Thursday, January 31, 2008
We will miss these sweet children
The children all gathered at the boys’ home to bid us goodbye. They had wonderfully sweet things to say to us which just makes leaving that much harder! They talked about the fun things we did while there and how much they looked forward to our visit next year. They said a prayer around us and then we began telling them all goodbye.
Hope and Steve arrive at last
Hope and Steve Shearouse had not been able to come to Tapachula until today, because of some health issues. We are thankful that Hope´s test results were all good news. We were so excited to finally see them tonight at the restaurant for our last dinner together. Las Tablitas is a wonderful restaurant where we go each year the night before we leave. The carne asada is excellent! We had some time to ¨"debrief" with Hope and Steve before we returned to the hotel for our final devotional, led by Mopsy. We shared Holy Communion and reflected on our time here. It is hard to believe that it is already time to return home. We feel that the our spirits are forever united because of the experiences we have had here. And the children will of course stay in our hearts as well.
Wednesday, our last full day
Today, we had peanut butter and pancakes for breakfast at the boys´home. We then prepared to take the younger children (16 in all) to the beach! The children are very excited about this outing. The beach-front property is about 40 minutes away, and belongs to a a man named Jesus, who is on the board of Mission on the Move in Tapachula. Unfortunately, the caretaker at the beach house was not expecting us and was quite upset to see 2 vans full of children arrive! The swimming pool on the premises had even been drained! Anyway, after playing in the waves for about an hour, we returned to the house to find him much calmer, and there was enough water in the pool for the children. We prepared sandwiches for them and had chips, fruit and punch, finishing off with ice cream sandwiches. The children were thrilled! They had a little more time to play in the water and then they changed their clothes and boarded the vans to return to town.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday is another busy day
We went to the girls' home this morning and helped with breakfast -- french toast and fruit, yummm. Afterwards, we had time with the girls and each of us talked about our lives. We brought pictures and described what we do back in Houston. Some of us have been her several times, yet this is the first time we have officially talked about ourselves to the children in a group setting. They loved looking at the pictures especially.
After that, we spread ourselves out and "interviewed" the older children who we took shopping. We are composing the script for tonight's fashion show and are including details about the kids such as what their favorite food is, what their favorite sport is, etc. For example, Reddan will m.c. the event and say something like, "Yanette was born in Tapachula and is 13 years old. Her favorite color is blue, and she loves Chinese food. Today, she looks lovely in this peach and gold top with khaki pants. Her favorite animal is the butterfly which is why she chose this shirt to wear tonight. Isn't she beautiful??!!" Anyway the kids had such fun at this event last year, we felt we had to include it again. They are very excited about this part of the day.
We also hosted a princess luncheon for the 5 littlest girls today. It was their special time with our team and they really had fun.
After the children went to school, we left for the women's prison. We were able to meet six of the mothers outside of the men's prison, where their husbands are. We told them all about what their children had been doing since we arrived and they were happy to hear about everything. Mopsy gave a devotional about seeing ourselves through God's eyes. They were very receptive and open to us praying for them.
We then went into the women's prison. There are only two moms there for us to meet with at this point. One of the moms, Manuella, spoke passionately about her time in prison. She knows that if she had not been sent to prison, her two boys would have had bad lives and become mean, abusive men, like their dad. She is grateful for the chance to change her life and her children's lives. Her children witnessed to her a long time ago and she accepted Christ because of them. The visit was very inspiring to all of us.
After that, we spread ourselves out and "interviewed" the older children who we took shopping. We are composing the script for tonight's fashion show and are including details about the kids such as what their favorite food is, what their favorite sport is, etc. For example, Reddan will m.c. the event and say something like, "Yanette was born in Tapachula and is 13 years old. Her favorite color is blue, and she loves Chinese food. Today, she looks lovely in this peach and gold top with khaki pants. Her favorite animal is the butterfly which is why she chose this shirt to wear tonight. Isn't she beautiful??!!" Anyway the kids had such fun at this event last year, we felt we had to include it again. They are very excited about this part of the day.
