It was a dream that had began to unfold in reality February 28th thanks to the Lord's unfailing love and my dear friend Gerri De Vos. I entered the land on May 25th to serve as a House Mom for the destitute children in the Northern Baja region. My year-old Mother went home to glory on May 24th, , the day before my departure. One of Mom's last words to me were "Jeri, keep on with your plans to go to Mexico! I pray I die before you leave, don't wait for my funeral.
One of the saddest, most confused days of my life, I could not hold back the tears, grief beyond words, I thought I would die. Working amongst the Baja circle of Children's Homes was like serving as a Red Cross Personnel among the war torn zones of the world. It was impossible to not be hit by the land mines planted by the rumour mill. It hurt, but no pain, no gain; it came with the turf of vulnerability and love.
The words of a wise mentor from the North, a seasoned Missionary for over 50 years responded to my plea to, "what in Heaven's name is happening down here?? At the time I didn't realize the price would be so high, the pain would be like nothing I ever experienced before. It was a journey that would make me better or bitter, the choice was mine. My friend Gerri De Vos asked me to be her travelling companion on her winter vacation. I had just completed a 6 month ' fill in' sabbatical for the Children's Pastor at my Church and was in between the, "whatever next" phase of my life.
As arrangements and contacts were made for this journey the pieces to this dream come true, one by one fell into place; it was miraculous!! The director's of Gabriel House, Ted and Reni Favor, where one of my special needs gal, Magga was placed confirmed that many of the families I once worked with still live in El Zorello south of Manudero.
Mary wanted to join us from San Felipe on our journey to find the children. The first miracle to happen was rendezvousing with Mary and her company at a gas station in Ensenada.
