a little update...ha!

(Top left: Narcizo getting ready for with the stroller - our great yard sale buy!
Narcizo and I looking at Baby Alvarez at 8months...we are waiting dear!
Next, Narcizo and I at 2 days before our babies arrival!
Narcizo and I on July 17th with Susan Emiliana Alvarez Moree!
And here we are heading home as a family!)

Let's see it was May 29th, when I last wrote on the blog...since then many things have happened. We have spent this time here with my parents in Heath Springs...during the birth of our baby girl, Susan Emiliana Alvarez Moree. She was born on July 17th at 3:34 am. She weighed 7.4lbs and was 20 1/2 " at birth! The Lord blessed us...as He always does. She is absolutely beautiful! Other blessings concerning this, we were at the hospital for a breast-feeding class when my water broke so we just walked on upstairs to Labor and Delivery! I was in labor for 3 hours and the delivery was normal and all natural with no complications....thank you Lord!

Since then, Narcizo and I have been getting accustomed to our little angel while mom and dad have been enjoying her (and spoiling her!) We went to the beach the first of August for a little taste of the SC beaches before we head back to Mexico. She has been able to enjoy our Saturday morning hobby...yard sales! (well, we enjoyed them..and she slept!) She is sleeping through the night with only one time to wake up for feeding on most nights. We are thankful!

We have been able to reconnect with friends and family during our stay and have enjoyed many meals with friends in their homes! I have been serving mom and dad Authentic Mexican meals...and some other friends....and they have all enjoyed it!

Emiliana received a vaccine shot at her 1 month checkup which led to a staff infection. So, for the last month we have been fighting off that with 3 rounds of antibiotics and several visits to the surgeon! Thankfully, it is healing now! Our plans to return to Mexico changed during this time, as we don't want to travel with the possibility of her leg worsening. We wanted it fully healed! During this time, we were asked about the possibility of driving back to Mexico and taking Narcizo's brother's truck...we accepted as it will allow us to take back things that we need for Emiliana. So, as we begin our journey back on the 19th of October...please begin to pray for us during this time! We plan to drive as long as possible with a 3 month old and then stay somewhere for the night. So, we assume it will take us about a week to get to his mom's house in Veracruz. Then we plan to stay with her for a week before heading on to our home...she is sooo looking forward to seeing her grand-daughter!

Honestly, this should put us back to our house around the first of November and we will get settled in and begin handing out our flyers for the classes and calling students to come back! Pray for blessings on our work.

And one last thing, please pray with us as we ask God to lead us as husband and wife and also as mother and father in the things He would have us do....in the ways He would have us raise our daughter and in the influence we can have in our teachings to our students! May He bless our work...and may we bless His name always.

More pictures to come!

Just a little slack lately....

ok, so...once again the months are passing by and I haven't done anything. We have been pretty preoccupied by things. Let's see to do a small recap....April - we had the threat of the SWINE FLU in Mexico which closed down the schools for 2 weeks. We, in protecting ourselves and of course our baby, closed our classes also.....and we headed for Veracruz to stay with my mother in law. We were in no threat there as we were in the country of Mexico..small town and not many people. While there, we enjoyed our days by swimming almost daily and I learned some more about cooking like his mom cooks (always important thing to do) - Narcizo did some work around her house, we went walking...and swimming some more. Basically, relaxed. We were thankful for this time with our family and the time to relax before our little baby arrives!

After we returned back to Mexico City, I had many things to do around the house to get things in order for us to leave. I actually left on May 16th for the States and Narcizo will be coming next Friday, June 5th. He is finishing up classes with the students and preparing them for a test they must take on June 6th.

We are soo ready to be together here in the States - you know, when you spend everyday all day together...2-3 weeks apart is a very LONG time!

Baby Alvarez is growing - wow....and moving..it's simply wonderful! Before I left, recorded Narcizo's voice while talking to the baby at night. And each night before I go to sleep I put the recorder there so our baby can still hear his/her Father's voice. There are many times when the baby starts moving a ton while listening to Narcizo's voice. So amazing, the life, the miracle inside.

