Can you believe it has been 3 months?

 I started this post on Friday and am finally finishing it now : ) I just realized it's been almost 2 weeks since I posted.  The last post was on Halloween : ) This will be a long blog with LOTS of pictures! 

November 1st and 2nd, many Mexicans celebrate Day of the Dead. The family I live with does not celebrate it as our church does not agree with it. It's like having idols. Families that do celebrate Day of the Dead, build private altars and leave favorite foods and beverages as well as photos of their loved ones that have passed. They do this with the intent to encourage visits by the souls, so the souls will hear the prayers and words of the living directed to them. 

Even though, we didn't celebrate, I was able to see some people dressed up and had their faces painted for the Day of the Dead. We also saw special flowers for sale that the only sell this time of the year. They also sell a special bread this time of the year. The Disney movie Coco was inspired by Day of the Dead. If you want to know more watch the movie or google Day of the Dead : ) 

We had the day off from school November 1st and 2nd because Day of the Dead. Seems interesting since they don't celebrate it. Although, maybe some families do, who knows? I didn't complain as I always enjoy a day off of school.

November 2nd, we had our annual  Mexico WGM meeting via zoom. I was able to join Joe and Corinna at their place : ) I went Tuesday night and we had burgers & ff as well as some DQ. We also spoke English. All little pieces of home! We even watched the Phillies baseball game as they were in the World Series and Joe and Corinna are from Pennsylvania. It's always fun to spend time with Joe and Corinna.

It was great to be a part of the annual WGM meeting and see the things that God has been doing in Mexico. There are 5 other couples and myself on the Mexico team. It was also good to see some of the behind the scene things I didn't know about before. Lots of learning, but it was mostly in English, so that was good : ) 

Norma returned home safe and sound. I survived my 10 days without her. I am glad she was able to get away, but so happy to have her back.

Last weekend was low key and relaxing. I did get to experience a movie in Mexico : ) Sunday evening, we went to Ticket to Paradise. Surprisingly, I was able to follow most of the movie : ) I didn't know all of the words, but could piece it together.  I was excited to have some buttered popcorn : ) Thankfully they let me get a small buttered popcorn as they add chili powder to their popcorn. They seem to add chili powder or sauce to everything. And eat lots of tortillas. I have eaten more tortillas here than I have in the last 5 years. LOL!

Last Sunday, I saw a couple of the students in church. The one gave me a big smile and was waving away. The other one waved, smiled and yelled teacher. Thank you Lord for those little reminders that I am making a difference. 

Norma and I got to decorate for another birthday at school. So glad I get to help with this. Right up my alley : ) 

This week at school we had a math fair. What a fun time. They had a bunch of stations set up and the students could rotate between the stations. Be sure to check out the pictures. I was thinking this could be a fun idea for one of your Early Childhood Family Fun Nights at WDC!

There was a family at school that was needing some groceries. I had some extra money, so decided to give her money, so she could buy what she needed. I only gave her 500 pesos, which is $25 in dollars, but this grandma started crying and gave me the biggest hug. She was so grateful. Thank you for your donations that were able to bless this family!!

This week, we have also been practicing for an upcoming program. God has been working on me as I was very calm during the practices. We have a lot of wait time and just standing there. I remember the first practices we had for different programs and how irritated I was. I have adjusted to the culture and the change. Thank you Lord for working on my heart and attitude!

I feel like God has been doing a mighty work in my life. Apparently He had to bring me all the way to Mexico to work on me and my heart!! I realized how much I put my identity in my job and how much I get done. I often would stay late at school and go in on weekends. Looking back, work was kind of like my idol. 

Since I have been here, I rarely stay late at school. Every once in a while I may stay an hour or so to get something done, so I don't have to do it at home. I have never gone in on a weekend as I don't have a key. Every couple weeks I do work at home, depending on how well I use my work time at school. We have to turn in our lesson plans every two weeks, so sometimes I have to finish those at home. Thank you Lord for the reminder that my identity is in you and not my job or how much I get done.

Each day at school I get at least one hour of work time. Some days, I even get two! This is huge as I don't get this at WDC. If the kids are resting, I might get 30 minutes at rest time : ) I have been much better with using this work time to get lesson plans done, so I don't have to work on them at home. I also feel like I have a good system down for lesson planning, so it's taking less time. Each week seems to get a little bit easier. Thank you Lord that the schedule and routine seem to be falling into place.

I also have realized how much I ate food just to eat it. I was sad, tired, mad, or whatever the emotion may be. Lots of snacking because the good was there and I was bored. Rarely, do I snack here. Of course, I still eat plenty of good, but rarely do I take seconds. Of course, I still have chocolate, but not as often. So good to be aware of the food I am eating. I joked that I will probably get sick when I go home in December and go out to eat! We don't do that much here. No Larry's Family Pizza down the block. LOL

This weekend I was able to attend a Pastor's retreat about an hour away from here. What a great weekend! It was at a beautiful ranch. It was so peaceful, no dogs or cars zooming by! We had worship, devotions, free time, prayer time and great fellowship. We even got to have a fire and roast marshmallows and go 4 wheeling. We enjoyed walking and observing God's beautiful creations! I love being outside, so this was like home. Thank you Lord for the great weekend away!

