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.

Questions

My mind is full of questions this afternoon. I was walking home from meeting with my friend and I passed a man who was having difficulty walking due to legs that were somewhat deformed. We greeted each other and as I continued on I said a prayer that God would bless him. Suddenly, the thought came to me...what if God wanted more for that man than just a half-hearted blessing and good thought? What if God wanted to capture that man's heart with His love? What if God wanted to heal his body in a physical way? What might God do in that man's life if I really prayed for him?

I've been reading the book of Luke in my devotions. Luke was a doctor, so naturally his book focuses a lot on Jesus' miraculous healings. He healed a man who was paralyzed. Jesus delivered a boy who was possessed by a demon. He raised a widow's son from the dead. Luke 4:40 says, "The people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them." The Scriptures are full of examples of healing, restoration, and deliverance. As far as I can remember, God did all of these things because His children were praying. Even Jesus, God's Son, knew the importance of spending much time in prayer. Do I really believe that if I pray Jesus still has the power and desire to work miracles in people's lives today?

What could happen in my neighborhood if I began to pray for the salvation and healing of my neighbors? Would the man who sits on the corner in the same clothes everyday begin to smile because he's realizing that God loves him and offers him hope? Might the old men who sit under the tree all day become men of God who could teach their children and grandchildren the ways of the Lord? Perhaps the kids who pass me on their way to school each morning would be better able to apply themselves in their studies so that someday they can grow up to help others? And what about my sweet neighbor-lady in her little restaurant next door? Could she also offer spiritual food to those who are hungry and desperately searching?

So today, I'm asking myself--Why do I pray? Is it a habit? Do I pray just to "cover my bases," so I feel better? Or, do I believe that, "The prayer of a righteous man (or woman) is powerful and effective?" (James 5:17)