I am at 32 weeks and after the ultrasound visit today...once again we got a good bill of health from the doctor. Another blessing!
ok..so I need to post some pics...I will do it soon! I promise!
Continue to pray for us and the safety and health of the baby but also pray for Narcizo as he travels next Friday with his mom here to SC.

Why do we worry? The birds don't.....

Mathew 6:25 - 27
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Interesting story….since the fall, Narcizo has been babying our plum tree in our yard. It looked sick for awhile and we thought we may need to cut it down. But he has been watering it, cutting it back and just “babying it’ along with the grass. Now, within the last 2 months we have seen the tree grow so beautifully. We also have seen hundreds and hundreds of blooms that turned into green plums and now many are turning red. We are enjoying them. And at the same time, so are the birds. We both know that God is the one that grows the fruit and He gives it to us. And while we don’t mind sharing with the birds…since God provides for both of us, it bothers us when the birds only eat a few bites of each plum and then fly off!!! So, to stop that, we have been trying to harvest a little earlier and let them ripen in the house. Well, that didn’t work. Because we like it better to just pick it straight from the tree.
So, we are leaving them there…and we are sharing with the birds. As you know, God is the One providing for both of us!

Another interesting story…the other day, we had a message from the health department here saying they needed to me (Susan) to come to the office on the next day. We both were wondering what that was about…slightly worried. You know how we do, we have no clue but our mind begins to think of the worst. One thought…what if, for some reason they decide not to service me while I am pregnant. What will we do then?! So, we went the next day…to find out something amazing. Another provision….you know Who it was from?! They were letting us know that at the beginning of every month I needed to bring in my paperwork and I would receive a basket of food. Yes, a basket of food! Every month…free! I left with 3 boxes of cereal, 2 boxes of natural juice, 4 cans of tuna, a can of sardines, a big bag of rice, a big bag of black beans, a big bag of peas, and a bag of powdered milk! To say the least, we were surprised and as we left, we were guilty. Narcizo said…”Here we were a little worried at what they were going to say, and God was simply providing something else for us!”

Why do we worry? Just as He says in Mathew He will provide for us…we are more valuable than the birds of the air and our Lord feeds them! What an awesome God we have! If one day, we can always remember that and NEVER ever be surprised at his goodness towards us. For we know, that … Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Teaching a child....

You probably know the verse, if not...Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. and also...Ephesians 6:4 (NIV) Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

These are things on our mind already. As we have been praying over this daily, I received something just so wonderful and sweet from my brother. My 5 yr old nephew, Elijah, is such an adorable little fellow with such a great heart. And he composed his own song, my brother added the guitar in the background. Check it out. What a great example! You will absolutely love it!

http://travelingalong.com/node/71

How Amazing....

Psalm 139:13-16
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

How amazing is our Lord! Wow...I have known this for almost all my life and then almost 7 years ago now...I knew it in a more real way. The kind that only comes from a true relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And now, at this time in my life, wow, I see it ever again...and am so amazed again. Why are we amazed? We know He is wonderful. His works are wonderful. And something new takes place and our eyes are opened once again!

As most of you know, we are expecting a baby. Our first and we are so excited, so anxious, a little nervous, ....you name it, we are. Excited for what the Lord has done..He has blessed us with a child. Simple..He has done it. And we are thankful. Anxious...all the FIRSTS...such as the First sight of a baby in my stomach, the First movement, the First hiccup, and of course the First day we see him or her! We are anxious for them all. And a little nervous...we pray that the baby will be healthy, we pray we will be the Christian parents God calls us to be, we pray that we will know how to discipline in the right way, we pray that he/she will come to know God as his/her Savior, we pray for their future. I'm sure these are all the same things that all parents go through....but these are our thoughts. And they are all new.

I wanted to share it with you....to share our excitement, to share our nervousness, and to share our prayer requests. We love you and look forward to seeing you (our friends and family) soon, as the Lord permits.

By the way....it is so exciting to lay awake in the morning and to feel this child (as big as my hand now) and to know their is a child breathing inside with a heartbeat as the Lord is knitting him/her together. And the Lord has seen the baby already...knows its days just like He knows ours. Amazing.

Are you amazed? That's how wonderful our Lord is.....

