First Four Days in Mexico

Hello again! This may be lengthy as I haven't posted since Thursday and lots has happened : ) I have officially survived my first four days in Mexico! God has been so good with each and every detail and I am so grateful that He knows and He cares. I am so grateful for each and every person that has been praying, texting, sent cards to Jenny/mom (I haven't opened them yet), has supported and encouraged me on this journey. I get tears in my eyes as I am writing this because it is just amazing the love and support so many have shown and continue to show as well as how God just keeps guiding and directing. It's like He knows what He's doing! The change of living arrangements was a blessing in disguise. Being with Joe and Corinna has been a like a piece of home and they have just taken me under their wing. I am trying to imagine living on my own right now-eek!! God knew I needed that little piece of home when I first got here. I found our yesterday my new family while here will be ready for me on Wednesday. I texted my immediate family a picture of me with my new family and my mom joked that they were now my old/former family. LOL!! I also found out my family here speaks a little English. God knew that was just what I needed! As I have been visiting with Joe and Corinna, Joe reminded me that I was called here to teacher English and the learning Spanish is a bonus. That was a great reminder as I was feeling like I should've practiced and learned more Spanish. Honestly, they talk so fast here, I am not sure I would understand the whole conversation, even after practicing more. As I have said before, God will equip me for what He wants me to do. Many people have reminded me of that too.

So just a little run down of what I have experienced since arriving. Since my last post, I obviously I arrived safely and all my bags made it. As soon as I got my last suitcase off the carousel, there was a gentleman there with a dolly to help with luggage. Thank you Jesus as I was trying to figure out how I was going to roll two big suitcases and my carry on suitcase. Joe and Corinna greeted me with smiles and drove me to my new home for the time being. We stopped and grabbed pork quesadillas and some fries. We visited for a bit and then I went back to my room. It's just right around the corner from where they are staying. I talked to mom and dad for a bit, showered and went to bed. I slept great!

Friday, I was able to meet Pastor Francisco and his wife Marivel. Thankful that Joe was there to help translate. They were both so sweet. Pastor Francisco was sharing the vision that they have with the school and then Marivel shared how they have been waiting for me and are so excited for me to be a part of their vision. As she talked I teared up, God choose just an ordinary preschool teacher from Wadena to come teach English in Mexico. He chose me to be a part of their vision here! They think I am a big deal here. Francisco mentioned teaching adults and even some government people English. Oh boy! I just smiled and said no pressure! Please be praying for whatever God has planned with me and teaching. I am open and willing to do whatever He will equip me for. I have 22 years of teaching experience, but not in English. Who knows what will happen?! I found out Friday afternoon, that there was going to be a camp out in our backyard with VBS kids, youth helpers and some adults : ) This was great as I am usually at the barn for Bible study on Friday nights where there are many kids, so I was able to get some kid dosage : ) I was able to observe and meet a few people.

Saturday I joined them for their worship, devotion, games and clean up. As I was helping a little boy put his tent away, I was reminded that I can still show love, even if I don't speak the same language. We got that tent shoved in the bag and zipped up with some intense teamwork. Saturday afternoon I was able to visit God's cabin, a ministry that Joe and Corinna help with. They do games, a Bible story, craft and snack for the kids. Got some more kid dosage : ) I was also able to see where the clinic is that Joe and Corinna started. It was fun to see the work God has done here in Mexico through Joe and Corinna.

Sunday I was able to attend the church I will be serving with. They had their 13th year anniversary, so it was a special day. We thought the service was at 10, but found out when we got there it was at noon because of the anniversary. We buzzed back over to Joe and Corinna's church to catch part of their service as their VBS kids were doing some singing and showing a video. The worship music was in Spanish, but I recognized the one song, Christ is Enough. Such a good reminder we can worship in many languages! During the service at the church I will be serving we sang the song Waymaker and I cried as it was such a good reminder that God is here with me. The service was only 4 hours long. Let's hope that was because of the anniversary celebration. We ate afterwards and I was able to meet the family that I will be staying with starting Wednesday, so that was good. Came home and just spent some time with God thanking Him for the continued guidance and direction. Chatted with mom and dad for a bit and went to bed.

Today was my first day of teacher workshops. Thankful for Liz, another teacher that speaks some English and was able to do some translating for me. Also thankful for google translation. Be praying that I learn and catch on to the language. I know that's not why I am here, but it is helpful in communicating. I have at least been trying to do some talking and if nothing else it gives them a good laugh. I was talking with one of the other teachers during our break today, she is new to the school as well, but not new to Mexico. She was sharing she lost her one month old daughter in January. I can't remember her name, but God does. Be praying for peace and comfort for her. She was sharing how much she loves kids. I could just see it in her as she talked about how much she loved kids. I was a little overwhelmed when the meeting first started as I wasn't sure what was being said. Then Liz started translating a little and I was just at peace. There was a part of my devotion today said in the Lord's will there is perfect peace. Thank you Lord for that peace! I reminded myself I will do my best and God will do the rest. I was able to relax this afternoon and then enjoyed a delicious supper with Joe and Corinna. Corinna made Mexican corn, a stuffed pepper (can't remember the Mexican name) and a tomato salad. She is a great cook. We had hamburgers one night with sweet potato fries and chicken chili another night. She is a great baker too. God knew I needed comfort food while I was here : )

Don't mind the photo overload : ) I posted some of these on facebook, but also wanted to post here incase you aren't on facebook. Most of my pictures will be posted here, but may post a few on facebook as well. I don't want to get in the habit of going on facebook all the time as I want to be sure to be present and immerse in the culture while I am here. That does not mean I won't be on facebook at all, but I often get distracted when I go to look at something on facebook. I love to write, so this will be good for me and for those that want to check in : ) Not sure how often I will post on here, but will try to post at least once a week. I feel like once I get settled in there won't be as much to write about. If you made it to the end, thanks for taking time to read!

Jenny, Margie and I before we said our goodbye at the airport

My last day with Adriane and Aleese. Our 5th Summer together!

One last photo with mom and dad in front of our house. Not sure if I will be there when I come back or not. Bittersweet!

My fancy passport! They wouldn't accept it at the airport : )

Mexico isn't even on this list! Now I can add it!

A view as we were driving to Joe and Corinna's from the airport

My home until Wednesday the 18th

Cute little desk for reading, writing and relaxing

So this is the door to my room. It also includes a bathroom

My rom is on the end, there is another room in the next door. A large room upstairs for classes and a kitchen underneath. This is the back of the missionary house.

Backyard of where I am staying