Hello from Huixquilucan!
I’m sorry I didn’t have time to get back to the computer before this. We’ve had a very busy 24 hours and no real time for computer.
I’ll give you the update on where we’ve been and what we’ve done so far.
We arrived at the airport without any difficulties, and I was amazed that we didn’t have any issues at immigration or customs. The people were very kind and several of the customs agents spoke English. I think it helps a lot when you’re all wearing the same red shirts and carrying the same back packs too!
Next we needed to wait for Jesse to arrive to join the team after his family wedding in Jamaica. We could see that his plane had arrived, but no Jesse. He was looking for us at another gate. Terry had told Pastor Jaime not to come until after the scheduled time for Jesse to arrive, but even after waiting another ½ hour – still no Pastor Jaime. We were overjoyed to finally see him, Isaac his son, Amanda Luna and two other friends coming down the hallway. They too were told that we were coming into another terminal and had been patiently waiting for us there. So even through all the mix-ups we were finally reunited with them. The kids were all welcomed so warmly. And for the returners it was such a special greeting. We heard much of Musto Gusto (nice to meet you).
The ride home from the airport was an adventure. You can imagine how much room it takes for 21 people and luggage and drivers to get to our destination. Isaac ended up having great difficulty getting his truck to run properly. They had to stop many times and work on the engine, I felt so bad for him. Pastor Jaime ended up “bumping” him with his SUV to get it running again. Adventure to say the least in the very heavy Mexico City traffic. Our return to the Beccera house took much longer than we expected. But Senora Sara (Jaime’s wife) had a beautiful meal for us when we arrived. Mixed vegetables, baked chicken and rice. Truly they are such kind hosts. They gave up many of the bedrooms of the family for us to stay there.
This morning (Sunday) we woke up to get ready for church. Church starts at a “fluid” time in Mexico. There is a completely different view of time. J But it was a really amazing experience. The people were so happy to have us there with them, they are so welcoming, they tell us how happy they are to have us here, how much they love us. We worshipped in Spanish and in English they are so gracious to translate much of what they say. It was really powerful for the kids to have some songs be familiar so they could sing in English while the Mexican’s sang in Spanish. There were many teary eyes among the students. Terry preached and Pastor Juan (former Pastor of this church - Monte Sion) translated. I just love the Luna’s, their heart for ministry is so evident. And everyone LOVEs Pastor Jaime, he is so fun loving and so excited for the ministry ahead. Everyone wants to bring him home.
After church the people made a meal for us that we shared with many of them and we had a chance to have some great conversations with them and learn a bit of who they are. I really treasure that about them. After church (the service lasts quite some time) we drove to Huixquilucan. This for a lot of us was really fun. The drive was really so interesting, you get to see some of the city, we drove through such contrasting places tight together properties painted many different colors, so it feels very festive…then you drive past thrown together shacks and then you drive though extremely modern high rises and expensive homes. Then we were out in the beautiful country with hills and mountains all around us. Completely green and lush and beautiful.
Tonight we shared a meal made for us by the church here in Huixquilcan , Mexican Tamales! They are so generous.
We are staying in a school here in Huixquilucan. The owner of the school for nursing is a member of the church. So we’re very cared for.
The kids are doing fantastic….they are learning so much Spanish and trying to speak to the Mexican’s. Now that we’re starting VBS tomorrow and settling in more to our routine of serving it will be good.
Prayer Requests:
1. It’s been a very busy last 24 hours. Our very early departure and busy schedule has left most of us pretty tired. Please play for good sleeps and restored energy.
2. Health – Matt is still struggling a little with his throat.
3. Noah – our youngest son has a fever and sore throat, and today he went in to very strong culture shock. He spent a lot of time with me crying and saying he wanted to go home. It’s so hard to consol him and help him with this. We’ve spent some time today praying over him. And he did have many good moments, but also some really tough ones. Please pray for relief from whatever illness is effecting his throat and fever – but also for his spirit and emotions.
4. VBS beginning tomorrow. Pastor Jaime said probably about 150 kids. That we would reach out and serve and love with willing hearts.
Ok, I’m so exhausted and I hope this made some sense!
I will try and write tomorrow as well with some of the kids’ first impressions of the trip so far.
Christine
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