From Jesse  

Posted by Pastor Terry

Hey everyone! Wow, what a great few days we have had already! Hopefully you have heard some of the details of our week already, I don’t know how well I can summarize everything in the time I have J For myself I am doing great, praise God the food is sitting quite well with me J It has been a wonderful experience getting to know people with my broken Spanish, it has added depth to some of the friendships I had here before returning, and allowed me to have a great time with the kids at VBS. It was funny for me that I wasn’t intimidated at all by the kids at VBS this time around. Last time I was here it was a stress item for me as I never thought of myself as being good with kids. I am grateful for your prayers, as it was an answer to prayer for me to just enjoy each morning, and not feel at all like it was work or stress. I have been learning a lot from our hosts here about serving sacrificially, and I hope to take these lessons home with me. We are entering a new chapter now, with weekend excursions, construction, and soccer camp upcoming, all of which I am eagerly looking forward to.


I have had a few additional adventures also that I hope to tell you all about later. I look forward to seeing you all again, especially Sheleena and Kyrie, and hope God is keeping you well, as I haven’t had an opportunity to read the blog yet (hopefully this afternoon). 





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Sabbath Rest  

Posted by Pastor Terry

Today was our Sabbath rest day.  Day 7 on the field - and we gave students a chance to write to you.  With a team as large as ours, not everyone has had a chance to write yet, but they all will.

Blessings,

Terry

1 comments »

God is Awesome  

Posted by Pastor Terry


It was a very overwhelming day.  I hope I can articulate some of it to you, as I am very tired.  Thank you for all of your prayers over this day. 

First I have to say that the walk to the church from the school is really so lovely.  The school is lower in elevation than the church, which is more up on a hill, and along the way you can see some of the vegetation and plants that are in the area.  They have huge Dahlias, Fuchsia’s that are trees not plants, roses, and lots and lots of trees, plus chickens, roosters, sheep, cows and lots of stray dogs. 

As you know today we presented the truth that God is awesome and told the children the salvation story and the truth of what it means to know Jesus as Lord and Saviour.  The Bible story was of the Road to Emmaus (hmm that doesn’t look like it’s spelled right but you know what I mean), and then the children would have an opportunity to put their “sins” in the form of black bracelets onto the Cross if they wanted to know Jesus personally.  Amanda Luna presented the salvation invitation to the children.  To say that many children responded is an understatement.  I cannot say whether each one of them made a decision for Christ. But it is evident that we have planted many seeds that we hope the Huixquilucan church can continue to sow.  I know that these children saw very powerfully that they can take their sins to the Cross where they can be forgiven by a God that loves them enough to send His son to die for them.  We sing a song on the last day, in English it’s “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord”.  It is so powerful to me.  And it was incredibly compelling for our students to see that cross full of black bracelets.  Dave was holding the cross and it was powerfully moving for him.  It’s not often that I see that young man cry, but today I did, and they were good tears. 

Before the day started I witnessed a tender moment.  I don’t know what it was about but I peeked in on Stephen laying his hands on Matt and praying over him before our day began.  There are so many moments like that that are forever stuck in my memory about this trip. 

There were many sweet goodbyes to the kids today.  But we also invited the kids and their families for a late afternoon closing program at the city Cine’ (Cinema), where they would do a program and would pick up their crafts. 

We had a wonderful lunch of bean and vegetable soup and Tostadas, shredded chicken in a light red sauce on toasted Tortillas and you could spread sour cream over top.  One of my favourite meals so far. 

We eat lunch quite late, more like 1:30 – 2 pm, and then we had a few hours of down time at the church before we needed to leave for the program.  It was raining this afternoon again, and we weren’t sure how many people to expect.  The Cine’ holds 280 people, and within a short time it was full with many people standing or sitting on the floor, probably between 300 – 350 people.  Many of whom would never have heard the gospel.  We were overjoyed to see all of them.  It’s our heart to encourage the Huixquilican church and our prayer that they will make many connections with people through an event like this that will strengthen or further their ministry here.  Oh please pray for this church and these people.  They have a special place in our hearts!

