Aleph Baja Updates

A big highlight this spring was getting to run our first overnight camping & rock climbing trip with youth in the Sierra Juarez high desert (about 3 hours drive from La Misión). Unfortunately, a few of the youth dropped out last minute, but we still had an epic time with the boys that went, along with a couple of new friends from YWAM Rosarito, who not only gave of their time but also hooked it up with some rad photography and videography. We also got to meet up with local legend, John Smallwood, and our friend Sergio–a seasoned San Diego climber and representative for Acopa, a climbing shoe company based out of Mexico City. In addition to sharing his knowledge of the climbing area, Sergio blessed us with some brand new Acopa shoes for our programs!

It’s impossible to capture in just a few sentences all the parts that make a trip like this so impactful. There are of course the “Firsts”: the boys’ first time visiting the Sierra Juarez or climbing on granite, Nahum’s first time slacklining, Valdo’s first time sleeping in a tent … but as noteworthy as they are, these are just landmarks outlining the surface of the experience. The best moments lie in the hours logged together road tripping and getting lost on obscure dirt roads, appreciating the beauty of wildflowers lighting up a rugged landscape, laughing, sweating, and pushing through discomfort, chowing pasta around the fire after a long day climbing, and hanging out at camp with Cuervo (the nosy ranch burro.)

Beyond the many fun memories, we’ve seen how trips like this can be a powerful catalyst for youth to discover new possibilities in their lives. Stepping away from the noise of the city and spending a few days surrounded by nature has a way of awakening our hearts to the loving voice of the Creator.

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Summertime is here! The days are long and the water is warm … (or at least not quite as cold). It’s a busy season, and one of our favorites. This is our third year working alongside the Christian Surfers Rosarito crew to offer surf programs for the youth of Casa Hogar Ciudad de Refugio in addition to our regular outings for local youth. It’s been so fun to see the older, more seasoned participants now surfing with confidence and coming alongside to help out newer kids in the water.

Most of the youth (and adults for that matter) in the community have never had a chance to learn how to swim. Sadly every year there are drownings at the local beach. In response to this, we’ve made swimming and water safety classes a primary activity focus this summer. A nearby pool has given us a discounted rate, allowing us to offer classes two days a week throughout the summer break. The feedback from youth and parents has been overwhelmingly positive! The August class is full, and we have a waiting list of kids hoping to join the next one.

Somehow we were also able to squeeze in a few youth climbing trips and Dustin logged in some personal time doing trail maintenance at our local crag. The past two months have been the most program heavy we’ve experienced so far but also some of the most rewarding. In the midst of all the activities, we’ve continued to seek out healthy rhythms, discovering new sides of ourselves we didn’t know existed. Jess’s Spanish has come a long way, and our ability to navigate the complex personal and professional dynamics in our marriage has grown as well. God is gracious and patient as He teaches us to trust His process–one of the richest and hardest lessons we’ve learned so far.