Swiss Family Robinson

Here`s the view from our balcony.



Here`s Mr. Iguana, who lives on the roof, right across from our balcony.





I always loved the movie Swiss Family Robinson. I thought it would be great to live near the ocean in their cool tree house. I feel like right now I kind of get to live that life. The tree house has already been built (and thankfully we have air conditioning:), and the ocean is in our back yard. BUT, there is one downfall... when you live in the jungle, there are these things called reptiles.

I have never really been a big fan of them, and my appreciation for them has just gone downhill. Living with reptiles is no fun. It`s like they`ve never even heard of respecting people`s privacy. You`ll be taking a shower by yourself one minute, and the next minute there are two geckos in there with you. Monday night, Andria and I were walking back to our room, enjoying the evening when a slithery feller decided to join us...we ran all the way back to the room and pledged to never go out after dark again.

Other than that, we`re having a very relaxing time here...it`s such a nice way to wrap up the trip. Yesterday we went on a 4 hour boat-ish ride. Some of the people went snorkling (I decided to decline when everyone was getting stung by jellyfish), we layed out and soaked up the sun (don`t worry, I used sunscreen), we boated next to dolphins, and 2 of the ship`s crew dove into the ocean to catch a sea turtle and they pulled it up onto the boat so we could all see it and they gave it a nice bath. Thankfully we did that yesterday, because today was basically like a monsoon:) God is so good! Tomorrow we might go out to `the island` to do some more snorkling and souvenier shopping (hopefully without the jellyfish:) Then Saturday we come home!

I love Zihuatenejo...not only because it`s beautiful here and the ocean is just down a flight of stairs, but because I`m finally able to just be. I`m finishing the book Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. I have really enjoyed swinging back and forth in the hammock on our porch, while reading and journaling, or praying. It`s nice to have a little calm before the storm of transitioning home and getting everything ready for my floor before RA training in early August. I love just being able to process everything that I´ve learned and am learning this summer.

Here are also a couple of pictures from the beach at Zihuatenejo. Hopefully I`ll take more and add them when I get home Sunday or Monday.

Oh Pachuca

Javier, Main, and Joe Cross at a café in Pachuca

And me with a donkey:)

Pachuca has been an amazing city...well, maybe it´s not the city itself, but the friends we´ve made here. We have seen God move so much as He has placed so many people in our paths at just the right times.



Javier and Main are two of our closest friends here. They are students at the main university in Pachuca. And, they are on fire for God. It is awesome to see the passion that they have to win Pachuca over for Christ. They are excited to see their church partner with YWAM Pachuca, and Enfoque México. I love seeing the body work together to accomplish the Great Commission.

More Pachuca Pictures

Here is the link to the latest pictures from Pachuca.

My Favorite Mexican

Pépe is officially named ¨My Favorite Mexican.¨ I honestly can´t even believe I only new him for less than a week. I suppose that´s the way God works. When we meet fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, it doesn´t take long to find things we have in common. It doesn´t take long to go deep.

Pépe is one of a kind. He´s not even 20 years old, but he knows what it means to live the life of a higher calling. I´ve met so many pastors´kids who turn against everything they´ve been taught while growing up. I think Pépe just learned that HE had to make a decision for himself, and he made the right one.

He´s the worship leader at Iglesia Cristiana, and he´s going to try out for Latin American Idol someday soon. He speaks English and Spanish, and I have no doubt that God has huge plans for his life.

I know that meeting Pépe was a huge blessing to me, but it´s even better to know that our group was a blessing to him. I think it made a big impact on both of us to know there are other college students who are trying to live their lives for Christ, and aren´t settling for the things of this world.

Anyway, I just thought I´d let you know about one of the extremely cool students we´ve met during our time here.

More Pics

¡Bienvenidos a Pachuca!

Here is the link to some of Andria´s pictures.

Teatro Juarez

Teatro Juarez has become a newly found friend. Maybe it´s just because it´s an easy meeting point since everyone knows where it is. Anyway, we´re meeting people there tonight, tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday. We´ll probably also meet people there Saturday since we are leaving town on Sunday.

