Once Upon a Time in Mexico

Well, I got my camera back. I encouraged everyone who went to Mexico to do a daily devotion that I provided for them and to also journal every day about the events of the day and any God moments. Here's mine. It' s pretty brief and I didn't do the final two days of travel back to MO (too exhausted).

DAY 1 (Lebanon, MO to Plano, TX - saw A's vs. Rangers game)
I really want God to use me this week. I read that I am God's "workmanship". I am his art! It's hard for me to think of myself that way, but it's nice to hear.
I loved being at the ballgame tonight, even though the A's lost. I miss being close to major league action.
We have a really good missions team this year. I hope God uses me in their lives this week.

DAY 2 (Plano, TX to Reynosa, MX)
Today was a good day. We made it to Mexico tonight. The seminary is nice, but simple. The people are very courteous and gracious
We bottomed out the jack on the trailer while trying to pull into a gas station. Kinda scary but fixed easily enough (in Austin, TX).
God, I don't want to be a proud "Christian". Keep me humble and meek. Help me to always be aware of my own sinfulness.

DAY 3
Today we visited a few churches in Reynosa. We also visited our friend Sara's school. The Marberry's took us shopping in Nuevo Progresso. I found a cross with a painting of "the fall of man" on it. I thought it was a good reminder that my own sin was the reason Jesus died. We also joined a Mexican youth group tonight.
Jesus, thanks for my gifts. Please continue to reveal ways for me to use them.

DAY 4
Today we went to church in Weslaco, TX. They have both English and Spanish services. The same pastor preaches them both. Tonight we went to Eric and Rosa's church (The Way of the Cross). They were very nice. I got to preach tonight. It was an honor for me. The kids sang their song today. I was very proud of them!
Today God taught me that pastors are discouraged all over the world. I'm not the only one who gets that way.

DAY 5
Today we worked at the seminary clearing brush and cleaning. The kids did a great job. I was proud of them. In the afternoon we went to Reynosa's town square (Centro). We saw a large Catholic church and many shops. For our evening meal we were invited to to Santos and Anjelica's house - what an honor! In our evening devotion, we shared, sang, and cried with Marcos and Marta.
Thank you for this trip, God. It's been everything I hoped it would be!