The trip ended with a sunset.  One of the most beautiful fiery orange/red sunsets I have ever seen.

Sitting in the airplane high above the clouds, to my left the sunset and to my right the moon. What a way to end this incredible journey that started only three days ago.

My husband, mother and I met up with 16 other church friends to travel to Matamoros Mexico, and specifically Casa Bugambilia which is maintained by Juntos Servimos. I thought I had witnessed poverty in parts of our country but that was nothing compared to what we saw in Matamoros.  Our goal was to spread God’s love by serving the people in this community.  We assisted prior volunteer teams in completing homes, laying concrete, digging trenches, laying plumbing, and electrical needs.  We also had a great time playing with the local children.  Several others in our group had made this trip in the past, but this one was special.  This trip was dedicated to the memory of five of our dear friends (The Harts) who were tragically killed last June on their way home from church in a car accident.  The Hart family believed in Juntos Servimos, so we set out to carry on their dedication and hard work.

Did I mention poverty.  In this community the homes are on a landfill.  They are handmade from old wood, tossed out metal roofing and in some instances old car hoods.  Property is divided by minimal fencing and the dogs run rampant.  To an outsider, it is probably the ugliest, dirtiest site they have ever seen, but only after a few short hours amazing beauty appears. Beauty more powerful than that sunset.  Smiles, friendliness, trust, gratefulness and appreciation appear.  Every person we encountered was grateful we were there to help.

Every child smiled, was ready to play and of course take a lollipop or two.  I never thought I would say this, but I loved every cinder block I moved, every shovel full of rock I dug, every shovel full of concrete I moved, every brush of paint I placed on that new home and every inch of the ground I moved with a pick axe.  We worked our tails off and we had so much fun doing it because we saw the joy on so many peoples faces.

We made a difference and made their lives better.  Since the Harts are no longer here, it is up to us to continue with their passion.  It is up to us to continue their dedication, service, and love.

My challenge to you.  Even though the economy stinks, even though financial outlooks are bleak, always remember someone, somewhere needs your care.  Please consider volunteering you time, talents or money to a worthy cause.  Juntos Servimos is a great example of an organization reaching out to a community to enrich everyone’s lives.

I asked Larry Cox what plans are currently in motion at Casa Bugambilla.  Larry stated “current work at Casa includes creating space for 20 beds for the ill and abandoned and a center for treatment of diabetes, both of which will be built by volunteers contributing their labor and their funds. And there are plenty of opportunities to work with kids and the 9 we have in care at Casa Bugambilia at present.”

For more information on this mission please contact Larry Cox at 956-763-0326 or visit their website at www.juntosservimos.org.

Now here is the big question–What was the more amazing and beautiful view?  The flaming orange/red sunset…or the joy on the woman’s face who’s new home we laid concrete in???  No question in my mind which was the most beautiful—-what do you think…

God Bless you and we miss you….Geoff, Christy, Becca, Kevinisha and Raven Hart   6-22-08

Tags: Mexico, misson, Philanthropy, Social Awareness, volunteers