What do you do with Back2Back, exactly?

Lately I've had a few people ask me "What does a normal day look like for you?" The only answer I could come up with was "I work with children". Not exactly satisfying or specific :) I struggle very much with generalizations and estimates. Maybe that's because I strive to value the uniqueness of each person, each day, and each situation or maybe that's because I'm a detail person, not a big picture girl.

For me, every day in Mexico is a new day. It may look similar or different from the previous, but God's presence unites them all. The best way I've come to categorize my work with Back2Back is by looking at each site we work with and then looking at how I'm involved in that site. So, over the next few weeks, I'll try to give a picture of each one.

Rossy's. A ministry lovingly called Mision Educarte, similar to a Christian outreach/community center. Rossy has a room on her property that she has used to host a children's program on Wednesdays and Saturdays for the past 20 years, and I've gotten to join her in teaching and serving these kids for the past few months. She leads a time of worship, a teaching time, a craft time, and then serves the children dinner. It's both dynamic and energetic. Anywhere from 30-70 kids come on any given night, and I have come to love each and every one of them. In the midst of situations saturated with poverty, these kids have hope. They are hungry to learn and to grow and to help others. They love each other, and they love Jesus. When you drive up to Rossy's, kids come running out to greet you--literally jumping into your car to hug you because they just can't wait for you to get out. I've been blessed in so many ways by these kids who have challenged me to tickle wars, shown me how to break-dance, trusted me with the name of the 13 year-old love of their life, and taught me how to give thanks for all things (even stolen tv's) because God's got it all under control. I always leave Rossy's tired and completely full of joy. It's undoubtedly my favorite part of the week. In the next year, we're hoping to expand Rossy's ministry by starting small groups that will be able to go deeper with the most consistent kids. We're also hoping to start an after school tutoring program. Prayer for these two goals would be very much appreciated as we seek God's direction regarding program details and funding sources.

Siblings Jocelyn and Jorgito: Rossy's Regulars

Work Day at Rossy's (Rossy's in the Center)