Back to those we are meeting...Sunday we went to Iglesia de Cristo (Church of Christ). I guess you could say we went on a whim since we didn´t know anything about it accept it said Iglesia and Cristo. This church has turned out to be a huge blessing. All of the songs they sang Sunday morning were songs that we knew in English, so we were able to sing along with them. The message was ¨Why are we called Christians, and Why are we members of the Church of Christ?¨

The pastor went through 11 answers to the above questions, and they were all directly from the Bible. It was wonderful to be able to understand a whole message in another language! After the service, the ¨jovenes¨ or youth were going to go to lunch together, so they invited us to go along. We went out for pizza. I didn´t think we really connected, but before I knew it, we had committed to meet them again at Teatro Juarez at 10pm (a little past my curfew to start new activites in Mexico). I asked what we were going to do, and nobody seemed to know. Ok, I guess we´re just doing to sit around and stare at eachother.

When we arrived, there were about 4 guys, and I only recognized one. David introduced us to Alberto, Juan, and Victor. Pépe (the pastor´s son) and family also came. We went to a coffee shop and had a blast! Juan and Alberto are rediculously hilarious. We actually decided that they are the Mexican male versions of me and Andria. We left the coffee shop at 11:30...we decided to leave since they had closed at 11 haha. We went outside and started singing worship songs in the street. It was really cool...they would sing in Spanish while we would sing in English. Then, they´d sing a Spanish one, then we´d sing an English one, etc. After a bit, we got yelled at to be quiet, so we decided to go back to Teatro Juarez to finish our little concierto.

We ended up staying there past 1 AM. Last night, we went with them to a worship meeting put on by Agua Vida (living water), a group from Chihuahua. That was definitely an experience, but maybe I´ll write about that some other time. After the worship thing, we were all standing outside saying goodbye, and we decided to get together tonight again at 5 (my sleep-o-meter is very grateful).

I´m very excited to build these relationships and to see what impact Christ has had in each of their lives. We´re also hoping to connect some of the new believers from Universidad de Guanajuato with these chavos (friends).

Please pray for us as we keep connecting with our new friends. Thanks!
¡Dios le bendiga!

Mi Casa Es Tu Casa

I would like to start by saying that I love Mexico and I love Mexicans! They really mean it when they say their home is our home.

Saturday we went to Monica´s house. I figured it wouldn´t be a typical Mexican home since her parents both teach at the University of Guanajuato, plus her mom owns a little store in el mercado. But, I didn´t expect to go through the gate and enter a garden and what seemed a typical American home. They had so many fruit trees including palmegranates (sp?), bananas, papaya, apples, limes, and more! Her mom made us horchata water (like a rice and cinnamon milk...doesn´t sound good but is my favorite!), pico de gallo (the best I´ve ever had!), quesadillas, and grilled beef. What a feast!

After we ate, we sat and talked in the yard for a bit before heading in doors. Monica and her brother, Edgar, are hilarious! They have both lived in the U.S. for at least a year, and Monica is planning on coming to study for a year soon, so they both speak excellent English. We sat around and chatted for a bit before she brought out her keyboard and I played and we sang some worship songs.

When we were done singing, we asked Monica and Edgar more about what they believed as Mormons. They said that they didn´t really know that much since they never really go to church. They are both really searching for Truth to believe in. We shared the 4 Laws with them and they said they believed all of it. We also gave them New Testaments and suggested reading John if they were interested.

After eating some plums and bananas, we came back to our hotel thouroughly stuffed. We are continuing to pray for Monica and her family, and we would appreciate if you do the same. Hopefully we will be able to hang out again this week before heading to the next city.

Tuesday

Today was a little crazy. We went to several universities and schools, but didn´t get to talk to students. The first school we went to was already out for the summer, so we talked to a guy about doing student exchanges. At the next school that we went to, the director stopped us, so we also got information about student exchanges with their school. Then we ate lunch. I had a delicious quesadilla and Sprite for less than $3...I don´t think I could have beat that at home.

