December Already?

For someone who grew up in Montana, I’m finding it difficult to believe that the Christmas season is upon us. Christmas in Mexico has a little different flavor. They have the dancing Santas, the song, “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” (think about that one), lights, poinsettias, and even Christmas trees; but we’re still averaging 70 degrees most afternoons. To my Northern brain, 70 degrees means late summer or early fall, not Christmas.

So, even though there will be no snow here, it is still one of the most wonderful times of the year. Isaiah said it beautifully, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

May Christmas be a blessed time for you and your family as you celebrate the birth of our Wonderful Counselor, the Greatest Gift of all.

Some Things I've Learned In Mexico

1. How to climb up a ladder to the roof to pump the water and check the gas tank.
2. That the Mexican people are incredibly creative.
3. How to use public transportation.
4. That walking is the best and usually fastest way to get around blockades.
5. That geckos and lizards ARE my friends.
6. That cockroaches are NOT my friends.
7. How to take a shower in 2 gallons of water.
8. How to chase down the water guy.
9. That cutting the grass with bush trimmers is possible, but takes forever.
10. That I really enjoy a good tlyuda.
11. That music is really best at FULL volume. (And if you can hook up more speakers, that's even better!)
12. That MKs (missionary kids) have their own sense of style, but they are truly amazing!
13. That the Mexican people are always willing to help, no matter the inconvenience to them.
14. That praying and talking with fellow missionaries is very helpful and refreshing.
15. That God is faithful to me, even here in Oaxaca.

Diaper Drive

Last Friday, I visited a home for children here in Oaxaca. They have about 30 children who have come from difficult family situations. They are doing a great job, but it is still a tremendous amount of work!

This past Friday, I was helping some of the toddlers get dressed after being bathed. When I reached for a clean diaper for one of the little ones, one of the older girls stopped me and explained that I was supposed to put their wet diapers back on. I thought that I must have misunderstood her, so I went ahead with the clean diaper. A moment later, the adult worker corrected me again and reiterated that I was to put the wet diaper on the kids because it was only wet and not dirty.

It then occurred to me that the reason for this was because they don't have very many diapers. And, what do you do with about 8-10 children under the age of 3 who are not potty-trained, when you only have one package of diapers left and limited resources? It's not a great solution, but what else could you do?

Well...later in the day, we came up with an alternative. We are going to do a Diaper Drive at the Christian school where I also work. So, next week we'll present it to the student council and get this project going. I'm so excited that the Body of Christ is coming together to meet a physical need for an organization that is providing a second chance for these precious children. We're praying that God will continue to keep this door of ministry open and we are hoping for good things to come in the future as we strengthen our relationship with them. Will you please join us in praying?

James 2:14-17

*For the safety of the children, I am not allowed to post pictures of the kids from the home. This little girl is from a VBS we did this summer.