Celebrations, Goodbyes, and New Adventures

Dia de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”) is a tradition celebrated in Mexico. It is believed that at the stroke of midnight on October 31, the gates of heaven are opened and the souls of lost loved ones (children first, and later adults) are allowed to return to earth to celebrate with their families through November 2.

Randy and I had a going away/closing the business/embarking on a new adventure party last week, and two of his daughters used the theme of Dia de los Muertos to decorate for us. 

Randy wanted to have the party to celebrate all of the people who made his catering business a success, and in turn he was shown how much he is loved.

It was an incredible evening. Over 200 people showed up to say goodbye to their favorite caterer, as well as to learn more about our calling to Mexico. The challenge of having a party of any size is that you don’t get enough time to spend with everyone, but I did hear from so many people how much they love Randy (and his cooking!), how much he’ll be missed, what a huge impact he made on their families and their community, and how excited they are for our new adventure.

A couple hours into the party, Randy and I took turns gushing about one another and how grateful we are that God brought us together. We showed a video about the children’s home where we will be volunteering (watch it here: Sonshine Hacienda), and shared how humbled we are that God chose us for this mission.

One of the most unanticipated parts of this whole thing is that nearly everyone we talk to, nearly everyone we tell about the children’s home in San Felipe, has their own story to tell. Once we tell a little of our story, we start to hear their stories, their passion or experience with similar causes.

A lady shared that her daughter was a missionary at an orphanage in India that, sadly, was shut down by the government.

A couple shared that they considered adoption after their own daughter died far too young.

A man told us how he had been adopted from Ethiopia. “My life is the result of a couple who opened their hearts to adoption.”

One of Randy's former employees has fostered over 20 children. 

“You are living my dream,” a woman told us, while loading our car full of donations for the children.

Another woman shared that she lived in Mexico when she was 18. “It changed my life,” she said, transforming her from a rebellious teenager to an adult aware of the needs of others.

The stories just keep coming. Longings to make a difference in the world. Passionate about making sure children around the world, and those right in our own backyards, know that they are loved and worthy and precious.  

One of the best parts of spreading the word in California is that Baja is close enough for our friends and family to visit. We have a list of people who want to come and spend time with the kids, help Randy build a school, do crafts and yoga and music with the kids. Seeing familiar faces will be a great encouragement to us, and the kids adore the attention of visitors! 

Just a few more days and we'll be headed south of the border!