The next school we arrived at turned out to be an elementary school, so we pressed on. The last school we went to is having their finals week, so after I sat in some gum, we left haha.

I posted some more pictures on the facebook site, so you can keep checking the link below and there will be more pics as I have time to upload them.

Evelin

Today I was able to meet back up with Evelin. She is so sweet and she is growing so much in her faith! Turns out she is going to be in Guanajuato from Monday-Thursday, so we will probably be able to hang out there together!! God is so good!

When we met today, I went through some more follow up with her. We talked and read verses about how we can have sin that blocks us from being in fellowship with God, but we are still His children. Then, we took time to write down any sins that came to mind, we confessed them and wrote 1 John 1:9 over the top of them, ripped up the paper, threw it away, and thanked God for His forgiveness and mercy.

I just stand in awe of all God is doing here. He is so amazing to let us be in Guanajuato for 4 days together! I was really sad to have to leave Evelin and not see her again, and now I might get to see her more in Guanajuato than I do here! God is good!

More pics!

To see more of my pics of the trip so far, please go to:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2099455&l=f5889&id=17218566

This was a group of students that met for a meeting called Generation with a Vision.

Los niños

UAM

Today we went to the UAM campus. Michelle and Jared went to talk to a guy, while Andria, Nate, and I went to meet back up with the 3 girls we talked to on Tuesday. We were going to introduce them to Skye and Lis so they could keep in touch with them once we leave Mexico City. The girls never showed up and so we just waited. Michelle came and got Nate to help her and Jared communicate with the guy they were talking to. Lis and Skye left, so Andria and I just waited to see if the girls would come late (not unusual for Mexico). They never came, so we went over to the others. We were introduced to Marcos and found out he is a Christian, and he is involved with a group that evangelizes on the campus every Thursday!! Then, his Christian friend, Israel came over and we talked with him too. They introduced us to a girl in their group who spoke excellent English, then we left for lunch.

The stinters left, and we (Jared, Michelle, Andria y yo) went back to campus. Jared and Andria went together, and I went with Michelle. Michelle and I tried to start several conversations, but no one was interested. So, we tried to go to another courtyard when we saw Israel again. We asked him where he thought the best place was for us to go. He ended up coming with us, and we started talking with 2 girls. They were both Catholic, but didn´t really have a personal relationship with Christ. I took them through the 4 Spiritual Laws, and they both accepted Christ!! Israel is going to follow up with them, and he will introduce them to the girls in their evangelism group. Praise God!!!

Mexico City

Mexico is beautiful. I love all of the sights, sounds, and some of the smells. We went to college campuses on Monday, Tuesday, and today. I was able to share the Gospel with Evelyn on Monday and she accepted Christ as her Saviour! We met with her again today, and she might come to the pyramids with us on Saturday.

Yesterday, a few of us girls went to a home for single young moms. We played with the kids who were about age 1 to 5. They were so incredibly cute, and they all spoke the cutest Spanish I´ve ever heard. Mauricio was 5, and he was super smart. He is a little prankster, but when we left, he just looked deep into my eyes and said something about his mom. He just kept staring with puppy eyes, so what did I do...of course I cried a river. We are going to try to go back next Wednesday again.

A New Law by Derek Webb

(vs. 1)don’t teach me about politics and government just tell me who to vote for
don’t teach me about truth and beauty just label my music
don’t teach me how to live like a free man just give me a new law

(pre-chorus)i don’t wanna know if the answers aren’t easy so just bring it down from the mountain to me

(chorus)i want a new law i want a new law gimme that new law

(vs. 2)don’t teach me about moderation and liberty i prefer a shot of grape juice
don’t teach me about loving my enemies
don’t teach me how to listen to the Spirit just give me a new law

(pre-chorus/chorus)

(bridge)what’s the use in trading a law you can never keep for one you can that cannot get you anything

do not be afraid
do not be afraid
do not be afraid

3 Days, then Mexico!

I'm so wonderfully expecting to be in Mexico City in 3 days! I have seen God moving in my life during my time at home. He has shown me so much more about His character. He has shown me more of who I am and who He has made me to be.

