Dec 11, 2009

London 14 year old does Mexico Trip



I think that one of the amazing things about a trip like this is the way that, however much you give, you receive so much more in return. I went to Mexico thinking that we would be teaching the Mexicans and that they would be learning from us, but in reality it was completely the reverse. During those three weeks, I learnt so much from everyone there about humility and what it is to have a servant heart and I really feel like God was changing me through those individuals.

Mexico is a beautiful country full of beautiful people. Everywhere you go you see colour and vibrancy and, between the people, there is a sense of community which you often don’t find in central London. This really challenged my perception of poverty because, despite being poor and coming from very broken backgrounds, many of these Mexican Christians have a joy and contentment that all our money hasn’t been able to bring us. So, in some ways, they are richer than we are.

I feel very fortunate to have gone on this trip, particularly as a teenager, and I know that I learnt so much while I was there, things that I can hopefully bring back and apply to my life. Being a similar age to many of the students was lovely because I got to know them really well, but at the same time, I often felt like I could never understand where they were coming from, as their situation is so alien to me. In their villages, these girls would be expected to marry and have kids at an age as young as 14.

But it was incredible the way in which God worked through our team. Firstly, to think that He chose each member of our group for a reason and a purpose is hard to comprehend, but very beautiful. It is such a privilege to have been used by God in even just a tiny part of His huge plan and I am very grateful to have had this opportunity.

Victoria Gallagher, 14 years old, went to Armonia Mexico with the ‘WETFOOT’ team from All Souls Langham Place, London in August 2009