Call me crazy, but quitting our jobs to do missions while traveling the world to spend time with our kids is the best decision we have ever made.  When we started off with this dream 16 years ago it looked nothing like what it does now. It’s more incredible than we could ever have imagined and it is just the beginning.

After our 2:30 am start to the day in Ensenada, Mexico we finally arrived close to 11:30 am in Durango, Mexico. Stepping off of the plane we were overcome by a wave of heat which was a welcomed change from the cooler atmosphere at the ranch. After collecting our bags we met up with our host Priscilla who would not only be coordinating our stay in Durango but would be joining us on almost all of our outreach opportunities.

 We were driven through an arid desert landscape before arriving on the outskirts of town to our YWAM base in Durango. The house was situation on over 2 acres of land in the country. A perfect place to rest from the hustle and bustle of the city. The lovely  2-story home was large enough to accommodate all 18 of us. We were blessed to have our own room with two sets of bunk beds and a bathroom. 

The house was clean and spacious and we all seemed to transition relatively easily from the ranch where we lived with close to a hundred people in a wide open space to a small home with us all tucked in tight. We were provided a chef for the first two days who provided delicious local fare. This was a huge blessing and gave us time to adjust to our new surroundings and rhythms of life.  After that we were provided a schedule of meal preperation and cleaning. This helped to mitigate any confusion of whose turn it would be to help with house duties. 

Outreach with YWAM differs from other ministries in that our outreach options are different almost everyday. For example, instead of coming alongside a particular organizaiton for a week or two we partner with a variety of missions and organizations everyday. We may be at a children’s home one morning and then attending a men or women’s rehab in the evening. This is wonderful in that we are able to reach many people and experience different ways to engage and help but the downside is is that it is difficult to build relationships. 

Our first week we were stretched in new ways as we engaged in praying for people who were waiting outside hospital emergency rooms, speaking and praying for people at rehab centers and helping to feed children at an after school program. I remember my friend saying, “whenever someone asks you to speak just say “yes” right away otherwise you might lose the courage to do so later.” It was beautiful to see our children and team members step out in faith and try new things.

Barry attended the first men’s rehab center and was able to share part of his story around forgiveness. Afterwards, the team broke up to pray for the men. Since Barry didn’t have an interpreter he just prayed for what he felt was on God’s heart. He felt like God was asking him to pray for healing for the gentleman. With no translator he bagan to pray. Within moments the man became very animated. Barry then called for an interrpretor who than asked what the man needed. The man said he no longer need prayer as the man (Barry) prayed for him and he felt heat go through his spine. He was then able to touch his toes and declare that his back was healed! God is so good and LOVE is the language of heaven and healing!

Our first serving opportunity with just us women was at a women’s rehab center.  We started off doing a craft and then I was supposed to share a short message after.  I too felt led to speak on unforgiveness. The women filed into a small room one by one and took their place in a circle of chairs that had been laid out. What I had in my heart to share would have taken at least an hour but I was only given 30 minutes, which really meant 15 because it takes twice as long to interpret.  I began to share my story of abandonment and abuse and how forgiving my parents had unlocked a greater freedom in my relationship with God. I barely had time to finish as the women in the room began to weep. They all rose to their feet and forgave their mother and father from their hearts. It was such an overwhelming gift to see LOVE at work in their hearts. As the team and I gathered to pray for them they rushed to form lines in front of us. As we wrapped our arms around them they weeped and squeezed us so tight we could hardly breathe. It was astounding to see LOVE enter the room and touch these women. By the time we left they were laughing and smiling. We were overwhelmed to see the transformation from sorrow to joy. 

We also visited a local hospital twice and saw healing both times. The last time was the most dramatic. A man had been at the waiting room who was experiencing a great deal of pain and utilized a cane to get around. After one of our friends prayed for him threw down his cane and jumped up and down. He was so thrilled that after he thanked us he skipped away and left his cane behind! For years we had been praying to see miracle healings and now, only a week in, we had seen and experienced so many. God’s goodness was and is wonderfully overwhelming.