Yolanda began by sharing her testimony with everyone.  I only caught part of it from Hayley, but some of it included that she had been wealthy and had influential, wealthy friends, but none of them really cared about her or her needs, or who she was.  Only when she turned over her life to God did He meet those needs and began to make some dramatic changes in her life and her family’s life.  This whole family (Edgar, Yolanda and Sara who runs the nursing school and 5 other siblings I haven’t met) all amaze me.  They all came to Christ later in life and now have such a passion for reaching these people of Huix. for Christ. 

After the kids sang and watched a video of the week (some of the video included your messages to them parents from our packing party  - they all clap when they hear greetings from you!) Terry preached and Pastor Juan translated.  He talked about the parable of the seeds and the weeds planted in the same field and talked about the truths that we talked to the kids about.  Inviting them to see that God is planting good seed in their life, and to take a look at any weeds and step forward in seeking the truth out about God. 

Then the Mexican’s had a special gift for us Canadians.  They brought in musicians, and special dancers to perform for US, traditional Mexican dances!  I am just overwhelmed by how much they want us to know them, and how they want to show hospitality to us. 

After the event, they asked for us to pose for “en photo” (pictures) with the children who came to the VBS.  For them it would mean a remembrance of us from Canada, and then hopefully a remembrance of what they learned about God when they look at it.  I have to say, this part of the day was a little intimidating for me as a mom, as my boys in particular were asked so many times for pictures, and the mama bear in me felt a little vulnerable, but my boys were gracious and it went well.  Many gifts of candy, or bracelets or flowers or notes were given to the team and many hugs were given too.  How can I convey to you how much your children, this team was loved? 

We came back to the house/school by about 7:30 – 8 pm, still needing some supper which we made here, then did some cleaning up and then had some Mexican pastries to celebrate what we experienced here. 

Right now the team is in the nightly team meeting.  I just saw Vivianna (Isaac’s girlfriend) and Isaac (Pastor Jaime’s son), come in to say goodbye to the team and pray for them and she was weeping speaking to them.  I look forward to hearing more about what she had to say. 

Terry and the leaders made the decision that tomorrow will just be a rest day.  We’ll let the team sleep in and then Pastor Jaime will come and pick us up about 11 am.  We’ll return to his home in Mexico City for quiet time, journaling, grocery shopping, free time and rest.  We could have gone sight-seeing but honestly it will be better for the team to rest and process some of what’s happened these past days.  I know that when we get back it won’t matter what sights we saw from a tourist perspective, but what God taught us. 

Saturday our intention is to visit the Pyramids, in Spanish its something like Teo Tih-whah-ken (and that’s a rough pronunciation).  It’s a beautiful sight and so famous here for it’s Aztec roots. 

I hope to write again tomorrow, but we’ll see how the day goes. 

Pray for the leaders, they are tired.  Terry is especially spent tonight emotionally and physically.  Dave has come down with this cold, Lyndi has a lingering cough.  Leaders don’t always have the privilege of taking care of themselves when they are responsible for making sure others are cared for.  They have lived out sacrifice.  I am so thankful they are here. 

….They are singing right now… “Lord you have my heart, and I will search for Yours”.

Pray these words will be their commitment from this day. 

Love to all of you,

Christine

8 comments »

God is Strong  

Posted by Pastor Terry


Good evening from Huixquilucan.  Today we got to experience so much of what makes this community so unique and beloved by it’s people.

It began again with getting ready this morning, some kids have been taking advantage of being able to have a shower here at the school which we appreciate so much, though there is no hot water tank so those showers are mighty chilly!  You appreciate so many more things when you are in a situation like this.  This is life for many Mexicans, no hot water, maybe limited electricity, a small house, a humble house.   And I have come to be happy just to have a shower available for me every few days.  There is a lot that seems to matter at home, that really doesn’t matter that much here.  I know that that is impacting the students. 

Today it was very cool and rainy as we left for the church.  Terry found out today that we are 1.8 miles (3000 meters) above sea level here.  As we arrived the weather began to clear up and it was cloudy but not raining all morning.  This afternoon though it poured and when I say poured, there are periods where it’s all out downpour!  If you’re stuck in it (which today we were), you’ll be fully soaked.  We tease that it’s our shower for the day. 

