"Peace is the ability to wait patiently in spite of panic brought on by uncertainty."
I'm finding that transportation here is a little bit different than in the United States. For example, in order to get to language school, I ride a green bus. It sounds simple enough, but somehow I've managed to get on the wrong "green" bus twice this week. Tuesday, I hopped on a bus that had green stripes on the front, without first reading the list of places it was going. Okay, I figured that one out within a couple of blocks and got off. Then, I boarded the correct bus and headed for home. I was feeling pretty confident until I noticed the blockado up the road where our bus needed to turn. A blockado is basically a Mexican protest in a major intersection of the city. They use cars or buses to block the entire intersection, so that no can get through. The police do not stop them from doing this, so these happen on a regular basis. Anyway, due to the blockado, I had to get off the bus at that point. And, since I knew how to get home from there, I just walked the rest of the way. (Did I mention it was about 2 miles, in the rain, and I was wearing flip flops?)

The second time I missed the bus was today, Friday. At this point, I know where to wait for the bus and how green the bus is supposed to be before I get on it. So, this afternoon, I see "my" green bus coming and climb on when it stops. Why read the signs on the front when it's very obviously the correct color? Well, this bus headed in the right direction and I was feeling that same sense of accomplishment until it passed by the intersection where it was "supposed" to turn. This time, I approached and driver and used my amazing Spanish to ask, "Vamos a Pateon Jardin?" He said no and something else that I didn't understand, so I sat down and continued to ride. I figured that if the bus went by "my" street once, eventually it would circle around and pass it again, so I'd just ride it out. Thankfully, my bus driver was a very kind man and when we approached the correct intersection, he let me get off, so I could take a taxi the rest of the way. (I didn't feel like repeating the 2 miles, in the rain, in sandles again today, so I wimped out and took a taxi.)

Okay, so transportation can be a bit more frustrating down here. But, you know what? I'm choosing to laugh myself through these frustrations! I have laughed my way through my language classes this week. I can't believe some of the stuff that comes out when I'm speaking in Spanish! I have laughed my way through the bus issues. I get home eventually and at least it's only happened after my classes. I may not always feel this way, but right now, I choose to laugh because that's a lot more fun than getting mad. Besides, these types of things make good missionary stories, right?

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Phil. 4:4


*The opening quote was borrowed from my friend. Thanks Jan!

Reflections

Today is a day of reflections.

This morning, I said goodbye to my new friends from New Jersey. We have spent the last 10 days ministering together in 3 different churches, and at a home for children. (More stories about that are in a previous blog.) It has been a wonderful experience and I have most definitely met God in some new and marvelous ways. I don't want to forget what I have learned, so I have been journalling a lot of these things. If you don't mind, I would love to share a few of them with you. Perhaps, it may spark something in you, as it did in me.

We began each day with incredible devotions led by various team leaders. I can honestly say that each one spoke to my heart in a different way. We learned about the love Jesus had for children, what true service looks like, laying down our selfishness and finding God in Oaxaca; just to name a few. God was very clearly with us and beginning each morning this way was so refreshing. It just goes to show that God does want to speak to us and He will, if we are willing to give Him the time to do it.

This week, we had several cross-cultural miscommunications. Why would I write about that? Well, I learned a lot about the Latin American culture and how that affects the way a missionary needs to minister. It forced me to think from another perspective. As you know, I've grown up in the USA. I think and act like an American without even realizing it. For example, this week at VBS I helped with the games. By helping, I mean that I blew up balloons, untangled yarn for a game, and/or played the games with the kids. (When I was actually able to figure out HOW to play the game without an interpreter!) I noticed that almost every game we played all week long involved holding hands. The Latin American culture is very social and family orientated. I saw that evidenced in the games they played! I love discoveries like that! Then, at the end of the VBS, they gave away 2 soccer balls. However, they picked the winner by drawing 15 names out of a bag. The 15th name was the child who won. They do this to show that they are not picking favorites. If they had only drawn 1 name out of the bag, it might have been said that they rigged the drawing and it could hurt someone's feelings, so they pick 15! When was the last time I went out of my way to avoid POSSIBLY hurting someone?

