Hola!

Hello Blogees.  This blog is from the girls so it may not be as humorous as the boys (as in Ryan and Nick).

Since the last blog entry not much has changed. We are still taking part in different ministries the church puts on all over the city and surrounding areas. We have been to a few homes in the evenings in which they have gathered the community and put on some small services. Each of these services always ends with the children in the community getting their operation Christmas child boxes. It is not really how I imagined it would be. It always makes us laugh when the younger children get their boxes and have no idea what it is or why it is on their lap. There are always some kids that just don't understand that all the stuff in the boxes is theirs, so we open the box with them and take stuff out and start to play with them. I think for some kids it will take some time to understand that it is all for them. it is also funny when you watch them take the toys out that you could only understand how to use by reading the directions or having someone show you. Their was a musical instrument that you blow into, but it kind of looks like a drum and when I showed one boy how to use it he got so excited, it made me very happy.

One of the most important aspects of the trip thus far has been the significant language barrier. There are two missionary couples that are living in Mazatlan who speak english and of course the Gomez's (who are doing really well Rob), but most of our billets don't speak more than a word or two of english. I have learned so much spanish in just this past week. I came here knowing just the bare basics, if you could even call it that, and now I communicate with my billet only in spanish. You learn quickly when you have too.

We have also spent a lot of time talking about the cultural differences we have found in Mexico. I know everyone knows that it is laid back in Mexico, but really, it is super laid back. There is almost no purpose in planning ahead, there is nothing for you; just show up and do something or other. We are struggling to change our American mind set that tells us we need to be organized instead of just going with the flow. We are just trained to be as efficient as we can, but it just does not work here!

Today Nick ran into an air conditioner that was protruding from a wall over the sidewalk. Ryan was rather excited because he finally got to use his "doctor bag." Nick has a small gash in his head, but it is not worthy of stitches or worry. So he's going on in his usual energetic fashion.

The boys tore out the existing kitchen counter in the Bible school/church and will be retiling a new counter top with in the next couple days.

We just want to thank you so much for all your prayers, they make a world of a difference. It gives us much comfort and strength just to know we have such a strong support system back home. As you pray for us we are praying for you too! Some things you could pray for would be health (especially for Jen, her back is acting up), that we would continue to learn the language quickly and also that we grow as disciples of Christ.

Thanks for reading and take care,

Dios te bendiga (God bless you)