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!