Creating Space

The above quote comes from Nouwen’s reflections on hospitality, however as I think about the past three years with Aleph Baja, these words speak profoundly to our experience. Plans, projects, and ideas are important; they give shape and structure to the work. But our efforts are meaningful in touching lives only insofar as we are able to offer a safe space for others.

In one sense this includes the literal places into which we invite youth to play, discover, and challenge themselves: at the crag, on the trail, or in the surf. But even more important are the values, intentions and practices we bring into those spaces. At an even deeper level, it’s about creating space within ourselves to receive and love others as they are, trusting that God is the one who heals and restores. We fall short of this all the time. It’s easy to get caught up in details and logistics. I often need a reminder to simply be present and listen.

The winter months offered a chance to slow down a bit and reconnect with the “why” behind the work. Cold water and bigger waves make this season less ideal for beginners, but has allowed more opportunities for mentoring surf sessions with the older boys. The transition into young adulthood is a lot like riding a wave. It’s exciting, sometimes scary, and involves plenty of trial and error.

We’re exploring ways to continue engaging young adults who have aged out as participants through offering outdoor skill trainings and opportunities to take on leadership roles. We’ve started a simple point system aimed at incentivizing and equipping (quite literally) these older youth. Points earned through assisting on programs can be spent toward buying wetsuits, surfboards, climbing gear, etc.

The rainy days inspired some other new initiatives this year. In response to multiple requests from kids interested in learning English, Jess started up a weekly ESL class. While Jess teaches English, I (Dustin) offer math tutoring – not quite as popular – and have also started up a small chess club on Tuesdays.

Speaking of space, we are very excited to share that as of last week, we have finalized the purchase of property here in La Misión. It’s a significant milestone along a 16-month journey of praying, searching, learning and stepping out in faith. We have big hopes and dreams for this little piece of land: a home where we can put down roots, gear storage for programs, a small climbing gym where youth can train, and a little guest flat for hosting volunteers. It’s a long term vision, and for now we are just entering the design phase. We look forward to sharing more soon.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed and supported us up to this point! Check out this link for a short video from the property.

Saludos,
Dustin & Jess

In the midst of it all we’ve also been able to log in some pizza/game nights, hiking, craft time, a few pool days, some climbing sessions and even a beautiful kayak day after weeks of rain!