Blog 17 13 Oct 2015

Sports: The True Universal Language!

School continues to go well.  It was my turn to teach PE this

week, so we learned about the Great American Passtime, Baseball.  We actually used a softball because everyone did not have gloves.  The regular PE teacher, who was out of town, has been teaching futbol, or soccer.  Although most of the kids here are already very good at dribbling and kicking the soccer ball, he is teaching the rules, positions, and fundamental drills. The students do a lot more running than actually playing.

Soulwinning (still silent partner)

This Friday a few people were out of town but the eleven ladies in our van led 29 people in the sinner's prayer.  My partner, Rosa, led two young adults at the same house who were brother and sister, and also a teenaged boy farther up the street.  Mrs. Brenda and the ladies in her van saw 5 souls saved earlier in the day.  I am not sure about the second van of ladies or the men's totals.  And once again, the college ladies beat the college men!

New Food of the Week:

Lemonade made with chilla seeds

While visiting Cola de Caballo (see below), we enjoyed a picnic lunch.  It looks like I am just eating a sandwich . . . but in Mexico, it is rarely just a sandwhich.  There is almost always avocado and peppers.  One of the ladies brought homemade lemonade with chilla seeds in it.  I did not know that chilla's had seeds.  It was very good. (The lemonade is in my water bottle.)

Running out of bread did not keep me from having seconds!

Language Update:  

I am learning many words from my students.  They are helping me with the pronunciations of different animals and sports words.  Occassionaly, the students get a chuckle at my pronunciation attempts, as several unrelated words can have similar sounds. As both Spanish and English stem from Latin roots, many of the mathematical terms are very similar, so I am picking those up rather easily.  Overall, I am progressing; maybe not quickly, but at least in a forward direction.

Cola de Caballo Cascada:  

This was a pleasant outing to a very beautiful waterfall not at all far from my house.  Mrs. Carrie Suhl drove for this outing, which included the picnic pictured in the food section. 

Maybe you can see that the falls look like a horsetail? The name of the waterfall in English is 

"Horsetail Falls" 

literally translated, 

"Tail of the Horse Cascade."

 

The Boys Are Back!!

I really, really missed these guys.

You may have seen my FB post regarding our conversation.  I mistakenly attributed the punch line to Jonathan, when it was actually all Tommy. Tommy was telling me how much bigger Lucas is and asked Mama to show Lucas to me.  After a few minutes of talking to Lucas, I asked the boys: "Do you know who else is getting sooooo much bigger?" Tommy's reply: "You?"

The top pic of the twins was taken by their Mama. Then there is Lucas, always with the expressions.  The bottom pic of the twins is playing with sand at Aunt Emmy's house. 

Prayer Corner

Thank you for continuing to pray for the needs listed in detail in Blog 13.
1. For students to be influenced through the Christian school.
2. For me to learn the language so as to be more effective.
3. For finances.
4. For the family of Kris Hall: sometimes the week after the funeral, when everyone else returns to their lives, and all is quiet on the homefront, is the hardest.

Blog 16 6 Oct 2015

New Students in Christian School!

Another family has enrolled their three students in Mount Hebron Christian Academy!! All of our desks are occupied now.  If we continue to grow, we will need new desks; and eventually, hopefully, a new learning center.

I would like to someday see churches or families in the states offer scholarships for some of the families who truly cannot afford tuition.

Church News! 

Dr. W.L. Smith from OK City, OK was with us for the past week.  He has been a special guest speaker here for 25 consecutive years. We had over 35 first-time visitors on Sunday and the altars were filled at invitation.  He spoke in church two Sundays and taught in our Bible Institute the week in between. Excellent thoughts on the importance of forgiveness.  And, I will admit, though I love and respect my new Pastor greatly, it was nice to hear a sermon in English.

Soulwinning (still silent partner)
There was a tremendous turnout this week for soulwinning in general.  On the Friday night ladies' van there were sixteen ladies, the driver and his teenaged son.  These 18 soulwinners led 13 people to the Lord.  We were in a middle-class neighborhood close to the church.  My partner, Esther, and I encountered a few birthday parties and one cookout, but still she led one man to Christ.  The men's group took a bus instead of a van.  In the morning soulwinning group, there were 19 ladies.  Mrs. Ashcraft and those in her van led 5.

New Food of the Week:

Mrs. Brenda, {my Pastor's wife} treated me to a frozen yogurt this week!  Think TCBY only better! They come with three fruits / candies and I chose pina, zarzamora, and oreo, which translates to: pineapple, blackberry, and oreos.  It was really good!

*Sorry; I did not have my camera.*

Language Update:   

I continue to work with my Rosetta Stone, though not as much as I did before school started. I have progressed to Level 2, Lesson 15.