Today the team was leading on the theme of God is strong.  The Bible story is of Joshua, the people of Israel and the walls of Jericho.  Kids became the people walking around the walls, and the leaders were a “wall pyramid”.  In the craft the children made “strong” creatures out of soft foam play dough.  The Mexican nationals were fascinated with the play dough we brought and said they’d never seen it before in Mexico and what a great thing it would be for their ministry, so that was fun to bring that to them.  The crafts were so great today!  The kids had so much fun and were so creative, we saw all sort of variety of animals and creatures!   So many of us are really taken by the absolute beauty and warmth of the Mexican children.  They love easily, and there are some kids we’ve already made some special connections to. 

One of our new friends is Edgar.  He is one of our translators that I’ve probably mentioned before.  He and his sister are some of the people that are helping plant this Huixquilucan church.  He is such a kind person, and really has such a heart to reach these people, and such a heart to give.  He has helped us so much.  Has taken time off of work to be with us each day.  Please pray for Edgar, he is feeling the call to ministry either pastoral or missionary and I can see how God would use him in wonderful ways.  Pray that God would confirm if it is His calling for Edgar and that He would provide for him to prepare for ministry. 

I saw some great things happening with students today, Siobhan really seems to enjoy and do well at sitting down and spending time with kids, I love watching her just enjoy the children and love them.  Stephen is just a natural too with the kids, he’s great for a little goofier roughhousing or teasing, and the kids are always seeking him out.  Erin has done wonderfully planning and carrying out crafts and working with each group of kids.  Tim has really amazed me.  I see God so evidently at work in him.  We had a great conversation today about him really feeling God so present and real here.  Such a delight for me to hear that.  Matt today worked so hard on being able to say the Bible point of God is Strong in Spanish, (he talks about it with the kids at Chatter’s Theatre) it is “Dios el Fuerte” which is pronounced DE-aws el Fwher-tay.  He had such a hard time getting the FW in there together, we were so proud when he finally got it! 

Oh Sheleena – your husband’s Spanish is amazing.  I can’t believe how he can converse.  Jesse was able to spend some time with Isaac last evening and had some really fantastic fellowship.  He just looks like he is totally in his element here.  And he’s so great with our students too.   You can feel really proud of him.   And Voss’ I am just so touched by Megan’s leadership just by her presence with the team and with the Mexicans.  She really takes in each moment.  I’ve so enjoyed spending some time with her. 

You’ll all have to ask your kids what their “Mexican” name is.  Many of the pronunciations of their names are different in Spanish and some of them are so cool.  It’s really something I’ll always remember.

After an amazing lunch of pork (almost a stir fry) and rice that we were able to put into freshly made corn tortillas with lime sprinkled on (OH YUM), we played soccer, hung out, talked with some of the nationals that help us…we went on a walking tour of a spot in Huixquilucan that is very special to them.  It’s a cultural centre that emphasizes the arts, music, dance, painting, drawing, native Mexican music…etc.  It was built to help young children in the city learn something positive that can influence their world.  It really was very interesting.  Then a friend of Yolanda (one of our hosts at the church) gave us a talk on some of the history of the city, and area.  Hayley did an amazing job translating for us.  I was so proud of her.  There have been so many influences here, Aztec gods, early Mexican roots, Spanish conquers, and Catholic influences, all of these things mixed together.   You can understand why a little church plant like Huixquilucan  is so important here, and why they face challenges in presenting the gospel of Jesus to these people. 

Please pray for us tomorrow.  We will present the gospel message that Jesus saves, and what it means to have our sins forgiven and a personal relationship with him.  Many of these children have never heard or understood what it means to know Jesus personally and live with Him as Saviour and Lord.  Pray that our communication would be effective and that children will respond to His spirit calling them in love.  Nothing else. 

Later in the afternoon tomorrow (about 4:30 after our final day of VBS), we’ll be inviting the parents to come for a program showing a video of the week, Terry will preach a short message and the kids will sing.  Please remember this time in prayer as well.  For many of these families it will be their first time in a church setting.  I think Terry is going to talk about the parable of the soils. 

