The Dilemma

I (Karen) was presented with what felt like a pretty big dilemma last month.

I knew a group of teens from Live Your Mission Trips would come to help us for a week starting July 31st. We were planning to go back to Mexico to prepare for their arrival on July 6th.

The last time we were away from home on campus for a few months, there was a lot more to do when we got back than we had realized. The humid environment means everything needs to be washed if not used for a few weeks, including clothes, bedding, walls, floors, shelves, drawers, dishes, and pantries. The weeds grow quickly, too. I thought two weeks was enough to prepare for the large group from Legacy Academy last year, but we found ourselves rushing the last few days and not quite ready when they arrived.

This time, I wanted to make sure things were just right for this group.

However, as I was getting ready to buy our tickets, I got a message from my brother who lives in Pennsylvania. He and his family would be coming out to Texas to visit our parents and us, and had purchased tickets for June 20th. They hoped I would be around so they could see me.

At first, I told him that I wouldn't be around, but maybe they could come to Mexico during part of their trip? He said maybe they could schedule a trip to Mexico later in the year.

But something didn't quite sit right with me. I really wanted to see him and his family, and I had an amazing team of responsible young men in Mexico. Maybe they could get things ready without me?

I sent Isa and Kaique a text.

"I have a dilemma," I said. "My brother will be in Texas from July 20-28th and I'm thinking of staying here to see him, but that doesn't leave me a lot of time to prepare for the big group that is coming. Do you think you could do it without me? Or maybe I can fly out in early July and come back for a few days while he's here."

The Challenge

"We can do it!" they said. "It's your brother. You should be there. We'll write up a list of things to do and give it to you, and you can add anything we didn't think of."

They wrote a list that included things I hadn't even thought of, such as finishing building the upstairs room to stay in, so our visitors would have enough space in the main home (and we wouldn't need to rent an Airbnb for extra space). Isa had a list of materials he would need to finish the room, including precise measurements for mosquito netting and wood.

And my favorite part of his message: "I love a challenge."

So they got to work.

In addition to teaching English and art classes in nearby communities and online, caring for our dogs, cats, hens, and their newly hatched baby chicks, filming and editing videos for the Ropes Course and Find Your Path Mission, they began building a room, cleaning, and organizing all of our things.

Shortly after this conversation, I received a message from a young man I knew at church in Mexico. School was out for the summer, and he wondered if he could come and help us with anything. Isa told me he would love his help and would show him what to do. The young man, Gibran, moved into the campus home to help out over the summer. Last week, his cousin asked if he could help as well.

The Blessing

A couple of days ago, I got a text from Isa with pictures of them finishing up getting one of the rooms ready. These are four young men, ages 15-21. They had cleared all the cobwebs, scrubbed the floor and walls, washed the bedding, and even sewn up pillows that were damaged in the wash. It warmed my heart so much to see the pictures:

Reflection

I share this with you not only because it makes me happy to feel so supported, but also because we moved to Mexico to create leadership and growth opportunities for resilient people. Watching these guys rise to the challenge and lead with enthusiasm, discipline, and skill fills me with profound gratitude.

I am grateful to know such people. I am grateful for the nudge we felt to move to Mexico and get this started. I am grateful for the help that comes exactly when we need it most.

They haven't sent me many pictures. They say they are excited to show me in person when I arrive. I will be sure to take some video so you can all see what they accomplished as well!

Invite to Help

One setback we had recently was that Isa's phone stopped working. He uses his phone to communicate, film, and edit videos for us. He is saving up to buy a new one, but we now need the filming equipment on our wish list more than ever.

So, if you have the means and desire to help, you can purchase something from our Amazon Wish List so that I can take it with me when I fly out on the 28th. I feel funny asking for video equipment, but I have had several people tell me how necessary it is to have high-quality pictures and video in order to establish trust with potential donors. There are also some music and art supplies on the wish list for our English and art classes <3

Thank you

We are beyond grateful for your help with this work! We have only made it this far because of you. I am always in awe of the people God sends our way. Thank you for being one of those people.

With love,
Karen Bates

P.S. It's not too late to sign up for Find Your Path Mission trips this year! Next year trips are up as well <3 We'd love for you to visit us.