Learning Corner:

I posted about the coins used in Mexico in Blog 5, and thought I would share about the paper money this week.  I think it is interesting that the bills are all different colors and sizes.  

Although the exchange rate fluctuates daily, it has remained between 15 & 17 pesos to the dollar since June.  I will use the same rate as I did when talking about the coins, which was 15.7.  So . . .

500 p = @ $31.85

100 p = @ $ 6.37

 50 p = @ $ 3.18

 20 p = @ $ 1.27

Sometimes I feel rich carrying around a couple hundred pesos, but even 800 pesos is only roughly $50.  I spend around 500 pesos, or about $35, a week on groceries.  A pineapple water or Jamacia tea bought at a market stand is 15-20 pesos, or around $1.  A medium yogurt with 3 added fruits or candies is 40 pesos, or less than $3.  All are well worth it! 
See if you can figure out how much the locksmith cost in dollars:

Around the House:

I am including pic of door lock because I don't think I could quite describe it with words.  The lock broke.  The lock broke stuck on "locked" not "unlocked;" fortunately while I was  outside with my purse.  One of the men of the church tried to open it with the keys, tried to jimmy the lock, had four teenage boys try to get in through the windows, all to no avail.  My house is basically impenetrable, which is nice to know. The locksmith came and spent about two hours. First, he took about 1.5 hours banging out the metal deadbolt from the metal door with a hammer and medium sized crowbar. (The screwdriver in the pic did not help!) Finally, the lock landed inside the house with a THUD! Then the locksmith took a mallet and banged the metal sideposts back into place.  Lastly, he installed the new lock, one side at a time, then screwing either side to the other.  Maybe you are thinking, as I was, however in the world is she going to pay for all of that?! Well, believe it or not, it only cost 400 pesos!  You can see the Learning Corner above to know just how much that cost in dollars.

Prayer Corner

Thank you for continuing to pray for the needs listed in detail in Blog 13.
1. For students to be influenced through the Christian school.
2. For me to learn the language so as to be more effective.
3. For finances.

A Personal Note:
My college cohort for trouble-making;
My sounding board for teaching techniques;
My confidant through every boyfriend breakup;
My "person;" My friend:
Kristen Hall was always there for me.
I miss you, and I love you!

My long-time friend, Kristen Hall, took her flight to Heaven this week.  On Saturday, aroung 1:40 pm, her two-year battle with cancer ended, and she is now enjoying the victory.  

We have been friends since our days together at Hyles-Anderson College in the 80's.  She was a good friend and a wonderful teacher.  In her almost 30 years of teaching she influenced hundreds of students, many of whom are faithfully serving the Lord today.  Her investment in the next generation is an example and admonition to us all.  

She will be greatly missed!

Kristen, with her buddy, Samuel Perryman

Me, Cathy Brown, her daughter Julie, and Kristen

Blog 15 29 Sep 2015

All the Students Are Back in Town!

Here we all are -- except one student who is taking Spanish High School over the internet and attending MHCA for English and other elective classes.

I am also tutoring one child and 4 adults in learning to speak English.


Soulwinning  (still the silent partner)

This week my partner, Abby won four ladies to the Lord on the front doorstep.  We continue to visit high in the mountainous areas of Monterrey.  The 15 ladies in my van won 32 souls.  This makes the third week in a row that the lady soulwinners have led more than the men.  Pastor Ashcraft enjoys giving the men a hard time on Sunday nights when they are outshined by the ladies.

New Food of the Week:

Salmon/Pineapple/Broccoli with Cheese and Cactus 
... mmm mmm good!

Salmon / Pina /Brocoli con 
Queso y el cactus 
... mmm mmm bueno!

Around the House

"Stolen" from my neighbor, Jessica.

My view from down the road

My view from the other side

I absolutely love being surrounded by the mountains!

And, lastly, just a reminder of how much I am enjoying my immersion into the Mexican cuisine ... uh / er / ... Mexican culture!

Language Update:   

I continue to work with my Rosetta Stone and have also studied with some books on loan from friends here.  One man who is taking my English course told me that he noticed his English is improving much faster than my Spanish is improving.  My reply? He must have a very good English teacher. 

Prayer Corner

Thank you for continuing to pray for the needs listed in detail in Blog 13.

A special thank you to those who have responded and have helped meet the needs for a Christian School through this great ministry.  I am thankful for my opportunity to be a part and am grateful for those of you who take seriously your opportunity to have a part.

Please continue to pray for two of my friends from college as they are currently battling cancer.

Blog 14 22 Sep 2015

MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE  DAY! 

Celebrated at Church and School.

Independencia de Mexico celebrates the beginning of the eleven year war to overthrow the rule of Spain.  I learned much about this from Mrs. Juani, who teaches Mexican history at MHCA, and also from the students who did a little play.

Church Pictures

Also, there was a meal following the service.

