Life-Changing (Juarez, Mexico)

Hey all!

I never realized how difficult it is to put a life-changing experience into words. I’ve had millions (exaggerating a little) of thoughts running through my mind for the last 2 weeks and I can’t seem to focus on only one at a time. For this reason, it has taken me a little while to get this “update” to you all.

First of all, the scripture that continued to come to my mind during the week we were in Mexico is:

“Love never fails” [1 Cor 13]

It was neat to see the Love of Christ cross every cultural/language “barrier”. I don’t know any Spanish and the Mexicans we met didn’t know much/if any English. However, it didn’t affect my friendships.

I met a sweet, little six year-old boy named Sammy. He was either on my back (piggyback ride), in my arms, sitting on my lap or holding my hand. I taught him a goofy handshake/hi-five, which we did the entire week! It was a blast! I really love this little boy! His smile/laughter melted my heart. We also made many silly faces at each other.

In Juarez, we stayed at an orphanage (where Sammy’s family actually runs the orphanage/school). We painted the ceilings and walls of the orphanage. It was a lot of work, but it blessed our host family and the children a lot. It was a lot of fun doing something significant with my “spring break.” Our “host” parents, Sean and Juanita, were very humble and loving. The orphanage actually used to be their house. They built two separate buildings in the back courtyard for their home and the other building is now the orphanage. They would give anything and everything to help one of the parents or children at the orphanage.

A few of us (Greg, Erin and I) from our team were able to go and visit two of the houses of the children. The mom of the first family we visited has leukemia. She was at the doctor when we showed up to pray for her. Her four children and husband were all at home. He works night shifts and so he was home with the kids.

When we arrived, he was very quiet and his eyes were glazed over. He’s heavily into drugs and alcohol. Typically, the houses are built of cement/brick and have a wooden roof. It reminds me of a small shack. The houses reminded me of my family’s old “woodshed” where we kept our “firewood.” They are not very sturdy or dependable. Many leak when it rains and look like they are about to topple over. They have a barricade surrounding their property. This includes metal fences or wooden boards made of different lengths.

Each family we visited immediately offered us their beds to sit down on when we entered their home. There is barely enough space to walk around their small table. At the first home, Sean and Juanita offered to pray for the father since the mom was not home. We prayed for him and their family, and then Juanita began to speak boldly to the father. She spoke directly to him regarding this lifestyle. At first, he wouldn’t look her in the eyes, but soon, he began to look at her and nod his head. Even though I couldn’t understand her, I sensed the Lord was speaking through her. What Juanita spoke was not condemning, but done out of love. Even now, as I remember this instance, I sense how much this couple (Sean and Juanita) love these families.

“Love never fails.”

A reality that Sean and Juanita deal with, because they are obedient to advance the Kingdom, is spiritual warfare/attacks. It isn’t uncommon for someone to threaten Sean with a gun. While we were there, he woke up in the middle of the night feeling as if he was being choked. He and Juanita stayed up the rest of the night praying. They are real prayer warriors. Sean (the next day) was on his way home. Suddenly, got a headache and was feeling very dizzy and weak. We (our team) prayed for him right away. By the end, his headache and dizziness was gone.

They understand what it’s like to be under attack because they are on the front lines each day. They not only want to help the kids, but they have a holistic approach to this ministry. They visit the parents (mostly single mothers) and do what they can to reach their entire family (parents, grandparents, and children) for Christ. They help the mom’s get an education. They demonstrate the Love of Christ by taking care of their needs and introducing them to the Father. Love permeates from their lives.

Sean and Juanita have three children of their own, as well as the twenty children who live at the orphanage. They have plans to build a new orphanage in the near future, which is very exciting! They will get the opportunity to reach even more families in this area of Juarez!

Their oldest daughter, Ruth, is fifteen years old. She and I immediately “hit it off” even though we couldn’t communicate because of the language “barrier.” One of the days, we were praying for their family and I was drawn to pray for Ruth. She immediately wrapped her arms around me and began to cry on my shoulder. We were even drawn closer to each other and by the end of the week, Ruth tied her Tweety bracelet around my wrist. I can’t seem to take it off!

As I have mentioned, “Love never fails.”

Antonio and Vero (also friends of theirs and ours) is another couple who love people. Vero teaches a lot at their church and used to teach in the orphanage when it was a school. They are hoping to get it back to a school again this fall.

They invited us into their home twice and were very welcoming.

Vero barely knows any English, but said the words, “I love you” (in English) in my ear as she gave me a huge hug. It was a touching moment that I will never forget. It still means so much to me!

Honestly, this will not be my last trip to Juarez. As I sat on the mountain side with Ruth on the last day, and I felt the Lord solidifying this city in my heart. I would go back today if I could!

One of my best friends gave me two envelopes to be opened while on my trip. The first, I couldn’t open until was in the car. The other had scripture verses/quotes/ and lyrics that she had written specifically for each day I was in Juarez.

One of the quotes is from Erwin McManus

“No matter how many things about us are different, in this we are all the same-we all crave love. It is as if we are searching for a love we have lost, or perhaps more strangely we are searching for a love we have never known but somehow sense it awaits us.”

The theme of “love” rang through my mind the entire week we were there and it still resonates in my spirit.

The Lord has been showing me a lot regarding servanthood and leading other by serving. This trip once again shook my idea on servanthood. When I thought I was figuring it out, the Lord opened my eyes once again. Only through the Love of Christ, am I truly able to serve others.

Man, do I see my need for the Lord’s help!

“Lord, please continue break me and shake my world. Fill me up with your compassion and show me opportunities I can extend your love and grace. Continue to break my heart for people! Show me ways to serve others in my workplace, apartment building, XA, the University of Minnesota, my church body, etc.”

I wanted to thank you so much for your prayer support. This trip has transformed me from the inside out and I wanted to say “Thank You!”

Please, let me know specific ways I can support you in prayer.

In Christ Alone,

Heather Sandeen

One Response to “Life-Changing (Juarez, Mexico)”

1. Craig says:

   May 22, 2008 at 4:50 pm

   Hi Heather,

   Wow, you write Epistles! Hey, I think you will be there again. God is definately breaking and shaking, and that is so good!

   Craig