the children for Sunday school.
Cost and Date: To be determined |
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Where is Mission Oaxaca Really Going?
Work Crew |
It's fun to imagine where this project is going. We're reaching many of our original goals that we stated only a year ago. But in a year, there has been more prayer, thought and conversation dedicated to serving in the most effective and meaningful way possible. At all times, the idea that relationships are the centerpiece on this mantle is critical. Ultimately, we care about the introduction of Jesus Christ as the way to lift up this community and the ministry of the Cruz family.
As a Christ-founded nation, the wars that the United States has waged should be on poverty and hopelessness that is so prevalent in our world. But we're also admonished to be good stewards of our resources and are responsible to bring a return that reflects God's investment in each of us. This outreach is as much about helping individuals realize that it is possible that every one of us can make a difference, even especially in the face of hopelessness.
You can have a profound impact in very personal terms, getting to know people who can not only expand our faith, but also demonstrate how blessed we are. Mission Oaxaca hopes to participate in that dialogue with you and do what we can to share that wonderful blessing.
We must hunger to experience Jesus nourishing the starving. Many people in these cultures often don't know when their next meal will be. We must have our sight restored to see Him healing the wounded. In our busy lifestyles, sometimes we can't see beyond our ambitions, our goals, and objectives. And we must realize that "I'll go" is a pro-active term requiring action on our part. It's not conditional. There are no "ifs", just "whens" and "hows" as you avail yourself.
The Entire Team |
I'm very grateful for the support our friends and families give us. You've extended your own family immeasurably by participating in our small effort. Thank you for allowing us to be stewards of your confidence and outreach.
Hasta Luego,
Chris Anderson
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