I was honored to assist Mrs. Brenda in the serving of her delicious tacos and Mrs. Carrie saved me some homemade guacamole.

You may notice some of the school students also participating in the children's choir.

The Invitation

School Pics: 

There were many first-time visitors for this special patriotic service.  After the meal, there were games and festivities.
And, most importantly, the invitation saw a response from many of the visitors.

 The preschoolers dressed as the generals who led in the battles against Spain to win independence for Mexico.

The elementary students briefly told the story of the war.



Soulwinning  (still the silent partner)

This week my partner, Isabel, one of the college students, led one lady to the Lord. The sixteen ladies on the van led 26 souls to the Lord.  We visited in one of the mountain neighborhoods this week.  

One man actually refused a tract, a first experience for me here.  Another man, though, told us that he is a bus captain for a nearby church pastored by one of the graduates of Mount Hebron.  

New Food of the Week:

"Queso Flameado"

 This is a chorizo with queso,
(or sausage and cheese) dish.  
It was quite delicious one Sunday night after church.  I am enjoying the many new local dishes and truly appreciate those who make them for me.

Language Update: 

I am pleased to announce that I have completed about 75% of Unit 2 of Rosetta Stone.  As the grammar grows more complicated, my progress grows slower.

Prayer Requests / Prayer Response

Thank you for praying for the needs listed in last week's blog.

A special thank you to those who responded and have helped meet the needs for a Christian School through this great ministry.  I am thankful for my opportunity to be a part and am grateful for those of you who take seriously your opportunity to have a part.

Please continue to pray:

1. For me to learn Spanish

2. For the Christian School  
     --  students & teachers

3. For Finances for the school

4. For finances for me personally

**Please see notes in blog 13 for more details for school and  personal finances**

Blog 13 15 Sep 2015

Still Enjoying School!

Samy turns 4!

And everyone has cake!

This week we enjoyed a birthday party!  Samy's mom asked how  we celebrated birthdays in the states.  
I sang "Happy Birthday" in English and shared the infamous tradition of birthday spankings.  At first, Samy thought they were going to be "real" ones -- but he was a good sport.

Since I have issued demerits every year I have been teaching except for 2008-2009 when you-know-who were my Third-Graders, I was hoping for my first year in a long time of no demerits.  
The first demerits of the year were issued for "no tie" and "talking in chapel"  (to different students).

In addition to my extra tutoring students for English that are unable to attend the Christian school,  I also have three adults taking "English as Your Second Language."

Soulwinning Sembradoras (still the silent partner)

I must admit that I am enjoying visiting with the young people and college students.  My partner this Friday, Talita, sitting next to me on the van, led four people to the Lord.  In all, the eighteen ladies on our van led 56 people to trust the Lord for Heaven.  It isn't often that the Ladies' van wins more than the men's van!

Aby leads a lady and 5 teens to Christ

One of the boys (& his cousin)
led by Talita

Hermana Laura promised to make baked pineapple with honey and cinnamon again if I would post this video of me leading singing in English.  If you know me, you already know how bad my singing is, and I would most assuredly endure worse embarrassment for more baked pineapple!

 

{Well, I attempted to load it.  My laptop had some trouble reading the file from Hna. Laura's phone.  

I believe it will play on computers, but not phones.  Next week I will take my phone and try again.  I will let you know if she makes the pineapple dessert this week or not!}

New Food of the Week:

Mexican Hamburgers

Beef, Ham, Pepperoni, Cheese, Tomato, Avocado, Lettuce, Jalapeno, and a very soft, delicious doughy bun 
 . . .  is your mouth watering yet?

This picture is worth 1,000 words!

Language Update: Lost in Translation

I thought you might be amused by the following conversation between Samy (who turned four only a few days after this) and me. The entire conversation, except for "hop" and "jump" during Pre-School English time, including my half, took place in Spanish.

Me: H-o-p, h-o-p, hop (now hopping on one foot)

All Pre-School Boys: Hop, Hop, Hop (now hopping)

Sami: hopping up to me, patting my leg 

Teacher, Teacher, *then rapidly speaking several words in Spanish that I do not know and which I thought was a request for permission to do something.*

Me (in Spanish):I do not know; you have to ask Mrs. Lily

Sami: stops hopping, turns to his friends, laughing You do not know! You are the teacher and you do not know!!

All Pre-School Boys: break into hysterical laughing

Me: J-u-m-p, J-u-m-p, Jump

Please Pray:

1. For me to learn Spanish

2. For the Christian School  
     --  students & teachers

3. For Finances for the school

     a. For families to afford tuition
               **this is just under $100 / month**

     b. For the pace-order

     c. General finances

4. For finances for me personally

     a. To bring my vehicle across

     b. Personal needs

     c. General finances

**notes**

I appreciate those of you who are praying for me, have already contributed financially, and have asked how I am doing in this area.  

