I have gone to Mexico three times and every time I go I experience something new. I went down to Mexico with the intent of building a house and teaching VBS, but in the process I ended up being taught. Those people have close to nothing, but what they do have they were willing to share with us and those around them. Even though we don’t speak the same language, they use the universal language of love. This has made a profound impact on my life time after time.

I’ve been to Mexico a lot of times before so I thought I knew what to expect, but I had no idea what God had in store for me. There were some people going on this trip that I didn’t know very well and I was unsure about how things would go. Through Mexico I fell in love with every person on this trip. Through the work they did and love they shared I saw Jesus through them. I especially became close to the guys on the trip and enjoyed the time I spent working with my brothers. The people at Mexico taught me the same lesson they have before time and time again. I learned what it means to truly rely on God. They live their lives not knowing where the next meal or paycheck will be coming from yet they still have incredible faith and love for God. The trip was definitely a success and a real eye-opener to me about how blessed I am. I thank God for the experiences I had and the new love I found for the people on this trip. ADAM BREWER

What an awesome week! We were able to accomplish everything we set out to do. Lives were changed. It is always such an eye-opener to worship with our Mexican brothers and sisters. The ladies are so worried and lonely. They ask that we keep them in our constant prayer. It was great to see the house “finished”, and to see Dudley and Adam working together to build the house. The person that always touches my heart is Brother Christoble. I ask him this time could he see the Lord blessing his life since he became a Christian. He can see the Lord working in his life. He said he could never repay us, that only God could. I loved spending time with our girls this week. We shopped for food, mattress, and household items, but best of all delivering the food and praying with every family. We are blessed to be a part of Mayfair. The opportunity to go to the Baja every year is so strengthening for my family. Working for Him, JAN BREWER

Wow! I am really tired! But, you know what, it’s the best type of tired in the world. The past week has been extremely challenging for me. This is a very physically and emotionally exhausting trip, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Over the past week, God has reminded me that it’s not about what “I want”, it’s about what “He wants”! It doesn’t matter if I am happy or sad, healthy or sick, rich or poor, empty or full. All that I should be concerned about is living and working for God, no matter what. This past week will be a memory that I will keep close to my heart for the rest of my life. Trips to Mexico like this change people. It is wonderful to watch the change in others, but also feel growth in yourself. God used people in my life this week in ways I would have never guessed. All I can say to everyone and to God is “Thank You”. Love, BRETT CROWSON

This trip has done so much to change my life. I’ve been enlightened in many ways. I’m a selfish person but seeing how little those people have to give, yet time and time again, they give to others. There was one case of this that sticks out in my mind. I gave a little girl some bubbles and she was very happily playing with them. A second girl came up to her and without even thinking, the first girl handed them to the second girl. That kind of sharing is hard to find in American youth. And I know I’m part of that youth. And they were just so happy to have someone carry them on their back or push them on the swings. Another way that I was changed is to give people a chance. Going into the trip, I had my doubts about some people’s work ethic and how well I would get along with some people. But after seeing them work at the construction site and handle those kids, I was impressed. And with some people who I thought I would get along with really showed me a side of themselves that I didn’t like. This trip has definitely been a life changing one. I thank God so much for giving me the opportunity to come on this trip. I hope that I will be able to use this to bring others to Christ. Because I know that I’m now closer to Him because of the amazing things I experienced. KIRK EDWARDS

This trip was a wonderful experience for me. It really changed my outlook on life in many ways. I realize now how incredibly blessed I truly am. The people were such an encouragement and inspiration to me who have so little yet still have extremely strong faith. I feel like now I have an even greater appreciation for all that I have, and a greater desire to be a stronger Christian just like my Mexican brothers and sisters in Christ. I also feel like I have a deeper and more special bond with all my Mayfair brothers and sisters. I am so glad I had such wonderful people to share this 2004 mission trip with. A special memory that sticks out in my mind is when I was taking my (dirty) black socks off from my sheep costume and a precious little boy saw me and stuck his tiny little hand out asking for those socks. The look on his face just broke my heart. When I gave them to him he tried his best to say “thank you” in English and gave me the sweetest hug I think I’ve ever received. His name was Diego and I will never forget that sweet little angel. He taught me so much in the short time I had with him. I could go on forever on everything I got out of this trip from not only the Mexicans but also the people on the trip with me. New friendships developed that I know will last forever. I can’t wait to come back again. I love you all so much! ABBY GRAHAM

