Blog 11 01/Sep/2015

Academia Cristiana Monte Hebron

Primer Dia De Clases

Mount Hebron Christian Academy

First Day of School!   

Mie'rcoles, 26 de Agosto, 2015: mi primer dia como el nueva maestra de Ingles!

 

 

Wednesday, August 26, 2015: my first day as the new English teacher!

Two of our families are out of town and will be starting late.  I plan to take more pictures with all the students then.

Ladies' Soulwinning: (still the silent partner)
or Sembradoras (which means "seed-sowers")

The ladies have decided to wait until it is a little cooler to change Friday morning soulwinning from 10 am to 2 pm. Therefore, this was my first week to go with the evening soulwinners, comprised mainly of college students. 

(Sorry for cheesy smile; I was saying "queso" instead of cheese, so my mouth is all wrong.)
We went to one of the bus routes farther up in the mountains.  My partner, Hermana Mary (pictured next to me) won 5  ladies to the Lord.  

These pictures do not fully communicate the beauty of the scenery:

 

These pictures do not fully communicate the greatness of the need:

 

New Food of the Week:

Another dish made by Jenny.  (Have I mentioned what a good cook she is?) OK, it's not really new . . .
Jenny made it this week because roast beef stew is my absolute all-time favorite!!

Language Update:

The teenagers are helping me with my Spanish so that I can communicate better with the younger students.  I continue to work with my Rosetta Stone.  It is slow going, but I see improvement weekly.

Pics of the Boys:

Usually, I am not a very good picture-taker, but there are a few pics of the boys outside that turned out really well.

First, our cheerios!

Then soccer and frisbee in the big field!
We love Saturday mornings at Aunt Emy's!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------Thank you for taking the time to read my updates and share my pictures.  I know that commenting on the blog is difficult if you not "joined in" on Google Docs, but I would love to hear from you and how things are going where you are.  

There is always FB Messenger.

My email: superiorscholasticskills@gmail.com.

My Dad hooked me up with a MagicJack, so I can make and receive calls.

I recently joined "What'sApp" for free international texting and calling. (same #).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I also want to express gratitude for those of you who have shown interest in my writing.  I received a deposit from on-line orders this week!  This was both exciting and helpful.
For those interested, my books which are currently available or "in the works" are listed at the bottom of Blog 6.

Blog 10 25 Aug 2015

Mount Hebron Christian Academy

First Day of School!   

. . . has been moved to Wednesday.  I will post pics of the kids next week; but at least for now, here are the other teachers and I getting ready.

 

Hermana Lily (L) teaches the preschool-Kindergarten.

Hermana Emily (C, me) teaches English and Math.

Hermana Juani (R) teaches Spanish and Mexican History.

Hermana Jenny (not pictured) teaches Music one day per week.

Her. Juani also teaches English in a Mexican public school.

She and her husband are the main ones who came to Pastor Ashcraft with the burden of starting the Christian school.

Trip to the Border! part 4

At the end of July, Jenny and I drove to the border for the sole purpose of "legalizing" my vehicle. Previously, I have told about starting my car and getting it inspected. I was turned away from  the Texas department of Safety and denied an application for a driver's license because I had failed to first register my vehicle.  We spent half of the day and were only able to complete the inspection and get the application for driver's license.  I am now approaching the window at the tax office (the same window for the fourth time), hopefully with all necessary forms.

If you have not been following, you may want to read the previous installments of this saga.  

I, though somewhat fatigued, rather triumphantly hand over all paperwork and forms, along with my Arkansas title and registration.

"Ma'am, which vehicle will you be registering today?"

"1998 Infiniti QX4."

"Do you have your title and registration for that vehicle?"

{somewhat irritated} "I just gave it to you."

"No ma'am; this is for your 1997 Chevy Venture.  Did you want to go ahead and register both vehicles today?"

What! What had I done! I was afraid to speak as the tears formed in my eyes! Why did I still have this title? And, where is the title to my Infiniti??? Is it possible that I switched them and have destroyed the wrong title!

