Hola

Hello from Mexico. Let's see what has happened since my last post? We made it through another week of school : ) I am always thankful when we get through another week. It seems like each week is getting easier.

Last Friday, we had a teacher meeting after school as we do almost every Friday and they were saying how much Daniel loves me. This was a good reminder for me, Daniel is one of the reasons I am here. I had to remind myself do it for the one! This boy gives me several hugs a day and always has the biggest smile when I see him. I love him just as much as he loves me. Thank you Lord for the bond with Daniel.

Friday after school, I went out with Joe and Corinna, the missionary couple I stayed with when I first moved here. We went and had some pizza and french fries. Then we had to have a raspado : ) Great food and fellowship!

Friday night, we had a movie night at home with the family. It was good to stay in and relax.

Saturday, Fanny came over and we did some studying. We even played a little hide n' seek. There aren't many places for me to hide, so we just played a few rounds : ) She was actually hiding when her dad came to get her and wasn't coming out right away. Her dad probably thought I was crazy : )

Saturday afternoon, I went with Norma and Ricardo to Sam's Club. That was fun to just look around and a little piece of home : ) We just picked up some things for the house.

Sunday, we were going to go out and about, but ended up staying home as Michelle was not feeling well. We went to church and has a lazy afternoon. Had our family zoom Sunday afternoon, so that's always good. I was able to join the barn service through Marco, which is also good : ) Always good to have a message in English and see many people from back home.

Monday I studied with Liz. She is taking an online English class. I think I learn with her. I think I have shared this before, but much of the English language I just know how to speak. Don't ask me to explain why it's done the way it is!

The one day when I was studying with Liz, she was asking me if I wanted kids. I said yes, but I need to find a husband first. She asked why I hadn't found one yet. I said good question. It's not like I can go just pick a man off the shelf at the market : ) Those of you who know me, know that being married and having kids has been a life long dream of mine. I continue to pray if it's God's will, that He will bring a Godly man that can communicate into my life. I have learned that is hard to come by these days : ) If you know of a Godly man that can communicate, set a girl up : )

I also had a few people say maybe I would find a man while I was here in Mexico. That hasn't happened yet either. I know many of you are already praying, but keep praying that God continues to guide and direct His plans for me. I do have many children from my teaching experience, so I am thankful for them! Thank you to all the families that have shared your children with me.

Yesterday morning, one of the other teachers asked me if I wanted to find a Mexican man and get married and move here. My response was maybe. I don't think I am meant to move to Mexico, but I didn't say no, because I know God has a sense of humor, so about the time I say no, He will bring a Mexican man into my life and have me move here! Then she asked if I liked a man with a mustache? I said sure. Maybe next week a man with a mustache will show up at school : )

I know that I have many things I get to do and experience as a single person, so I am grateful for this season. Most days I am content with where I am at, but there are still days I hope to find a man. We will see what God has planned!!

I got to talk to my cousin Kristi last night and another cousin Heidi today, so that was fun. Still doing my few phone calls a week with mom and dad. I am waiting for the day when I ask what's new and exciting in Wadena that they will have some earth shattering news to share : )

God has reminded me of the great staff and team we have at WDC. At the school here, we have someone that comes and cleans the rooms at the end of the day, but during the day if someone spills or pukes, we clean it up. We check the kids for lice. Not only are these people teachers, they are janitors and nurses too! Oh and Librarians. Liz, Naomi and I take care of the library. Not that I didn't appreciate support staff before, but I really do now : )

I feel like I should have big and exciting stories to share of what I am doing in Mexico and the difference I am making. God kindly reminds me of the people I am impacting like Daniel, Liz and Norma. I believe there are others too as I have been getting many more hugs at school. Liz continues to share how much she appreciates my help. Norma was sharing how when there was another missionary here she was afraid to speak English, but she's not with me.

I had a devotion the other day that talked about how sometimes we don't know the impact our seeds have. Never doubt God's faithfulness! One day you'll hear stories that will take your breath away. Keep sowing seeds into the lives of others. Live expectantly. The harvest will come. I may not know all the impacts of my seeds here, but Lord thank you for little glimpses of the lives I am touching. Give me strength to keep on sowing and to live expectantly.

Some days, I feel like God brought me here to work on me. To let go of being in control and to totally depend on Him and others. To be taken out of my normal and routine, to grow and trust Him completely. To be brought to a new city, new culture, whole new world to slow down! My evenings and weekends here are often much quieter and slower than back home. Thank you Lord for time to slow down, to completely depend on you and others and to fully surrender.

One thing a friend shared with me last week when I sent out the prayer request e mail as I was having a hard day, she said when I am having a day like that I try to think of someone else who is going through something or struggling and pray for them. She gave the example that I missed my family. She said they are healthy and safe. Think about someone who has lost a loved one and can't see them. Such a great idea! I encourage you to do this when you are having a hard day or a pity party!

Another friend shared that she stops and thinks of things she is grateful for in those hard times. She shared how her feelings change. So another idea for you to try.

I think that's enough for now : ) As always thanks so much for your love, prayers, support and encouragement! I am thankful for the warm weather in Mexico as I hear it's cooling down back in Minnesota. I got a few pictures of snow last week : ) The highs this week are 80s incase you are wondering : ) I am grateful for my host family and co workers. Praise Norma seems to be feeling better. I am grateful for our weekly Wednesday evening Prayer time with the other missionaries in Mexico. Thank you Lord that we GET to serve here in Mexico!

Please continue praying for relationships. Pray for me to believe in myself and that God has great plans! As always keep praying for the language piece. I am often reminded that I was called here to teach English and Spanish is a bonus. I just feel like I could build more relationships if I knew more Spanish. Angela is still on Earth with us, so keep praying for her as well as her friends and family. Ricardo accepted a new job, so be praying for the family during the transition. He will be spending a couple nights away as it's a distance away. Continue to pray for safety, health, guidance and direction.

Here's some pictures from the week

Our exciting Friday teacher meeting