Pictures of our families together at Christmas

1 - Dad, mom, Narcizo and myself at a restaurant in Charlotte.
2 - Mom and I hosted a Christmas meal for our families together including turkey, ham, dressing and all the fixings. (L-R Dad, mom, Narcizo, his brother Francisco, his mother Andrea, his brother Celestino and daughter Marisol, wife Aurora, other daughter Andrea.
It was wonderful time together. And Narcizo did lots of translating!
3 - The Alvarez family
4 - Mom, Narcizo and my sister Teresa
5 - My uncle Tommy and aunt Marie with Narcizo and I.

ok, so its been awhile...

We have just gotten settled back in and been passing out flyers to let our students know we are back and ready for classes. Thank the Lord, He has sent them back to us pretty fast. So, we are back at work and more students are coming daily for help with schoolwork.

I will be posting pictures of our break with family and friends but first, we must show you this one set of pictures that we just love!!! You may not be able to tell what it is but just use your imagination and know we are waiting to see another photo.... This is at 14 weeks!

We are here!

Just want you to know, I will be updating it soon....but WE are in South Carolina with our family! We had a good flight home and our family was awaiting our arrival! We are blessed to have a wonderful family. I will post pictures later!

Our sunny weekend in Tlayacapan

This past weekend we went to a city about an hour away - not very far....but a huge change in the weather. We were able to wear shorts and t-short and thought about going to a water park...but decided to save that money and just enjoy ourselves. We headed here to buy some pottery before going home next week. This place has streets full of stores and places to buy pottery made by the people themselves. It was a great weekend.

We also were able to enjoy the food.....of course, here in Mexico, the food is the best. I have no problem admitting that. Actually, the best food can be found on the streets or in Fondas (simply a market style place with tons of people cooking different things in their stand...homemade and delicious!) At each stand, there is someone ready to get you to sit at their location and eat their food. Enough to offer samples as you walk all the way through. If we were different, we could easily walk around the whole place several times and fill up for free....but no, this is there business and they need the money. So, if you are ever in Mexico....you must go to a fonda....or eat on the street. I promise you -it's better and cheaper than the restaurants!

The Thanksgiving Dinner

Another thing to be thankful for, the Lord helped me as I prepared our Thanksgiving meal for the first time in our home here in Mexico. It is alot of work but I truly enjoyed it. It was a little more work than normal since everything is fresh here...but it is definitely more healthy. And when we all sat down to eat, I was thankful that the Lord provided the food and the home and also our new friends from our new church. Our friends who joined us are Cesar y Ana Camacho and their 2 little girls, Sammie y Vivi. We enjoyed a nice evening together and were able to share our testimonies with each other and to be thankful for all the Lord had done in our lives thus far. We enjoyed a hen and dressing, gravy, broccoli casserole, and a homemade Hawaiian Nut bread. Yum yum.... Here are a couple of photos.

Thanksgiving! Getting ready for the meal....

ok, so things are different here in Mexico..actually most other countries than the US. We got the hen today and I started preparing it.....you can check out the video...

A saint passed away recently...

The Deese Family - (l-r) Lynn D Moree, Charles Deese, Nina D Carnell, Carla "Danky" Taylor, Diane D Gay, Mary D Morgan, and Richard Deese

My aunt, Carla "Danky" Taylor passed away this past Thursday, November 20, 2008. She had developed alzheimers and over the last several years, it had progressed leaving her in a state that sometimes she is aware for just a little time and then off into the place that these minds go.

My aunt Danky was the oldest in my mom's family and she was like the rock of the family...spiritually. She is the one who has prayed for each of her brothers and sisters and family members for many, many years. She has prayed for their soul most importantly. As a Christian, you have a true desire for others to come to know Jesus Christ...especially your own family members. You have a desire for them to know the Savior and what He has done for all of us. You have a desire for them to know the many blessings that He gives to us, the protections, and the guidance. And the most important, you have a desire for them to know...the PEACE of knowing that one day...whenever each of them finally lays down to rest for eternity...that they will be in the arms of Jesus Christ to live with Him forever.

This, my friends and family, was the true desire of my aunt Danky! I am thankful that I was raised in a Christian home where not only my family "knew" God existed but "knew" God existed in a way that their actions tried to follow those of our Lord. In this environment, I learned many things, not just from going to church, but from the examples my parents gave me! Thank you Lord for this wonderful blessing!

