Day 7

Day 7 - Mon 6/13/22 (Grace)

Hola amigos!

Today was our last day of ministry! Though we are all sad it is coming to a close, we were all ready to enjoy every minute of our remaining time. We started off the day bright and early at 7:30 with a delicious breakfast of tortilla, ham and eggs, and potatoes (including fruit and cereal). This morning, we had Carlie join us as we chatted about making new friends with CCIC Sunnyvale. 

After filling our stomachs with food, it was about time for our morning session at 8:30. Since it is the last day, there were MANY letters in the Mailbox (practically an entire mountain of notes). It took a good 5 minutes to distribute the notes! As everyone got seated after receiving their letters, it was time for the skit. As always, we all enjoyed the acting and the message behind the short skit. 

However, instead of our daily morning devotions, the leaders took us down to the beach for a personal reflection time. Sitting on the sandy beach, listening to the waves as it rushes to the shore, we watched the ocean as we pondered about our answers to two questions:

1. How has God grown in you this past week?

2. How can you take what you've learned back home?

When the leaders finally were able to round us up (after reflection time), we went back to the worship hall where we found papers on each chair and a surprise: donuts!! While eating the donuts, we were given instructions of our next activity which was writing encouragement notes. Everyone taped a sheet of paper on their backs, and we went around the room writing on those sheets of paper of comments to encourage each other with. 

Soon after, it was time for us to head on our way to Casa Esperanza, an abused women's and children's center. At Casa Esperanza, they provide a home for women and their kids whilst helping the mothers take a step forward. There we would play with children (as the mothers were away at work) and help out wherever was needed. I was particularly excited as Lisa had said this was her most memorable experience in YWAM. Upon arriving, the team was split into three: one would play with kids, the other would help clean the classrooms, and the last group would help organize things in the kitchen. 

After working for a while, the kitchen team finished their work of organizing the shelves and the classroom team were partially through scrubbing the mats. Time went by, and soon, it was time for lunch! We met up and took a quick lunch break inside the chapel (inserted on the left below) of our usual ham sandwiches and an assortment of chips and cookies. Once charging ourselves with energy, we quickly finished scrubbing the mats before starting to play with the children. 

The children were full of energy as we played volleyball, basketball, and catch with them. In a bit, we performed our children's skit of the Bible story, Jesus walks on water. All the kids desperately raised their hands during the question time to get a piece of candy, and we all laughed along when funny answers were given. After the skit, the children were still FULL of energy, so we started playing music and teaching the kids the dances we have been taught earlier this week. 

While having fun, it became time for the kids to have their lunch. During this time, we heard Gabriel's story, and we prayed for the ministry at Casa Esperanza. We also went in a circle and shared our thoughts on our entire trip and how we've learned or been touched by this trip. Hearing the answers, it seemed like all of us were inspired by our time in Ensenada, and it was very encouraging to see how all of us had grown. 

Time flew by, and it was time to say our goodbyes to Casa Esperanza. As we loaded onto the bus, we were given yet again, another surprise: ice cream!! The ice cream was both flavorful and refreshing after a day of hard work, and of course, we took lots of photos!

After a while, it was time for the night session. Before the session, we all got bracelets from a small booth at the corner of the base. We had also planned to match our YWAM shirts (bought the previous day) to show our appreciation for the staff and the program. The first thing we did at session was to play a game of Rock Paper Scissors Split (image below to the left). Tri-Valley sadly did not win the game, and Sunnyvale placed first, ensuring that they won the championship with the most points. Even so, they still kindly shared their candy with us. Then, it was time for Pastor Luke, our speaker for the week, to give us one last inspirational message. He questioned us whether we are showing God our true hearts and whether we are seeking a true relationship with God. In the end, it all boiled down to the question: "Is it true?"

Not feeling ready to sleep just yet, both Tri-Valley and Sunnyvale kiddos decided to go up onto the rooftop and chat with one another. Despite not having talked much previously this week, we all bonded so much and had a lot of fun chatting with one another. (We love Sunnyvale!!!) Everyone was super sweet and funny, and I am regretful we didn't bond sooner. Even though quiet time started at 10 PM, we stayed talking until 11 PM and laughing through the night. 

All of the CCIC family had grown so much in their faiths, and it was amazing to see how much God had touched all our lives through this past week. I am so proud of all of us for taking that step of faith, stepping out of our comfort zones, and just serving God wholeheartedly. And with that, for the last time, "Bonus Nachos!!"

~ Grace Huang <3