The 2004 Mayfair spring break trip to Mexico was once again a wonderful experience and a great blessing in my life. Everyone joined hands and worked together as a team to try to make a difference for the Lord in the lives of our Mexican brothers and sisters. A lot of hard work was put into building a house for sweet Cecilia and her husband, into buying and delivering a lot of groceries to feed 60 families from the churches in San Quintin, San Vincente, and Zorillo, and into having a Vacation Bible School for many children each night. We were able to have special Bible classes for the men, ladies, and teens, and a devotional time with the church in San Quintin. We tried to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Baja with kind words, smiles, hugs, and a lot of “I love yous – te amos.” We had the opportunity of visiting two schools in the San Quintin community and give them some much needed school supplies and observe the little children in their classrooms. One of the most meaningful parts of the trip for me was when we went to Zorillo and visited with Brother Franco and Yolanda. It was very hard seeing them in so much pain over the deaths of their daughter, Laura, and Brother Franco’s dad. It meant so much for several of us who have known him for so long to be able to cry with him, and pray with them and just show them how much we love them. We are all one in the Lord and part of His family, even if we are from different countries and speak different languages. My trips to the Baja have changed my life forever. JENNI GUNNELLS

Once again God has amazed me and changed my life by using the people of Mexico. This trip really rejuvenated me and got my priorities back in line. Whenever I see those happy people and experience the love they have for each other, for me, and for God, I cannot help but be changed. It reminds me that the only important thing in life is God and our purpose in living is to serve Him. HOLLY HAMRIC

Before I went to Mexico the first time Lee Milam told us he wanted to make sure that our hearts were in the right place because we were going to visit his family. Now that I have been to San Quintin twice I feel that I am a part of that family too. There are no words to describe what an impact a mission trip can have on your life. The only thing that I can say is that the friendships that have been made on this trip, and because of this trip, are some that will stay with me forever. Mexico puts a new “spin” on my thoughts and feelings. I love every one of you and am so glad that I was given this experience. LINDSEY HANBACK

This was my third trip to Mexico and over all I would say this was a very successful trip. We built a house and provided food relief to many families. But I feel over all that we bonded more as a group than any other trip. This group didn’t know as many people as other ones, but by the end, we had all grown so much closer. I love Mexico and the people there. I can’t wait to go back and I thank God for all the new friends I’ve made. RICHARD HARPER

The trip this year to Mexico was awesome. Everyone came together as a team and worked well together. The house went up easily and without a hitch. The couple really loved the house and couldn’t thank us enough. Julio and Javier helped tremendously. They helped us translate and really blended in as part of the group. The adults on the trip were wonderful and helped us as much as we needed. I really enjoyed this trip and hope to be able to go back again sometime. ANDY JONES

This was my second year to go on a mission trip to Mexico, but it was my first year to go to San Quintin. I was expecting the kids to be glad that we were there, but I definitely underestimated how much we would mean to them. Whenever the vans drove down the dirt roads the kids would come out chasing after us. The children would all crowd around you whenever someone stepped off the vans. They had almost nothing, but were still happy. The kids loved to play on the church playground and to draw with sidewalk chalk, but the thing they loved most was to get piggy back rides. Not very many of the kids spoke English and I don’t speak much Spanish, but I was surprised how easy it was to communicate. One of my buddies, Favolia, brought me a present every day to VBS. The presents were little things but they were all she had. She taught me the most important lesson I will ever learn. ELLEN JONES

