Our first day of outreach was the hardest of all. We were sent into the dump. I've never been to an American dump so I can't compare, but I was told this is many times worse.
We drove up a dirt road to the top of a hill overlooking Mazatlan. Joy and I were riding in the back of an enclosed truck (think ice cream truck) with our kids, only able to see a little out the front window. The rest of our team rode in the back of an open pick-up. The closer we got, the hotter it seemed to get and for sure the dustier it was. We were shielding our eyes and mouth from the dust, yet trying not to breathe through our nose because of the stench (first miracle of the day was that I surprisingly got used to the smell and didn't notice it after a short while!). When we parked and got our first look around Joy and I looked at each other and wondered what had we gotten ourselves, and more importantly our kids into! Joy said, "Lord have mercy on us!" as we wondered how we were going to keep our kids from touching the ground for hours.
We had gone to the dump pulling a horse trailer that has been converted to a mobile kitchen. We would be feeding the dump workers and dwellers. Many people either live or work in the dump scrounging around the deposited garbage for anything of value. Either they want clothes or items to help build their home, or they are looking for recyclables that they will turn in for money. Some are sorting cardboard, others plastic, and others eating whatever food they will find. It is such a contrast to the tourist beach resorts that are seen in the distance just a 15 minute drive away.
In the blazing, muggy heat our crew got to work. We took shifts cooking and singing the ABC's to Canaan and Aubri who were restricted to the stroller and backpack for 4 hours (second miracle of the day is that the kids actually sat without a problem!). It was such a blessing to me to have other team members willing to help with Aubri because I felt like I got to contribute to the work too.
Immediately a group went out with cold water to hand out to the workers. As workers ran to get a cup, I was reminded of John chapter 3 when Jesus teaches that he is the living water. I know that after drinking this small cup, the people would be thirsty again immediately. But if they could only drink of the living water!
Our ministry at the dump was primarily providing food, yet a few from our team were out evangelizing, and all of us were letting the people know that Jesus loves them. It was so great to be a part of La Vina's work in Mexico because after we leave the church continues building long term relationships with the people and making disciples. While the dump workers don't often receive a hot meal, La Vina takes a group of retirees and tourist with sandwiches to the dump EVERY Thursday! Also, La Vina has planted 13 churches in the local colonias (villages) so a church is available to many. It was a honor to be representing La Vina church, and while I can't say I led any to the Lord at the dump, I know that I represented Christ and pray that the workers would be led to check out La Vina church.
Once the meat was cooked, we began an assembly line of putting together hamburgers, chips, and drink. We announced to the workers nearby that the meal was ready, and soon people began to run towards the truck! I line quickly formed, and after saying a prayer over the meal, and asking the ladies to come to the front of the line, we began serving 300 burgers. We noticed several people come through the line more than once (turning their hat backwards or trying to disguise themselves) but we just let them eat their fill.
Too many cooks in the kitchen, or many hands make light work?
What a challenging yet rewarding day!
