Back in the Big City

I think I've aged a month this past week with all the last minute sorting & packing, then leaving & flying, and then arriving & cleaning.

Whew.

Although there is a lot more to do, we obtained SIM cards for our Mexico cell phones and bought a little food and other items for the house.

In the midst of all the hectic-ness that is a part of transitioning to a new country, we did manage to take a little break with our area directors, Paul and Sandy Kazim, to visit one of our favorite places for tacos and churros in Mexico City: El Moro.

Yummy.

Today, Paul accompanied Stuart again to get power reconnected to the house. 

Tomorrow fellow missionaries, Nicky and Janie Rider, will arrive from Chihuahua to help make some repairs on the house.

This week we hope to sign up for internet at the house.

On Sunday we plan on being with Teen Challenge.

And then next week we'll need to visit the immigration office to secure our temporary residency status.

Wow.

So grateful for all of you; for your prayers and financial support, and for missionary colleagues coming alongside us to make this transition more manageable.

Thanks everyone!

Hey, hey, hey ... we're on our way

While many of you are attending General Council in Orlando this weekend, we'll be setting up house in Mexico City!

It's been a whirlwind of activity around here these last few weeks: a trip to Indianapolis to obtain our temporary residency visas, clearing out our home for rent, and prepping the family dog for return to his homeland.

Although we've done this numerous times before, this time is different as we are leaving all our kids behind in the States for the first time. We'd appreciate your prayers for our family during this transition.

Also, please pray for an uneventful flight, a breeze through immigration and customs, and for all the last minute details to be taken care.

We look forward to returning to Mexico City to proclaim release to the captives of drug addiction and set at liberty those who are oppressed by the sex trade. 

Thanks, everyone!

Printable PDF Summer special edition newsletter 2015

Why should my heart be sad?

“Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.” Luke 13.1

Very little is known of this particular incident from the biblical record. All we do know is that Pilate slaughtered a group of Galilean pilgrims while they were offering their sacrifices in Jerusalem. Even historical records from that time period reveal nothing; only that atrocities such as this were consistent with Pilate's reputation.

Recent tragedies in our country and around the world remind us once again that such cruelty has a long and powerful reach. Like you, I'm sure, these senseless tragedies have troubled me deeply. Yet, while contemplating life in the midst of a particularly stressful day, I came across this timely reminder on social media:

This is my Father's world.

O let me ne'er forget

that though the wrong

seems oft so strong,

God is the ruler yet.

Like the songwriter, I know all is not right in this world. Tragic events, barbaric acts of violence, and unjust systems can at times shake us to the core. And although cruelty may seem to have a long and powerful reach, it can never out-distance nor out-maneuver God's saving grace and redeeming love.

This is my Father's world:

why should my heart be sad?

The Lord is King; let the heavens ring.

God reigns; let the earth be glad!

*Stuart and I thank you for your prayers and financial support. Because of your faithfulness and generosity we have reached the top of the Itineration Pyramid. Yay! The next order of business is securing our temporary residency visas. Please pray with us as we gather all necessary documents and set an appointment at the consulate. Once we secure our visas we can make travel arrangements. We hope to complete the process and be back in Mexico City within the next month! 

We look forward to returning to Mexico City to proclaim release to the captives of drug addiction and set at liberty those who are oppressed by the sex trade. Thank you!

Printable PDF Summer 2015

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A new beginning starts with joy

What a joy to visit our close friends Pastor Rick and Angela Forker at Joy Fellowship Church yesterday. We and the Forkers started out in ministry together at Evangel Christian Center (now Hope Church) in Fort Wayne many moons ago. But now, after serving as missionaries in Germany and Italy, Rick and Angela bring their cross-cultural and pastoral experience to New Haven, Indiana.

Not only did we celebrate a new beginning with our friends on Sunday we also met some special people from Mexico at their church - because as you know Mexicans are everywhere - and we love that!

So here's José from San Luis Potosí pictured next to Stuart. Stuart and I have stopped through San Luis Potosí a number of times while traveling north from Mexico City.

Since it was my birthday as well, I chose to satisfy my craving for some authentic Mexican comida at Salsa Grille in George's International Grocery. 

Tacos de carne asada, elotes, guacamole, and horchata - it just doesn't get any better than that. Unless you are actually in Mexico City which ....

we will be in less than a month! 

Yay, we made it! Let's do the happy dance!

Thanks everyone for joining with us to reach the top of the Itineration Pyramid. We really could not have done this without you. We appreciate your continued prayers as we pack up our stuff, apply for our visas, and finalize our travel plans.

You can still be a part of our missionary journey through prayer and financial support. We also invite you to sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our ministry.

Thanks again amigos!

What's going on back there?

Almost five years ago we climbed the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihacan. And since I've shared this same photo numerous times, I thought I'd give you a behind the scenes look.

Once we reached the top that faithful day, friend and missionary colleague Cheryl Greco snapped a photo of our crowning achievement.

Not to be outdone, Cheryl's husband, Dave, snapped a photo of Cheryl snapping a photo of us on the day of our crowning achievement.

And not because there is any unhealthy competition among the Mexico Missionary Fellowship, another friend and missionary colleague, Carolyn Marton snapped a photo of Dave, snapping a photo of Cheryl snapping a photo of us on the day of our crowning achievement.

And there you have it; a behind the scenes look at missionary life :)

There's a lot more going on behind the scenes in our life right now. I have been sorting and packing our stuff while Stuart has been repairing and painting our home for our impending move. We haven't received official word yet of our financial clearance, but we'll let you know as soon as we do.

Thanks to everyone who gave generously and sacrificially to get us back to Mexico City. It's never too late to join us in the journey, though. Your one-time offering or monthly support will keep us on the field the next four years (and counting).