Sunday ---

What an amazing ride the last few days have been!

Friday was an awesome day for a few reasons. First the boys from Atonement finished Perla's church floor. It looks fantastic. Our guys worked so hard, and this space is finished. Previously, it was a dirt floor, that was actually a combination of broken glass, tile, rocks, dust, dirt, garbage... you name it. It is the space where kids break the pinata at Christmas. When the pinata breaks, candy spills out and the children run out and get candy. Now, because of the work that our young men did on this mission trip, this is a safe and beautiful patio area that will exist for years to come and when children do the pinata, they will run, laugh and play in an area that was built by our boys - thanks be to God! Great work, boys! All of you showed strength, perseverance and character, and the Lord used you to make a difference. Aside from that, you all have amazed me with your maturity, wit, excitement and faith this week. I am so very proud of all of you and what you have done on this trip!

Yesterday, we had the opporutnity to gather in large group and worship. We sang songs in the street near Juan's church and just enjoyed the fellowship of worship as a group. I have so enjoyed all of the kids. Our society, American society, is convinced that the youth are self absorbed, non committed, etc. etc. Not these kids. These kids are the best and the brightest, and they have amazed me with their desire to do good works and make a differnce in the world. They all want to come back, they all want to continue the work we have begun and I know in my heart that God will make that a reality! We have seen and felt His presence this week and know that this connection we are making here in Apodaca is not happen chance. Despite the hurdles, the ups and downs, learning curve - whatever you want to call it - are preparing us for the next time we come down. I have mental checklists (as does Derek) of all the things to keep in mind for next time. Soon, very soon, I know that God will bring us back to this place.


Before I came to Atonement, I was part of my music team, at LCC and two of my favorite songs were "Here I Am," and "Lead Me Lord." The choruses are:

"Here I am Lord/It is I Lord, I have heard you calling in the night
I will go Lord/If you Lead Me, I Will Hold Your People in my Heart"

Lead me, Lead Me Lord/By the light of truth
To seek and to find the narrow way
Be my way; be my truth; Be my life, my Lord,
And lead me, Lord, today.

I feel that these speak volumes to what we have done and where my heart is at as we conclude this trip. Though it has been a roller coaster, and many of us are exhausted, we feel that we are all in this together and that we will be back. Jesus called us to this place. We are called. We were led. We have been blessed and are blessed to have be

*** As a side note ***

Lucas, I am sorry I had to miss your birthday today. I know you and daddy had a great day at the zoo. I will see you as soon as I get home. Remember, Mommy and Daddy love you, Jesus Loves you and someday, you'll get to go to Mexico too!


August 1 -
Hey everybody at home.I miss you so much. I think about you all the time. But, I am having loads of fun. I've been spending my time playing street soccer with the kids and other fun games they have taught us. Also, on Wednesday, Erika and I were painting then we went the the guys and shoveled some dirt so they could pour concrete. Erika was quite the slacker... just kidding.
We go to the pool everyday to swim and shower. It's hot all the time and you never stop sweating but I am dealing with ti. We've been doing a lot of things around the churches, we are staying at to help out. We've met a lot of nice people and have made new friends. Sorry it took so long to write - we've been busy!

--- Love and Hugs, Kyli
P.S. I am really excited about the beach. Talk t you when I'm home!

Hey Mom and Dad, Sarah, Carla and Micah,
My trip has been wonderful so far. We've seen so much. The kids have been so much fun to play with! It's been REALLY hot. But we get to go to the pool and swim and take showers. We've also been doing tons of work around the churches - painting, cleaning, and me and Kylie even went over to help the guys dig for a new patio they are building. I'm so excited to go the beach on Monday! I'll have tons of stories and pictures to show you. Can't wait to see you all!
--- Much Love, Erika