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 [email protected].
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
Jon,
It is so good to hear from you. I am glad that you are doing well. It is good that you are having time to think and reflect upon things. It helps you to truly appreciate your life here in the U.S. as compared to life styles in other counties like Mexico. I am sure that you gained a different perspective on life by having to wash your own laundry in a bucket with soap and a plunger. It does put a different light on things that’s for sure.
We had an awesome church service yesterday and I know you would have enjoyed it if you had been here. I’m sure you had a good service as well because God is everywhere and He enjoys our praises and worship no matter from where we lift it up to him.
Our missions team that went to India just got back home on Saturday. They had a great trip and it is good to have them all back home. They will give a report next week as many of them were suffering from jet lag.
As you know, every year I help out with the Christmas Program for our Children’s Church. The kids are all doing well and practicing very hard for this year’s upcoming Christmas play. It is a good play this year and I am trusting God to reach people through this ministry.
Speaking of ministries, Jon, please know that if God can
and will use little children to reach the lost, He most certainly will use a grown young man and a willing and loving servant of our God like yourself. Thanks again, Jon, for what your are doing. May God Bless You and keep You safe while you are gone. I look forward to seeing you when you get home.
Love,
Your Brother in Christ Jesus,
John
What questions have ya’ll been convering?
Great to hear from you – we are still praying and still so proud of you!
Never, ever, ever, give up!
Nice update Jon, thanks. Great to read about all the ways God is stretching you and prepping you for next steps.
Love,
The Almands
Jon,
Wow, it is awesome to hear all of the things that have been happening the past month or so. It sounds like God is really working in amazing ways down there. I’m praying for you and I look forward to hearing more about your time there. God is with you, and will be carrying you.
Dios te Bendiga.
oh jon! it’s so good to hear about your time in Mexico! i just happened to see this a few minutes ago. A friend from school called and said she was interested in a trip with adventures in missions and i was like isnt jon doing something tied to them and you are! small world! another girl from school actually went to south africa with them too! I hope you’re doing well! i’m so excited for you and excited about what God’s going to do in me!
I’d like to learn about the different debates ya’ll are discussing! i was discussing some things with a friend the other day, or just learning from him. i feel pretty ignorant haha, but it was good!! hope your bday was wonderful! love you!
-Chaney