I still can't get passed the fact that I'm in Mexico. That I've been here for almost a month! That the life I have is so far away from what would be considered the normal American lifestyle. I have tons of things going through my head, and at the moment I can't even begin to process them. That's why I haven't been able to blog much about what's been going on here. There is so much, and I don't even know where to begin! It's sometimes even stressful to think of how much has gone on in just a month's span of time.

Life here has definitely been a stretch from the life back home, in Albemarle NC. This difference can be easily demonstrated in the fact that it's so hot and humid, that we sweat in our sleep. Or the fact that we've learned to wash clothes in a bucket with water, soap, and a plunger! Yes, a plunger! Try it, it's crazy how actually works!  Eating PB&J or ham and cheese sandwiches everyday for lunch has also been a stretch, although I could honestly eat PB&J for lunch for the rest of my life and be cool with it! These are just a few of the different things that have taught us to be a little more simplistic and missions minded.

I would have to say that the culture hasn't been a huge issue for me. It's a lot like the Dominican Republic, and I'm constantly having flashbacks of my life there. Like, today we were dropped off at a park to have a time of ATL (Ask The Lord), and as we were praying I noticed that the park reminded me of a plaza in the DR, that lies in front of the Catholic cathedral. It's was kind of crazy, because this park also had a small Catholic church behind it! God is just Awesome! It brought back good times, good memories!

The other thing that has clouded my mind is all the teaching! This week we've been studying the theology behind some commonly debated topics in the church. We've had to read all sides of the argument, and learn to discuss all sides. We've done this with the purpose of making God bigger, but with that has come a great amount of confusion and questioning. Don't get me wrong, it's been great, just hard.

 I wish I could tell you every detail and event of my life in Mexico, but I don't think I would have the time to type it all. I'll try to do my best as I post more blogs over the next month, but if you would like to know more or any specifics, I would be glad to get back to you when time permits. You can leave a comment to the post, or you can send me an email at jdmm907@yahoo.com.

I want to thank all of you for your support and prayers. I still need $821 to complete the cost of my trip, but God has truly worked through the whole support raising process! Please pray that the rest would come in, and if you feel led to support me I will greatly appreciate it!

I want to give a quick shout out to First Assembly (my home church), Fusion Ministries (my youth group), and to Second Street College Night (a local college ministry). I miss you guys. Keep preaching God's Word with your words and deeds, and I can guarantee you that through you authentic lifestyles Stanly County will be rocked by God.

God Bless All Who Read This Blog!

In Christ,

Jon Melo