Tonight I read to the team from Philippians 1:23 – 2:11…talking about being one in spirit and purpose, having the attitude of Jesus as we serve.  I told them how proud I am of them in the ways I see that happening in our team.  I am powerfully moved to see how we are our own little body of Christ here, and how each of our gifts, abilities and choices to serve are making a difference.   They have chosen to step forward to involve themselves in His work, and in doing so, they have allowed their lives to be used and changed too.  Praise God! 

Prayer Requests – The team is tuckered, pray for renewed energy and a dependence on God for our own strength each day.

Some kids are struggling with stuffy-ness and cold symptoms.  Some of that could be because of the humidity, ever changing weather and altitude.  Pray for health and restoration.

Pray that the team begins to assimilate some of what they are learning – not just into their heads but also into their hearts and spirits.  Some of the lessons are intangible yet, but they can begin to allow it impact them if they are willing to take some time to reflect, pray that we would have wisdom to help them with that. 

Ok…I’ve talked a book again, and it’s time for me to get ready for bed.  Thank you again, all of you;  parents, relatives, and friends for your continued support and teamwork with us in praying.  We love you! 

Christine

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God is Real  

Posted by Pastor Terry


Beunas Tardes!  Good Afternoon!

We are home from our second day of VBS.  It was a really great day.  We woke up to cool and cloudy weather today, we are up even higher in altitude here and the clouds were covering the tops of the hills/mountains.  Some of us really notice the altitude when we are walking up and down the hills. 

Terry was able to go with Pastor Jaime and Hayley to get some groceries yesterday so the kids had a lot more options for breakfast this morning, which I think they were grateful for.  So there was jam, peanut butter, muffins, oranges etc. 

We walk down to the church from our school/home each day, today ALL of the team members wore sunscreen :) .  Gratefully Noah’s fever broke and though he was a little shaky he was determined that he wanted to come to VBS today.  So I was able to go too. 


The children were all there and ready for us to start at 9 am.  They line up in age groups outside the gates of the courtyard where the church is located.  The church has permission to close off the street and so we begin with our opening songs in the street as we gather them together.  Today Christie and Megan led the songs and taught the kids new actions to new songs.  Then we begin with each age group moving to one of the stations (Crafts, Games or Chatter’s Theatre). 

Today the craft was making a wind chime to illustrate the point that God is Real.  Just as the wind blows the chime and we see it move, God is real and in action in our world – even when we can’t see Him – we can see what He does.  Erin, Emily, Lyndi and Noah helped prepare the craft and then it was all hands on deck helping them put it together.  Our largest group of kids is the 4 – 5 year olds so you can imagine how busy it is.  Today I think we had about 135 + children. 


Joel did a great job leading games again today.  We did a version of duck duck goose – but in Spanish and Freeze Tag with the kids.  I love to hear their laughter and see their enjoyment of just playing.  What I saw today is that some of the children are intimidated by all of us Canadians to being with but really warm up as the day goes on.  Mexican people are so very warm and friendly.  I delight in seeing how they want to know us, learn about us and spend time with us.

Katherine is a natural with the kids.  She is usually seen being held in each hand by some little person, and they sit close to her and want to be hugged or talked to.   One of the children today brought a little English/Spanish translation book with phrases and she sat on the sidewalk and spent time talking with them. 

After one station the kids have a lunch break and then move to the other stations and finally finish at the Bible story/singing time.   Joel, Siobhan, Tim, Matt, Hayley and Lyndi taught the Bible Story about Rahab and the Israelites saved on the roof. 

I’m so very glad to see how much help it is to have students and leaders that speak Spanish.  Hayley lead the Bible time with the whole group and “review” with the children and you can see her teaching gifts come out with them. 


I absolutely loved being at VBS today.  To see our students spending time jumping in, leading, caring for kids, showing love, being shown love was amazing.  I am coming to see why this culture has been so moving to our students and leaders that have come before.  When you are loved so generously how can you help but love back?  Today one of the girls was eating a mango, I asked her if that was what it was and she said yes, then went and got me one.  My first Mexican mango!  Oh was it delicious!  It’s so ripe and flavourful that you can peel it like a banana and eat it.   Some of the people of the church were concerned that we Canadians would be cold at night sleeping on the floor.  They collected a huge bag of blankets for us for tonight.  They give so generously out of whatever they have.    I have a new perspective for God’s love today, I feel like my world became so much bigger, His work so much more than our limited viewpoint. 

