Burning the Fuse tooooooo soon!

“I am ready!” I told myself after all our exciting trips. I arrived home and went straight to work! I began calling friends/students from the schools I am working with to set appointments. I know now, that I should have prayed before each phone call, for many of the reunions fell through leaving me frustrated. Long story short, I allowed my flesh to do the work and not the Holy Spirit. It is hard sometimes to continually be in step with God when one thinks they are doing alright. I know for me, I end up frustrated and confused, thinking, “Why didn’t it work out right?” Obviously it was good ministry work, but it wasn’t lead by God. BIG difference! I can do good works, but without God it is meaningless like chasing the wind.

Guadalajara

Ministry
We didn’t have many days back in D.F, as me and Katie traveled the nine hours to Guadalajara. The focus was to meet with some students who have hearts to start a movement in their schools, to share who we are, to encourage them in their walk, and to connect them to future events. Through this experience, God has connected us with Juan, Tania, Debby, Monica, Krystal, two pastors, and even other students! I can’t wait to see how God will use these people for His Kingdom. Pray for continual courage in these students as they witness to their peers. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide them and lead them to do and to take the steps necessary in Guadalajara.

Family
Also during this time I had a chance to visit my family – my dad’s part. For two separate nights and four short days, I got to spend some quality time with my dad, my grandfather, and my many other relatives!! I even witnessed my first Mexican funeral. My dad’s brother (Uncle)’s wife’s sister lost her husband. She has nine children now to take care of. Please pray for her and her family. Their grieving tore my heart. A father, the main supporter for a large family, died so suddenly. Just that Sunday morning he was working under his car with his brother. The car fell on him and the following day, Monday was the funeral. It was very sad! I never experienced a loved one so near to pass away. If you have, can you share with me your story? How did you make it through?

Acapulco

What is your personality make up?

For less than a week the US STINTers traveled to Acapulco for a Conference. Our focus here was to evaluate our ministry, to learn about ourselves, and to enjoy a break from the work in Mexico City in the hot thick humid, yet very beautiful beach site! I spent much of my time alone with God. I really valued it too because I love to be around people so much that having those quiet days is a real treasure! I also found out through the Meyer Briggs Personality test that my personality is ENFJ. I challenge you to find out what personality you are by checking out the website http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp or any other site from goggle!

Dia De Los Muertos

Nov. 1 & 2

Mexico has some strange traditions. I guess so does U.S. with Halloween. I seek for the reasons behind the event. What is the purpose for celebrating such an evil holiday? Halloween in the U.S. seems to be a reason for children to receive free candy from their neighbors as they dress up in something they aren’t. But even in the midst of innocent children having fun receiving free candy, I believe that it sugarcoats the evil that happens during that night. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is actually a big holiday here in Mexico. I learned in my Spanish class the significance of honoring their lost love ones, but never did I realize it was so big until this year. First of all, Day of the Dead is set on two days, Nov. 1st and 2nd. The belief is that the dead souls of loved ones come during the night (children on the 1st and adults on the 2nd). For the souls they provide food, flowers, and an altar with pictures. It is thought that through this process they will find rest. Some go to the extent of spending the night at the actual grave where the body was laid. Here are some pictures that I took at a college campus. I am guessing that they not only celebrate it at homes, but that set a carnival like event where students get to show off their work and understanding to those who pass by. The work is impressive, but the roots and the current beliefs is what tug my heart. Please pray for those who do not know, who have not heard of the hope we have in heaven through the knowledge and surrendering to Jesus Christ as Savior. Also, pray against the idols that seem to be worshipped to much around here! Just the other day they were honoring Judas’ day, the brother of Jesus!