We also hosted a princess luncheon for the 5 littlest girls today. It was their special time with our team and they really had fun.
After the children went to school, we left for the women's prison. We were able to meet six of the mothers outside of the men's prison, where their husbands are. We told them all about what their children had been doing since we arrived and they were happy to hear about everything. Mopsy gave a devotional about seeing ourselves through God's eyes. They were very receptive and open to us praying for them.
We then went into the women's prison. There are only two moms there for us to meet with at this point. One of the moms, Manuella, spoke passionately about her time in prison. She knows that if she had not been sent to prison, her two boys would have had bad lives and become mean, abusive men, like their dad. She is grateful for the chance to change her life and her children's lives. Her children witnessed to her a long time ago and she accepted Christ because of them. The visit was very inspiring to all of us.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
A new friend at the girls' home
We were so excited to see that a new girl had been added to the girls home on Monday afternoon. Her name is Cristal. Faustino says she has no family that he knows of, that the government has had her for several months. He was going to find out more and let us know about her history if he could.
Terry at the girls home said this morning that she had a difficult night because she was sad and a little scared. Today, she put on new clothes and had one of the ladies do her hair, which cheered her up quite a bit.
She is very quiet, but the other girls are being VERY sweet to her and helping her learn the routine of their home.
Terry at the girls home said this morning that she had a difficult night because she was sad and a little scared. Today, she put on new clothes and had one of the ladies do her hair, which cheered her up quite a bit.
She is very quiet, but the other girls are being VERY sweet to her and helping her learn the routine of their home.
A nice night out with the boys
As a special treat to the 9 older boys, we took them to dinner at a downtown restaurant. They are so well mannered and congenial. The last several years here, we have worked with them on manners and can see that the time was well spent! They pull out chairs for the ladies and are very good at eating nicely, without spilling or dripping their food!
Afterwards, Mopsy did a brief devotional about seeing ourselves through God's eyes. She talked about how important it is to remember that when God looks at us, he sees the Jesus in us. Likewise, it is important not to judge others and remember that God sees them the same way. As a reminder to look at themselves and other differently, the boys got sunglasses. They enjoyed playing around and acting cool with their new glasses!
At the end of the evening, Ellen gave the team our devotional.
Another day has passed and it's hard to believe we only have two full days left with these precious ones.!
Afterwards, Mopsy did a brief devotional about seeing ourselves through God's eyes. She talked about how important it is to remember that when God looks at us, he sees the Jesus in us. Likewise, it is important not to judge others and remember that God sees them the same way. As a reminder to look at themselves and other differently, the boys got sunglasses. They enjoyed playing around and acting cool with their new glasses!
At the end of the evening, Ellen gave the team our devotional.
Another day has passed and it's hard to believe we only have two full days left with these precious ones.!
The week starts off busy, busy, busy!
On Monday, we helped with breakfast at the boys' home and then Reddan did a lesson about prayer. Afterwards, we took the older boys shopping for new clothes, just as we did for the older girls. They found lots of stuff they needed and were a treat to buy for. They are not picky at all about their clothes, just happy to be along and get new things!
When we returned to the boys' home, we prepared for a special lunch for the little boys. Linda's theme was "Tranformers" which you can imagine was quite popular with this group. The boys had a brief lesson about being transformed by Christ, and becoming stronger in Him. After lunch, they played with their new toys.
The ladies here helped with laundry and ironing at both the girls' and the boys' homes. There is so much to do here, it is hard to believe they get by with the help they have.
When we returned to the boys' home, we prepared for a special lunch for the little boys. Linda's theme was "Tranformers" which you can imagine was quite popular with this group. The boys had a brief lesson about being transformed by Christ, and becoming stronger in Him. After lunch, they played with their new toys.
