Miracles Across the Border: How Mexico Shaped My Story
Crossing the border into Mexico felt like stepping into a place where God’s love breathed through every dusty street, every warm tortilla, and every child’s smile. Each visit left me forever changed, and it’s this spirit that inspired my upcoming debut novel, When the Mundane Becomes Miracles.
These mission trips to Mexico with my dad were the highlight of every year in my early adult years. Sometimes my mom joined us, but it was usually just the two of us partnering with another pastor, his family, and their ministry, building up a community that had grown from a former dump to rows of shanties and tin-roof homes. Each visit was a chance to witness God’s love in action and see joy flourish in places where life could be both challenging and beautiful.
One of our Christmas traditions was bringing gifts for the children in the community. My dad and I quickly learned to choose toys that didn’t require batteries—gifts like balls, bikes, and Barbies that could bring joy without needing replacements. Each year, we carefully selected items that were simple yet meaningful, gifts that would last and bring lasting happiness.
These experiences of choosing practical, thoughtful gifts inspired a scene in When the Mundane Becomes Miracles, where the characters discuss the perfect present for a young girl in their community. They want to choose something that, like our Christmas gifts, would be useful, enduring, and a blessing for the whole village. In writing this scene, I drew on memories of prayerfully selecting gifts that balanced the joy of giving with a genuine desire to uplift those we were serving.
No trip was complete without experiencing the local food, which became an unforgettable part of my time there. The taquerias were a must, with fresh tortillas, seasoned meat, and the warmth of meals shared together. Every bite felt like a taste of God’s provision, reminding me that fellowship and faith can be fostered around even the simplest table.
Then, there was the PAN car. I remember standing in the bustling streets, listening as lively music filled the air, and a car passed by announcing “PAN!” at each stop. When I asked about it, I learned it was a bread car—a mobile bakery of sorts, delivering fresh bread with all the excitement of a parade! It was a moment that felt uniquely joyful, a reminder of how God can bring delight into the most unexpected places.
At the rallies, I would lead the children in worship, teaching them church songs I’d learned in Spanish just for these trips. Seeing their faces light up as we praised together is something I’ll always hold close. The community was open-hearted and receptive, welcoming us as brothers and sisters in Christ, eager to share not only their lives but also their faith. Each visit renewed my spirit and reminded me of the beauty of sharing God’s love, and I often left feeling like I’d received more than I had given.
Those annual mission trips instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of small, faith-filled gestures—gifts that last, meals that foster fellowship, and laughter that reflects God’s joy. When I began writing When the Mundane Becomes Miracles, I felt led to draw from these experiences, not only to shape the setting but to anchor the novel’s themes. Through my characters, I wanted to explore how everyday acts of kindness, like choosing a thoughtful gift or embracing someone’s language, can ripple out with God’s grace in surprising ways. Mexico taught me to find His beauty in the ordinary, and this novel is my way of honoring that lesson.
~ Tiffany G. Jackson
