Sunday, September 28, 2008

"That's Mexico for you"

Yesterday, was a very special day! To celebrated a STINTer's birthday, we planned to go to concert then her surprise party. Well, the concert was with Alex Campos - a famous Christian singer from Colombia. Honestly, I didn't initially want to go with only our team since we already knew each other AND we are "gringos." I like the mix of having Mexicans with us. Why? To practice the language, to show us around, and to share Christ with them so that when we speak to the students in the universities we will be ready with answers. The day to buy tickets was the day I finally said yes to go since I considered inviting some Nationals. To make this story short, I bought a total of 4 tickets. For myself, a friend & neighbor Sandra, a student leader from a school I will be working with, and her cousin.
This began the roller coaster!
The plans went well until the morning of. First, yes we're going, then no, then maybe, then absolutely no for both the student leader AND her cousin. I was left with two tickets at the last couple hours of the concert. I began to panic...well, not panic, but very agitated. I wanted them to come. I didn't know them quite well and I thought they would be perfect for the spot. Not to worry I invited more to come. One said yes...but cancelled due to illness. Another said yes...but due to family issues couldn't come. Some simply didn't answer...oh it wasn't good. One hour late! It got worse! My phone battery died with all my contacts when I arrived at the end of the metro stop for the concert. I didn't know the directions to the concert from there, just the name. Luckly, dear Sandra was there for my rescue. With her phone and her contacts we found not only our way to the concert, but two more people to join us. It turned out a lot of fun! One thing that she kept saying while I waited for the two "late" arrivals..."That's Mexico for you." Grrrr

Friday, September 26, 2008

Cool!

Today - Sept. 27th - my first blog from Mexico City!

Wow! Hello to all my friends and family in CA or aqui en Mexico, to those who will read, and to those who probably won't after the first two - HELLO!

First of all I want to share that I am safe and sound. God has been really good in providing a great home, awesome roommates (Mindy and Mandy), and a vision that will change the entire city! I have been here for a little more than a month now. Even though I am late blogging, I am excited to begin to share this journey with you as we together grow in this and learn how God will put together the events of Mexico City through my voice.
Now, I am no perfect person - ask my family - I am just a 24yr old graduate from Cal State Long Beach, with a heart to serve Mexico with the love that God has poured into me. Wow! The story how I got here in the first place is a miracle...someday you will hear it! It truly is amazing to finally here.

So, here is the quick update with Mexico City:
1. It is the 2nd largest city in the world!
2. There are 400+ universities here.
3. There are 3-5% of living and active Christ followers.
4. Transformation has become the rallying cry!

Our role in Mexico is summed up in 6 words: Vision, Relationship, Surface, Empower, Launch, and Coach.

Vision:
Mini scale = Movements in every department of every university in Mexico City so that every student knows someone who truly follows Jesus.
Larger scale = Movements in every key domain of Mexico City so all 28 million people know someone who truly follows Jesus.

Relationship: We must adept and maintain deep relationships, all we do is within the context of relationships by developing interdependent relationships and healthy community among their peers. HOW?? In short is it through trust, shared experiences, common vision, self-disclosure, and building good boundaries.

Surface: Our primary objective is to surface leaders on campuses by divine appointments.

Empower: To be empowered is to be challenged toward God's vision and to rely on the Holy Spirit each and every day for guidance.

Launch: After surfacing a student leader, teaching them about the Spirit-filled life, and encouraging them through our relationships, we can launch them out into the great unknown. By having them launch a movement means that it is out of our direct control. They have the vision, the fuel, the resources, and a plan for their "departure."

Coach: We, as a coach, do what it takes to help them succeed, and we track them wdown the road to help them evaluage and navigate through obstacles. Through the process of possible ups and downs, we learn more about helping to prepare the best launch possible!

Okay...well, it is 12:39am now...I think I will wrap up with a verse from Psalm 143:10.
Teach me to do your will,for you are my God;may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.