In the time I was processing all of this, the lady was asking me if I even owned both of those cars.  I felt that she thought I was trying to illegally title a vehicle (or two).

I attempted to explain; she suggested I just go out to the parking lot and get the correct title.  No, the Venture had been destroyed when it died; apparently I had destroyed the wrong title.  My eyes stung with tears and my voice was quavering when I asked what my options were at this point.

Fortunately, the nice man at the Arkansas DMV was happy to fax over what was needed to complete this process. The not-so-nice Texas Dept of Safety employee demanded that I know the expiration date of my AR registration.  I asked her if it was not on the fax.  She insisted that I tell her. This back-and forth-continued for several minutes.

If I don't know, I don't know ~ it was all I could do to keep myself from just naming off the 12 months of the year until I said the right one!

I said I did not know because Arkansas did not use your birth month but did send notices in the mail; I again asked if it were not on the document she had just received.  This went on for several more minutes.  Finally convinced that I truthfully did not know, she agreed to process my registration.

Unfortunately, the debit machine was broken and I would have to go to the ATM down the road and withdraw cash to pay the taxes and fees.  I was now in a total breakdown of sobs and tears.  I do not even want to guess at what Jenny may have been thinking when, in the midst of my breakdown, I handed her a piece of paper on which I had written: "I need you to take me to the gas station on the corner." 
I did return with the cash and pay the $198.25 for my tags and registration.  It is now 10:30 am.

So far, I have spent seven hours in offices or lines for paperwork and $243.75.

Finally, I can go to the Department of Safety and complete my driver's license application!  Remember, that I have already been here, and been given the paperwork and information / identification needed to return.  

I went to the ticket counter and was given a number.  After a moderate wait, I was called to a window. After giving her all of my paperwork (and my license plate!) I was given another form to fill out.  This form asked for all of my previous driver's licenses -- since I was 16! 
{What!  these people are crazy!}  
I just smiled and filled it in.

Finally!  I can't believe this has been so difficult! The lady looks at me and says that my address is not displayed on the proof of insurance I gave her.  Although I was almost certain that it was, I bit my tongue and took my card from my wallet and handed it to her, pointing out my address. As she took it, she commented that it, too, was a PO Box.  Perhaps I could call and ask them to re-issue the card with a physical address and fax it over.

{What!} 
I did; they did.  Now, this chapter is over.  $25. I have everything but a title.  She told me to look at the blue dot and smile.  Here is my $268.75 (+ gas & tolls) photo:

I feel like a convict!!

Ladies' Soulwinning: (still the silent partner)
or Sembradoras (which means "seed-sowers")

This week sixteen ladies attended soulwinning. There were a few new and returning students to the Bible Institute who joined us.  We went higher up in the mountain than even the last time I posted pictures of where we were.  Sadly, I did not have my phone with me.  I was privileged to partner with Mrs. Brenda Ashcraft who led two ladies in the sinner's prayer. One of them had several interruptions, yet asked us to wait so she could hear all of the presentation. She also seemed very interested in church; Mrs. Brenda and I plan to go back one day next week. 
The six ladies in my van won five people to the Lord.

Soulwinning Related Story:

One day last week, Jenny and I were picking up some supplies for use in the Bible Institute and making a few other stops, which would of course, include lunch.  After lunch, we were leaving a tract with the tip, and the waitress spotted it before we left the table. She asked Jenny for it and opened it.  She told us that she remembered that Jenny had been there before with the rest of her family (maybe because we are Americans or maybe because of Jenny's red hair) and had been thinking about the question on the front for several days because the inside of the tract that was left then was blank.  For some reason, it had just not printed.  As the waitress was obviously working, we did not take time to witness completely; but Jenny briefly described to her that it contained Bible verses about Heaven. She promised to read it.  I will not be surprised if she shows up in church the next time she is off on a Sunday.

New Food of the Week:

Tostada Siberia
Jenny is such a good cook that it almost makes me glad that I am not.  This was soooo good! You probably cannot see the chicken on the bottom, but it is there, with avocado and cream sauce on top.
Though I am one of those people who usually does not let anything on the plate touch anything else, I mixed all the flavors together on my plate and actually enjoyed it. There were so many flavors!