I even got to share part of my testimony and brought supplies to make cards to encourage others as that's something I love to do. Let me share the story about this retreat. Originally, I was going to go with Joe and Corinna. They decided not to go as Joe's shoulder was bothering him. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go without them as I would only know Pastor Francisco and his family, but they don't speak English. I also had know idea what was going to be happening at this retreat. Lots of Spanish and no schedule, sounds fun, right?! I did find out there was one pastor couple that spoke English. I decided this is all part of the adventure and I would still go.

Wednesday, Angy, the gal I was messaging with about the weekend, asked if I would be willing to share my testimony or teach something I was really good at. My first thought was no as I don't know enough Spanish. Before I could respond, she messaged and said someone could translate. I thought I have heard that before and it's not always true. I decided I would trust that God would provide that translator and said yes.

Honestly, I was honored that they asked me to share, but was still thinking this is scary and exciting all at the same time. I changed my thought to I GET to share my testimony and gift of encouragement. Good news...there was a translator. Gabby was my hero! One of the pastors shared what a blessing I was to them, so thank you Lord that you chose me to be able to share and bless. Everyone seemed to enjoy making the cards and coloring. Be sure to check out the pictures.

I was blessed to be a part of this pastor's retreat! It was such a community feeling. They all took me in as one of their own. I was reminded that even though we speak different languages we love and serve the same God and we can love each other. The could see and feel the love that each of these pastors and their families have for the Lord and people. It was so fun to see them come together and love on each other. Be praying for these pastors as they continue serving in Mexico. Norma, Michelle and Marlen were able to come to the retreat as well, so that was fun!

We have had some emotional things happen at the house in the last week. Marlen has decided to move out and will leave tomorrow. Be praying for her as she moves out and for the family as she has been here the last  2 years. Trusting it will be a smooth transition for all. I won't go into details, but Norma and Ricardo need prayers for their marriage. God knows the details and He cares. Norma's friend, Angela, did pass away on Thursday. A blessing she is with the Lord and no longer in pain, but she will still be missed. Be praying for Norma as Angela was one of her best friends. 

Yesterday, my dear friends Margie and Elsie, sent me videos and pictures from their Solo Sisters in November. Always so good to hear from and see those ladies. Hoping I may be able to join their December gathering.  It's always so good to hear from people back home. Thank you Lord for technology!

If you made it this far, bless your heart!! Thanks so much for your faithful love, prayers and support! 

Thank you Lord for working in me and my personal life. Thank you for the time away at the ranch to grow closer to you and with other believers. Thank you for safety and health. Thank you for the relationships being built at school. 

Continue praying for safety and health. Be praying for peace in our house and for relationships to be strengthened. Continue praying for the language. I think it's getting better : ) 

Enjoy LOTS of pictures!

Pictures from the Math Fair

According to Jenny, I'm cool : ) 

Proof : ) 

Jenny wrote a card for me open each month of the 1st

Ice cream, Yum!!

Our annual meeting via zoom

Delicious cake Corinna made as we were celebrating Serena's                     birthday on our zoom meeting

Appreciate your laminator. We use contact paper here!

Christmas tree in the mall as we were walking around before the movie

Movie time!

Popcorn, Yum!!

Norma and I decorated for Ari's birthday

My first day wearing long sleeves to school : )                                                                                                 They noticed and thought I was very cold. It was                                         just a little chilly.

Who doesn't love a little chocolate

I discovered Gummy Skittles. This could be                                     dangerous!

Entrance to the math fair

More pictures of the Math Fair

Next pictures are our drive to the ranch for retreat

Entrance to the ranch

A lake : ) 

Long stone walking paths 

Beautiful cabins

This was our cabin. We had 12 people in a 3 bedroom cabin

Few shots from inside the cabin

Do you see the turtle?

Playground and the building we gathered in as a                      group

So much beautiful scenery. So much different                                     scenery too

Views from the cabin window

Couple more views of the cabin

My cactus hair : ) 

Norma enjoying her caramel apple

Beautiful cabin

Out for a walk, enjoying God's beautiful creations!!

Norma and I : ) 

Donkeys

4 wheelers

Cows

Beautiful view of the sunset

Morning view from the cabin porch

Worship Saturday Morning

Making cards to say thank you and encourage                         someone

More card making

More card making

Some of them did this for an hour : ) 

Last card making

Gabby, me hero. She translated my testimony and                         sharing time

Rafael made me a bird to encourage me

Jacob, one of Pastor Francisco's sons and one of my English                     students colored me a picture

Next few pictures are working on a family craft.                                                                                             Check out pictures towards the end. They had                                             some great crafts!

Tiny frog

Team work on the family craft.  I took pictures : ) 

Mantis

Our Rock family

Couple scenery photos

Getting ready to go out on the 4 wheelers

Jacob was my riding partner : ) 

Pastor Francisco jumped in for a picture : ) 

Some of the people went horse back riding

Another beautiful sunset

My hero Gabby riding horse

Eating and fellowshipping

Campfire

Roasting marshmallows

The bright moon

The picture doesn't do justice, but sky was                                                                     beautiful with moon and stars

Morning view for the window

Norma cooking breakfast

The family crafts. We collected items in nature and                             created a sign

Norma and I : ) 

Our cabin

View from steps of the cabin

Porch of the cabin

On the way back home