The ladies here helped with laundry and ironing at both the girls' and the boys' homes. There is so much to do here, it is hard to believe they get by with the help they have.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
A big day at the girls' home
On Sunday, we joined the girls for breakfast, had a brief devotional and then went to church. The people are so friendly and genuine. Mopsy spoke briefly about our mission here and how much we care for the children. Pastor Francisco spoke for awhile about the children's homes, Mission on the Move, and Hope and Steve.
We had chicken, vegetable salad, refried beans, and of course, tortillas for lunch. Then it was time to get ready for a very big fiesta. We had planned a "Tejano Rodeo" for the children, and all of the planning was definitely worth it. Our friend Becky conceived the idea and did most of the work beforehand, since she grew up on a ranch and actually used to barrel race! We found out the the director in Tapachula, Faustino, also used to have a ranch and raise cows. We saw a side of him we had never had seen before. He really did have fun. There were stick horses, horseshoes and ring toss, roping, harmonicas and even a rodeo clown! WOW -- it was quite loud with all 38 children, but they enjoyed themselves so much! Thank you, Becky for this awesome idea -- it was a huge success!
We had chicken, vegetable salad, refried beans, and of course, tortillas for lunch. Then it was time to get ready for a very big fiesta. We had planned a "Tejano Rodeo" for the children, and all of the planning was definitely worth it. Our friend Becky conceived the idea and did most of the work beforehand, since she grew up on a ranch and actually used to barrel race! We found out the the director in Tapachula, Faustino, also used to have a ranch and raise cows. We saw a side of him we had never had seen before. He really did have fun. There were stick horses, horseshoes and ring toss, roping, harmonicas and even a rodeo clown! WOW -- it was quite loud with all 38 children, but they enjoyed themselves so much! Thank you, Becky for this awesome idea -- it was a huge success!
Marin celebrates his 10th Birthday
On Saturday evening, there was a birthday party for Marin. The way they do birthdays here is so special. We could definitely take some of these traditions home with us. First of all, the birthday boy sits in a chair in the middle of the room. Then the other boys have an opportunity to express their thanks for Marin's presence in their lives and we also had that opportunity. Their words are so heartfelt and genuine. Then, we sang the Happy Birthday song in english and in spanish, and then the children and houseparents sang a special Happy Birthday song of their own. Marin received one gift, which is typical for the children in the home -- it was a new pair of pants and a new shirt. We were told that they younger boys receive a toy, and the older boys receive clothes to wear. After everyone gave their best wishes to Marin, he made a wish when he blew out the birthday candle and then it was time for the pinata.
We ate hot dogs for dinner and then enjoyed some free time with the boys. Three of the women on our team shared something about their lives in America, talking about our families, our jobs, etc. I think the boys really enjoyed seeing that side of us. The other four of us will share with them at a different time.
Ann did a devotional about how we are all different, but loved by God equally and used by God in different ways. She used all the animals on the ark to illustrate the differences, and the children enjoyed making animal sounds and talking about which animal they would like to be and why.
Before going to bed, Joan led our team devotional based on a poem she found about "The dash." that is between the day we are born and the day we die. We talked about how important time is and about being intentional about using our time to living in the present.
Another day is over and we will get ready for a fun day tomorrow!
We ate hot dogs for dinner and then enjoyed some free time with the boys. Three of the women on our team shared something about their lives in America, talking about our families, our jobs, etc. I think the boys really enjoyed seeing that side of us. The other four of us will share with them at a different time.
Ann did a devotional about how we are all different, but loved by God equally and used by God in different ways. She used all the animals on the ark to illustrate the differences, and the children enjoyed making animal sounds and talking about which animal they would like to be and why.
Before going to bed, Joan led our team devotional based on a poem she found about "The dash." that is between the day we are born and the day we die. We talked about how important time is and about being intentional about using our time to living in the present.
Another day is over and we will get ready for a fun day tomorrow!