Also, one day this week Jenny made homemade fish tacos with homemade tartar sauce.  They were way better than the ones at the restaraunt!

Around Town:  

This is the Locksmith shop, but obviously they carry many more items.

There is a Lowe's in Monterrey, but this little hardware store is just a short drive down the highway.

Language Update:

I continue to practice, practice, practice! I am beginning to understand the advertisements on Words With Friends and they talk really fast in advertisements. :)

I am halfway through Unit 2 of Rosetta Stone.  I posted on FB the day I passed two speaking exercises and scored above 90% on the first try.

"Pride goeth before a fall." The next day, I tried the next two lessons and had to repeat the first one and barely squeaked by with a 77% on the second one.

Reading to the Boys!

Their favorite book for me to read to them is "There is a Monster at the End of This Book" starring loveable, furry, old Grover.  I read it to the twins when they were just a few weeks old and I read it to Lucas for the first time this week.

       

Prayer Requests:

1. For me to learn Spanish

2. For the Pace order to come in quickly

3. For Kristen Hall & Kathy Wilkie

These are both my good friends from college days who are currently battling cancer.

4. For finances

Blog 9 18 Aug 2015

Back to School Next Week!

As the start of school draws closer, I am spending more time in my office and classroom.  One morning this week was spent going over plans and procedures.  So, I guess that was our in-service meeting.  Jenny's lunch definitely topped any Subway catering I have enjoyed at previous Christian School in service meetings, though.Those of you familiar with the ACE program know that also means PACE orders!  Then, of course, all of the regular back-to-school excitement of cleaning, polishing, and all-around readying goes on as well!

Interesting Tidbit: One young lady Serah who lives too far away to attend the Christian school has started learning English from me in Sunday afternoon tutoring sessions.  Her grandmother is Hermana Rosalinda, my friend from choir.

Trip to the Border! part 3

Two weeks ago, Jenny and I drove to the border for the sole purpose of "legalizing" my vehicle. Previously, I have told about starting my car and getting it inspected. I was just turned away from  the Texas department of Safety and denied an application for a driver's license because I had failed to first register my vehicle . . .

Here is the list of items I was given to bring back the next day:

1. Passport

2. Driver's License from previous state

3. Social Security Card or W-2 with my SS# on it
4. Proof of vehicle registration
5. Proof of vehicle inspection
6. Proof of insurance 

When I questioned the necessity of all three forms of identification, the lady asked if I had a passport.
"Yes."
"Do you have a driver's license?"
"Yes."
"Do you have a SS card?"
"Yes."
"So, what is the problem?"  
Ugh!

So, of course I messaged Jenny to come and get me.  What luck that it was only 5:10 pm and the registration office was open until 5:30!  Knowing I could not complete the process, but hoping at least to get the proper forms to fill in and return as soon as they opened the next day, we hurried over.

Well ... the office to which we had received directions from two separate people had moved!  There was no sign as to where or even a phone number.  I was a little discouraged.  We had arrived to switch vehicles before lunch, yet had accomplished nothing but the inspection!  Later that evening, we googled, checked the phone book, and finally found the correct address. With plans to arrive as soon as the doors opened in the morning,

Jenny and I went shopping ...

At 8:10 am the next morning, Jenny dropped me off at the tax office, where thankfully, I could pay the taxes due and get my registration and license plate.  The first thing I noticed was a large plaque stating that those who did not have the correct paperwork should first go to the information desk.  Unable to see a sign for the information desk, I approached a lady to ask where it was located.

"Excuse me, could you ..."

"You have to wait in line."

"Yes, ma'am, but I  . . ."

"You have to wait in line!"

"But, you, see, I . . "

YOU HAVE TO WAIT IN LINE!!"

In an effort to diffuse the situation, I said, all in one breath, loudly and quickly, in a sing-song voice, sticking my head through her window:

"I-do not-have-any-paperwork-please-could-you-direct-me-to-the-information-desk?"

The lady of course laughed at me and then informed me that they had not had an information desk for over two years, and I was the first person she had known of that had actually read that sign.

