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Update emails - page 2

19 SEPTEMBER 2005

    The first half of August was relatively uneventful, with work going along as usual in the office. But we have been getting to know more of the people from the church that we attend (the one whose VBS we helped with). One of the families from the church took us out to dinner on a Sunday afternoon and we had a great time getting to know them and eating good food. We also were invited to and attended a birthday party for the son of another family. And this past Saturday we accompanied the church youth on an outing to Chapultepec Park, where we had a picnic, played a water balloon game, and went to the zoo. We spent a lot of time walking, but it was a good time. We enjoyed being a part of a native group rather than being just tourists. The younger kids took care of us by always ensuring that we were within the group, as there were many, many people around. The youth plan on including us in their monthly outings from now on.
    One great blessing we have experienced came in the form of dental work. Richard discovered a small hole on of his teeth, and upon mention of it to our friends in the office, we discovered that one of the church members, Eunice, is a dentist. Within a few days Richard had an appointment to which he went with our pastor’s husband, Ignacio (who helps at the office). This was quite an experience, because Krista wasn’t there to interpret, and neither Eunice nor Ignacio speak English. Eunice called Krista at the office once to get some information, due to confusion. During the procedure a different cavity was found and filled, while Richard had little idea of what was going on. (I thought she was going to pull a tooth!) Krista was there for the second appointment (for the other tooth), and now she has an appointment of her own next week. The dentist is only charging for her supplies, but we hope to bless her in return beyond this minimal cost.
    Our car had some troubles, but is being taken care of. It is drivable again. We are fortunate that our coworkers/friends know a good local mechanic and have helped take care of us.
    We were also blessed to be able to attend a Work and Witness conference in Irving, Texas on September 13 and 14. We met several people interested in the current Church of the Nazarene projects and ministries in Mexico. Hearing about these things and spending time with those present encouraged our hearts and inspired us for future work here. We heard many stories of God’s amazing works. It felt like we were becoming a part of a family, and hopefully we will be seeing many of these folk either on Work and Witness trips or other activities in Mexico. One of the couples had rented a car and told us that their purpose for one day was to transport us wherever we needed to go. They took us to Wal-Mart, where we were able to pick up some things that we cannot find in Mexico. We enjoyed fellowshipping with them during lunch at Wendy’s, finding out that they have been heavily involved with missions since 1979. It is remarkable to hear how God works through the lives of those who serve Him. That evening we visited a friend of Richard’s from his semester of study in Russia, who lives nearby. Krista was able to meet him and his wife, Zac and Lindsey, and we had a good time chatting, playing Dutch Blitz, and eating at a local barbecue restaurant called Red, Hot, and Blue. They also took us to Barnes and Noble, where we each picked up a few books to bring back with us. All in all, we were glad to have had the opportunity to get back into the States (even though it was HOT!). Fortunately we had taken a half full suitcase, so we had room for our purchases and a few items that were shipped to us at the hotel from Krista’s folks.
        The Mexican Independence Day was September 15th, so we missed that while we were in Texas. We did, however, revisit the center of Mexico City on the 12th. The National Palace and several historical buildings and churches are located there and many large decorations were put up. It was beautiful, but very crowded!

JANUARY 2006

    In October we went to Teotihuacan, an ancient city an hour northeast of Mexico City. It was fascinating to see the pyramids. We climbed to the top of the two big ones, and some of the smaller ones. It was very interesting to see how people were so dedicated to a sun god and a moon god. If only we Christians could be that dedicated to our True God!
    In November Krista went with the youth from the church we attend to minister in a poverty-stricken neighborhood. The youth performed a few skits, sang, and provided treats for the neighborhood children. Krista took her puppets and taught some songs, as well as did an impromptu skit. One woman from the church cut hair for several children for free, a ministry that was definitely hands-on.
    Thanksgiving was great, thanks to Ron and Laura Sylvester (Work and Witness coordinators), who not only opened their home to us, but to 23 others as well! It was fun celebrating an “American” holiday with our Mexican brothers and sisters. They were surprised at how many dishes of food could be made out of pumpkin! On the day after Thanksgiving, Richard went with Ron, Ron's friend Stan, and Stan's son and daughter, Shane and Stacia, to hike up Iztaccihuatl, the third highest mountain in Mexico. Richard, Shane, and Stacia made it to 15,513 feet, a couple thousand short of the summit. They didn't have enough time, not to mention that Richard didn't have enough breath, to make it to the peak. It was an incredible experience!
    In the month of December we had to drive back to Texas because our car permit and traveling visas were soon to expire. We also planned to take a week and a half 'vacation' while we were in the US (which was approved by our boss), so we left our car in San Antonio and flew to Chicago. We had found great ticket prices. We spent two and a half days with Richard's parents and brother in Michigan, lunch with a few friends in Illinois, two and a half days with most of Krista's family, and one day with Richard's sister, brother-in-law, and new niece. We were sad not to be able to see all of our friends or family, but we were glad to be able to spend the time that we did. Our return to San Antonio was quick - we only had seven days - and then we shopped a little, getting some items we can't find in Mexico, and made our way south. Traversing the border took a few days however. When we tried to get our visas in Reynosa, across from McAllen, Texas, we got trapped for the entire morning in a mad mess of traffic and a lack of directing signs. We discovered that the immigration building, where we needed to go, was closed because Mexico President Vicente Fox was there. We finally got back into Texas well after noon. This cancelled our plans to get to Mexico City that night, Wednesday, delaying us instead until Friday. Our car is not allowed on Mexico City streets on Thursdays due to their law designed to keep certain vehicles off the roads on certain days based on the last digit on the license plate. So we bought our permits and drove to Monterrey on Thursday, and arrived at our home Friday evening, just in time for dinner.
    The week before Christmas was full of “winter night” services at our Iztapalapa Church of the Nazarene. Richard also came down with the flu this week. Because of this, Krista drove for her first time by herself in Mexico City. We attended the Christmas Eve service together, and then went to the Jimenez house for Christmas Eve dinner. On Sunday evening we went to the Children’s Christmas program and stayed afterwards for piñatas and punch. It was funny to see the adults rushing in to get the candy!
        We hope that you all had a blessed Christmas, celebrating the birth of Christ. As always, thanks for your prayers and support.

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