Through all of the amazing moments we were learning how to ebb and flow as a team. Not only when we were out in the community but also in our home. Learning how to adapt to one another, be flexible and gracious to one another as well as set boundaries. Barry, being a 100% introvert, and our daughter Isla who is not too far behind, had to learn how to step away and take time for themselves. We are so grateful to be apart of a team where we can communicate with each other and take space when we need it. 

We have also set up daily rhythms as a team. We meet every morning at 8:00 to worship and pray together. Afterward we have a quick team meeting to go over the day as well as the plan for the next day. This helps to bring clarity and ensure we are all on the same page. When doing a family outreach, only one of the adults needs to participate with each event which allows the other parent to stay home with the kids if needed. We often use this time to homeschool or just have time with our children.

The schedule is relatively easy yet we often find we are tired. Giving of yourself emotionally takes a hidden toll on your energy that can often be missed. And for the extraverts and introverts alike, being around people all the time also consumes more of our mental and emotional resources. Even more so if you are an introvert. Learning how to step away and not be apart of everything has been key. 

Through it all, whether it be praying for people in the community, loving on each other as a team or spending time as a family, I feel like we are all in a season of unbecoming. As the pressure comes from being in community, we have the opportunity to deal with the hurts and junk that have been hidden or stuff it back down. We also have an opportunity to lean in with open hearts and grow. All of this leads to allowing our old selves to falling away so that that our true self emerges. It’s messy, it’s hard but it is truly wonderful and worth it. 

Call me crazy, but quitting our jobs to do missions while traveling the world to spend time with our kids is the best decision we have ever made.  When we started off with this dream 16 years ago it looked nothing like what it does now. It’s more incredible than we could ever have imagined and it is just the beginning.

After our 2:30 am start to the day in Ensenada, Mexico we finally arrived close to 11:30 am in Durango, Mexico. Stepping off of the plane we were overcome by a wave of heat which was a welcomed change from the cooler atmosphere at the ranch. After collecting our bags we met up with our host Priscilla who would not only be coordinating our stay in Durango but would be joining us on almost all of our outreach opportunities.

 We were driven through an arid desert landscape before arriving on the outskirts of town to our YWAM base in Durango. The house was situation on over 2 acres of land in the country. A perfect place to rest from the hustle and bustle of the city. The lovely  2-story home was large enough to accommodate all 18 of us. We were blessed to have our own room with two sets of bunk beds and a bathroom. 

The house was clean and spacious and we all seemed to transition relatively easily from the ranch where we lived with close to a hundred people in a wide open space to a small home with us all tucked in tight. We were provided a chef for the first two days who provided delicious local fare. This was a huge blessing and gave us time to adjust to our new surroundings and rhythms of life.  After that we were provided a schedule of meal preperation and cleaning. This helped to mitigate any confusion of whose turn it would be to help with house duties. 

Outreach with YWAM differs from other ministries in that our outreach options are different almost everyday. For example, instead of coming alongside a particular organizaiton for a week or two we partner with a variety of missions and organizations everyday. We may be at a children’s home one morning and then attending a men or women’s rehab in the evening. This is wonderful in that we are able to reach many people and experience different ways to engage and help but the downside is is that it is difficult to build relationships. 

Our first week we were stretched in new ways as we engaged in praying for people who were waiting outside hospital emergency rooms, speaking and praying for people at rehab centers and helping to feed children at an after school program. I remember my friend saying, “whenever someone asks you to speak just say “yes” right away otherwise you might lose the courage to do so later.” It was beautiful to see our children and team members step out in faith and try new things.

Barry attended the first men’s rehab center and was able to share part of his story around forgiveness. Afterwards, the team broke up to pray for the men. Since Barry didn’t have an interpreter he just prayed for what he felt was on God’s heart. He felt like God was asking him to pray for healing for the gentleman. With no translator he bagan to pray. Within moments the man became very animated. Barry then called for an interrpretor who than asked what the man needed. The man said he no longer need prayer as the man (Barry) prayed for him and he felt heat go through his spine. He was then able to touch his toes and declare that his back was healed! God is so good and LOVE is the language of heaven and healing!

