Today I am writing and sharing photos about my missions trip to Chihuahua, Mexico last November. I went with a team from West Side Community Church. In that group was Bonnie. We did not know each other prior to the trip, but in just one week I considered her a very close friend! Upon our return home we kept in touch and got together a few times. Mexico was our main topic of conversation. Bonnie felt a pull toward the orphans. She felt a calling, a whisper to go back, or to simply open herself up to where God would lead her (I remember on a strangely warm day in December we were kayaking on Suttons Bay. Out on the water she told me she wanted to be an empty vessel for Christ to fill. What a beautiful image!) During this time I was able to pray, encourage, love and help Bonnie in any way I could with this new forming idea. Should she go back?
In January 2012 she did. It was not an easy transition. She had mixed reactions to storing her possessions and raising money for a cause that was yet to be set in stone. In fact, her mind was filled with many uncertainties and questions. Where will I sleep? What will I be doing exactly? She wondered, but she clung to the sturdy foundation of Christ.
During this time I began to read Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman (please read this book.) It was incredibly challenging and I am still trying to figure out how to be a true follower of Christ. After reading this I picked up Kisses From Katie. Katie Davis is a perfect example of what is means and looks like to be a true follower of Jesus Christ. Anyone can be a fan of Christ and believe his ways are good and he is good, yet faith without good deeds is dead.
I don't think it was a coquincedence that I was reading these books while Bonnie's story was unfolding in front my eyes. Jesus was giving me a visual and a chance to be a part of Bonnie's story. As much as I miss those babies in Mexico and yearn to go back, I am so thankful to have been able to help Bonnie as she made the move to Mexico. It was hard to see her go, but I am thankful to have met her at all and feel privileged to be a small part of her story. In a way Bonnie is my very own Katie Davis. Hence: Besos (which means kisses in spanish) from Bonnie.
I was able to speak with Bonnie a few weeks ago on the phone. She called from a friend's house when she had a day off from working 4am-9pm nonstop at Lilly of the Valley orphanage. I could hear the tiredness in her voice and the frustrations of not being able to help the children more. Yet, at the same time I heard the amazing way God has grown and changed her to be the woman of God he intended her to be. In fact, while she has been caring for many children, there are four children who are all siblings who are very close to her heart. This group came to the orphanage while our team was there in November. The kids were abandoned by their mother, and the youngest Fatima is only a toddler! Please pray God's will be done with these children and Bonnie's life. If these five lives need to be laced as one or if He has another plan in mind, pray for a mom and for these children. Pray for all the orphans who need a mommy and daddy to hold them.
Bonnie is a naturally nurturing woman. Sweet, friendly, and so caring. She was born to be a mother. Bonnie was a gift to us here in Michigan, but she is desperately needed in Mexico. Desperately needed by the many orphans of the world. She is fulfilling her purpose as a servant of Christ and I could not be more proud of her! Thank you Bonnie for being our hands in feet in Chihuahua and loving on all those kids. I know if others had their way they would be right beside her helping those children (myself included) but we all have a differnt story and can help and pray for Bonnie and the orphans from any where in the world. I encourage all of us to live as Bonnie said, "an empty vessel for Christ to fill." Our God is an awesome God and can do great things through us. All we need do is be willing. Thank you Jesus!
Our team in November 2011
Bonnie and Illiana
Gorgeous Mexican sun!
Bonnie with Luise
Taking photos of the sunrise
Our view at Lilly of the Valley Orphanage
Arriba-Where the older girls stayed
Bonnie giving hugs in the hug line
Dawn, Kim and Bonnie
Bonnie, me, Kim and Karl downtown Chihuahua
Bonnie and I
Diego-the 3rd oldest brother of sibling group that came in Nov.
Fatimia the youngest (she was a little shy at first :0) and The second oldest brother Adrian
Bryan, the oldest brother
Loco Ministries -----> This is the family and ministry that took care of our group that visited Mexico in November and who are helping Bonnie as well. They currently live in Mexico and are trying to adopt four kids from Lilly of the Valley Orphanage.
Katie Davis---------------->
NOT A FAN--------> Kyle Idle's book and website