I learned more about the provision of God and the importance of leaning on others for help this week. Right now, I am staying in a very nice home and having the ladies stay with me was a pleasure. All was going well until Wednesday afternoon. We came home tired from VBS and I was really looking forward to squeezing in a shower and quick nap before the evening service at Pastor Filemon's church. I turned the water on for the shower and...nothing. At that moment, I didn't exactly react with the joy of the Lord. I called Mike and Ilona, and they suggested I ask my neighbors (who also happen to be missionaries) because they would know best how to help me. I went next door, introduced myself and began to explain the problem. After a minute, the man said, "I don't speak English." "Oh perfect!" I'm thinking, but had the wisdom not to say out loud. I excused myself and ran to get Debbie, one of the ladies at my house who speaks Spanish. She came out, explained in Spanish and then, the man graciously tried to help. Unfortunately, he didn't know what to do, so he told me to ask my other neighbors, whom I have met before. I did, and thankfully, he was home and knew what to do. Our cistern had run very low because of a toilet left running all day. We had to fill it up with the hose for about 4 hours. But, a short while later, the water was on and I got my shower. Thank you God for helpful neighbors!

Last night, we stayed up late playing card games and talking to a missionary who works up in the mountains with the indigenous people groups. He told us amazing true stories of miracles and healings. The things that he has witnessed and experienced are almost unbelievable, except for the fact, that I know God still works in unexplainable ways! Our God is a God of power! As we sat outside on the third floor balcony, one thing Rod shared touched my heart. I want to share this with you, not to cause anger, but to give the opportunity for the Holy Spirit to speak to you, as He did to me last night. Rod said that he feels sorry for Christians in America because they don't need God. He said they will never experience the miracles and healings of God, unless they are willing to put themselves in a place where it is necessary for God to intervene on their behalf. Even as I write this, I have tears in my eyes because that has been true in my own life. Coming to Mexico was totally a work of the Lord. Before coming, I was very comfortable with my life. I had a great job, a great place to live near my family and I lacked nothing that I truly needed. I am so grateful for the time I had in Montana and I am not sure what the future holds for me here; but I know now that I NEED God and I don't know if I would have learned that at home. Thank you God for loving me enough to show me my need for You!

Well, I've been long-winded in writing today. If you read this far, thank you for your patience! Please continue to pray for me. This week I will be attending language school 5 hours a day. I am looking forward to gaining a better understanding of the language, but it is going to require a lot of effort on my part, as well. I'm not afraid to work hard, but please pray that God gives me physical and emotional strength, as it will be draining.

Thank you for praying and continuing to support me financially. Your prayers mean so much to me and I really do feel God's presence working in my life because of them. May God bless you and continue His work in your life wherever you live.

New Jersey comes to Oaxaca

I'm sitting here watching Nacho Libre with my new friends from New Jersey. Nacho Libre was filmed in Oaxaca, and we visited Monte Alban (ancient ruins where the closing scene was filmed) today.

What a great week this has been! It's been full of amazing experiences! We spent much of the week serving at two different churches helping with their VBS programs. Then, in the evenings, we spent time at another church and at a home for children. We have stayed very busy, but it has been full of God-moments and I would like to share a few of them with you.

Saturday, we visited the children's home I mentioned above. This organization provides a home for children, so that their struggling mothers can find a job and get back on their feet. Many of the children's mothers have come from very bad family situations. Many of the children have already been through terrible abuse at their young ages.

While I was there, I met a precious little girl who looked to be about 2, but it can be really difficult to guess acurately. The first moment she saw me, she wanted to be held. I picked her up and was not able to put her down until we left. She grabbed onto me (and my heart) and snuggled and would start to fuss if I made like I was going to set her down. I would love to include a picture, but for the children's safety, they requested that we not post their pictures on the internet. So, the pictures you see are of children from the church where we did the VBS.

Anyway, the second day we went to the home, we brought pizza. The kids lined up to wash their hands, sat down, said a prayer with us and then devoured their pizza! The little ones at the toddler table ate two whole pieces of pizza with hot sauce on it!! (I'm not exagerating!) It was so fun to watch!

