update
It Seems to be harder and harder to write these updates. It would be soo much easier if you all just came to visit for a few days. Like my parents did last month. It was a great time, they got to spend about a week here, and I took them all over, and introduced them to hundreds of people. It was a blast! Everyone here in Monterrey loved them, and now understands why I always say I was blessed with a great family. And now my parents understand a little better what I’ve been trying to explain to them about Mexico for ten months. They both had a really great time (just ask my Mom, I’m sure she’ll be more than willing to show you some of the 200 pictures she took! I also have posted some of via the photos link on my blog < ---) I can’t even pick out one of my favorite things we did, but it was like a mini mission trip! I don’t’ even know how many times we were invited over for lunch or dinner, but I think we ate with just about the whole leadership team at some point. It was a typical good showing of some Latin hospitality! One of the coolest things for me was to get to take them to my orphanage. It’s a bigger deal than it sounds. This is an orphanage, run by the government, for mistreated kids. They are super tight on security. In order to volunteer there you must first complete pages and pages of forms, references, and background checks. The whole process takes several months. [however, God just opened the door for me, and I come and go as I please ~ without ever jumping though any of those hoops] So I was nervous about getting permission to bring them in. I have made friends with most of the security guards (it’s easy to be remembered when you are the only American around), and with some of the boss’s in the office. When I mentioned that my parents were coming, she actually brought it up; that I should bring them to see “my kids”. Chalk up another answered prayer. So everyone at the orphanage was excited to meet my parents (some just to see what color eyes they would have) and they all had very nice things to say about me also. Even my kids were really happy too. My parents had brought some stuffed animals, books, soccer balls, bubbles, and school supplies to donate. Again, because of the security issues we are not allowed to take pictures there; but just ask them how cute the kids were, I’m sure they won’t forget those faces for a while!
Well all that sounds like a vacation, it left me exhausted. Why would all that fun be so tiring? Translating. My parents speak no Spanish, and most of my friends here speak no English. Mealtimes were especially hard for me, I was so busy translating I could never put food in my mouth. But it was all worth it, and I would do it again in a second. So my parents flew out on Saturday afternoon and arrived home safely. (after I few minor delays)
Several hours later, a group of about then people flew in from Cedarcreek Church in Ohio (http://www.cedarcreek.tv)for a week long mission trip. After hanging out with the youth group kids that night, I was right back at it the next day, translating and being the tour guide. This group (and I know I say this every time) was awesome! I got along really well with everyone in the group, they were very encouraging, and I learned a lot of great stuff from them.
***I have posted new photos of my parent’s trip (and more!) click HERE to check them out.***
Even though I am starting to wind things down here in my last couple months, I have become very busy. It takes a while to get things going in a church plant (and in Mexican culture). So lots of new things are just now starting up, approximately one year after the grand opening of the church. So now, in addition to leading the High school youth, I am now assisting with getting a college group started. I am really excited about this! It stinks that I’ll only be around three more months, and not get to see all the growth, but I’m ok with just planting the seed and letting someone else water it. My friend Henry will be running the group and he will do awesome. He is a great guy, and is very passionate about pursuing God and leading others with him. He has been a great inspiration for me (even though he’s a couple years younger).
I was finally able to start a second English class several weeks ago. I was disappointed the first week when 10 people said they were coming and only 1 showed up. But it is working out well now, as this student is more advanced, and I have changed it to a higher level course, so some others might come as well. I also am continuing to volunteer at the orphanage a couple days a week.
I am very thankful that God will be keeping me busy these last 3 months, because otherwise I would go crazy and probably get depressed about leaving.
This brings me to my next point… I have been asking for prayer about where God wants me to be after November, and I took some extended time to fast and pray and talk with my pastors two weeks ago. I really feel like God is leading me back home to the Chicago area. I am currently investigating furthering my education at Moody Bible Institute and also investigating the possibility of working with Gente Unida Ministries. I am passionately excited about both things and hope that God opens the doors to where I can accomplish both!
On the other hand, it means I will be leaving behind all my great new friends (and “family”) here in Monterrey.
I am thrilled about the opportunity to come back to the Chicago area, and all that God has in store for me there.
Now, for the details:
I originally planned for (and raised sufficient funds for) exactly one year’s worth of expenses here in Monterrey. As the final date approaches, I have discussed with my pastors an interesting possibility. The actual end of one year falls on November 2. however, as I am now in leadership positions with both the college and high school groups; it would be a bit awkward to leave in the middle of a semester. It would be a much smoother transition for all involved if I could hang around one more month and leave at the end of the fall school semester (middle of December). It would lead to a smoother transition for the leaders to continue where I leave off, by starting fresh a new year and new semester. I totally agree this is the best thing for me, the church, the students, and everyone involved. Sounds great right?
Now comes the catch. I would need another months rent, food, etc as I did not anticipate staying this additional month of November. That’s where you come flying in to save the day! If you already are giving a monthly gift, I am asking that you send in your last gift in November instead of October. And if you feel lead to send a one time donation please just send me an email and we can work out the details.