Watch this small video clip of my Aunt Danky (on right) along with another saint, my aunt Mary (on the left).

And as she would say to you and to her remaining family... I am saying to you....

Do you know Jesus? Do you "know" Him as a friend and most importantly Savior? Without Him, how lost I would be. He won't turn you away... when you truly want to KNOW Him.

In Memory of Carla "Danky" Taylor -
She is resting in the arms of Jesus Christ and is healthy once again!

Thanksgiving is coming!

You know, when you do something every year at the same time for all of your life...it's odd when you go to live in another country and others don't know or care anything about that tradition. As is Thanksgiving for me here in Mexico....no one cares about that....and maybe most don't know.

So, as this Thanksgiving week is coming and we are here in Mexico, I have been planning already. We have plans to buy a big hen (since the turkeys cost WAY too much!) and I will be preparing a Thanksgiving meal for us this week. We decided to invite some friends of ours from our church since we have no family close by. It will give us a chance to host our spiritual family for a holiday that I observe in the States. We are thankful already to have some friends in which we share a common bond - Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior!

You can say a prayer for me now for several reasons....this is my first time to ever try and cook this meal. I am searching hard to find the right seasonings and food to make it a similar Thanksgiving meal. And now we have invited people, so there is extra pressure to get it right!
But the Lord will help me and my husband too...

As this Thanksgiving week begins, truly take a moment to reflect on all the things you are thankful for. And know, that..."Every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." - James 1:17
And as you have your meal together with family and friends this week...take time to share with others what you are thankful for.

We will be posting later...our thanks to the Lord for all He has done!

Mexico Weather...

I'm not sure about most of you, but I was clueless as to how the weather was going to be here in Mexico City. I assumed...hot. And actually, when I first got here and it was rather cool, I was suprised. I kept saying to myself "this summer is going to be awful" - I am very hot natured (normally) and was a bit dreading to see how hot it was going to get.

Well, "summer" has now come and gone and I was only able to sweat on a few days. Odd isn't it? Well, as I have said before, we live in a mountainous area. Actually Mexico City is about 3000 m above sea level and where we live on the outskirts of Mexico city, it is actually about 5000 m above sea level. So, I experienced May...and it was the hottest month..however I was not aware of it. You know in SC we have warm weather for a longer time and it is MUCH hotter there than here.

Actually over the last 4 -5 days, it has been sooo cold that I haven't warmed up at all on any of those days. I was beginning to wish we had planned our trip home for Christmas a little earlier. We have a small heater that mom brought to us..and it helps a little...but its so cold! It's a different cold here. It's a dry cold....and that cold gets into the bones!

But wow, how wonderful is our Lord! On Saturday, He gave us such a beautiful blue sky with only a few scattered clouds. It was absolutely gorgeous! And I am sooo thankful now, for the tall walls and tall houses that are close to our house. It allows me....on a day like this....for about 2-3 hours sit in just the right spot on our grass or in the hammock and soak up some sun to warm my bones! It's as if I am at Myrtle Beach in May....how delicious is that!

So, yes, yesterday I enjoyed the sun for about 2 hours in my shorts and tank top and we took a nap. As the sun is moving....you know when its time to go in and put more clothes on. I was so thankful to the Lord for that yesterday....and last night around 6 pm...it was like 40 degrees and freezing with the winds blowing off the mountains.

Anyone care to visit us??

Fish anyone?

Yesterday afternoon, I cooked a delicious healthy meal. Ever had swordfish? Its great. We buy it fresh at the market - with all the other fresh vegetables, fruits and meats. This was baked in the oven and I poured a mixture of sauteed onions, garlic, tomatoes, and lemon juice on top while baking. Along side with boiled brocolli and carrots and our favorite jamaica water to drink!

I know, it has been awhile...

sorry, it has been so long. We have been fighting sicknesses for awhile. But PRAISE THE LORD...Narcizo is better and our little colds have almost gone! For the past two weeks, basically we have been teaching and going to the doctor, and resting to get healthy. The doctor did mention something for us to do in the mornings while Narcizo was real sick. She suggested we make a juice from fresh squeezed oranges, lemons, pineapple, and blend in carrots. We started that and can't stop. It's delish! So, that's our routine every morning now about 30-40minutes before we eat breakfast. You should try it! Great vitamin intake. and did you know that once squeezed, you should drink orange juice within 15 minutes! Enjoy!