I had to wait in line for the paperwork, fill it out, then wait in line again.  The second time, the lady said that she did not realize I was changing states so she gave me another form and sent me back to the end of the line.  Though I was not happy, I feel that my blood pressure was still only slightly elevated at this time.  It is now 9:20 am.

Now, the third time to speak with the same person just to get paperwork, I think I am finally done.  But, if you know me at all, you know that this is only the beginning.  

"Ma'am, which vehicle will you be registering today?"

"1998 Infiniti QX4."

"Do you have your title and registration for that vehicle?"

{somewhat irritated} "I just gave it to you."

"No ma'am; this is for your 1997 Chevy Venture.  Did you want to go ahead and register both vehicles today?"

And don't forget, I still have yet to return to the Department of Safety to apply for a driver's license.

I I arrived at the tax office at 8:10 am: it is now 9:45 am
& it is all I can do not to burst into tears.  I am certain my blood pressure is now dangerously elevated.

(to be continued . . . )

Ladies' Soulwinning! (still the silent partner)

Mrs. Carrie Suhl was my partner this week.  I realize that some of you reading this blog attend churches that send regular support to Mrs. Carrie.  She is an incredible lady, a faithful soulwinner, and a good friend.  One of the two ladies she led to the Lord was also celebrating her physical birthday, so now she has two birthdays on same date.  Thirteen ladies attended soulwinning.  The eight in Mrs. Carrie's van led five souls to Christ.
To help with follow-up efforts, each bus captain will be given an opportunity to turn in a street for the soulwinning group to visit.  He will receive the decision cards the next morning in Bus Meeting.

Soulwinning Related Story:

While running errands one day this week, one of my shoes broke (the sole just came off).  We happened to be only a few blocks from the shoe repairman, so we went to ask him to fix it.  When he was all done, Jenny thanked him, asked him how much we owed, and handed him a tract. He looked at the tract and handed it back.  He said he already had one of those and went on to tell us that Mrs. Brenda had previously won him to the Lord! 
*Also, he said since it was just a "quick fix" on the shoe; no charge until we bring it in for the proper repairs!

Church Highlight:

This group of young people (accompanied by a few adults) recently sang the special on a Sunday night.  I commend their practice time and willingness to use their talents for the Lord.  

New Food of the Week:

Chili Relleno

This is a stuffed jalapeno pepper.  They are served with various meats or cheeses.  You see I also chose cactus with my meal and a glass of Jamaica tea.

Jenny also treated me to an agua de pina this week!

Language Update:

I am doing better with my pronunciation, but no fear yet of developing an actual Latino accent!  Please continue to pray for me regarding my learning of the language.

8 Reasons I Enjoy Having the Twins Visit My House:

1. They obey. They are only 3, so they need reminders to share and have good manners, but they genuinely obey.

2. They want to help. They carry things for me and help keep my yard clean.  They clean up their own messes (which sometimes makes a bigger mess for Aunt Emily, but that's OK).

3. Everything is exciting! Whenever they see their Aunt Emily, or their Granny and Papa, or anyone they love, they run and give them a big hug! They enjoy soccer and frisbee outside; they enjoy painting and crafts; they enjoy building blocks and board games. Whatever I get out to do with them, they enjoy. 

4. They love to read! OK, they love being read to. But Tommy thinks he can read already because he has many of the pages memorized.

5. They give me an excuse to watch Sesame Street. (The original, educational, ones) Jonathan loves Ernie :)

6. They think I am smart.  Or, at least they must, because they ask what everything is, what it does, how it works, and why I have one.

7. Keeping them for any length of time results in a home-cooked meal from their parents.

8. I love Jonathan and Tommy.  And I love that they love me.  I love being their Aunt Emmy.

Craft Time!

T & J love painting!

A Emmy can't tell us apart when Mama dresses us alike.

These paint and assemble race cars took two sessions and came with stickers!  Even more fun!  We have been doing these and playing outside on Saturday mornings while Dad (Jon) is on his new Bus Route and Mom (Jenny) has some one-on one time with new baby brother (Lucas).

