Don't be afraid. Don't be the least bit afraid.

Playful esqueletos (skeletons), colorful calaveras (skulls), and bright cempasúchitl (marigolds) adorn neighborhood yards and local parks in preparation for el Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) this weekend (Nov 1 & 2).  

Contrary to the intentions of many in the US during this holiday season, our Mexican counterparts don't decorate in order to scare us to death, but to mock and make fun of death. My Mexican friends explain it this way: Death is inevitable. Therefore let's not fear what we can't avoid - death - rather let's choose to celebrate life. Let's laugh in the face of fear, let's remember with fondness those who have died, let's rejoice in the life once lived!

See this cutie patootie – not the least bit afraid :)

Many Mexicans also place photos of loved ones, their favorite food and drink, and other remembrances upon these ornate tables. Around these tables, families recall and entice loved ones who have died to visit and enjoy life's pleasures on this one day of the year it is thought they are allowed to roam the earth. 

Although these tables are often referred to as altars, don't mistakenly assume these families worship the dead. According to my Mexican friends, these tables/altars are not places of worship, but simply a gathering of familiar tokens to remember a cherished loved one.

However you choose to celebrate this weekend, may it be filled with laughter and joy at the remembrances of loved ones and the hope of life eternal with Christ.

I almost forgot. Look who I found wondering the streets of Mexico City – MiKo the chameleon ready to join the festivities!

(All my kids and MK friends know who MiKo is. You can too by following this link.)

One more thing. At the request of a friend and missionary colleague, I shared a story of transformation on her blog this past week. Enjoy! The Shape of My Faith

I am a foreigner

I am a foreigner.

I know the anticipation and excitement of living in a foreign country, as well as the accompanying culture shock and bewilderment. I have experienced the joy of expressing myself in a new language, as well as the unease of not understanding the joke. Since I have lived outside of the U.S. for most of the last 10 years, being a foreigner has become my new normal.

And then recently I realized, I am a foreigner in more than one respect . . . continue the story on Tortilla Press

Have Yourself a Merry Little Cross-Cultural Christmas

Our family has celebrated Christmas in three foreign cultures since leaving the United States in 2005. Explore our Christmas adventures on Tortilla Press . . .  Posadas, Piñatas, and Noche Buena

How to Eat Your Way Through Mexico City and live to tell about it

One must indulge one's children when they return home from university, mustn't one. 

Therefore, Olivia's recent visit gave us an excuse to revisit some eateries like the Crepes & Waffles restaurant.

Of Angels and Missionaries

Years ago, my young daughter confessed that she believed angels had the responsibility to fetch our heads after we die and bring them to heaven.

Read the rest of the story on Tortilla Press.

You May Be a Missionary If . . .

Here is a fun list that a bunch of us missionaries contributed to on Facebook. I have to say, we've experienced all these things. Let's see how well you do :)

You may be a missionary if . . .

it takes all day to pay your electric bill because the power went out at the utility company.

you open Christmas cards and gifts on Valentine's Day (because that's when they arrived).

a police officer stops you on the road because he needs lunch money.

the word itineration sends you into convulsions or cold-sweats.

you think stop signs and red lights are more of a suggestion.

Let Justice Roll on Like a River

Discouraged. Disheartened. Depressed. Dismayed.

That about sums up my week.

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 :)

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!

The Ultimate Fruit Booster

I bought a bag of frozen mangoes the other day and found this little package inside.

It's a seasoning mix to sprinkle on top of the fruit.
It claims to be the ultimate fruit booster.

Let's take a closer look at the ingredients: 

Chili Peppers, Salt, and Lime Juice.

Por supuesto, that will give the flavor a definite kick :)

Fiesta de Quinceañera

In Mexico, a young woman's 15th birthday marks a very special milestone in her life. The family usually provides the Quinceañera (the birthday girl) with a grand fiesta (the Quinceaños). Just last night we attended such a celebration for our Pastor's daughter Adaia.

Pastor Boche and family celebrate the Quince Año of their beautiful daughter, Adaia.

The Quinceañera is presented during a short service before the formal celebration begins. Special songs, Scripture reading, a presentation of a special gift, a short address to the honoree, and prayer all preclude the festivities.

Our area director Dave Greco addresses the honoree.

It was a privilege to be apart of this special celebration.

Olivia and Sophia flank Adaia the Quinceañera and her sister Asiely stands next to Wesley.

Up early on Saturdays plus once or twice during the week, Wesley learned how to dance these last few months to be apart of the Quinceañera's court. He did a great job.

Cajas Felices (Happy Meals) for the kids. Apparently chicken nuggets cross all cultural boundaries.

Love the kid in the red.

More friends from church share in Adaia's special day.

First course of our amazing meal. 

Toasting Adaia with sparkling apple cider.

Looking especially handsome in his tux.

It's not a fiesta without dancing! And let me tell you something, you haven't lived until you've heard "Achy, Breaky Heart" in Spanish.

A young friend tries to lure Sophia to the dance floor. Not a snowball's chance kiddo. 

A special party favor from a very special night.