Mexico: Part 4

Sunday, March 12

I woke up about 7:00 feeling fully rested and refreshed! ¡Grácias a Dios! The prayers of the saints were answered.

The morning was warm, and a cool shower felt refreshing. After breakfast, Cuco informed me that, though the church meeting began at 11:00, he was responsible for bringing the grape juice for communion, so he was going a little early for preparations. Marshall and I were ready to go, so we accompanied him to Ley, the grocery store just the next block over. For as much of a landmark as Ley became to us for our neighborhood, somehow I never thought to take a picture of it!

All three of us were wearing backpacks, and as we walked into the store, I thought it odd that they would let us take bags into the store. But Cuco immediately approached a desk just inside the entrance where we could check our bags. A very interesting concept!

Here's an interesting tidbit about Mexico. When we go into a grocery store in the U.S., we expect to see a lot of teenagers working at the check-outs and collecting shopping carts. In Mexico, they employed children, about 12 years old, to collect the carts and bag groceries! This is not so odd to consider, since schools have day sessions and night sessions. Josue happened to go to school in the morning, around 7:15. Other children might go to school in the afternoon to evening. So when they're not in school, they have time to work during the day. The other reason for children working is they don't have such restrictive child labor laws as the U.S.

Cuco made his way to the juice section of the store and selected a bottle of jugo de uvas. Right by the checkout lane was a display of water bottles. Marshall recommended we both get one, since one never knows when there might not be purified water nearby. Cuco graciously offered to pay for them, for which I was extremely grateful, since I hadn't had a chance to get money out of an ATM yet. The next day or two I exchanged $50 with Celina, who had accidentally gotten way too much money from the ATM!

From Ley we walked across the street, through an empty corner lot, and met up with Ken, Willie, and Ryan who were waiting across the street from the church meeting place. It was really nice that the building was so close!

Only a couple of minutes passed before Craig and Brenda drove up. They unlocked the door and we helped carry in the soda bottles and food they had in the back of their Explorer.

The church building for the Leon East assembly was a house converted into a private preschool/kindergarten, owned by one of the members of the church. It's trademark is the colorful stripes on the front gate/wall/garage door at the street. It wasn't until much later that I discovered this Sunday was the first meeting in that facility! Before then they met in the Landrums' home.

The front meeting room technically was a garage. At this point I should explain about Mexican houses in the city. They are, as you can see in the above picture, right on the street, and have no yard. Almost all of them have a parking spot or garage on the property. Such parking areas are not asphalt but tile, and the house, which surrounds it on at least two sides, usually has a main door that opens directy to the parking area. If the area is a garage, the house has two stories and the floor plan of the second story extends over the garage. The garages and parking spaces are enclosed by a metal gate/door that hinges on the side. So in the picture above, the wide, brown doors on the house on the left are actually garage doors.

It was in the front room, or garage, of the "kinder" where the church service was held. We Americans helped set up the plastic chairs (much more comfortable than the metal and wood chairs we have at our home church in Newtown, CT!) and distribute the song books.

After Cuco set up the communion cups and crackers, he took a spot in the corner as one of the guitarists. At 11:00, when the service was supposed to begin, only a third of the people were there, and everyone knew there were more coming. The Mexicans are usually laid back, and not in the big hurry that we Estadounidenses (United States-ians) are, so this was typical.

I distinctly remember a couple of individuals who arrived. Alberto went around the whole room greeting everyone with hanshakes, even all us Estadounidenses. Josue (not the one from my host family) made a point of giving all of us hugs. I later found out Alberto is 31 years old, and I know Josue was married in his twenties. Another young man, Fernando, also gave us hugs then took a seat with the guitarists.

Now there were four guitarists: Fernando, Cuco, Josue (Cuco's son), and Luke Delaine, the son of Bob Delaine, a missionary on the other side of Leon. His family was attending the East side this morning probably because it was the first meeting in the new location.

During the worship hour, many songs were requested in the beginning as a few people still were trickling in. All the songs were accompanied by the four guitars. It was really neat to be able to sing songs to the Lord in another language and know He understood! Some of the songs were transcriptions of some contemporary christian songs like "God of Wonders" (Maravillas) and "Lord I Lift Your Name on High" (Señor, Tu Nombre Exaltaré). I don't think any of the songs we sang were quite as rich with meaning as Isaac Watts or John Darby, but they were sung from the heart, and to the Lord.

Knowing some Spanish enabled me to understand the gist of what the prayers were about, if not completely understand them. I can't imagine how it must have been for the people in the Emmaus group who didn't know Spanish! Despite the language barrier, which differed in intensity from person to person, the love of Christ was definitely present! The believers all made us feel so at home!


After communion, there were times for prayers of intercession and supplication, a "free time" in which brothers could share an encouragement from the Word or something, and a memory verse review led by Fernando.


