Let your Faith be Bigger than your Fears

What is the number one Mexican myth? 
"Don't go to Mexico, it's not safe there!" 

North Americans have been brain washed by the media into thinking that there is nothing but crime going on in Mexico. The first thing most of my friends had said when I told them I was going to Mexico was to be safe! I admit I was a bit apprehensive when I got off the plane when I first arrived.  The crime statistics for tourists in Mexico can detour even the most experienced traveler! 

Within the first week of arriving in Playa Del Carmen, I made my first journey by foot across the town to view an apartment I had planned to occupy for the next 3-4 months. After thinking it through, I worked out a few strategies I thought would help keep me safe. Here they are: 

1) As a born again Christian, guided by the Holy Spirit, my faith is built on the solid rock (Jesus). [Matthew 7:24-27] Like most Christians it is important not to do anything life changing without talking to Him about it first in prayer. [Philippians 4:6-7]. Jesus is my all and all! [Philippians 3:8]

2) Do your research! Got on google to determine the best route and exactly what the house looked like on the outside. I googled online as much as possible about Playa before arriving.

3) I talked to english speaking locals. They let me know where not to go or do. I confirmed with them my route and took further precautions... 

4) I removed my passport, credit cards, paper money and personal items from my purse and locked them up securely in my locker. And okay don't laugh... I put my rent deposit in my bra...lol! Worst case scenario if my purse is stolen, I don't lose anything important. You might be thinking...why not just take the cab? Taxi cabs can charge a lot to get around and especially if they know your a North American. Taking cabs for a week's vacation is fine, but any longer than that can get expensive. The bus is only $5 pesos and the walk is good exercise.

5) I walked with confidence down the street like a gal who knew where she was going. Didn't stop to take pictures and sightsee! I didn't want to look like a typical tourist.

Did it all work out?. Yes, no problemo! It was a 2.5 mile walk from downtown and as I got further from town, I saw very few people. Is that an answer to prayer or what? I'm grateful and my faith and trust in God is strengthened. I must exercise faith and trust in God especially 'cause I travel alone and to places I've never been before. Without God [Holy Spirit, John 14:16-18] guiding me, I would have long succumbed to the fear of traveling abroad. 

 I've been praying to go to Mexico for some time now. I imagined I wouldn't be going 'til next year. But God had another plan and he orders the steps. [Proverbs 16:9], Like the gates of Heaven, the doors opened wide and one thing after another just fell into place. Not one stone was left upturned! It's a clear sign and the green light I need to continue to move forward. 

And yes, I know that God's hand is on this trip despite the distractions and warnings from others. "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 3:14]. Amen!

"The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.." [Psalm 37:23]
"Today is the day of Salvation..." [2 Corinthians 6:2] 

  Don't know God? 

All good relationships are built on friendship, faith and trust. It is not enough to say I go to church every week? No. He wants our full submission. He wants to be our best friend. God sent Jesus, his son, and the Holy Spirit, the helper so we can come to him personally in prayer about all thing in our lives. 

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." [John 3:16-17]

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." [John 14:6] 

"And he brought them out and said, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' So they said, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.'” [Acts 16:30-31]

Need more information about how to come in a relationship with God? 

God and Salvation: The Salvation Prayer

Traveling to Mexico for the First Time

Not so public beach 10 minutes from down town Playa Del Carmen!

I left Victoria, BC on Nov. 27 and arrived at Cancun Airport on Nov 28th at 7:30 am. I remember getting off the plane and the hot air hit me like a truck! I scurried across the platform with my carry on luggage to escape into the airport's terminal for relief. "I'm in Mexico now for the next 4 months," I thought. After 6 weeks of planning, selling stuff, moving and loads of prayer, I finally made it. Yahoo!

I`ve never been to Mexico and my senses where continually on high alert.  I remember waiting in the airport before clearing the immigration line. Everything was different! I dreaded a long bus ride to downtown Playa Del Carmen after being on the plane all night. 

Sounds of people speaking Spanish echoed across the airport corridors. I listened intently to this strange garble thinking how will I ever be able to communicate to the locals? I'm not worried though... If it wasn't for continuous prayers, I know in my heart I wouldn't be here now! I`m not lucky, I am blessed! I didn`t always have great faith, but after traveling across the U.S on my bicycle, I believe it`s all part of God`s divine plan for my life! [Jeremiah 29:11]

A half an hour went by before I advanced through the lineup. The ADO bus platform was easy to find and was outside to the far left of the Arrivals terminal doors. Having had little sleep from the night before, after about 5 minutes, I fell asleep. It was a good 45 minute bus ride to the downtown Playa Del Carmen. The bus terminal was located on famous Quinte Ave in Playa and was the final destination. I woke up upon arrival to the sound of the bus engines roaring and the shuffle of feet as passengers left the bus into the terminal. I`m finally here and my new adventure begins!

Click here for:  1. Flight pictures from Victoria to San Francisco

                         2. Off the Bus for my first time in Playa Del Carmen

The ADO Bus Station on Quinte Ave.           The first glimpse of the beach.

What does the Bible say about faith in God....
"And Jesus answered them, 'Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.'"  [Mark 11:21-23]

For we walk by faith, not by sight. [2 Corinthians 5:7]