Prayer Requests:

1. Please pray for me to quickly learn the language.
2. Please pray for all of the teachers as school starts.
3. Please pray also for the 14 students (PreK-9th)

Blog 8 11 Aug 2015

Back to School Soon!

Just like all of you, we are gearing up for the school year here.  I imagine some of you have already started.  One of the other teachers and I spent Monday cleaning, preparing, and organizing.  As of now, our first day is scheduled for Monday, August 24.  The classrooms are really not that different from American classrooms.  The biggest difference is the language.

          

 

Trip to the Border! part 2

Last week Jenny and I drove to the border for the sole purpose  of "legalizing" my vehicle. Last week, I told about driving my car and getting it inspected.  We were on our way to the Texas department of Safety to obtain my driver's license . . .

Jenny dropped me off.  I noticed there were many people seated, waiting their turn, so I looked for a place to get a number.  I walked up to the lady at the desk to request one.  In the middle of my question, she asked what was the purpose of my visit today.

"I have just moved from Arkansas, and I would like to obtain a Texas driver's license."

"Do you own a vehicle?"
"Yes."
"Do you have proof of insurance?"
"Yes."
"Has it been inspected?"
"Yes."
"Has it been registered and licensed?"
"Not yet; I came here first."
"Here is your number, have a seat."

So, of course, I sat down with the others.  I noticed that there were two different sets of numbers with one from each set periodically being called to different windows.  When my number was called, I gathered all of my paperwork and went to the window.  The lady asked me the same questions as above, then proceeded to hand me forms to fill out.  She also wrote down for me the six things I needed to bring back tomorrow in order to get my license. 

"Can I not get my driver's license today?"
"No."
"May I ask why?"
"You have to have your vehicle registration before you can even apply for a license."

I have never even heard of, let alone lived in, a state that required you to register for a license plate before you can even be permitted to apply for a driver's license!  My blood pressure is now somewhat elevated.

It is now 5:10 pm.  I message Jenny to come back for me.
(To be continued . . .)


Ladies' Soulwinning! (still the silent partner)

This week I was privileged to partner with Hermana Eliud, a lady from a little south of Monterrey whose husband was reached through the ministry here.  They met while attending the institute, married, and have reared their children in this church.  Her son is our song leader; he and his wife have a son the same age as the twins.  Her daughter recently finished school and is one of the church pianists. Hermana Eliud is a faithful and dedicated soulwinner.  I prayed while she led a young girl named America to the Lord.  Although the  mother of the girl gave permission for us to speak to her about Christ, she would not permit her to attend a non-Catholic church.
The six ladies in Mrs. Brenda's vehicle led six people to the Lord.

Soulwinning Related Story:

I met a new friend at church named Lydia.  She speaks English fairly well because she and her husband (who is from here in Monterrey) lived in Houston for a while. Although they were both saved and baptized in Houston, she is attending church here because some ladies from Mt. Hebron gave her literature, prayed with her, and invited her. She has been coming here only a little longer than me.  Her husband does not attend with her.  I have seen her at church almost every Sunday.

New Food of the Week:

Pescada a la poblano!  

Fish {with} chili

I had the best fish I have had in a long time.  It was cooked perfectly and covered in green chili.  It also had elote (corn) and Mexican cream sauce (not really sour cream and definitely not tartar sauce).  
I know that I say on here that I have liked everything so far but that is because I honestly have.



News Bulletin:
I have officially resided here for 8 weeks and have not been or even felt sick once!!
PTL!!

Language Update:

I am excited to announce that I finally passed Unit 1 in Rosetta Stone! Not lesson 1; Unit 1.  I had to re-take some of the speaking portions numerous times to get the pronunciations correct.
On to unit 2!!

First Driving Experience!

I actually drove for the first time here in Mexico the previous week, but because of my trip to Texas, I really didn't have time to write about it.  And, I did a little (very little) of the driving to the border, so that gave me a few extra tidbits.

