Fiesta de Independencia

A student of mine at the Anna Sander's Bible Institute invited our family to an Independence Day celebration at her father's church.

The church was not too far from our home, but in a part of the city we were not familiar with. 

The mountains were beautiful that night.

What's a fiesta without a mariachi band? 

They played and sang beautifully.

My student Keila (on the left) worshiping the Lord in dance.

After the service the members of the band gave our family a CD of their music. 

What a pleasant surprise!

Stuart and I with Keila. 

In the United States we grill hamburgers and hot dogs on the 4th.

In Mexico we feast on pozole, a traditional soup made with hominy.

It was quite good :)

Let Freedom Ring

Today is an interesting day here in Mexico. It is 9/11, so as a US citizen I recall the events of 10 years ago with a heavy heart. The images on TV and on the web prod my emotions once again and bring tears to my eyes. I distinctly remember where I was and what I was doing on this day in 2001. I had no idea that the next 10 years of my life would bring so much diversity. I had no idea that I would live in three other countries and now be serving as a missionary in Mexico.

Which brings me to the events of today. During prayer requests, I asked my church (in my broken Spanish) to remember the US and to pray for our enemies as the Bible says. Graciously, our church here in Mexico City prayed for the United States, for those who lost loved ones, and for our allies and enemies alike. My former professor at Southeastern University of the Assemblies of God posted a note on Facebook concerning a Christian's response to our enemies - namely to love them. His post consisted of numerous Biblical texts in regard to our attitudes towards those who hate us (including 1 Peter 3:10-12 and Luke 6:27-36). However, the response of some toward his post took me aback.

As a missionary, I love my country of service. But I have a unique and desperate love for my birth country, my country of citizenship. I deeply appreciate the sacrifices made and the freedoms we enjoy. Nevertheless, may I never forget I am also a citizen of a greater country. The truth is, I am an alien and a stranger in a very different land, one that is not my own and my heart aches for a better one - a heavenly one; one that God has prepared for me*.

Today is 9/11, a date that will live in infamy for all US citizens. And in a few days is 9/16, which may mean nothing to you, but it is Mexico's independence day. So today in Mexico, I stand between two extremes. As I remember the losses of 9/11, I also anticipate with my Mexican brothers and sisters their upcoming independence day celebrations in a few days. Indeed, FREEDOM and LIBERTY are beautiful words and concepts to contemplate. To live in a country that is free is a beautiful thing. But to live with a Savior that continually sets us free from hate, racism, and bitterness is a better thing.

Let freedom ring.

If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. ~John 8:36

*Hebrews 11:13-16

Mercado de la Ciudadela

A-tisket, a-tasket, a green and yellow, blue and orange, purple and red basket . . . 

We visited Mercado de la Ciudadela recently with Olivia, before her move to Texas.

There are literally 100's of stalls filled with arts and crafts from all over Mexico.

Beautiful Huicho Indian bead art. I want the nativity set :)

Are you ready for some football!