Blog 45 27 Sep 2016

School News:

This was taken right after PE

Praise the Lord! This past month, someone contacted me to offer a scholarship to a needy student. As our tuition is very modest, it is mostly the price of the books that prevent those interested from being able to afford the school. The scholarship money was enough to purchase two sets of pre-school workbooks, and one student tuition. Here is a pic of our newest students: Aby, K5 & Sara, K4. You probably recognize Samy, and Mauricio, K4, is also new to our school this year, but he was in the first day pics of the last blog.

 

{Tommy & Jonathan are with their parents at a Missions Conference and visiting Grammy in MI}

The Great Commission!

With the start of September, I began greeting those we were inviting to church and to whom we are hoping to give the Gospel.  This is a huge step for me, as my goal is to be able to witness to someone in Spanish before the end of 2016.  Most of the time I am partnered with Jenny or Jessica, who, as of now still carry the conversation; but at least I can introduce us and offer a church tract -- small victories!

The Local Church:

September 16 is Mexican Independence Day.  We celebrated with family activities (consisting mostly of food and games) on Thursday night.  On Sunday, we had tamales after church and encouraged everyone to dress in traditional Mexican attire.

(So, much like an "Old-Fashioned Sunday" in the states.)

We all had a lot of fun and there were many visitors on Sunday.

 

Jenny & Laura in a cookie-eating contest on Thursday
 -- can you guess who won?

We continue to see many saved in our numerous soulwinning and out-reach programs.  Bro. Jon has a great vision for our church and its ministries.  

Interesting & Exciting Happenings:

The local horses have found their way onto the Mount Hebron properties.  The much rain we experienced in August and September made our grass especially appealling to them. The people here did not find this unusual at all, but I was a little taken aback at encountering horses on the sidewalk on the way to school.  Here is a pic of one in my back yard, taken from my window.  Notice the office building right behind him.

Adapting tO my Changing Life:

"Learning another language is like becoming another person."

After one full year of living in Mexico, I have noticed a few things about myself that are completely different than the "myslef" I knew from the United States.  Here are just a few samplings of instances in which I now respond completely differently:

1. I used to love to drive; just to relax and think about things.

     I no longer own a car; + driving here is very stressful.

2. I recently discovered an ant crawling on my toothbrush.

     I rinsed it off and brushed my teeth anyway.

3. One time I was awakened in the middle of the night by a spider 

     crawling on me.  I killed the spider and went back to sleep.

4. I used to make plans several weeks, or even months, in advance.

     This is no longer possible, except for grand events like

      Christmas or trips to Europe.  I am adjusting to 

     "rolling with the flow."

5. I always enjoyed a trip to the local library.

     Although I have been assured on numerous occassions that there

      is a library in Monterrey, I have yet to actually see it, 

      let alone visit it.

6. Fruits and vegetables are so abundant here that I am able to buy 

     them every week.  This makes me feel much healthier and

     stronger than the ravioli I previously used as a staple.

7.  I have not once gone out for pizza with my friends.

      I have brought home pizza from Costco: not the same.

8. I do not miss the fast-food restaraunts like I thought I would.
      We do have McDonald's and BK, but not Sonic or Chik-Fila.
      I have gotten a burger and fries a time or two, but I really don't 
      want or crave it like I thought I might.

9.  I am praying every day that the Lord helps me to adapt to my

      new life and my new lifestyle, as well as to learn the language.

      I love living in Mexico -- the pros far out-weigh the cons:
      however, it is an on-going series of adjustments.