I had some revelations the other day. I was aware of some of the things I love about being here in Tijuana. I love the courtyard that is outside the school and the church. Sitting on a stone bench, I lean onto one of the tables. Letting the breeze drift past me, as I take in the fresh air. Watching the flowers bloom close by, the roses pink, yellow, and white. Hearing the chatter and laughter of others. A place where I stand still in time and get to watch others pass around me. After a long day of work, I love that we have coffee and snacks at 8 pm on a weekday. The talks among family or even the silence. The simple satisfaction of being together. I love that on the outside, Tijuana does not seem like much, not even to locals. But when I peek inside, I see it as beautiful. The people, the culture, the customs, the food, the stories that are held in every building and street, the art that seeps into Tijuana. It is beautiful in every way. It teaches me, or rather reminds me, that in every culture, house, person, there is always more than what meets the eye, and God intended for that to be beautiful.

Not every moment is a thanksgiving or a dream here. There are plenty of days I wake up with anxiety in my chest. But I am, in a funny way, grateful for those days too, because the world seems so much brighter when you emerge from the darkness. Every moment, every laugh, every word spoken or unspoken, every tear brings me closer to God because I have left everything else that I know and love. I have learned to trust in God in every single way, because He is the only one I have here. Throughout the Bible, God calls people to leave their homes, their families, and not to look back, but to keep looking forward to the land He is calling them to. Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Lot, and his wife. All these stories are a reminder that when God calls, we should answer, and He will bless us abundantly. Not to say that everyone needs to move to another country or even another city, but rather that we should not stay where we think we belong. That we would listen to God and go where He calls, even if that is to the grocery store or maybe the local coffee shop, I know that since I have followed God’s path, I see blessings every day. I never thought I would live a life of missions, but I am so grateful for it (even though I am only two months in). I still have a lot of growing to do and have a language to learn. But I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. If anyone would like to pray for me, please pray for continued strength, for peace amidst my anxiety. Also, pray over the school where I am working, as there might be some changes next year, and that these changes may go smoothly and successfully.

Reflection written by Jessica, a young adult, who is currently serving in Tijuana for one year as a Mission Resident Volunteer.