Altotonga, Mexico -- It's so cold! And foggy! Today, since early morning, there's been about a half-block of visibility. That's when you are actually afraid to cross the street because of the fog and not-so-smart drivers. The one time that I'm thankful for the myriad of topes (toe-pays-- speed bumps) here.(I saw the sun for about a half-hour on Saturday-- but that's the only time since the 14th).
So, what have I been up to lately? Well, last week it was mostly getting ready for the medical brigade the church was putting on. There is a couple from Perote (Pay-ro-tay) (about a half-hour from here) who does this as a ministry-- and let's just say that I was impressed-- highly impressed at their system. They have things well-thought out, planned out, and they are excellent at training volunteers who have no idea what to do. My kudos to them. Not only are they excellent at what they do, but they are very kind, patient, and loving. Very sweet people. I liked them very much.
So, basically, preparing for this meant moving everything. And by everything, I mean the 3 pool tables, 4 foosball tables (which had to be taken apart-- 2 of 'em at least), all the video games and their boxes (which are kinda what you see in arcades) the air hockey table and the ping pong table. It was a lot of work, but everyone who helped out did a good job!Saturday, unfortunately, due to a lack of good planning on the church's side, there were few results. These things normally attract at least 600+ people. And we have very, very few people. But, as I mentioned to some others, it was good practice for the next time-- the volunteers showed that they could work well together. And we had one little girl with 2nd degree burns on the bottom of her face, her neck and chest from oil. She was the first patient-- 5 or 6 years old, she had gotten burnt the night before and she came in with her parents. A very brave little girl, she didn't scream as the doctor cleaned her up, but she did cry. She was worth the whole thing. I'm mean-- she's a girl right... For girls, scars like that are very difficult. But we're praying that she won't come out with any scars at all.
By the end of that day, I was sooooo exhausted. After sleeping 3 hours, I got there at 6am, and left at 7:30pm, after a long day of going back and forth, doing this and that... of course, with so few people, it wasn't hectic all the time, but all the same, at 10:30 that night I was in bed, without any desire to get back out of it.
Yesterday I was able to sleep in on my day off, and I took a trip to another city to look for some stuff and just enjoy the day away from Altotonga. St. Louis is not a "large" city like Chicago or New York or whatever, but it's like a million times bigger than where I live. So, it was nice to go to a little bit bigger of a town (say, Rolla-size? Not entirely sure) and not work on my day off. The beautiful thing is that the whole trip was less than $40 pesos-- which now is like $3.50. The downside? The curves are terrible, and nausea was my companion.
Today I went to the store to get stuff for my Tday dinner (lunch) and I've been working a good part of the morning on Japanese. It's coming along, I just wish I had more time for it. Some of the words are a little bit hard to pronounce, but it's not too bad. I just have to say them a million times "before I can say them".
Apart from that, in not too long I need to go visit a lady that asked me to visit her (I think I know what it's about)... English class and a meeting tonight and more Japanese in the meantime. Tomorrow we get to put everything back in the Club. But while I'm baking my pie at the club (I don't have an oven at the house), I'll be cleaning the little soccer players on the foosball tables. Their insides are pretty gross, and since I have them apart anyhow, that needs to be taken care of.
This Saturday, with a change of plans, I'm speaking at the youth group. It's been like a month since I've spoken (which is weird! but they need to have the chance!) and I'll be speaking on conflict/confrontation/etc. If that gives you any idea of some of the things we've been dealing with and taking care of down here. Joy, joy!
And, just so you know, 52 days!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Yes, I am still alive
Altotonga, Mexico -- The title answers it. I feel so unconnected! My baby laptop-- the connection part for the adaptor broke and the guy has been fixing it since Monday. Actually, he thought he fixed it.Pray for my computer! I want it back! Fixed!! (Thank you) **See noteI have been lately considering the theme God has been speaking to me about-- The Sea of Impossibility. It's a cool thing God spoke to me! Want to know? Email me.Well, I need to get. I'm using my roommate's comp and now she wants it back, and well... until the next time I get to use it.Coming soon! A video-- a week in Altotonga. But, don't expect it til mid-December, late-December. But, it's in the making. Or soon will be.Have a good one!
**Like 2 minutes (or less?) after I posted this, I got a phone call from the computer guy and he said, Janine? It's the computer guy. Your computer is ready! And my face lit up. Seriously, that was really fast. This afternoon, I was expecting another 2 day wait. Thanks, God!
**Like 2 minutes (or less?) after I posted this, I got a phone call from the computer guy and he said, Janine? It's the computer guy. Your computer is ready! And my face lit up. Seriously, that was really fast. This afternoon, I was expecting another 2 day wait. Thanks, God!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
MexiConference
Altotonga, Mexico -- I'm back from the WIM November/Mexico Conference. They are always good... It was really nice to talk to all the missionaries who are working in different parts of Mexico doing all kinds of different things and hear how God is moving among them. The theme for the weekend was Adapting our Ministries to New Challenges. And it seems really relevant to all of us. All the speakers were good, and this year we had discussion times after the different "classes" and that was cool. I played translator this weekend for one of the missionary wives. It was something I was asked last minute to do and I really enjoyed it so I volunteered for the rest of the weekend. I agreed on the basis that someone else would take notes for me and give me a copy afterward.