It is so difficult to reduce my feelings about this trip and these precious people to only a page. I have found no sweeter, more loving, more humble, more appreciative people on this earth. After so many trips, they are like my family. I love them so much. It is so hard to leave them. They are so giving. One little girl gave me her coke, one a box of strawberries, another a bracelet, others flowers, another a figurine. All from little children who have nothing to give. But they love you so sweetly, giving you whatever they have. And they soak up our attention and love like a little sponge. Whenever I step off the bus or a little child runs up to me smiling, saying “Pablo”, I can’t wait to hug them and make them feel special. They are precious little creations of God. There is no place that I would rather be than hugging those sweet children in San Quintin and at the City of Children. I love them with all my heart. Being with them is the closest thing to heaven on this earth. God has richly blessed me by letting me love those precious people, especially the children and to be loved by them. PAUL KELLY

I believe that every time I go to Mexico I come back less selfish. The people there make me realize the vast differences between wants and needs. I have everything I need and so much of what I want. The people in Mexico don’t even have the necessities, yet they seem to be more grateful and happy than most of us. Maybe this is because they realize true needs. You don’t need food, shelter, or clothing to live; you need God. They understand this. HEATH KINZER

This was my first trip to Mexico and the experience I had is indescribable. I have realized that I truly am very blessed compared to these people. This trip has made me realize that I have everything that I need and a lot of what I want. I have learned to be less selfish and more caring of others. I will never forget this trip and I believe the friendships I made will last a long time. I left Huntsville not liking a few people, but this trip has caused me to bond with everyone. I have respect for anyone willing to go to Mexico during their spring break. Although the people there have next to nothing, they are some of the happiest, most kind hearted people I have ever met, with the best faith; I guess that means that money gets in the way for some people. I would just like to thank everyone for their support for this trip, especially the adults that went with us. I will never forget this trip and I look forward to going back. DREW MARKHAM

This trip was something else. It was a HUGE culture shock for me. What I experienced was not expected. I love serving the Lord in anything I can do, and when this opportunity arose I felt God’s hand pushing me forward. I prayed that God would help me humble myself that this was all about Him. He truly blessed me. One thing that hit me pretty hard was the kids. The first day I met this little boy, his name was Joebon. As soon as I showed affection toward him he was attached. He longed for love. It really touched me. It made me think about how when God sees us respond to his love, and when He sees how happy we are it brings joy to Him. Because when I looked down at Joebon and saw his smile, it made me so happy. It makes me want to praise God, so I can bring joy to Him. That’s what matters. It’s not about us and I thank God so much for loving us and physically showing me how that is with those kids. CHRIS MASON

This was my first mission trip. It was very eye opening and also fun. I felt that I not only became a lot closer to the other members of the mission team, but I became a lot closer to Jesus. I saw something in myself change and I liked it. Before this trip, I was starting to question God a bit. Every night I would pray that I would want to be a better Christian. I knew that I wanted to do the right thing, but a lot of the time I was not doing it. This trip has been an answer to my prayers because I have seen God at work and I really want what is best for the Lord and not what I want to do for myself. All of the other people on the trip were also a big help to me. I did not know very many people on this trip at the start of it, but once we got going on the trip, I started getting to know and love all of them. I am extremely grateful that they accepted me into their group of Christians and showed the real meaning of the word Christian. I fell in love with the Mexican children and I enjoyed building that house for that lady and her husband (and digging the bano). I loved this experience and hope that I will have another chance to come back down to this wonderful place. Words cannot describe what I feel at this moment. I have truly experienced the love of God and I love it. DREW MESSICK
P.S. Remember the Aloe, random clicking noises and bird sounds!

This is the second trip I have had down to the Baja. My first experience was in the winter and was unbelievable. This trip was awesome and can impact you no matter how many times you’ve been. The faces of the children are so loving and full of joy. The people are just all so welcoming and happy to see you. I love going to Mexico and I know a lot of my friends do too. I have gotten closer to a bunch of people at Mayfair and will treasure that forever. I hope I get to go down to the Baja again this summer. KELLY MOORHEAD

I had always heard people go on and on about going down to Mexico and how wonderful and life changing they thought it was. Now I understand why. Mexico has impacted my life in such a way that words cannot explain. In places such as San Quintin, it is so impoverished that the children and adults are quite content with anything you give them: anything from a smile to a T-shirt. They are so in love with God, and you can see Christ’s love radiating from them. I came on this trip to serve others and impact their life, but it is as if the kids there changed me more. I feel so blessed to have experienced this trip with the youth group and the adults. This has been an awesome journey. BEKAH PERRY

