Deep thoughts on my Mexico mission trip

I want to share my blog in two parts. The first part is a straight copy and paste from my professional blog. The second part is me going much more in depth with it.

So here is the first part.

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From July 22-28, I joined my home church on a mission trip to Ensenada, Mexico. This was my first time on a mission trip and my first time in Mexico. I didn’t go into this trip with many expectations since I wanted to experience this without high or low hopes. It ended up being a trip with a lot of challenges, lots of changed plans on the fly but also rewarding to be able to serve the children of the city.

My perception of a mission trip (along what is most commonly understood) is that a church group will go into a different country and spread their Gospel message to those who don’t know it. This trip was slightly different. We were partnered up with a sister church in the city so the foundation of sharing the Bible was already established. But in a sense, the seed was already planted. We were just there to water.

The trip consisted of serving the children and orphans of this small little area in Ensenada. The ages ranged from four years to preteens. The plan was to offer the children a week of VBS, which is essentially a week of Christian-based activities such as skits, crafts and games. It was a very simple week but there were plenty of challenges that came along the way.

Back at the Coliseum for my A’s and some root beer floats

Root Beer Floats!!

Good to be home!! @Athletics #RootedInOakland pic.twitter.com/gOrlpZ8piJ

— Sam (@phutmasterflex) July 19, 2017

On Tuesday I made it back to the Coliseum for the first time in over three seasons. And it was Root Beer Float Day! I hadn’t been to one since 2011 when Mark Ellis was traded.

But it was so fun to be back. Free parking. A great catch up with some friends and look! Dave Kaval and Ken Korach took photos with me!

Additionally, I just enjoyed hearing the sounds of the game, walking through the park, seeing the field I grew up loving. It was special. I missed all of it. I want to go back!

The Coliseum is old but it still has a fun feel to it. I love you, Oakland!

Chester Bennington’s suicide brings back some Linkin Park memories

First and foremost, suicide is real and depression is real. I have had a friend die from this. I also know what the news has told us about suicide among celebrities too.

Sometimes there are signs. Sometimes there aren’t. It sucks. But it’s a continuing thing here.

Chester was a great voice and mind for this band I enjoyed immensely during my teenage years. I still have my Linkin Park CDs. But just wrapping my head around this news is sad. I didn’t know what he was going through. This is a shock.

I wish it didn’t happen. I hope people understand and seek help or help others as well. I don’t want suicides like this to continue for anyone.

Disneyland’s Main Street Electrical Parade was everything

Oh the memories from today!

It was 25 years ago or so I saw this parade for the first time and even though it’s a short return, I was so happy to have seen it again. I am so happy!

Everything was the same as I remember it! I am so happy!