Home Sweet Home- First weeks in Mazatlán

Well, it’s official! I officially live in Mazatlán, Mexico! So sorry for the delayed update—things have been a little crazy here both before and after the move. But at last, an official update.

Let’s retrace my steps.

The weeks leading up to the move were full of ups and downs—but mostly ups! I ended them getting very, very sick. I didn’t leave my bed for a week. I tried to fight it for the first 24 hours and then realized I needed to simply accept my fate, let my body rest, and recharge. This meant no “last” adventures I had planned, no eating out at my favorite all-American restaurants, no New Year’s celebration, and no hangouts.

Aside from the sickness, that week ended up being very refreshing—refreshing for my soul. I spent a lot of time talking to God, reading, and reflecting on how, in just a week, I was about to move to Mexico and how He got me here in the first place. I realized I needed that time, and the Lord knew it. I needed time to say goodbye well. And that doesn’t always mean filling your schedule down to the minute. Sometimes it means sitting alone in a room, thanking God for what was, asking Him to prepare your heart to move forward, and eagerly expecting what He’s going to do next.

So I’m grateful. Grateful for the long naps, doctor’s visits, popsicles, and even the pain—because it reminded me of my dependence on the Lord. The same dependence that brought me into this journey and will sustain me in it.

The last few days before heading out were full of love, excitement, nervousness, and sweet time with God. I kept describing it by saying,“I feel like I’m about to get on a rollercoaster. I feel scared, nervous, and oh-so excited. I know I’m going to be fine, and I know it’s going to be fun, but the anticipation is real. Yes, I’m scared—but I’ve waited in this line. I know this is where I’m supposed to be. And I know I’m safe, because someone intentionally designed this with me in mind.”

That Someone being God, of course.

So I felt all the feelings. And feelings aren’t bad. Nervousness isn’t bad—it’s natural, especially when you’re stepping into drastic change and uncertainty. I felt certain. I felt ready. I felt nervous. And all of those things existed and were true at the same time.

A couple of my sweet friends threw a goodbye open house for me, which was so special—just a few more hugs with the people I love most. I spent my last night in the States with my family, soaking up snuggles with my sweet nieces and enjoying laughs with my siblings, parents, and grandparents.

And then the day arrived.

We left the house at 4:00 a.m. and headed to the airport. I said goodbye to my dad, and my mom and cousin came with me! We took off, had a short layover in Minneapolis, and then landed in Mazatlán. Well… kind of. We arrived, but our bags—and all of my belongings—did not.

We were kindly greeted by Tonya, a fellow missionary, and my friend Mafer. We headed straight to meet my landlord and see my apartment for the first time in person. It’s wonderful. Perfect location. Just the right amount of space. Thank you for your prayers, and thanks be to God for His provision.

My first week here was full of joy and full of “firsts.” First of all, it’s my first time living completely by myself. In Argentina I was “on my own,” but I still had roommates and built-in community. I also drove for the first time here in Mazatlán—so far, so good. And it was my first time being in Mazatlán while speaking Spanish, which has opened so many opportunities to deepen old friendships and create new ones.

The STS team hosted a welcome lunch where we gathered, ate sushi, and enjoyed each other’s company. We had our weekly staff devo and missionary meeting, where everyone laid hands on me, praying over what’s to come and thanking the Lord for His provision thus far. It was truly a week full of celebration.

I’m so grateful to my mom and my cousin, Ashley, for joining me on this adventure and helping me get settled. It was such a blessing, and we made so many sweet memories. Oh—and cliffhanger resolved—I did eventually get all my luggage!

They left on the 16th, and then it was just me. Reality hit, but not in a bad way. It was sad to say goodbye, but I was also so excited to continue this adventure. Definitely bittersweet. I spent the day reflecting and venturing out on my own.

But then—the very next day—a team from Grace Church Norton arrived, along with some very familiar faces. And wow… what a JOY that week was. It was incredibly special to experience my first official teams as a full-time missionary with people who have walked alongside me throughout this whole journey.

We partnered Norton with Iglesia Sion, a church I’ve worked with before and am deeply connected to. This week represented the heart of Shoulder to Shoulder—and even more, the mission and image of the global Church working together. You could feel the Holy Spirit moving in such a unique way.

When I think of these two churches, I think of people who intentionally love the Lord, their communities, and one another. The word I’d use to describe Norton is intentional. They see the broken and needy and do something about it. They love like Jesus in tangible ways.

One of the highlights of the week was Safe Zone. If you’ve followed my journey, you’ve probably heard about it before. Safe Zone is an after-school program hosted at local churches here in Mazatlán. Its goal is to provide a safe place for kids who are at risk of—or already involved in—sex trafficking and cartel activity. Safe Zone allows kids to experience the love of Jesus.

One of the Safe Zone locations is hosted at Sion, so Norton joined them and brought crafts and a Bible story for the kids. And wow—the kids loved it. And I loved it. I got to know them, hear their stories, and communicate with them in their heart language. That meant the world to me.

This is why I’m here. This is why I spent 10 months in Argentina. All the hard work is paying off—and I know there is so much more to come. I saw the fruit.

I think one of the biggest highlights of these past weeks has been getting to know people in their heart language and connecting others to them through translation.

I feel God’s presence here with me. I know He’s guiding me. This is just the beginning of my time here, but that peace—that certainty—is still here. I’m so grateful that our God is merciful enough to bless me with that.

Prayers & Praises

Praises:

• An amazing support team and their generosity, prayers, and encouragement

• Safe travel

• A car and an apartment

• An incredible team that has so kindly welcomed me

• Already-thriving ministries that I get to be part of

• Seeing the fruit of my language learning

• Reconnecting with old friends

Prayers:

• Community, community, community

• Mental strength as I immerse myself in Spanish

• Finding a local church

• Grace for myself and for others in this journey

• A deep passion for the Word of God and a strong desire to spend time with Him

What a JOY it is to follow Jesus!

Naomi