Our first serving opportunity with just us women was at a women’s rehab center.  We started off doing a craft and then I was supposed to share a short message after.  I too felt led to speak on unforgiveness. The women filed into a small room one by one and took their place in a circle of chairs that had been laid out. What I had in my heart to share would have taken at least an hour but I was only given 30 minutes, which really meant 15 because it takes twice as long to interpret.  I began to share my story of abandonment and abuse and how forgiving my parents had unlocked a greater freedom in my relationship with God. I barely had time to finish as the women in the room began to weep. They all rose to their feet and forgave their mother and father from their hearts. It was such an overwhelming gift to see LOVE at work in their hearts. As the team and I gathered to pray for them they rushed to form lines in front of us. As we wrapped our arms around them they weeped and squeezed us so tight we could hardly breathe. It was astounding to see LOVE enter the room and touch these women. By the time we left they were laughing and smiling. We were overwhelmed to see the transformation from sorrow to joy. 

We also visited a local hospital twice and saw healing both times. The last time was the most dramatic. A man had been at the waiting room who was experiencing a great deal of pain and utilized a cane to get around. After one of our friends prayed for him threw down his cane and jumped up and down. He was so thrilled that after he thanked us he skipped away and left his cane behind! For years we had been praying to see miracle healings and now, only a week in, we had seen and experienced so many. God’s goodness was and is wonderfully overwhelming.

Through all of the amazing moments we were learning how to ebb and flow as a team. Not only when we were out in the community but also in our home. Learning how to adapt to one another, be flexible and gracious to one another as well as set boundaries. Barry, being a 100% introvert, and our daughter Isla who is not too far behind, had to learn how to step away and take time for themselves. We are so grateful to be apart of a team where we can communicate with each other and take space when we need it. 

We have also set up daily rhythms as a team. We meet every morning at 8:00 to worship and pray together. Afterward we have a quick team meeting to go over the day as well as the plan for the next day. This helps to bring clarity and ensure we are all on the same page. When doing a family outreach, only one of the adults needs to participate with each event which allows the other parent to stay home with the kids if needed. We often use this time to homeschool or just have time with our children.

The schedule is relatively easy yet we often find we are tired. Giving of yourself emotionally takes a hidden toll on your energy that can often be missed. And for the extraverts and introverts alike, being around people all the time also consumes more of our mental and emotional resources. Even more so if you are an introvert. Learning how to step away and not be apart of everything has been key. 

Through it all, whether it be praying for people in the community, loving on each other as a team or spending time as a family, I feel like we are all in a season of unbecoming. As the pressure comes from being in community, we have the opportunity to deal with the hurts and junk that have been hidden or stuff it back down. We also have an opportunity to lean in with open hearts and grow. All of this leads to allowing our old selves to falling away so that that our true self emerges. It’s messy, it’s hard but it is truly wonderful and worth it. 

Call me crazy, but quitting our jobs to do missions while traveling the world to spend time with our kids is the best decision we have ever made.  When we started off with this dream 16 years ago it looked nothing like what it does now. It’s more incredible than we could ever have imagined and it is just the beginning.

After our 2:30 am start to the day in Ensenada, Mexico we finally arrived close to 11:30 am in Durango, Mexico. Stepping off of the plane we were overcome by a wave of heat which was a welcomed change from the cooler atmosphere at the ranch. After collecting our bags we met up with our host Priscilla who would not only be coordinating our stay in Durango but would be joining us on almost all of our outreach opportunities.

 We were driven through an arid desert landscape before arriving on the outskirts of town to our YWAM base in Durango. The house was situation on over 2 acres of land in the country. A perfect place to rest from the hustle and bustle of the city. The lovely  2-story home was large enough to accommodate all 18 of us. We were blessed to have our own room with two sets of bunk beds and a bathroom. 

The house was clean and spacious and we all seemed to transition relatively easily from the ranch where we lived with close to a hundred people in a wide open space to a small home with us all tucked in tight. We were provided a chef for the first two days who provided delicious local fare. This was a huge blessing and gave us time to adjust to our new surroundings and rhythms of life.  After that we were provided a schedule of meal preperation and cleaning. This helped to mitigate any confusion of whose turn it would be to help with house duties. 

