Thursday - Day 4

Today we had another tremendous turnout ... just over 150 kids. Song time is very energetic, as the kids are learning most of the songs we have been introducing to them. Obed and Stephanie continued doing an outstanding job with running their teaching times. The Bain and Chica kids are leading groups during craft times, spending time working with the local children, speaking with them in Spanish and playing with them. The kids particularly love jumping rope. We brought in several really big ropes, one of which Carl cut in 1/2 and we tried some double dutch. Karen Bain did a great job demonstrating double dutch to the kids. Several of them tried it, but it is muy dificil (very difficult)! Coloring with crayons, chalk on the pavement, playing soccer, basketball are all enjoyable times.

This afternoon is laundry day. Right down the street from where we are staying is a laundry mat. It’s 20 pesos for a load if you provide your own soap, and 26 pesos if you have them just use their soap. Very reasonable. Today we also got the Ritz Carlton prepared for the rest of the team. It’s the bunkhouse on the property, but comes with it’s own facilities (all tiled, actually a bit nicer than the house!), figured out the water and got it running so we’re all set for them to arrive tomorrow.

Tonight, we’re all going out to have tacos with everyone who has been involved this week with VBS for a celebration dinner. We rescheduled it since tomorrow is when the rest of the Salem crew arrives.

Continue to pray for our team, both those here as well as those coming tomorrow. We’re going to be at the Nevin’s home to do some marriage counseling. Sunday is our day to host a major bbq for our entire group as well as the local missionaries and as many local Mexican families as can come.

The landscaping team showed up today and got the yard in ship shape. I only wish our yard at home got worked over like that in such a short amount of time. Wow.

Friday - Day 5

Our final day of the first week of VBS. We had over 150 kids once again and topped the day by presenting the gospel as well as reviewing the basics with the parents while the kids got to receive a balloon animal. Three of the moms accepted Christ and Rolland and Bryan will follow up with them. Praise the Lord for allowing each of us to be a part of such an incredible week and for the professions of salvation by the kids. What a great week.

The eight travelers made it safely ... and on time! Praise God for that. They were met by Carl at the new airport and were able to get moved in to their new “home” for the next week. Mark and Karen Bain accompanied Roland and Joanne Smith at Bryan and Susan Nevin’s home to help teach on marriage for their small group. After an inter-cultural game of Guestures, Bryan interpreted as Mark and Karen presented and helped lead a discussion. Many from their group will be planning on attending our bbq at our casa on Sunday following a teaching time from Pastor Carl.

Saturday - Day 6

Today was a fun day! Our team got up a little earlier than usual and had breakfast (19 of us now) and loaded up in one van and headed out to Mexico City. At Xochimilco we rented a boat and toured the canal, did some shopping at the market, and had a great authentic Mexican lunch. The canal area was an original Aztec area where the Aztecs filled in the lagoon to build their city on and have now been filled in for tourists as well as locals to tour and enjoy the scenery. There are over 1,000 boats and over 8 central areas that you can embark on a boat with miles upon miles of areas to see. Then we drove into Mexico City right into the heart of the city, around the circle at what is the “White House” of Mexico, museums, political and business centers, the zoo, Mexico’s largest soccer stadium, the tallest building in Mexico, and many other buildings and areas. Fortunately, we were driving opposed to walking through this as we got caught in a hard rain storm. Busy first day for the students and Beth and Anna! They all wanted to shout out to friends and family back home praying and know that spirits are up and everyone is excited, enthusiastic and ready to serve this upcoming week. No one sick ... very important detail!

Please remember to pray for us tomorrow as we entertain a large group of the Mexicans here at our casa for church, bbq and fellowship!