I had an amazing prayer retreat in the Davy's attic with Stephanie Friday night-Saturday noon. What a blessing to get away from distractions and seek the face of God. I have no doubt that my time with Him this past weekend has helped prepare me for my time in Mexico.
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I got to go to Sioux City yesterday to see my best friend, Mary, and to meet her boyfriend, Kyle. How fun! I wish we could have had more time together, but it was great getting to know the man who she's chosen to be in a relationship with. I'm so proud of her and the decisions she's making. Praise God!
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So those goals that I set for the summer... I don't really see those happening...especially before Mexico. Oh well.

I can't believe that in 3 days, I'll be surrounded with the sounds of Mexico...especially since I don't know what they are other than hearing Spanish all the time.

On that note, I am so excited to see how much Spanish I can and can't remember...and of that which I can remember, how much I can actually use correctly:)

Lead of Love by Caedmon's Call

Looking back at the road so far
The journey's left its share of scars
Mostly from leaving the narrow and straight

Looking back it is clear to me
That a man is more than the sum of his deeds
And how You've made good of this mess I've made
Is a profound mystery

Looking back You know You had to bring me through
All that I was so afraid of
Though I questioned the sky, now I see why
Had to walk the rocks to see the mountain view
Looking back I see the lead of love

Looking back I can finally see (I'd rather have wisdom)
How failures bring humility (than be)
Brings me to my knees (a comfortable fool)
Helps me see my need for Thee

The Southside Experience!

That's right...what do you think now, huh? The Southside RA's got to go on the roof of Abel tonight for our last meeting. We watched the sunset and took a picture of all of us. I'm really going to miss these guys! We went around and had a one-on-one time with each staff member and told them our favorite memory with them, and why we liked them or appreciated them.

I was so humbled to hear that my RA peers respected me so much and that they were truly glad I had joined the staff. I wouldn't trade these past few months in Abel for anything.

I learned a lot about myself. I surprised myself. I was disappointed in myself. I was proud of myself. One regret I do have is that I didn't get to know near as many people as I would have liked, half as well as I would have liked. The students on my floor were awesome. They were individuals. They were a family. I love them.

I remember when I was deciding whether or not to take the position. I knew I would be overwhelmed. I knew it would drag on, but I also knew it would go by so quickly. I can't believe it's over.

Abel does not live up to it's reputation. Sure, there are issues, incidents, accidents. Tell me a dorm where there aren't any. But, there is love and community in Abel. Kids are honest here. Ask them a question and you'll get a straight answer. Authenticity.

Mark Schultz: "One Life, one Love, one Way Home. Back in His arms again."

Keep Holding On

The song "Keep Holding On" by Avril Lavene (sp?) is on the radio right now. It's a good song for the night...I've been checking people out of their rooms ALL day. It's been fun, but my feet are killing me and I'm really tired. On top of that, I had to say goodbye to Mindy and Layna for the summer. I was too tired to even let it sink in. I know I'll see them again in the fall, but we'll all be different. I'm excited to see how God moves in each of us this summer, but everyone knows I don't handle relational change well. You can call me a sentimental fool...it's true.

I haven't even started packing yet. At least I don't have too much stuff since I already moved once this semester.

Psalm 81:1
Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob!

Ok, I'm going to go shout and check out more residents:)

Tres Semanas

Hola y Bienvenidos a mi blog!

I'm gearing up for the summer of my life...I'm going to Mexico for 7 weeks in just 21 days. How does that make me feel? Utterly and completely unprepared. The good news is that I know God will meet me where I am and that He's in control.

I have less than 3 days before I move home to get everything ready for Mexico. I also would like to read a book before I go.

That brings me to a new topic...summer goals. I think people should do them. Making summer goals is one of the main reasons I just decided to start a blog. Here are some of mine. I will add/subtract them as I choose.

Books to read:
1. The Good News about Injustice - Gary Haugen
I know I have MANY more I want to read, but they're at home, so I'll add more later.

RA stuff:
1. Door Decs
2. Welcome letters
3. Bathroom decs