Yes, we can be serious!

Just want to tell you guys that things are going great here! And we are looking forward to seeing you in December...if the Lord permits!

just having a little fun!

Our new hammock!

You know I have never been fond of a hammock before. I guess because I have never owned one. Well, we recently bought one while visiting another state here with my parents. Last week, we finally had the chance to put it up! And what an amazing thing! I absolutely love it! Especially around 1:30 or 2:00 in the afternoon...the sun is in just the right place and even if its a little cool..it feels great. The sun is beating on me and allowing me to get a little more tan for the end of the year. To cover my guiltiness, I carry a book with me...perhaps The Purpose Driven Life or some English books...but after, let's be honest, 2-4 minutes...its down and my eyes are shut! We also enjoyed one night under the stars, built a fire, got the blanket and pillow and watched a movie in it. If you don't have one, try it out....You will love it!

Paint thinner

More than seeing people drunk, I often see people sniffing paint thinner. Wow...I am amazed at how many people (young and old) sniff on paint thinner. They can hardly stand up as they take a long, long draw from a ball inside their hand. I have seen men sniffing so much they fell down and didn't even notice. My insides were sick....my insides are sick..when I see this. Not so much as to the fact they are sniffing it but sick that they are seeking something more. And this is what they have found.

We are all seeking something more or we did at one time or another. The sickness I have when I see this is that there is sooo much more for these people. They are lost in this world that offers so many subsitutes for the REAL thing. Jesus said..."I have come to seek and save those that are lost." Our Father is waiting and watching. What can I do? What can you do? Or are you still searching for something more?

so...what have you been eating...

While on vacation, my sister in law wanted to cook for us, so we agreed. I knew the two animals we were eating were "tejon" and "toche"....that's all I knew. I agreed to try it. You know, I believe now that if anything is cooked right, it can taste good. Today, I just found out what one of them was....ever eaten this little creature before? The other, I'm still not sure about....and not sure I want to look it up!

all we need....

- an excerpt from my journal during our relaxing vacation in Veracruz...

Nature calls yourself - to be simple. It says "you don't need anything but me - I will provide all your necessities" From food, to water, to shelter, to work, and to fun and in the most extreme situations, your clothing. But first to experience this and know it - you must let go of all you have known before and "expect". The American lifestyle teaches us to expect more and more. Not that it is taught in our homes but the culture, society, does it without us knowing it. It's like being raised in an environment where bad language is used all the time - the people, the children, they know no different. It's all they know...until they take a step into another land and begin to learn a different way. And even then, its a hard cycle to break - its somewhat instilled in you - yet it can be done with time and with an open heart and mind.

Jesus is just like this...He calls you to be simple...He says, "you don't need anything but me, I will provide all you need!" But it calls you to simply be open hearted and to trust...

The Twenty Dollars

Today is Wednesday in the morning. Many things to do. We need to pay the water bill, to buy two tanks of gas and to buy some color sheets of paper for our flyers.

(We just began our classes. Yesterday, while I was teaching to one guy, I asked to the Lord for more students. As soon as I finished my prayer, there was a woman knocking at the door asking for our classes...Wow! Amazing Lord!)

Many things to pay or buy and money is tight. We left the house after we prayed to the Lord. Few meters ahead there was a man. He said "Teachers, wait. I owe you some money." He gave us 200 Mexican pesos ($20 dollars). We thanked the Lord and we continued on our way.

I was feeling as though I was the richest man in the world with my twenty dollars in my pocket and my Princi by my side.

Thank you Lord.
Narcizo

Well, we are back from Veracruz!