I do receive a small stipend from the school which meets my immediate needs here, and the Ashcrafts have supplemented that by taking care of my utilities and occasionally my groceries. 

Praise the Lord, every need has been met!

I do receive support from Heritage Baptist Church which is a little more than my stateside car insurance. 

I have also received gifts from many of you; one through FB Messenger, which I have learned, is possible. :) 

I have also received a deposit from the sale of my books through Amazon and Kindle.

Besides car insurance, I also have automatic draft from my Arkansas bank account for the following:

1. Health insurance -- major medical and AFLAC.  
I prayed about canceling the AFLAC, but was led to keep it because of the cancer in my family, especially my Mom's, which is hereditary.

2. My phone bill -- my contract ends this month and my last draft will be Oct. 7.  I hope to obtain a much less expensive plan here; but I still need a phone.

3. Monthly prescriptions from Walgreens.

Again, I appreciate every prayer and am so thankful for every person who is concerned for my well-being.  

God is so good and I am in want of nothing.

I am sharing these for those who have asked and would like to be used of the Lord to be a blessing to the work and ministry here. There are few missionaries who have been as faithful to their call for as long as Pastor and Mrs. Tommy Ashcraft.  It is my goal, through prayer, your support, and my writings, to eventually not need a salary from the school.  All in the Lord's timing, though, by His grace, and for His glory.

Heritage Baptist Church               
2290 E Grand                                 
Hot Springs, AR 71913

If you would like a tax-deductible receipt, please mail to my church with a note designating your donation and requesting a receipt; and be sure to include your mailing information.

Blog 12 08/Sep/2015

First Full Week of School Pronounced Successful!

I have a good group of kids who seem to truly enjoy learning and appreciate the opportunity of a Christian education.  Lea (and her little brother) enrolled this week. Her parents are missionaries to a town a about an hour south of here. Lea experienced ABeka Kindergarten so she understands some English.

One family is still vacationing, but will be returning next week, so stay tuned for the all-inclusive picture!

Feeling at Home:
I wanted to take just a moment to express how welcome the people here have made me feel.  You will see some remarks about this in other portions of this week's blog as well. 

Firstly, Pastor and Mrs. Brenda Ashcraft (also my next-door neighbors) have been very accommodating and have gone out of their way to make me comfortable here. I have mentioned Mrs. Carrie Suhl, my neighbor on the other side often.  We have had a wonderful time getting re-acquainted; we had previously only seen each other a few times since college.  Everyone has been so good to speak with me and

help me to overcome the language barrier. The school administrators came to visit me at my house to ask if I needed anything and to make sure I was able to contact them (because I am still operating on a US phone).  
I just want my friends and family back in the states to know how wonderful everyone here has been to me.
Jenny, Jon, and the boys, of course, are always bright spots in my week.

Mrs. Brenda Ashcraft recently had a birthday.  She is an incredible servant of God who this summer, along with her husband, celebrated thirty-four years at Mount Hebron Baptist Church and forty-six (yes, 46) years on the mission field.  
Here are a few pics from the birthday celebration so you can see more of this wonderful Pastor's wife with several church members.

      

Of course, I believe the people here are following the Pastor's example in making everyone feel welcomed.  So many have been such a blessing and encouragement already.

Soulwinning: Sembradoras (still the silent partner)

I again joined the evening door-knockers this Friday. My partner was Hermana Laura, the lady in charge of the college girls (who also happens to be the lady mentioned in the next section regarding lunch).  She led a grandmother and her two grand-daughters to the Lord together, as well as two other ladies.  The 16 ladies in our van led over 20 souls to Christ.

On a related note, Hermana Laura also asked me to teach a song in English to the college girls as we sing while riding in the van. I chose a rather simple song, "Oh, How I Love Jesus," and they learned the words well.  Also, I think they understand now what I was trying to explain last week about not being able to sing that had us all laughing in the pictures.

New Food of the Week:
A family in the church with three students in the school invited me over for a meal after school this week.  This is what we had for dessert: 

Baked pineapple with a cinnamon honey glaze! It was sooo good!

The meal itself was BBQ Spare Ribs, corn on the cob, and rice. I think she chose American because of me, I'm not sure. And, except that the BBQ sauce had a Mexican flare of peppers and lime, it was a very American meal . . . until the tortillas were passed around to stuff with the BBQ.  And, for the record, Hermana Laura's homemade BBQ sauce topped McClard's for sure!

Language Update:

I have progressed halfway through Unit 2.  This is no small feat considering that almost every exercise involving pronunciation has to be completed at least twice.  To my friends who like to tease me about being a "Yankee" because of the years I lived in Northern Ohio: please take note that according to this computerized program, I still have a very pronounced Southern accent.