Caleb, from the Emmaus group, brought a message from the Bible that morning, speaking in English, while Craig translated into Spanish. It was interesting to hear the subtle differences in how the Spanish was worded to convey the English meaning.

Mexico: Part 3

Saturday, March 11, continued

I was still feeling very tired from the previous night, and all I had the energy for was sitting in a chair in the warm sunlight...still with my jacket on. I had brought a dozen loops of string along to play some string games (like cat's cradle) with the children, but did not have the energy to participate in such activities.

Ken was working with Celina, Caleb, Scott, Ryan, and Willie entertaining the children. They played Bible charades by acting out stories from the Bible, as well as goofy games.

Here three of the boys are acting out the story of Joseph (José). Fernando is playing Joseph, and he is receiving the coat of many colors from his father. Alejandro, his brother, played Joseph's brothers and did a good impression of mutilating the coat!

These little girls were delighted to have Ken take their picture!

I was very comforted by the concern of the believers for my health that day. Word quickly spread among them about my condition and several checked up on me during the day. It was astounding just how much I felt at home with them! They were like family! And such we are, for we are brothers and sisters in Christ. The family of God is a wonder!

All day long I was drinking water and Coke, staying hydrated while not well (don't worry, there was plenty of purified, bottled water!)

Around noontime, I was feeling a little better and joined a conversation with Scott, Ryan, and a Mexican, Oscar. Oscar was about 30 years old, and was telling us about how God had changed his life (even after trusting in Christ for salvation), making him more outgoing and filled with love for the brethren. It was really neat to meet him. He was one of the ones frequently asking after my health, and when I admitted I seemed to have a headache, he gave me someaspirinn.

Here's a picture of the building where the church meets...up on the second floor of the building in the center. Behind that front room is a kind of courtyard that is open to the sun, with classrooms and kitchen off of it. Beyond the courtyard is the main meeting room. I hung out in the courtyard all day.

Midday, a large meal was prepared (it was lunch, but lunch in Mexico is usually eaten around 3:00 p.m.) but I can't tell you what there was to eat. The smell of food was still unappetizing to me. However, I did have a little cup of fresas con crema,strawberriess in cream. That was tasty. By that time, Brenda Landrum and Oscar had told me if I felt I needed to go home, they would be happy to drive me. I had thanked them both, and thought I would wait a little while. I started to suspect I had a fever, for my face felt warm to my touch. At some point, I told Oscar about my suspicion, and after feeling my face, he confirmed I was warm.

Oh well! I wished to stay at the gathering, but I knew I really needed rest if I was sick. So I told Brenda about it, and she steered me to Bob and Kim Delain, another missionary couple in León. They were just about to leave and would be passing by my house on the way home, so they gave me a ride in their van.

When I arrived back at the Cuco and Nancy's apartment, I went straight to bed and slept from about 4:30 to 11:30 or so when I was awakened by the rest of the American team and some of their hosts. I tell you, it's amazing how many people you can stuff into a little apartment! And they do the same with cars, taxis, and buses in Mexico too!

Here's a picture of their apartment complex, taken the morning of our departure.

Mexico: Part 2

Friday, March 10 (6:55 p.m. CST / 7:55 p.m. EST)

¡Estamos sobre México!

Soon before we landed in Houston, Ken struck up a conversation with the young woman sitting next ot him. Se llama Tracy. She was returning home to Houston. Ken le dio una tarjeta de PeaceAndPurpose.com.

We only had half an hour before boarding the plane, so we quickly grabbed some food and made our way to the gate. In Houston they give all announcements in both English and Spanish.

(It was just announced we are passing over Monterrery, Mexico. 7:05)

We have been gradually introduced to a more Spanish-speaking environment. I am sure most of the folks on this flight to León are Mexicanos. Our flight attendant is bilingual and gives all announcements in English and Spanish.

The sunset was beautiful from up here, and the mountains are also an interesting sight...in contrast to Texas' flatness.

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About the time I finished that last entry, I was beginning to feel funny in my stomach. Nevertheless the flight went well and we landed in León about 7:25 p.m.

When we stepped off the plane I was amazed that the temperature was so warm, even after dark. We picked up our luggage and passed through customs without event. We easily met up with Brenda Landrum, who took us to their Ford Explorer, where we greeted Craig and loaded in our luggage. In the car was Marshall, the fellow I was to stay with at Cuco and Nancy's house. We talked and got to know one another on the drive to the house.

Nancy and Cuco have one son, Josue [Spanish for Joshua], who is 17. None of them know enough English to converse and Marshall doesn't know Spanish, so I am the translator! It's a demanding job, but one I am willing to do.

Josue made each of us an alacrán, scorpion, out of copper wire—a technique he learned from a classmate. They are amazing works of art!

We stayed up until 11:30 and I was very tired and my back was sore from the plane ride. As a result, I slept little. My stomach upset at 3:30 in the morning, whereupon I began to feel better, though I still slept little.

