Fun Meetings?

Yes, they most definitely were fun! Returning WGM missionaries spent the first two days talking about experiences from our perspective fields and how the United States has changed in the last four years. For the last four days some new missionaries joined us as we talked about differnt ways to communicate our missionary story. Here's a picture of our gang...minus one family who had to leave for a family emergency. I would appreciate your prayers as we've gone our own ways to share our story and raise support to return to our fields. Thanks!

A Long Drive with a Quick Visit

I left McAllen, Texas, on July 8th and was only a little behind schedule. (I left at 6 instead of 4am.) I was surprised at how well I felt driving after so much travel! After about 12 hours of driving I stopped for the night in Muskogee, OK. It was nice to be able to rest and not be in a rush nor responsible for anyone else. Okay, maybe it was a selfish moment, but it was fun!

Wednesday I headed for Jefferson City, Missiouri, to see a friend from Asbury College. Natasha and her family had just moved about two weeks before and were still getting settled into their new home. I don't know how it happened, but I didn't get a picture of the whole family (sorry Natasha and Justin!). I did get a pic of the youngest, Paul.

I then headed on to Marion, Indiana, on Thursday in order to begin a series of meetings at World Gospel Mission headquarters. It was good to be there and catch up with several mission friends. I only see them about once every four years and they do so much for me while I'm on the field. Thanks guys! You are very valuable ministry partners. I'm sorry I don't say it often enough!! Life in Marion will have to wait for another time. My long trip had several quick visits, and each visit was a huge blessing. Thanks for the hospitality!!!

January Update

The following is my January "Chronicle's" Postcard. I figure those who look at the blog can get the full update. Enjoy...and thanks in advance for the prayer support! Another year on the field has come to an end...and a new one is to begin! 2008 is sure to be a year of change and adventure. I've come to learn one needs to ask of the Lord and then patiently expect Him to work. So, I've asked...and now am waiting. Join me in prayer and grateful expectancy as God works His wonders...as only He can. The following are goals and prayer issues for the coming year. A major concern is my support funds as my account continues to decrease. If you are able to send a financial gift, thank you. I hope you will also take time to lift up these projects and requests. That way, we will be able to rejoice together as He answers. Be blessed wherever you are and let me know how to pray for you!

• Complete a Sunday School program for Transformación, my home church in Mexico.
• Attend LeaderLink, a leadership conference in Florida, March 1-6, 2008.
• Finish editing SIETE manuals for lay-leader training and Sunday school use.
• Prepare a national Mexican team for ministry in El Salvador.
• Raise funds and take Mexican youth team to WGM Peniel ministries in Stockton, CA . The trip is scheduled for June 25-July 5, 2008.
• Prepare for Homeland Ministry Assignment. I will be leaving Mexico in August 2008 to begin a year of traveling and sharing.

Hope to see you!

Mexico's Independence Day

September 16th is Mexico's Independence Day. This year was the first time I've been able to attend the traditional "Grito" in downtown Irapuato. The festivities begin September 15th with a big get together downtown. The streets are lined with vendors. The typical Mexican dishes are delicious. There's not a lack of flags either! As people gather and midnight approaches, the mayor gives a speech and the "Grito" exchange begins:

"Viva México" <==> "Viva"

"Viva México" <==> "Viva"

"Viva México" <==> "Viva"

Then the fun fireworks light the skies. Fire safety doesn't seem to be a great concern as people stand within feet of the launch site. My friends and I were able to watch the show from the rooftop of one of the downtown buildings. We seemed to be amazingly close to the show. I'm glad I went...and that Michele was able to experience it. Mexican pride: Go Red, White and Green!

Entering the Land of Bloggers

Okay, now it is official. I'm here in "blog-land" adding another page to the chaos of the Internet. Hopefully I won't get lost in cyber-space or some other unknown and undesirable region. I've been wanting to have a way to keep people more informed on a weekly or as-things-happen basis, and I'm thrilled that now I'm able to. This will be as much an adventure as heading to Mexico was ten years ago! I hope you enjoy...

At the moment my sister, Michele, is in Irapuato with me. She's been such a blessing to have around. With my hectic schedule she seems to know just what to do to help me out. Thanks, Michele! I took a lot of pictures this morning in downtown Irapuato. Michele's working on a surprise for all her friends and family so we head down there at least once a week. It's been a lot of fun.

Now I'm off to give a Bible study in Floresta...a part of town where we hope to start a new church this coming year. At present it is a women's cell group and kid's club. Tonight I have the joy of working with the ladies and sharing about jealousy. It should be a good class. Blessings!