I was so touched to see different relationships being built between the team and Mexican children and some of the older kids who are helpers for us.  There’s so much I wish I could articulate better.  There are lots of hand clapping games, laughter, and English/Spanish mixes. 




Well, the church again made us a delicious lunch at about 1:30 pm.  Mashed potatoes, this amazing pasta – almost like alfredo but not with such thick sauce and some pieces of chicken, and a sweet juice drink and bread. 

The church petitioned the city for the use of a bus, so after lunch they went on a little excursion to see a beautiful church and an amazing viewpoint.  Terry then asked if they could return a little early today so that the team could have quiet time (right now) and then we’ll have prep for tomorrow, supper here at the school which we’ll make for ourselves from the groceries we bought, and then the team meeting/worship later.  Hopefully an early bed time then the 11:00 pm we’ve been having. 

Prayer Requests –  The altitude seems to make the kids really stuffy and some kids are looking a little worn out.  Pray for good sleeps, for kids to pace themselves and take rest when it’s offered to them

Pray for our preparation for VBS tomorrow, and that we would make good use of our time.  The Bible point for tomorrow is "God is strong".  My heart is that children would grow in their understanding of the Lord that they would maybe for the first time begin to understand who He is to them.  We really want to make an impact here in this community for Christ.  

Pray for the kids as they are likely moving between some culture shock and an embrace of the culture and people.   Pray that they would be listening to God’s voice in their own lives and be willing to listen to what He wants to teach them.



Praise – Matt is improving we think with his sore throat, we’re keeping an eye on him.   He’s definitely a trooper.  A very tall trouper too :)  

Noah definitely is improving, we’re trying to help him take it easy for a full recovery. 

You know the one child (of our children) we probably had the most concern for was Ethan on this trip and he’s embraced the people and time here most!  What a great answer to prayer. 

I am incredibly grateful for Dave.  He is the Assistant Team leader and has jumped in to take over in many places when either Terry is pulled away, or like last night when we had to take Noah to the hospital.  He is such a great young man, and I see God growing his leadership in so many ways.  

More first impressions from the team:  

Scary/fun and exciting (I was really over tired when we got here!)  - Drew

Overwhelming!  The hospitality of everyone here is more than I could imagine.  I have fallen in love with this city, culture and these people.  I don't want to go home!  - Erin

It's been encouraging to see and instantly become a part of the community here (2 Corinthians 3 - really reminded me of the church here in Mexico - rich generosity and eager willingness) - Lyndi

They drink a lot of pop! - Ethan (Ethan didn't realize that they drink pop with us because we can't drink the tap water!  We also drink a lot of bottled water here).  

............
Alright friends!  I need to eat my supper of a ham sandwich, crackers and some cookies and then we have prep work!  

I'll try and add more pictures another post - It's really taking a long time to get them to load, and there's lots still to do tonight. 

Blessings on all of you at "home", we are so very grateful for your prayers and support, it very much carries us through!  

9 comments »

First full day in Huixquilucan  

Posted by Pastor Terry


Another very full 24 hours. 

Let me just say that we have chickens and several roosters right beside the house where we are staying.  Terry wants to eat the one that started crowing at 3:30 am. 

Well, unfortunately during the night Noah our son became more and more sick and not much sleep was had for us.  I made the decision that Noah and I would not be going with the team in the morning for VBS.  And he and I would stay here at the school to let him sleep and have some quiet.   

Because of our very late arrival last night we couldn’t purchase our groceries, so  the team had a simple breakfast of pre-toasted bread, butter and juice.  Then they all walked down the hills to the church.  Huixquilucan is full of high hills and mountains, it is a very simple and beautiful place.  Much less urban than in Santa Ursula, and yet still full of people.   This morning began with clouds and looked like it would be cool, yet it warmed up beautifully and much of the day was very sunny.  Can you say…hmmm sunburn?  Later today I reminded the students – even if the day starts cloudy….it will likely get sunny, so never forget the sunscreen. 

