Octane Ministry - Mexicali Mission

Thank you Yadira

Matt Gratopp — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 13:34:19 +0000

Goodbye Yadira: we wanted to make a special post aside from leaving to give a huge thanks and shout out to our best friend in Mexicali, Yadira. She worked as hard as any other member of the team in lugging equipment, being a translator, and helping us build relationships for the sake of Christ. She slept in tents with us, woke up early with us, stayed in the heat with us, ran our Vbs program with us and was totally and entirely a part of our team. Her heart is incredibly big and was SUCH a blessing this year. We can’t imagine what the year would have been like without her! It was incredibly hard saying goodbye to her, but God has got her in His hands. Until next year, we love you Yadira!

Camp Extreme day 5

Matt Gratopp — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 13:33:03 +0000

Going through our last day was filled with many emotions. We were excited to be finishing strong after a hugely successful week, but understandably sad that we were saying goodbye. The men at Refugio were as sweet as ever, singing songs and dancing With us. Some of them understood that we wouldn’t be coming back- that was hard for both them and us. Lots of tears were shed, but we know that God would continue to be present there. The church site was no different. Pastor Pedro’s wife invited us over for lunch- she made dozens of burritos for us in her home! We had an option between chorizo and potatoes or a spicy pork burrito. Both were incredible! We were joined by Amy, Joe, Kelly, the kids, and nurse Nikki too! It was fun for the family to have a house filled with people! After our vbs program, we had a piñata celebration with the younger kids. This is always a highlight of the week for them, many were asking if we were going to do it again! The teens also had a surprise for us- a full on water fight complete with water balloons, buckets, water bottles, and anything else that could hold any water! It was very clear that we were as loved by them as they were by us. It was hard to say goodbye, but we know that God will continue to bless us both and we hope that our relationships will continue to grow as well! We’re Sad to be leaving, but excited to be home!

The squad day 5

Matt Gratopp — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 01:31:21 +0000

We had a FULL van! That’s right folks we pick up 3 extra members Ben, Josh, and John it was so fun. I will never forget the jokes been made that day anf I’ll never be able to listen it I like me better the same way. I also cried ton because it was the last day of ministry at the sites. We got a group picture at the autism center and had yet another water fight at the park. I live Mexico but I miss all of you so much.

Anna

And more pictures from Lora

Matt Gratopp — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 01:07:51 +0000

Meet orange

Matt Gratopp — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 00:52:57 +0000

Candle light service

Matt Gratopp — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 00:51:16 +0000

Day three at St John’s build site

Matt Gratopp — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 00:49:54 +0000

Pictures from Kelly Hamilton

Matt Gratopp — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 00:48:44 +0000

We made it back!!

Matt Gratopp — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 21:36:34 +0000

After waking up early to pack up camp we had an amazing breakfast of French toast. After that we had an awesome worship. Thank you pastor Evan. Then we had commuion with the other Michigan churches Then we packed up and headed to the border. We dropped Yadira and said a really sad goodbye. I cried a lot! Then we sat for 45 minutes at the border but our border crossing agent was the best and talked to me about my Birkenstocks. Then we drove a “long” 50 minutes and now we’re eating pizza and of course drinking water. We showered and we’re about to swim can wait to see you guys on Saturday.

Anna

Everyone is across and on their way to the hotel!

Amy Fanta — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 19:03:51 +0000

That’s it! What a quick and easy border crossing! Praise God!