Buenos Dias, uh…Yo,
This week I learned again what it means to be humble. I returned to Mexico for my third trip and it was just as good, if not better than the last two. We built a house, that makes my second, and we did another VBS, that’s three. I think about how much I have and how often I am unhappy, I feel like I should kick myself. These people have nothing and are happy and I have everything and am unhappy so often. I’m writing that, already looking forward to my next trip to Mexico. If the plane were leaving right now I wouldn’t be here. CHRIS PLITT

This week my perspective on life has once again been changed. A special memory that sticks out in my mind was with Josue and Benjamin. One night during VBS they had two pieces of gum. They both offered it to me until I took one. Benjamin gave me his, then Josue offered his piece to his brother. They are so selfless and are always looking out for others. There is not a better feeling than seeing a child’s face light up when you give them a shirt, candy, or something as simple as a hug. You feel as if you get a little glimpse of heaven when you look into the eyes of the children. I am so blessed to have been able to share this experience with such a good team. God has opened many doors for new friendships! Each and every person on this team has a very special place in my heart and I love you dearly! NIKKI-DEE RAY

This week has been a great experience for me both spiritually and friend wise. I met new friends and old and had a great time building the house for a very grateful lady. Also the sight and love of our Mexican brothers and sisters greatly impacted my life. Their love and devotion to the Lord is an example to us all. A prominent example that sticks out in my mind is the elderly lady who is now shunned by her family because of her membership at the San Vicente Church of Christ. My hope and prayer is that we all can have such a dedication to the Lord.

I guess the trip makes you realize, “Don’t take waking up the next morning with something to eat and having a family that loves you and provides for you for granted.” Those two things alone should be enough to keep you happy. TRENT SPENCER

One thing that I learned this week was that we are very blessed but we do all of this complaining and we don’t need to. Some of the people don’t have anything in Mexico, they don’t know where their next meal is going to come from. That is one way we are blessed because we can eat whenever we want to. Some people don’t have clean clothes to change in to day to day. We are always complaining about everything and there is no reason for it because we have food, clothes and nice homes to live in: so we are very blessed. CASEY THOMPSON

This week in Mexico, I experienced what it's like to truly be worn out for God.  This trip was not, at all, like last years mission trip.  It was more demanding physically, which meant that by the end of the day, you knew that you had accomplished a great deal and were filled up to the brim.  The thing about that feeling is it has never gone away since the first day of actual work (whether it was playing with kids, moving wood from the storage building at San Quintin to the truck to go to the work site or digging a hole) and has increased more every day since then.  I also figured out more than ever that there are some things
that are just not physically possible  unless you're doing them for God, and that by working together in a group, bound by the same cause, more gets accomplished.  JOEY BEST

Although this was my second trip to Mexico, this was my first visit to San Quintin. I really enjoyed my time there serving others. The kids there are so amazing. They have so little, yet they are so unbelievably happy. that to me was awesome. They are also so accepting and so full of love. When our vans pull up the kids hurry to them like a swarm of bees. They definitely taught me more about loving others.
        During our trip we were blessed with the opportunity to visit Christian families and bring them food. I was truly touched by some of their stories. One woman had diabetes and couldn't afford her medication. She told us that she was very week and that she was loosing her eyesight. I can't imagine how it must feel to know that in a matter of time I would be blind. This woman had to live with that and she still kept her faith in God. Another woman we visited told us that when she became a Christian her family, who was Catholic, disowned her. She said that she was extremely lonely, but she still trusted in God. This taught me how blessed I am to have a Christian family. We visited more families with similar stories who really made me think twice about my selfish, unthankful attitude.
        Although I didn't get to work on the house we built as much as I would have liked, I was grateful that I was able to help paint it. Now when I go back to Alabama and I start to become jealous of others, I will have the memory of a bright yellow and purple “house” reminding me of how blessed I really am. I went on this mission trip wanting to serve others and to make a difference in someone's life.. not knowing how much of a difference it would make in mine. I am so thankful to have been a part of it. JULIA NIPPER