Update #2 Sunday at the Church

Following a restful night of sleep, we awoke this morning and drove about 20 minutes to the church we are working with. Most of our bus conversation revolved around how cold the air conditioning was and how silly we felt when we realized that we could actually adjust the temperature!

We arrived at Principe de Paz to find cereal, boxed milk, Pepsi and orange soda on the tables. Apple Cherrios and Honey Nut O’s were the favorites. It was Rachel that discovered if we pour the milk out of the side of the opening it wouldn’t spill out all over the table. It wasn’t long before we were served scrambled eggs with ham, accompanied by what looked liked creamed pinto beans. Some of us used warm flour tortillas to sop up the remains of the beans. Hot water was ready with instant decaf coffee available for those who wanted it. But Lindsey and I had our caffeine fix in our rooms with the coffee we made.

Scott Craig, along with interns Bethany and Daniel walked us through our orientation to Mexico and to Monterrey. We finally received a schedule and found out that one of our afternoons will be spent going closer to down town Monterrey to help with some disaster relief work that MTW has begun since Hurricane Alex came through. Even though Sunday school was supposed to be over at 11, we walked in to what we thought would be the beginning of church only to find out 20 minutes later that we had joined the last part of the Sunday school time. The worship service was certainly an experience for all of us. There was such a spirit of communion and fellowship among the Mexican believers who didn’t seem to mind that the bottom row of keys to the organ didn’t work. They didn’t mind that only a few of them had hymnals. The translator was put on the spot and really struggled through the sermon. So the man preaching (we think he is an elder) did his best to translate for himself…we were all humbled by the courage it took on both their parts to try to go out of their way to make us feel welcomed. We greeted the pastor and the elders at the door by 1:30. But no one seemed to notice the time except us.

We ate lunch at the church following the service. Meatballs with rice in them (similar to porcupine balls), mashed potatoes that were scrumptious, and salad, consisting of lettuce and tomatoes. So filling and comforting at the same time.

We got the chance to return to our hotel rooms for about a one hour “siesta” or rest time before heading back out to the church to pass out invitations to the neighborhood children and help set up for VBS. Again we sensed a spirit of excitement about the ministry we are helping with and warmth and love from the VBS workers here. Connie, Rachel, Cheryl, Lindsey and I, along with the females from Meadowcroft, joined groups of three Mexicans. In groups we walked through different areas around the church calling people outside to invite their children to the church. We learned a lot from the ladies we went with and were able get to know them better. Connie and Cheryl were both very impressed with how bold they were and how warmly the invitations were accepted. We met as one team, Mexican and American to go over what the program was all about. Linda, the director of Principe de Paz VBS ran the meeting while I, Crystal translated. We worked out ahead of time that she needed to speak slowly. We were all amazed at how much we could begin to understand. Nathan was given the chance to participate in a skit that will be held on Friday. He is eager begin to memorize his lines and practice with the other two teens from the church who will be in the skits. Travis and Dom and Don kept busy building some of the props that we will be using. Don also got the chance to spend the afternoon with the Scott Craig.

Dinner was ham, cheese and avocado sandwiches, salad (lettuce and tomatoes) and soda. They do have a cooler of water available at all times. So no need to worry about that.

We arrived back at the hotel by 8:30. We held our first “debrief” session. It was really neat to hear about what others were experiencing and what they had been learning.

Tomorrow is a brand new day. VBS begins and construction on the block wall will start. Our updates will probably be posted around 10:30 each night, so don’t worry if you don’t hear from us all day. Thanks for your prayers. Here are some special requests:
1. Transportation is 2-3x harder now that the main roads are blocked or missing after the hurricane. Scott is under a lot of stress because of this.
2. Nathan will need to memorize and practice his soldier character part for Fridays skit.
3. Crystal’s eyes have been bothering her all day. Pray for relief.
4. God will reveal himself to each of us where we are and that we will hear him when he speaks to us.

That’s all for now. Until tomorrow…
God bless, and thanks for your prayers.

Crystal