This post is written by my daughter, Chelsea. 
The beginning of this year I did something crazy, I decided I was going to go to Mexico.
But not for the reason many people would think, I wasn’t going to go to Cozumel or anywhere else touristy to party and drink underage.
I was going to possibly one of the most dangerous places I’ve ever been.
Tijuana, Mexico.
I know what you’re thinking “Why on earth would I want to go there?” The answer to that is easy; to show people the love of Christ.
My number one priority wasn’t to be safe, it was to do whatever God was calling me to do, even if it may have been a little dangerous at times.
Within 2 weeks
of applying for an intern position on a missionary base, I was leaving. It all happened very quickly, and I honestly didn’t have time to process the fact that I was leaving the country, on my own, in a city where I knew nobody.
I could tell you countless stories of how God protected me while in Mexico, but today I’ll just share with you 7 things I learned while living in Mexico.
7 things I learned in Mexico
- Mexican Tacos are nothing like American tacos.
Before I left I could honestly tell you without hesitation, “Mexican” was my absolute favorite food. But American Mexican is completely different than actual Mexican food. We’ll just talk about the Tacos for a hot minute. When you think of a taco you think of either a HUGE taco from Taco bell, or maybe you think of a crunchy taco. Either way both of those ideas are completely wrong. Mexican Tacos are small, have no cheese, and are definitely not crunchy. But that’s okay, I would much prefer to have an authentic Mexican Taco over anything from America.
- Don’t assume an Uber will take you across the border.
Not quite sure why I thought I could order an Uber (for the first time in my life) and assume it wouldn’t be sketchy, or that it would take me across the border. I can assure you it was very sketchy, and the man did not take me across the border. Remember those stories of protection? This is a story I’ll save for another day.
- Don’t take the Yellow and Black Taxis.
When the only American people around Tijuana tell you not to get into a yellow and black taxi alone, maybe you should listen to them.
- Learn Spanish.
I definitely didn’t take this advice before leaving, crazy right? I was going to be a missionary in Mexico and literally couldn’t speak a word of Spanish. My awesome roommate definitely tried to teach me multiple times, but I’ll be the first to admit I’m not the best student.
- Don’t be afraid to try something.
Live a little. Don’t regret anything.
- Be prepared to be ugly.
I definitely went into this experience with the mindset that I was going on a missions trip, usually on missions trips you don’t wear make-up. Your hair is greasy as heck, and you wear clothes that don’t properly fit you. For some reason I was completely oblivious to the fact that I was living in Mexico, and everyone I would be living with would be full time missionaries who also live in Mexico. Obviously they aren’t going to dress like they’re going on a missions trip, they’re going to dress like they live there. Needless to say I was gross the entire trip.
- Confidence is Key.
I used to care what people thought of me. I used to care if people liked me. While in Mexico, I learned to not care. I now could care less if people like me. I don’t care what people think of me. God showed me my identity is in Him, not in what people think of me. Which means I’ll be who I am, and I honestly won’t care if you like me or not, because I like me.
On a day trip to Ensenada
What are some things you’ve learned about yourself or in general when traveling?