A Game to Remember
Saturday afternoon, we got a special treat. Ulysis' soccer team, the Tapachula Linces (Linx, I think!), are in the playoffs. He had a stack of complimentary tickets for his "family" and we got to go with about seven of the younger boys to watch the game. It was really hot, loud and FUN! To us, the closest comparable event would be a semi-final high school football game. There was so much so much spirit and excitement from the crowd and from the players. Since Ulysis is fairly new to the team, he wasn't put in to play. But, during halftime he was on the field practicing and recognized us up in the stands! He waved and I think he appreciated the support. It was fun to be one of the "tias"(aunts)cheering for his team! No one scored any points, though the Linces had more near-misses than the other team. So, there will be a rematch next week.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Friday afternoon, we hosted 10 of the girls at our hotel. We ate pizza, and did lots of "girl" things with them, like manicuring, jewelery-making, hairstyling, eating junk food, and swimming! The girls had a wonderful time, and the evening was ended by Reddan who gave the girls a devotional about being beautiful from the inside out. She emphasized that we are all "princesses of God."
On Saturday morning, we had breakfast with them and then took them shopping for new clothes. Each girl enjoyed picking out 3-4 outfits for herself. We had lunch at the local Burger King and brought them back home.
Now, it is time to go to Ulysis' football game (soccer to us). This is a semi-final game and it is sure to be quite an experience.
On Saturday morning, we had breakfast with them and then took them shopping for new clothes. Each girl enjoyed picking out 3-4 outfits for herself. We had lunch at the local Burger King and brought them back home.
Now, it is time to go to Ulysis' football game (soccer to us). This is a semi-final game and it is sure to be quite an experience.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Praise for Safe and Uncomplicated Travel
The seven of us met at the airport on Thursday morning to fly to Mexico City, then connect to Tapachula later in the day. Sadly, our friend Becky was unable to join us because she found out this week that she has an infection that needs to be monitored in Houston. We miss her sweet spirit and creativity SO MUCH! And the children will miss her too, I am sure.
Our flight from Houston was uneventful. We found the renovated Mexico City airport to be much easier to get around in. Our flight to Tapachula was delayed, who knows why. They have changed their systerm a bit...you actually get on a bus that transports you to your plane on the tarmac. It was an interesting way to do it, and turned even more interesting as we discovered on the plane, just minutes from our takeoff that oneof the passengers was on the wrong plane!! She was supposed to go to Oaxaca! This naturally delayed us further.
We watched the sun set over the Pacific as our plane flew down the Mexican coast. We arrived in Tapachula a little after 7 pm last night. Norma and Faustino (mission directors in Tapachula) met us at the airport and took us to our hotel to settle in and have dinner.
Our evening devotional was about having (or not having) inner peace, and making conscious choices which pursue that peace. We are all very excited about seeing the children in the morning, but for now, we are quite tired from our travels and ready for a good night's rest!
Our flight from Houston was uneventful. We found the renovated Mexico City airport to be much easier to get around in. Our flight to Tapachula was delayed, who knows why. They have changed their systerm a bit...you actually get on a bus that transports you to your plane on the tarmac. It was an interesting way to do it, and turned even more interesting as we discovered on the plane, just minutes from our takeoff that oneof the passengers was on the wrong plane!! She was supposed to go to Oaxaca! This naturally delayed us further.
We watched the sun set over the Pacific as our plane flew down the Mexican coast. We arrived in Tapachula a little after 7 pm last night. Norma and Faustino (mission directors in Tapachula) met us at the airport and took us to our hotel to settle in and have dinner.
Our evening devotional was about having (or not having) inner peace, and making conscious choices which pursue that peace. We are all very excited about seeing the children in the morning, but for now, we are quite tired from our travels and ready for a good night's rest!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Ready or Not!
Months of planning and praying are behind us and it is finally time to make our journey to Tapachula. We have a wonderful week ahead and cannot wait to arrive to the children's bright smiles and hugs. Seven of us have been to Tapachula on previous mission trips, and we have all learned to hold our plans loosely to allow God's plan to unfold. We will leave Houston on Thursday, and hopefully, our next post will be from Mexico.
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