Tamales with La Jefa
3 days.
12 tenacious, hardworking youth.
6 dedicated leaders.
1 gracious, powerful God.
And the house is finished.
The week before last, my son Miller and I travelled to Acuna, Mexico, to build a house. My third trip, his first. We were given the opportunity through a partnership between Parkland Chapel (our church) and Casas Por Cristo.
The teens - with the help of adults and major guidance from the Casas Por Cristo crew - did concrete, framing, drywall, electrical, stucco, and roofing.
As the building came to a close, the extended family started to arrive for the dedication.
Two little girls were there to see - and play at - Grandma’s new house.
It didn’t take long before half of the teenagers were circled up with the kids, playing an impromptu Mexican version of Hot Potato. The girls were getting creative and the “potato” was a balloon filled with sand.
The language barrier was certainly obvious as the oldest of the two girls - who was determined - communicated the rules of the game repeatedly. I jokingly called her La Jefa (The Boss).
None of us understood La Jefa. But none of us stopped playing.
A few takeaways for me as a special needs dad.
The first, is that language can help communicate love, but ultimately it’s unnecessary. Actions certainly speak louder.
We played with the kids - no words (or at least none that were understood).
We built a house - very limited words during breaks.
We hugged after the dedication - again, very few words.
Just like Jude, she knows that she is loved. We know she loves us. No words required.
Second, don’t ever underestimate a group of God’s people - youth included.
I was concerned about the group before we left. I didn’t know all of them. I didn’t know how Miller would do because he’s generally shy. My great friend and fellow leader, Eric, wasn’t able to come this year. I just didn’t know how it would all come together.
But God showed up. He kept us unified the entire time. There were no huge fights or arguments to speak of. Just hard work in the Mexico heat - with lots of fun in-between.
The younger generation really knows Jesus. They led bible studies. Exhausted and sunburnt, they enthusiastically sang worship songs after a long day.
Different ages, background, hobbies, abilities, and personalities came together for a common goal - to build a house and make Jesus known. Truly a picture of how the body of Christ should operate.
They did it. He did it.
And I’m grateful.