After dinner, we read some books and played more with the kids. Before we left, we asked if we could pray with the kids. They happily allowed us to lay our hands on them and pray. What a special moment! Afterwards, the care-taker spoke to Mike and invited him to send someone every 15 days to teach the children about God. So, not only were we able to pray with them, but now we have the opportunity to share the saving message of Jesus with them on a regular basis! Praise the Lord!

Sunday evening, we visited a humble church that has been struggling. Their pastor is so gentle and loving and has been working hard, but it is evident that he has been discouraged. We were able to lead a service and then pray with his congregation around the altar. My heart was touched as we prayed over the people. Then, after we finished our time of prayer over them, they turned and circled around us to pray. How wonderful when the people of God (no matter the culture or country) join together to support one other in prayer and love. We spent time talking with them (in very choppy Spanish) and then went outside for what we thought would be coffee or tea. However, as we came around the corner, we saw that they had prepared a meal for all of us. We enjoyed delicious chicken soup (with the entire chicken in it--I had part of a neck in mine), tortillas, and a fabulous apple tea. They served us and then ate with us. This church is seriously struggling, but they gave their very best for us. And, you know what, the food they served was truly delicious; even more so because of their sacrifice.



During the week, we helped a Oaxacan church with their VBS program. Not speaking much Spanish was sometimes frustrating, but the kids were very understanding and kept repeating themselves for my sake. It took a couple days for the kids to get used to us, but by Tuesday, they were really warming up. Wednesday, a sweet girl named Cynthia, brought me a present. It was a wrapped box with a beautiful necklace, matching earrings, a Syvester the cat toy with a missing foot and some lipgloss. How sweet! It melted my heart to realize that she had probably gone through her treasures to pick out a gift for me. She displayed Jesus' open-ended and generous love to me. She taught me a lesson about giving!

Before I close, I want to say how grateful I am for the team that has come. There are four teens, Catherine, Rachel, Caleb and Danny. They each have a heart for missions that has been so evident in the way they have served this week. I have learned from them and feel so priviledged to have this time with them. They are using their teen years to serve the Lord and seeking His direction for their life--how refreshing! Their pastor (who doubles as Caleb and Rachel's dad) also came, along with a Spanish teacher, named Debbie. Pastor Brent's experience and servant-heart has been such a great example and Debbie's expertise with the language and fun personality has helped so much with communication. I had no idea what to expect of this team, but I must say that I have been very pleasantly surprised! Thank you New Jersey for coming to Oaxaca!

Well, Nacho Libre is over now, so I guess it's time for bed! Talk to you later!

The Journey

Well, I'm stuck in Santillo, Mexico due to hurricane Alex. This hurricane thing is new to me. We don't see much hurricane action in Montana! :) Alex is making it's path just south of us, and that's where we are supposed to be heading. But, you know what? It's all okay. God is very clearly at work, even in this storm. Here's a few quick things that God has been up to:

1. Wednesday morning--we left Texas later than planned because we met a family who are moving to Oaxaca City. They are also missionaries and their kids will be attending OCS where I will be working. They had a car accident and are waiting to get their car fixed. We "happened" to be at the same hotel, same time, sitting at a nearby table eating, when they overheard us mention Oaxaca. They shared their troubles with us and we were able to encourage them and pray with them before leaving.

2. Wednesday evening--we were not able to get as far as planned because of our "late" start, so we stopped at Saltillo instead of further south. Mike mentioned at breakfast Thursday, that if we had gone to the city we were hoping to reach, we would now be in the center of the hurricane. Hmmm...perhaps God provided for our safety??
3. Thurday--so today, we are hanging around the hotel and waiting out the storm. So far, I've had a chance to play games with Katie (missionaries' daughter), study Spanish and even do this blog! God is giving us a day to rest and relax, as well as, get caught up on some needed work.

Life doesn't usually go as planned. There are always bumps along the way. But through it all, "He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge." Isaiah 33:6a We can trust the Lord. He knows what He's doing and it's always for our good. The process of the journey is worth the end result.