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Saturday morning, Nancy called Brenda Landrum and told her how I was, and Brenda recommended I not eat much at all—be cautious.

This was the day of the leaders' meeting, and there were missionaries from around the area and Mexican elders as well, and others who came, I think, for fellowship. This get-together took place on the West side of León, where the West León church meets. I thought the day was a little chilly, so I had long pants on and wore my jacket most of the day.

Marshall spied some boods some of the children brought about dinosaurs,a nd he wanted to engage in a defense of Genesis (for the book was evolutionary). Using me as translator, he spoke to Josue and another young man, Chuy, about some evidences, both scientific and Biblical, for a young earth and the coexistence of men and dinosaurs.

It was nice to meet and get to know the others of the Emmaus group: Willie, Ryan A., Scott, Caleb, Amy, Beth, Emily, and Celina. Celina converses easily in Spanish and Scot is quite good (probably like Ken and me); otherwise everyone speaks little.

Mexico: Part 1

Well, it's about time I began writing about the trip to Mexico, so I'll start with what I wrote in my journal on the journey.

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Friday, March 10 (about 3 pm, EST)

Esto es el viaje a México para ayudar a los Landrums.

Last night was spent packing and finishing preparation for the trip. This morning, before Dad left for work he prayed for us and the whole week down in Mexico. At 8:25 Mom drove us down totheh Stratford train station to pick up the 9:06 train. She had heard there was heavy traffic on Route 8 in Derby/Shelton, but when we got there, nothing slowed us down. At the time, I was worried we would be late for our train, but Ishouldl have trusted the Lord—clear sailing! How gracious He is that He blesses us in spite of immaturity.

We waited about ten minutes for the train, hugged Mom goodbye, and stepped in Three rows to our right was a row with two available seats. Ken stowed our luggage on the rack and we sat down, our bags at our feet. The ride to New York City was pleasant and took an hour and a half. The last ten minutes or so was underground, entering Grand Central Station. I never knew that trains arriving there ended underground.

Exiting the train, I clipped the pull-strap to my suitcase, then we headed for the station—or the lobby, or plaza! I don't know what to call a room that large with so lofty a ceiling! I thought to take pictures of the room, but it's immensity could not be captured by so smalllensnse. Ken pointed out we had to catch the 10:40 bus, so I abandoned the idea completely.

We exited the edifice onto the streets of New York. I would have loved to go sightseeing bobviouslysly that is an activity for another time. The bus we needed to catch was just leaving so we boarded the next one, the 10:50. This took us directly to LaGuardia airport.

We found the counter for Continental Airlines and checked our bags, confirmed our seats, and headed toward the security checkpoint. We passed without incident. After finding our gate, we bought a lunch of wraps (Southwest Tuna!). That was about 11:45 a.m. Our boarding was around 1:00 p.m., so we talked in a mixture of Spanish and English while we waited. It was interesting to hear several others who were waiting speaking Spanish. Perhaps they are taking the same route to León (via Houston).

The time to board came at last and we were grateful to get out of the heat. Though it's only March, when we left home it was 51 degrees F and the airport was hot. The airplane, however, is much cooler. We are now cruising at 38,000 feet, clouds and cities far below.

Takeoff was fascinating, for never had I gone so fast before! The airport was whizzing by and within a minute we were pointing towards the sky. I found the G forces of climbing, banking, and leveling off a bit disconcerting, but once I told myself to relax, I felt good. It was delightful to see New York shrinking below us and the cards turning imovingoing specks. It was partly cloudy for a while, so generally I didn't see groundroun, but more recently (3:10) there has been a fair view of the ground.

"Uptime"

A week and a half ago, I wrote about downtime, a period of time in which business was slow. Well this week it's been the opposite, especially today. A huge order for engraved signs came in yesterday afternoon, so the engraver's been running all day long, turning out 46 signs (about 600 characters total!). I've begun work on a logo design for a new construction company, which has been testing my illustrating skills and taxing my patience for going over my time budgeted for it.

Speaking of taxes, I finished figuring my taxes this year. Praise the Lord I don't have much to pay! It was fun figuring it all by myself for the first time, though I did occasionally have to consult with Ken and Mom.

The other thing on my mind today is the fact that all this stuff needs to get done before Friday morning, which is when I'm leaving for Mexico.

Ken and I are traveling to Leon in the center of Mexico to work with a missionary family there and a group of students from Emmaus Bible College. Much of what will our role be is still unknown to me, but I know that if I obey the Lord and stay close to Him, I will not be shaken.

How wonderful is our Lord! It´s astounding to think that we have the power of the One who made the world and the sun and the hurricanes and the mighty forces of nature on our side to strenthen us and conform us to His own image!

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written,

"For your sake we are bing put to death all day long;
We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered."

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.