The team did their first  day of VBS and there were approximately 115 children, many of the younger ages 4 – 8.  Highlights of the day – Christie leading in Spanish – not just reading it from a page, but on her own leading and singing in Spanish.  Seeing the students jump in and get to know and love kids.  Their attempts to communicate often-times without words, but often learning new Spanish words.  Having Amanda Luna here to assist in the lessons with the children and in Chadder’s Theatre.   The adaptability of the team to ever changing plans or circumstances, they are really learning to let go of the need to know everything and trusting God’s leading in different circumstances. 

Apparently Joel and Ethan were very popular with some of the older girls as Joel lead games and Ethan helped.  (hee hee!).   It was a good start to the week ahead. 

The church families made us lunch again today.  It was delicious.  Meat balls with some sauce and rice and vegetables.  Then as Terry and Hayley met with Pastor Jaime and Amanda about possible plans for the day(s) ahead, an impromptu game of soccer started up with the Mexican’s.  The kids had SO much fun.  There was much laughter and friendships being built.  

Later in the afternoon the kids went on a bus tour of some of the city and stopped at a mall.  Noah became more and more ill and his fever increased.  The place we were staying is a nursing school, (Thank you Lord),  so one of the nurses Senora Delores looked at Noah.  It was such a humbling experience for me.  My Spanish is so limited, and she didn’t speak English.  I have a new respect for newcomers to a country.  It is so humbling to sit there and want and need to understand and be understood. She was trying so hard to help me.  I had my Spanish/English Dictionary and she called her son to help her.  I said over and over Pardone (pardon me..I’m sorry) and she was the one feeling bad because she didn’t know English.  She expressed such kindness to us.  She thought it was a throat infection.  One of our translators Edgar has a friend who is the head doctor at a local hospital, his wife is a Christian but he is not, but he is sympathetic and wanted to help us, so later tonight we went to the hospital and Noah was seen.  How grateful I am for that.  And for Amanda who could translate for us.  Noah has infected tonsils, quite badly, so they gave him a shot of antibiotics with what we describe as a “very long needle” and also gave us medicine to take home.  Right now he is sleeping peacefully beside me.  Praise God. 

As we were waiting at the hospital, a family came in with their little girl – maybe 1 years old, she had obviously fallen and had a huge gash in her head and scrapes on her face.  She needed stitches and from her cries I know they had to hold her down to put them in.  It hit me that babies cry in the same language, and mother’s and fathers feel the same anxiety and concern over their children, and compassion can be communicated without words. 

Right now the team is doing their nightly meeting for updates, worship, team building, prayer and planning for tomorrow.  I am so touched by their prayers, singing and laughter.  They are doing really well everyone.  I think now that we are “settled” into their routine for a few days it really helps them too.  They are doing what they are here for. 

Here’s a few first impressions from the kids:

Feels like home – Dave

The people here, all of them, are so nice and are social and understanding despite our cultural differences - Joel Voss

Incredible atmosphere all the people are super loving and God’s love is so clear here – Tim

I have loved meeting and talking with the Mexicans – Stephen

Loving, caring compassionate people, so GLAD to be back!  - Megan Voss

Amazing surrounded with great kindness and hospitality.  It’s great to be back and looking forward to the VBS – Matt

It’s so great to be back with mi familia mexicanos!  I’m looking forward to the great times we’ll have and I’m loving just about every minute of it!  - Alex (I have to add that Alex’s Spanish is really coming along so amazingly!  So proud of him)

At first I was VERY scared, but everyone that we met was incredibly nice and welcoming.  I am continually impressed by the love they selflessly give us, even though they have never met us before.  I am also very excited about the fellowship that is developing within the team and between us and our hosts – Katherine. 


…alright everyone, I’ll add more 1st impressions in another post.  This is a book already. 

Let me just say too, for you first time families – There has never been a moment were I as a mom have not felt safe here, or that my children were not safe.  We are so well cared for and the team really looks after each other with such intention.  I know as a parent that reassurance means a lot. 

God is good.  Even in the things that are difficult and you can’t understand.  I continue to trust Him for what He will do in us and through us.

Christine  

5 comments »

First 24 hours  

Posted by Pastor Terry


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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