I might have just had the best group ever here, excluding those from home of course.  It was a group mostly from Quebec and included a couple from Mexico City.  They were hard working, responsive, fun, loving and willing to try something new.  Most of them worked for, or were family of employees of DemoSpec, a demolition company in Quebec.  They were also associated with Dr. Luc Chaussee and his church.  Dr Luc was on staff in the clinic about 20 years ago and was sent by the Mission Church as a missionary to Quebec.

We had three big jobs for them.  One of the duplexes needed to be demoed for remodeling, there were some slabs of concrete where trailers were parked that were removed and the pig sty was to be taken out.  They were used to this kind of work and jumped in with enthusiasm.  There was also the usual kitchen work, nut house and painting that occurred.

It was significant that their first language was French, most of them understood English very well but some of them spoke Spanish and French only.  When we were together we often had 2 translators so the message could be communicated to everyone.  It was all a lot of fun!

If you’ve been to the mission, there’s not a lot of this story so far that sounds noteworthy.  The best part is that nearly half of the group were not Christian.  You could hardly tell from their willingness to connect with the kids, the men at Rancho, and the staff that they would not say that Christ is their savior.  One of the company owners and his wife are Christian and they want they are creating disciples among their employees.  This is the third mission trip he has taken employees on.  He pays for the trip for all participants and its open to anyone in the 300-person company that wants to come.

It was a blessing to work with someone that is shepherding so many non-believers through their journey to faith.  I truly believe God (whether they knew it or not) was working in each one of their hearts and they were responsive to its softening.  I’m certain God’s power will continue to work in their hearts and I’ll see many of them in heaven.  They are Christian, but just don’t know it yet!

One of the blessings is the amount of support I receive from so many of you!  I’m on my own faith journey and could not do it without your response to God’s moving in your hearts.  Thanks!

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It’s about time I updated my blog.  While it’s been several weeks it seems like it has gone by quickly.  I’m still trying to figure out the new normal, it may never come to me.  I’ve been here for about 12 weeks.  The first three were with Robert, learning his job – not a normal period of time.  The next 6 weeks were hectic with a full visitors center and the kids out of school.  In the last three weeks we haven’t had visitors and we don’t have any this week either.  The kids are are back in school. There here have been a total of more than 475 visitors in these 9 weeks.  It has been an enjoyable and blessed time.

While different, the last three weeks haven’t been wasted.  I’ve been working in the carpentry shop working on desks for the school.  I’ve been asked to work with a group on updating the policy manual and am working on a summary of the Beatitudes for Sala at the end of the month.  It has not been without pangs for home though.  I really didn’t think I was homesick until I was at church and longed to worship and hear the message in a language I could understand.  I feel sorry for anyone around me when I’m singing, not only is my voice a beautiful noise but I’m butchering the language too.

One of the visitors this summer occasionally needed a walker to get around.  In preparation for his trip he shopped garage sales for a good used walker he could use and then leave as a donation.  On my way to the warehouse to drop it off, I thought I’d go to the clinic to see if there was an immediate need.  Wouldn’t you know it, earlier that day the doctor had a visit with a young man with spina bifida that had out grown his walker.  I should quit being surprised at how God prepares visitors.

I have shared with some of you the changes here at the mission.  It has been a long-term objective to open an orphanage in Sinaloa.  FFHM has had a presence there for several years and have made prayerful attempts to find and purchase a location.  There has been continual resistance in acquiring property.  Recently, several administrators were visiting the Mexican run daycare in Tijuana, similar to the one the mission runs in San Quintin.  There was a moving of spirits and a realization that Tijuana is a more likely place for an orphanage.  The Mexican department of children (DIF) was in agreement and now FFHM will pursue Tijuana as a place to share God’s love with the least of these.

The current Baja Administrator will move to Tijuana to prepare for this new venture.  She will also become the Director of Mexican missions with the Baja and Oaxaca administrators reporting to her.  The new Baja administrator will be Sara Peterson, she currently runs the daycare in San Quintin.  I see this as a positive change.  Both Jill and Sara love God and have been His servants in Mexico for several years.

One of the last groups here was from Canada and there were several members of the team from Newfoundland. Come to find out Newfoundland was settled largely by Irish immigrants.  When they put on their Newfie it wasn’t easy to follow.  I was taught to say: “Stay where your too, til I comes where your at.”

I believe this means, don’t leave, I’ll be there shortly.  This is appropriate because I’m planning a trip back to Wichita in November.  While I don’t have all of the details yet I will be there around Thanksgiving.  I will also work in a visit to Henry and Ellie in Albuquerque and my brother in Madison, WI.

My prayer requests:

• Learn Spanish.  I’m going through Duolingo with moderate success.  It is frustrating to struggle with everyday conversations, Sala and church service in a different language.
• Continued growth in relationships with other mission workers and the kids.

Thanks for all of the support you’ve shown me.  Let me know what’s new with you!

Vaya Con Dios

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