Music, Tacos and Michael Phelps

In our Team Mexico training sessions we talk a lot about being prepared for cross cultural experiences. Since arriving south of the border we've already had many. I'd like to share a couple of them with you.

After a long, hot car trip from Los Cabos, our port of entry, we were more than ready for some tasty Mexican food. Seated around a long table in a quaint Mexican restaurant, we watched as waiters brought steaming hot platters of braised beef, melted cheese, onions, peppers and flour tortillas. Tacos, here we come! As we began to chow down, suddenly we heard our national anthem being played. The restaurant's flat screen TV was showing MIchael Phelps' metal ceremony after winning yet another gold. One of our team members captured the moment by saying, "It just doesn't get any better than this!"

This morning we participated in an outdoor vacation Bible school where over 60 children enjoyed games, songs, puppets, a Bible story from the book of Esther, a craft time, and then snacks, of course. These activities were repeated at another location in the evening with almost 100 excited kids. At the end of the evening, after most of the children had gone home, our team and some of the Mexican adult workers sat together and sang in English and Spanish--a beautiful blend of not only music, but also worship, culture, and friendship. it was the perfect ending to a long, hot, busy, and rewarding day.

- Arlene

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

Destino Ciudad Constitucion

Stayed in La Paz last night in what seemed like a compound but it was a hidden B&B all gated in.

We were happy to finally get some much needed rest, I think we all got to bed about midnight.

More traveling issues so we split the team and the guys and Vickie sacrificed to ride the bus to our destino while the rest of us went in the van. We had to stop at Walmart for more supplies and made the 2 and 1/2 hour drive to Roger & Diana's house, thinking the guys & Vickie are on a bus & having a hot & miserable trip riding on the top of the bus with chickens on their laps. The rest of us were packed in the van with 9 people driving through the desert with air that didn't reach the back of the van & plus we were hauling a trailer w/all our luggage & food. When we arrived they also had arrived so Roger dropped us off & went & picked them up at the bus station.  Come to find out when they got to the house they were trying to figure out how to tell us they had a great air conditioned ride with a movie & a bano (bathhroom) & even had time to study.  

We had finally arrived to our destino. We all went to the church El Amor de Cristo Iglesia (The Love of Christ Church) & they were waiting to serve us lunch and were able to meet the church family. They were so gracious & happy to serve us.

We got to our hotel and will be here for 2 weeks, so we are all getting settled in.  It's good to be here and tomorrow is Worship at 10. 

- Denise

The Art of Flexibilidad

Over the past few weeks of training sessions we have been given schedules, tasks, and instruction with one resounding disclaimer... flexibility.

When you want Root Beer on the plane, but all they have is Mr. Pibb... flexibility.
When you're taking pictures on the tarmac and find a finger wagging at you... flexibility.
When it's 100+ degrees outside and the A/C doesn't work... flexibility.
When your ride from the airport breaks down before they get there and plan B is a smaller van and car (which also breaks down) and plan C has his own plans and plan D takes too long... flexibility.

We are safe in La Paz. We have food in our tummys and a lot more in the car, thanks to Costco. We are well. We are smiling. We will make it to Ciudad Constitucion...

And we're off...

We're sitting at the airport ready to head off to the nice "cool" weather in Mexico. Please pray for our safe travels.

Cady

Nickname: Cadita (little Cady)

Favorite childhood toy: Pede
How many teeth have you lost this summer: 6
Pet peeve: Incorrect grammar
Why do you want to go to Mexico: I want to see a different culture.

Ashley

Nickname: Little Miss Sunshine

Favorite subject in school: English
Favorite flavor of ice cream: Vanilla
Do you own any pets: A Dog, a Cat, and a Cow.
Whats the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this trip? Excited!