We got back on Tuesday evening this week...we left the warm and dry weather and got off of the bus to cold and rainy weather. Boy, were we glad we left for a while....our skin and bones were able to get a little warm before winter comes. Not sure if you are aware...where we live in Mexico..is on the outskirts of Mexico City...on the mountainside. It's called Topilejo and its cold...almost every day. We sometimes have some nice sunny day...but the high may get to only around 70-75 if there are no clouds in the sky. I realized not too long ago...that this weather is actually very nice (for me anyway) -if you know me, you know I am always hot natured...so this Mexico heat I was really worried about. Thank you Lord...He sent me to just the right weather...isn't He wonderful!

ok, back to Veracruz - We visited his mom and family there and ended up staying 12 days. It was nice and relaxing. We worked on our land while there, cleaning and watering palm trees, went swimming at a small waterfall, went searching for mushrooms (to eat) while horseback riding, read, slept and just simply enjoyed nature in the way God intended it! It's always amazing to see how God can use nature to speak to you...I'll write more about that later but for now, here are a few pics. enjoy!

HARD TIME

This is a hard time. People are losing houses, jobs, savings, everything. This is the reality.
Now people need a promise. No more realities, please no more.
But there is a big promise, a big chance to change. We need to remember that God has two big arms to hold us as if we were babies and the babies are never alone. And babies smile even in hard times.

Narcizo Alvarez Gonzalez

Mi Dios me dio mis palabras

Mi Dios me dio mis palabras. Algunas dulces, otras amargas; algunas mas de colores. Me dio Palabras suficientes para pintar un mundo mejor, mas distinto. Un mundo donde quepan otros mundos... y esto, esto es solo una platica.

My Lord gave me my words. Some sweet and some bitter. Some colorful words. He gave me enough words to paint a better world. more different. A world where other worlds can be ... and this, this is just a conversation.


Narcizo

the beauty of nature

We are still here...wow, what a relaxing time...Nature is wonderful...when we learn how to appreciate it. I will tell you about it when we get back home. We plan to head back to Mexico city the first of next week...so I will post a few pics then. Talk to you soon.

Out to the country

We will be heading out to the country for a few days of rest and relaxation while visiting Narcizo's mom. We are heading to Paso Del Macho. We have some land there and maybe, if the Lord tells us so...we will put a small cabin out there. Only the Lord knows His plans for us now....

Here is a photo from the last time we were there. Our land is full of Mango trees...and if you don't know what mangos are...you are missing out! ....a simply delicious fruit!!!

the family pic in Xochimilco

Thought you would like to see a family photo as we were riding on the boat cruise in Xochilmilco.

the last day blues...

Its the last day before leaving back for South Carolina and being a little sad...Dad was in the bed all day. Well, he wished it was just because he was sad....he was a little under the weather. He skipped breakfast and went back to bed...then slept through lunch. At six, he decided to get out of bed and try to feel a little better. I hope he gets better before the flight tomorrow.

A sunny day in Cuernavaca..

We headed to Cuernavaca (another state away) - since its down in the valley off the mountain, we actually saw the sun. Unfortunately, this picture was taken after a little problem developed from the bus ride. Mom lost her camera..... so we were all trying to get over this. It was a beautiful 2 days there. We are still watching the buses to see if we see the same bus driver....not sure if he claimed it or if someone else claimed it after we got off the bus.

Relaxing cruise in Xochilmilco...

We went on a nice relaxing one hour cruise that was "motored" by someone on the back. Along the ride, other boats came up beside us to see if we needed anything. In case we wanted to buy some food, they were selling corn, others were cooking right there on the boat and we enjoyed some quesadillas. Others were selling drinks, jewelry, souvenirs. And there were even boats ready to play music for us and take our pictures. We had a great time. Here are a few pics.

Welcome to Mexico Mom and Dad!!!

They made it safe and sound Saturday at noon and we haven't really stopped since then. Here are a few pictures - I will update more later! This first picture is an airport Welcome to Mexico! In the second picture....Welcome to our home!

Saturday afternoon, we went down into Topilejo (our very own Heath Springs here in Mexico) and we went to the Corn Festival. Everything was made with corn - even a corn drink (Atole)

We had been wondering last week if mom and dad would try some different foods - well, they haven't stopped trying them! Last night at an Independence Day Celebration, Dad even had a bowl of cow stomach last night. He passed on the cow feet. Mom said...no, thank you to both of them. We have had a great time! Here are a couple of photos!

