Update from Mexico Missions Trip

I know I'm a little late today on this devo.  I ask for your grace but I will still share a little something.  We spent four days full of travel and ministry.  The travel to and from Mexico is a day each.  This leaves us with two days of practical ministry.  I will be the first to admit, I often wonder if all the hardship is worth it?  If we dont go, well, maybe someone else will.  It is very hard to sit in a van for 13 plus hours each way with plenty of stops along the way.  The headache of the Mexican border guards who love to mess with you even though you are there to bless their people and kids.  The adjustment of eating habits and such, which isnt always a bad thing.  The smelly air, the dirty and poor road conditions that can easily put a van into the mechanics shop Monday morning, and the labor of rounding up hundreds of kids like herding cats.  Every year, I state, "I think this is my last."
I'm sorry if I sound negative, but this is a 100% mission trip experience.  I often, the flesh often, is reminded of the pains and negative parts of what it means to follow Jesus!  I must be honest, sometimes its even hard to discern.  BUT...
God has always been faithful.  The Spirit is moving where hearts are open and willing.  These children are Gods!  The word of God is powerful during this season.  The miracles and signs are on full display as we believe and trust and act upon Gods word.  The fellowship we share all along the way is priceless.  The testimonies of Gods grace overflows.  And to be used by Jesus to put a smile and joy upon a child, even for one second, is worth all the hardship and belly aching I may muster up.  Most of the thousands of children dont have a grounded church family, they often dont have a good home life, their schools are surrounded by barbed wire fences and sharp metal on top of walls.  They have little to nothing to call their own.  
And then we come with the message of the love of Jesus and a box of gifts. We play games with them and cause them to forget about the hardships of the year, even for a short moment.  For many of these kids, parents, & grandparents, we are the only Bible they will read.  We are the only connection to Jesus they have had.
I'm sure when next year rolls around, I will set to go again, because as long as Jesus is there, that is where I want to be!  Jesus commands us to go into all the world and make disciples.  Leave the comforts of this dying world and experience the living God.  It wont happen in my luxury or comfort, this I can be curtain.  There are few exceptions of course.