2007 Family Mission Trip to Juarez Mexico

Our March 2-7, 2007, we took a Family Mission Trip to Juarez, Mexico. Please contact Janet Hunt to register for future trips or for more information at Janet.Hunt@SuncreekUMC.org.

Thoughts about the trip from the McElroy Family

Our recent trip to Juarez was both challenging and rewarding.  The decision to participate was driven by polar opposite desires.  One was humanitarian in nature – helping those less fortunate than us.  The other selfish – putting perspective into the life we have here.  The desire to assist comes from our Christian beliefs and upbringing.  The need for perspective comes from the wonderful and fortunate life we have here in Allen.  We wanted to ensure we did not take for granted what we have and wanted to provide our daughter, Emma, a view of life outside the “bubble” of Allen and Twin Creeks.  The fellowship with our group was wonderful.  Spending time talking and playing games at night with my family versus being attached to a computer or television screen.  It was truly a special time for our family to reconnect.

The trip encompassed many highlights.  We built a cinderblock house for a family of five who live in a tar paper and plaster house that is smaller than many of the master bedrooms in your homes.  We bonded with the family.  We provided groceries and toys not only for this family, but another one as well.  We distributed all the items many of you so generously donated.  We attended church and were welcomed with open arms by Jose Luis and his congregation.  We felt the love and thankfulness of many in an area strife with poverty and despair.  The work Jose Luis, Martin and the rest of Project Abrigio do is a truly magnificent undertaking.   

We also accomplished the goal of perspective.  While we do not feel guilty with the life we have, including the material luxuries, we understand even more of how lucky we are.  We do not take for granted turning on a light or flushing a toilet or if there is a next meal.   It is so easy to take the basics for granted.  The people of Juarez cannot.  Their story is one of day to day survival. 

I encourage you to give serious thought to going on the mission.  Even if you cannot physically assist with building a shelter, you can assist in something just as important and that is putting smiles on the faces of the children of Juarez.   It is a trip you will not forget.