Today we are heading on a small vacation from the vacation! We are going to another state where it is WARM!!! Finally, we need the shorts. So...I will update you later!

Fresh and New daily....

As you know, I recently got a new kitchen and everyday, I have been putting things in THE right place, cleaning it to a shine, and basically, being very attentive to it. It's new! Don't we all do that with everything new?! And later, when the experience is not so new, how we aren't quite that attentive, maybe its not THAT clean.

Then I thought , how precious is our relationship with Jesus Christ that it should never become just something we have. It must be refreshing daily to us - new and alive! But that comes from our emphasis on Him - not His emphasis on us. He is here daily..but are we going to Him? If we seek to find Him daily - our relationship will be new. I am guilty of this - sometimes I have let my relationship with Jesus become just something I have had for awhile.

What about you? Is your relationship with Jesus fresh and new daily? Or is it just something you have had for awhile and you know its there?
Father, forgive me for the times when I don't treat you as the precious jewel that you are! Help me to keep you first always in my day. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Having fun or not - time still flies by!!

It amazes me often at the speed of time! I remember when I was younger hearing the phrase..."when you get my age, time flies by!" - When did I get to that age?! These years go by faster and faster, especially when you are planning for something. And since March, my husband and I have been planning for the visit of my parents in September. And here it is..they are scheduled to arrive next Saturday. We are so excited about their time here with us! and then...my negative side says..."That week will be gone like it was only 2 days!" I say to myself...Ugh...Hush..let me enjoy this! This ever happen to you? Well, here I am still awaiting their arrival, if the Lord wills, we will see them soon!

Comments?

We would love to hear from you and any comments, thoughts, advice, or simple "hellos"! We miss hearing from friends and family! We hope you enjoy the blog!

remodeling...of the house.

We are almost finished with the kitchen..here is a before and an after...I will let you figure out which picture is which. He is currently working on the bathroom...and we are hoping the bathroom will be finished before mom and dad come next week! They are too...since the water still isn't "running" in our home. We are still carrying it in in a bucket! Have I said..life is different here?! But I love it...and of course, he does..it's his country.

a big delay.... what have we been doing?!

Yes, it has been a long time since I have written on the blog! Wow, it is now September the 2nd and we are getting things ready around the house for a visit from my parents in 2 weeks! We are looking forward to their visit! For the past several months, we have been busy with many things and boy, does the time fly by!

At the first of May, we finished our regular classes and took a small vacation to the beach in Oaxaca. Then I visited mom and dad for a suprise Mother's day (and Father's day) present. I enjoyed a week there with my family! It was good to spend time with them although I was missing my husband!

The first of June, a major part of the construction took place in our home. We moved into a temporary housing we made down the stairs from the house so that we could put the roof on the house. yes, we had a roof but it was made of a laminate...kinda like a cardboard with an oil base on it. Anyway, the month of June we were living in a small room and teaching in that same small room. We began some Saturday English classes where we had 3 small girls come. They were a pleasure to teach.

Then the first of July began an intensive summer course that just finished the third week of August. Each day we had 4 classes. We began at 10 with our first class and it ended at 12, the second class began at 12 and ended at 2. We had a 2 hour break (if you will) to run to town and eat something and run back. Then from 4-6 was our third class and we ended from 6-8 with our fourth class. Wow, by 8:30...when everyone had left, we were exhausted. We taught an average of 40 students per day...ranging from the ages of 3 - 16. yes, that is right...3 year olds. Don't be confused...these 3 year olds were in the same class while teaching English, Math, and Spanish for me. (you see since my spanish is still weak, I am teaching the younger ones since I know enough to teach them) And my husband is teaching the older children Chemistry, Spanish, History, Physics, Math, you name it...

So, its now, September and we are taking the month off...kinda, since we have students that come to the gate and knock when they need help with their homework. It's nice. and we say "Thank you Lord!"

This is a picture of our 3 little girls on our Saturdays. Wendy, Lesli, and Yasmin. They also came to our summer school class 3 days a week. This was in our temporary housing...notice the bed in the background. We called this our rustic house and classroom. We currently are using that room as our classroom. Here's another photo of our rustic classroom. It's actually kinda nice. And the first picture you see is us....trying to rest a little before the next classes start back!