Going Global
The Crossing Around The World

Mexico Mission Trip
By: Claudia Widhalm

On Memorial Day Weekend, while most people were enjoying picnics, relaxing around the swimming pool or catching a baseball game, 45 members from The Crossing were building two homes for families in Tijuana, Mexico. The trip was an amazing way to see God’s hands serving people. And in God’s perfect way it was not just the two families that benefitted from the work, but each member of the trip was touched in some way.

Each year The Crossing sends a group on a short-term mission trip to Mexico sponsored by Amor Ministries. This year we built two - 11’ x 22’, two room homes, with a concrete floor, two windows and a door. Amor provides the construction materials and the building plans. The house is very simple and is constructed without power tools. The work is exhausting, but gratifying. At night the team stays at a primitive campground located a couple of miles from the town. I am on the Cook Team which prepares the food for everyone on the trip. We bring everything we need for the trip with us.

Some of the team has been going on this trip for years and for others it was their first time. This was my second year on the trip. Now mind you, I hate camping, and after this year I can say, “I hate camping in the rain even more.” But I can’t wait to go back next year!!

What I love about the trip is having the time to get to know other people from The Crossing and seeing how this experience changes them. Each year I have made new friends and look forward to seeing them on Sundays. I also enjoy interacting with the children of the Mexican families. I love the smiles on their faces when we share our lunches with them. One of the most moving experiences is turning the keys to the house over to the family and praying with them in their new homes.

The Amor trip gives me a reality check on life by being immersed in conditions of poverty. I appreciate a hot shower, a roof over my head, clean clothes, and much more. I feel truly blessed to live in America. I was blessed to share God’s love with my neighbors, those in Tijuana and in the tent next to me.