Renewing Friendships

Wednesday afternoon we went to Kids' Club. They had about 13 kids, 10 -12 years old. They were discussing the friendship between David and Jonathan and how they could be good friends. Then, they decorated flower pots and planted a seed - the seed of friendship - they would take it home and watch it grow. Those kids went wild when they saw us. They each got up and gave us a big hug and a kiss. We really love these kids and pray that they all come to know Jesus as their Savior.

After the kids left, we talked with the two workers here. They don't live in the house, but spend the night occasionally sleeping on a mattress on the floor. English and computers classes have stopped because they can't find instructors that can do it long term. Pray that they can find workers willing to commit for at least a year. Sewing lessons are going well because they have partnered with World Vision.

The owners of the house Christ for the City rents here are also good friends. After the workers left, we stayed and visited with them. They wanted to show us a movie that they found that their kids loved. It was about a worm that felt worthless, but the movie was written and introduced by Max Lucado. Well, guess what? We have brought a book for them about John 3:16 written by Max Lucado. They were really excited about that! I hope that they will actually read it now.

Yesterday I got up early and was ready to go for a swim after breakfast, but it started to rain; so, I changed from my swimming suit and read most of the morning. It is great to sit on the balcony reading while it is raining. We had a faucet that was not working well, and the maintenance guy, Willy, was here trying to fix it. It took him all day. I am glad John did not try to fix it himself. I don't know how much the HOA will charge us for that. Anyway, Willy left at lunch saying that he would be back at 3:30, so we took the opportunity to go to the central office to see our friend Marina there. We had some business to take care, but we also like her a lot. I found a Bible for women in Spanish for her.

We got home back on time to let Willy back in to finish the faucet. Then we got a few phone calls, among them, a couple who are also good friends wanted us to have dinner with them. I had actually prepared something to eat, but of course, off we went again. We went to a rstaurant way inland that we all like. They have fixed all the roads around here, so now you don't need an all-terrain vehicle to travel.

This morning we decided to go for a walk early to beat the rain. It is 1:17 here, but it hasn't rained yet. Maybe we will be able to go for a swim after all. Right now, Rubia, we are waiting for the all-important German Bakery delivery truck. I am not moving until it gets here. For the rest of you, there is a German Bakery near the airport that delivers around here. They have great breads and desserts. Today is delivery day, and I have to watch for them because they don't know that we are here.

That's all for now. Until next time, from the beach...

Back at the Beach!

Hello, Friends!

We arrived yesterday after a great flight. We were upgraded to business class, which also meant that we were able to use the Continental lounge in Houston with nice, comfortable chairs, Internet connection, free beverages and snacks! Wow! We arrived here so well rested that we had energy to unpack, separate and classify ministry materials, gifts and personal items before going to bed. We woke up early this morning, ready to start life here. Business class is the way to travel. :)

Things are really exciting around here. Our first clue was that there was actually another plane at the airport when we landed. That was unusual enough, but it was not an airliner, but from the Mexican Air Force. It turns out that there is a summit going on right here where we live. There are nine presidents: all Central America, Mexico and Colombia are here. Security is over the top. There are a lot of extra policemen driving around and, we could here the helicopters taking off and landing just about 300 yards from where we live way into the night. They are all staying at the Marriott next door, but it is part of the grounds here. My favorite beach is off limits. I think that they are leaving today.

We managed to go off the Hacienda to buy groceries without incidents. Another plus: they actually fixed the roads leading to the Hacienda. We shortened our commute about 15 minutes without all the potholes. Right now John is out doing what he does best, catching up with friends. I just got the Internet going. So, as you can see, it is never boring here.

Until next time, from the beach...