Outreach with YWAM differs from other ministries in that our outreach options are different almost everyday. For example, instead of coming alongside a particular organizaiton for a week or two we partner with a variety of missions and organizations everyday. We may be at a children’s home one morning and then attending a men or women’s rehab in the evening. This is wonderful in that we are able to reach many people and experience different ways to engage and help but the downside is is that it is difficult to build relationships. 

Our first week we were stretched in new ways as we engaged in praying for people who were waiting outside hospital emergency rooms, speaking and praying for people at rehab centers and helping to feed children at an after school program. I remember my friend saying, “whenever someone asks you to speak just say “yes” right away otherwise you might lose the courage to do so later.” It was beautiful to see our children and team members step out in faith and try new things.

Barry attended the first men’s rehab center and was able to share part of his story around forgiveness. Afterwards, the team broke up to pray for the men. Since Barry didn’t have an interpreter he just prayed for what he felt was on God’s heart. He felt like God was asking him to pray for healing for the gentleman. With no translator he bagan to pray. Within moments the man became very animated. Barry then called for an interrpretor who than asked what the man needed. The man said he no longer need prayer as the man (Barry) prayed for him and he felt heat go through his spine. He was then able to touch his toes and declare that his back was healed! God is so good and LOVE is the language of heaven and healing!

Our first serving opportunity with just us women was at a women’s rehab center.  We started off doing a craft and then I was supposed to share a short message after.  I too felt led to speak on unforgiveness. The women filed into a small room one by one and took their place in a circle of chairs that had been laid out. What I had in my heart to share would have taken at least an hour but I was only given 30 minutes, which really meant 15 because it takes twice as long to interpret.  I began to share my story of abandonment and abuse and how forgiving my parents had unlocked a greater freedom in my relationship with God. I barely had time to finish as the women in the room began to weep. They all rose to their feet and forgave their mother and father from their hearts. It was such an overwhelming gift to see LOVE at work in their hearts. As the team and I gathered to pray for them they rushed to form lines in front of us. As we wrapped our arms around them they weeped and squeezed us so tight we could hardly breathe. It was astounding to see LOVE enter the room and touch these women. By the time we left they were laughing and smiling. We were overwhelmed to see the transformation from sorrow to joy. 

We also visited a local hospital twice and saw healing both times. The last time was the most dramatic. A man had been at the waiting room who was experiencing a great deal of pain and utilized a cane to get around. After one of our friends prayed for him threw down his cane and jumped up and down. He was so thrilled that after he thanked us he skipped away and left his cane behind! For years we had been praying to see miracle healings and now, only a week in, we had seen and experienced so many. God’s goodness was and is wonderfully overwhelming.

Through all of the amazing moments we were learning how to ebb and flow as a team. Not only when we were out in the community but also in our home. Learning how to adapt to one another, be flexible and gracious to one another as well as set boundaries. Barry, being a 100% introvert, and our daughter Isla who is not too far behind, had to learn how to step away and take time for themselves. We are so grateful to be apart of a team where we can communicate with each other and take space when we need it. 

We have also set up daily rhythms as a team. We meet every morning at 8:00 to worship and pray together. Afterward we have a quick team meeting to go over the day as well as the plan for the next day. This helps to bring clarity and ensure we are all on the same page. When doing a family outreach, only one of the adults needs to participate with each event which allows the other parent to stay home with the kids if needed. We often use this time to homeschool or just have time with our children.

The schedule is relatively easy yet we often find we are tired. Giving of yourself emotionally takes a hidden toll on your energy that can often be missed. And for the extraverts and introverts alike, being around people all the time also consumes more of our mental and emotional resources. Even more so if you are an introvert. Learning how to step away and not be apart of everything has been key. 

Through it all, whether it be praying for people in the community, loving on each other as a team or spending time as a family, I feel like we are all in a season of unbecoming. As the pressure comes from being in community, we have the opportunity to deal with the hurts and junk that have been hidden or stuff it back down. We also have an opportunity to lean in with open hearts and grow. All of this leads to allowing our old selves to falling away so that that our true self emerges. It’s messy, it’s hard but it is truly wonderful and worth it. 

To love someone is to see a miracle invisible to others. 

Francois Mauriac