First of all, my lack of a sense of direction makes moving anywhere extra challenging for me.  After fifteen years, I still occasionally lost my way in Hot Springs. So, Mrs. Brenda Ashcraft let me drive her to "S-Mart" for practice.  It is less than ten miles down the highway and right on the corner; so no getting lost.  She was very patient and gave good directions about changing lanes and entering and exiting the highway.  All of that said, here are my observations and experiences:

Obviously taken when I was not the driver!

1. At least we drive on the same side of the road as in the US.

2. Motorcycles not only weave in and out of lanes as they do in US, but also occasionally drive on wrong side of the highway.

3. People often stand dangerously close to the side of the highway in hopes of crossing faster.

4. People often park on the side of the highway to avoid crossing and recrossing the highway if they want to stop at a market along the edges.

5. These drivers parked along the side of the highway often open their car doors without looking.

6. El barrial, or my neighborhood, does not waste money for signs to mark speed bumps; if you don't see them the first time, you will remember them the second time.

7. There are no signs for the end of the lane, either; if the white lines are gone, or if there is suddenly an orange cone in front of you, then the lane has ended.

8. If you are in the left lane (going @ 60mph) and a semi truck in the right lane suddenly puts on his left blinker (going @ 45mph) do not panic and brake as I did: he is putting on his signal indicating that he wants you to pass him.

9. The policia leave their lights on for the duration of their shift.  It is impossible to tell if they are actually "in pursuit."

Pics of Boys:

I am not sure, but I think I enjoy game and craft time with the boys as much or more than they do. 
We played futbol (soccer) outside, then some blocks inside.

 

Aunt Emily sent us home all tuckered out.

Blog 7 04 Aug 2015

Back to School Soon!

I know some of my readers start school next week, and some are closer to the end of August.  School starts Aug 26 for us.  I will be cleaning, organizing, and prepping for school until then. I am getting excited!  Please know that as I ask you to pray for a successful school year for me, I also am praying that for you.

Bright Spots of the Week:

Aunt Emmy loves Baby Lucas!

Wind Chimes for Granny!

This pic was taken by Jonathan (the twin on the left below)

Granny (Mrs. Brenda) was pleasantly surprised at
Jonathan and Tommy's hard work for her gift.  
They painted the pieces and strung the beads themselves.

Trip to the Border!

This week Jenny and I drove to the border for the purpose of obtaining a driver's license and car tags and registration for me.  It was supposed to be a "quick trip" for this sole purpose.  While I was in line at the offices, Jenny was going to get mail and packages for her family and others here at Mt Hebron who receive mail as I do. 

The first item on the licensing agenda was the car inspection.  We drove to the mission where my car has been parked to switch vehicles.  

Would you believe that my car would not start? If you know me very well, you probably expected that.  Well, we jumped it, and drove to the inspection station.  This was a Texas State Inspection Station: no one on duty spoke English, so Jenny had to translate for me.  We had to park and wait our turn.  The 95* outside with slight breeze was cooler than the un-airconditioned garage. When it was our turn (perhaps you can guess?) my car again would not start.  The mechanic jumped it, promised to leave it running, and inspected it.

The inspection and a few minor adjustments: $46.00.
It is now 4:15 pm.  We decided to switch back to the van to avoid being stranded with weak battery. We then raced over to the Dept. of Public Safety, which closed at 5:00 pm, to obtain my driver's license.
(To be continued . . .)

Ladies' Soulwinning!

As our trip to Texas was during normal soulwinning time, Jenny and I passed out tracts while out and about completing errands.  
Mrs. Brenda Ashcraft told me that the ladies in her group led three people to the Lord.

New Bus Route!

Jon started visiting in a new area this Saturday in hopes of starting a new Bus Route.  I was glad to keep the twins while he was visiting.

New Food of the Week:

Believe it or not, I tried papaya for the first time last week.  It is kind of "peachy" and kind of "melony".  I really liked it.

Language Update:

I am pleased with my increasing ability to understand what those around me are saying.  I am able to get the general idea of the church messages.  My pronunciation is improving, but I still have a long way to go.

Books:

Thank you for so much positive feedback regarding my books.  I especially appreciated the encouragement regarding 365 Days  of Thankfulness.