Experiences in Mexico

Many of you know that I spent three weeks in the month of December visiting Mexico with my brother and his family. It was a great time of being with my nieces and nephew as well as having my eyes opened to another culture once again. I have been to Mexico before but never past the 'border' cities. I was able to travel about 12 hours south and end up in a mountain village where Maria, my sister in law, grew up. I had to say goodbye to many of the luxuries we have in the USA such as running water, toilets (especially being able to close the door), showers (though bathing in the hot springs wasn't too bad), washing machines (it takes a LONG time to hand wash everything)dishwashers (well.. I helped "be" the dishwasher), lighting in my bedroom (sun sets around 7pm and it is pitch black), Internet and phone service, Church service on Sunday (one of the hardest to give up) and so much more.

I come to realize that it was easy to give up most of these things (except for the washing machine, Internet and phone service - as it's my form of communicating with friends and family, and CHURCH!!!) for I gained so much more in giving it up... New friends, lots of time to just talk, the ability to serve on a daily basis, open eyes to how much I am truly blessed with, an appreciation for living near a hospital (they had medical care once or twice a month), time to study God's Word in the midst of HIS beauty, a deeper understanding of the Catholic religion (as I went to a Child Baptism).

This is a trip I will never forget... one of the highlights was spending time with Lucy (my brother's 21 year old niece). I spent many hours getting to know her, overcoming my fear of riding on a horse, learning how to wash my clothes, get water from the local well, load a donkey, and sharing about what I believe and why. Please keep Lucy in your prayers!!!

Now that I am back home I am enjoying spending time with friends and family as the final details of my trip come together. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I prepare for my upcoming return to Argentina. I am learning through my Esther study that God is in control of ALL events and the TIMING of what is to happen.