Authentic Mexican Parade

Walking into the service at El Amor de Cristo church, there were a million thoughts running through my mind. From things like "Will they remember me?" to the handshake technique. Was it kiss-shake hands or shake hands-kiss-shake hands or ...?

But as I walked in, all of my worries were gone. Once again, the people of El Amor de Cristo greeted me like family. It warmed my heart to know I was remembered and loved. And what a blessing it was to attend the service and participate in communion with them.

Later in the day we went back to the church to meet with some families of the congregation to pass out invitations for VBS... which starts tomorrow! Woo-hoo!!

Last year, we met at the church and dispersed to either Chato or the neighborhood around the church on foot and information packets in hand. We walked around casually handing them to people passing by.

Now with that in mind, imagine pulling up to a circus. Oh yes, a circus. Three trucks and two cars decorated with colorful ballons and people dressed as clowns walking about.

With a police escort to complete our train of cars - it was official. We were a parade.

Dressed up as Biblical characters for the dramas at VBS, most of our team piled into a truck. Along with the other vehicles we set off down the street... Honking, shouting, and singing as we went.

It wasn't long before we had a chant going:
"Qiuen vive?!" -- "Cristo!"
"A su nombre!" -- "Gloria!"
"A su pueblo!" -- "La victoria!"

Which translates to:
"Who lives?!" -- "Christ!"
"To Your name!" -- "Glory!"
"To Your people!" -- "Victory!"

So there I was... Dressed as Queen Esther, in a parade. Singing and chanting in the streets.

I can not explain how cool it felt to be a part of something so amazing and unique. All of those believers, gathered together to share God's love with others... Yes, dressed as clowns.

What an amazing day! I look forward to what God has in store for us in these next days.

Thanks for praying for our team. God Bless.

 - Tatiana