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Often we think to ourselves, that we wish everyone who supports our GG project with our compassion work in Mexico, would know just how far their/your support goes. In particular, not just how far the dollar may stretch, or the answer to a single prayer request, but really, how truly invested our partnership is, with those in need put before us (our mission statement) “for the long haul”.
Rosie, is the youngest of four, of our dear friends and ministry partners in Tijuana. We were knitted to her family early on, when we began work in Mexico. VOB has been able to help her siblings complete their schooling, including Angelica, who is now a nurse. Rosie just graduated from public high school as she managed to always pass the lottery (a system Mexico is forced to use to address over crowded public schools), and avoid needing help with funds for private school, like both of her older siblings received from VOB. However, we are helping her with expenses to go to business college now. She and her siblings now have a greater chance to change the cycle of incomplete education, which will make a difference in their lives, “for the long haul”.
Pedro, we have known since he was a young teen. He was not encouraged to finish high school, when he decided to quit, at age 15, and work to help his mom with the needs of their family. Wayne has continued to encourage him through the years, and, in Pedro’s own words, “be an important role model in his life”. Now, 12 years later, not only were we able to support Pedro with the resources to study and catch up his schooling, but this past month, Wayne drove him 250 miles round trip to Ensenada, Mexico, to take a test equivalent to a GED here in the states. Now Pedro plans, with “our” continued support, to enroll in business college starting in September. Pedro, and his families future, will be brighter “for the long haul”.
While Pedro completed his day long testing, Wayne drove a little further south down the Baja Coast, with medical supplies, and horse gear for a children’s rehab therapy ranch, “His Wings”. We have told you about this missionary colleague, who works with special needs children in various forms of rehab, including using horses in therapy. Our missionary friend has established this ranch and rehab center, working with each child’s families in every way possible, to see that they are equipped to manage the child’s physical, emotional, and mental needs, “for the long haul”.
Manuel, 4 yrs old, has mild cerebral palsy which has caused some developmental delays, as well as a physical deformity which is most pressing at this time. His feet turn in, and he may need surgery to correct the issue which causes problems with his walking gate. Manuel is 3rd generation of a family we have been assisting for more than 15 years. His dad Carlos Jr was a young boy when we first met his grandmother, Veronica. VOB has helped this family through various tragedies, and life hardships, in general. In addition to now helping Manuel get the neurological testing and physical therapy he needs, as well as possibly future surgery, we help his cousins Alexandra and Gabriella with school needs. And although his dad and uncle both quit school before graduating, we are hoping they will one day decide to finish their education, as we encourage them to do……so that they also, can change the course of their future and make it “for the long haul”.
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Many of us would have heard the slogan "Got Milk"
[Created by the advertising agency Goodby Silverstein & Partners for the California Milk Processor Board in 1993, it was later licensed for use by milk processors and dairy farmers.]
For our organization this past month the answer was YES! We've GOT MILK! And lots of it! We were donated 10 pallets of shelf milk These individual boxed milks were so handy and perfect for being transported, stored and delivered to kidsof Tijuana in need of the nutritional healthy drink.
Milk is very expensive in Mexico (even more than the average cost in the US) thus often not a regular part of families diet. Sadly sodas are more affordable and available in mass quantities.
So when we had an opportunity to receive these thousands of milk boxes, being offered from a partner organization an hour away, we rallied and made as many trips needed to collect it. Otherwise there was talk of it being donated to a goat farm. While we would sure support an opportunity to help farmers (and provide a nice treat for goats ha) we were perhaps blessed more so to see the smiles on the kids faces.
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Usually this time of new year we reflect on the old year and often like to share a number of highlights. There are so many things to mention, but there was one particular occurrence that blessed us, so we felt it deserved the mention!
A family health emergency forced a longer absence for our field director. Typically, when we are going to be away from the Mexico ministry, we make effort to stock our weekly food recipients so they have some provision while we are away and especially over the holidays. Last year, when we unexpectedly were gone for a longer time (another family health emergency), we sorted out a way to provide funds for our ministry colleagues, to purchase food for those we care for.
This holiday season we did the same. But instead of having a ministry partner come by a couple of our adopted family homes, we enrolled one of our adopted family members to help. We have spoken of Ivonne often through various events that have surrounded her family over the years. She is the oldest daughter of Veronica, and the oldest sister to Karen, Jasmine, Carlos Jr and Fernando. She is also mom to daughters Alexandra, and Gabriella and raising her brother’s son, Carlos III (Carlos Jr has gone through some rough times since losing his father tragically, but we are keeping check on him and he is doing better.). Last year, with your help, we built the house they all live in now. They are so grateful, and have been so blessed for over a year now, with their home they call ‘a blessing from GOD.’ This summer, they sent us photos of the family working together to paint the inside of the home since that had been left as an unfinished project for later. The family did so with great pride and joy! This Christmas, they were super excited to show us how they put up a new ‘first’ Christmas tree.
We arranged to wire money to Ivonne, in order to buy food for her family for that month. We asked if she would mind also buying a bit more food, and delivering it to an elderly neighbor who lives around the block from her. Amelia has been one of our friends also, for many years. She lives alone, and welcomes the help and visits. Ivonne was so happy to do this. Without us even asking, she sent a photos of all the items she bought, one of Amelia putting her items away, and a photo of her daughter, Gabby, with Amelia. Our heart was touched by how much joy it brought them to serve!!
It has always been our overall goal, for the compassion mission in Tijuana, to be one that helps the folks help one another. For years, we have undergirded the ministries and organizations of partners in compassion work around TJ, so that they can help meet the need of folks in their communities. It just seemed extra special to have one of our families raised up, to also accomplish that goal. When Ivonne was eager to do the same again at Christmas, delivering gifts to Amelia, it occurred to us…we have empowered our first missionary/aid worker!! Certainly a highlight of 2022!
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Many of you may have been hearing about some recent violence in Tijuana, Mexico. For a decade or more, strife between the drug cartels and Mexican government has been rather quiet in TJ. Unfortunately, the reason behind that, is because the cartels were mostly in control. The recent stir is due to a greater presence of Mexican military, ordered by Mexico City, attempting to flush out corruption. Some recent arrests of high-level cartel leaders, have caused some of the retaliation of arsons and shootings, causing citizens of Tijuana to hunker down in their homes to remain safe. We have not been back across the border since this situation began, until we are assured it is under control and safe again. All of our colleagues, friends and families are safe. They report that the streets have been even eerily quiet. Very unusual in this densely populated city. These battles between cartel and government have continued strongly in other areas of Mexico over the years. It was only a matter of time before the shift to Tijuana, Mexico’s 2nd largest city and border-town, would also be challenged.
A local NPR article quoted “The drug cartels had flexed their power in Tijuana in a way not seen for more than a decade and reignited fear and debate over who is it that really wields influence in the country: the government or the gangs.” Read the full article at this link.
https://www.npr.org/2022/08/20/1118420516/mexico-cartel-drug-violence-tijuana-border
We had already been seeing more Mexican National Guard at customs, while declaring our trucks of food. This process has become a hassle once again, as a new administrator overseeing declarations is requiring different paperwork, and the usual red tape to acquire. Of course, both of these matters could use some prayer for our work in Tijuana to continue as it has been, for 15 straight years now. We continue to provide funds to our partners there for food, transport costs, and school sponsorships, as we administrate from this side of the border.
Your help surely helps us do all of the above. Thank you in advance!
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Last month, March 8th, was International Women’s Day. Our organization greatly desires, and incorporates into our mission, to undergird not only women but International young women, who need support and encouragement to ensure their future. A number of things in the third world nation we serve can prevent these opportunities from ever being afforded to them: Over crowding in public grade school that leads to a student lottery system choosing who is allowed to attend the following year of school; Not being able to afford private school as an option; Having to quit school to work and help their immediate family; Experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and not being able to complete or attend any continued education. All of these are circumstances we have known to be unfortunately all too common. But to rally around one and help them help themself end a cycle of generational poverty or lack of education or both, can bring change and give hope.
This quarter, we want to highlight a couple of young women in Tijuana Mexico whom we have actually shared their stories before in our earlier GlobalGiving projects. With your help we have been following and sponsoring their lives through various educational and even health needs since they were very young.
Genesis just got married this Spring. She is about to finish university and has a promising future in law work. Her older sister has already completed a law degree ahead of her. Genesis took a special interest in wanting to play the saxophone 8 or 9 years ago. We were able to sponsor, through a faithful supporter, not only getting her a saxophone but also private lessons with an accomplished sax player who sits with the Tijuana Orchestra. It was so very special when, at the wedding of Genesis, her music teacher played Saxophone for the bridal procession and her own bridal march. We are confident this young women has a bright future.
Angie just graduated nursing school and is now working an internship at a local Tijuana medical facility. She at, 11 years of age, had been diagnosed with a cancerous tumor. After a season of treatment, that our organization was able to help finance, and recovery she decided on her own that she wanted to help other sick people one day. We could not be more grateful for the opportunity to help her with private public school, university tuition and all the support she needed to earn a degree in nursing. All thanks to your help and partnership.
Nurse Angelica - The oil lamp in Angie's hand is an international symbol for nurses widely known to symbolize Florence Nightingale and her transforming work in the nursing profession. Her lamp became synonymous with goodwill, reliability, and compassion, which are all attributes that are highly desirable in the field of nursing today. [Google]
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