I spoke on Appreciating the Challenges during the Women's Tea. It was something that God had been speaking to me about... I used the story of Nehemiah and James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:3-9,12 and Psalm 103... the first few verses. I hope the ladies enjoyed it!One of the really cool things was at the end where people were getting recognized for their service. And there were people who were getting recognized for 5, 10, 20 and 25 years of service. Wow. That's incredible to me. I was recognized for finishing my training and "joined the ranks" as a Senior Missionary...I also have "someone" to thank for an anonymous card that I received... I thank you a lot, it was very much appreciated and may God bless you many times over.Today I am still recovering from the weekend... Chris asked over the weekend "Why is everyone always tired at these things?" I threw out the suggestion that it's because we're on a more "relaxed" schedule... we don't have half the responsibilities that we normally have!
I came home with the Briles-- they were kind to offer to drive me back. They brought down with them some stuff I had asked for, a few small things for the trip to Japan (those brush your teeth things-- the finger gloves kind of things) and chocolate! And also a case of rootbeer. That was very nice! The other thing was a few tubs to pack my stuff up for when I move next May. I'll send one back up there to wait for me til May in Texas. They had a lot of tubs they weren't using, so they're lending them to me until I move.
The one big thing that I love about WIM is that it is like a big family. The conferences are like family reunions. We all sit at different places during meal times and chit chat and talk about things at home in Mexico and at home in the States, what's going on, jokes, etc. We also, it seems like, network our resources. For instance, one of the guys is really interested and has studied linguistics, and so we were talking about Japanese-- so he's going to send me any stuff he finds via email. Another is really big into training Mexicans as missionaries and sending them out, and quite a few of my kids are seriously interested in doing missions. So, I'm going to try to hook them up. So, that was that. Well, I need to get. I'm still pretty tired.. but will write soon!
I spoke on Appreciating the Challenges during the Women's Tea. It was something that God had been speaking to me about... I used the story of Nehemiah and James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:3-9,12 and Psalm 103... the first few verses. I hope the ladies enjoyed it!One of the really cool things was at the end where people were getting recognized for their service. And there were people who were getting recognized for 5, 10, 20 and 25 years of service. Wow. That's incredible to me. I was recognized for finishing my training and "joined the ranks" as a Senior Missionary...I also have "someone" to thank for an anonymous card that I received... I thank you a lot, it was very much appreciated and may God bless you many times over.Today I am still recovering from the weekend... Chris asked over the weekend "Why is everyone always tired at these things?" I threw out the suggestion that it's because we're on a more "relaxed" schedule... we don't have half the responsibilities that we normally have!
I came home with the Briles-- they were kind to offer to drive me back. They brought down with them some stuff I had asked for, a few small things for the trip to Japan (those brush your teeth things-- the finger gloves kind of things) and chocolate! And also a case of rootbeer. That was very nice! The other thing was a few tubs to pack my stuff up for when I move next May. I'll send one back up there to wait for me til May in Texas. They had a lot of tubs they weren't using, so they're lending them to me until I move.
The one big thing that I love about WIM is that it is like a big family. The conferences are like family reunions. We all sit at different places during meal times and chit chat and talk about things at home in Mexico and at home in the States, what's going on, jokes, etc. We also, it seems like, network our resources. For instance, one of the guys is really interested and has studied linguistics, and so we were talking about Japanese-- so he's going to send me any stuff he finds via email. Another is really big into training Mexicans as missionaries and sending them out, and quite a few of my kids are seriously interested in doing missions. So, I'm going to try to hook them up. So, that was that. Well, I need to get. I'm still pretty tired.. but will write soon!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
First Night
Altotonga, Mexico -- Well, what about that, eh? I've been watching all about what's going on in the States from down here. In fact, there are 2 stories tonight: a plane carrying a Gov. Secretary crashed in Mexico City and the election results in the States have been on the news since about 7pm-- they would come on announcing who had won what states! It was funny to watch it all down here.
Saturday was the kids' first night leading almost all. They took care of most responsibilities, did the announcements, the lesson, praise and worship-- everything. And they did a very good job. I was very happy to see it all. The young lady who gave the teaching-- it was her first time, but it was very good-- very visual, very to the point, true-- and captured their attention. They connected with the youth-- and that is a very important part.
Their theme for this month is Don't keep your mouth closed (sounds better in Spanish)-- Raise your Voice! And they're talking about it in different aspects each week-- evangelism, praise and worship, etc. Lately, it's a lot of giving "tools" to them in all aspects-- because there are a lot of things to consider in ministry. Yesterday I went to the doctor in another city. A girl had hugged me last week and picked me up while doing it and cracked my back several times. And since then I've had a significant amount of pain-- enough to make me take it easy but certainly not to keep me in bed. The doc checked everything and said it was a stretching of the nerve? I've never heard of that. My guess is-- she pinched a lot of nerves in my back (he pointed to like 4 or 5 sets), and somehow that affects the muscles, blah blah blah. So, no washing laundry by hand, no carrying heavy things, take it easy, take care of myself, pain meds and no being in the cold.What?!? When we told the doc I live in Altotonga (we were in another city), he just kinda paused and was like-- well, keep a lot of layers on, stay warm.
Today I was able to get a lot of stuff done... A lot of business type stuff... as well as studied Japanese, got bus tickets for Friday, took my laundry to the laundromat (where they will wash and dry it for me), visited a lady for a few minutes that I haven't seen in a while, went to the post office, taught an English class, made lunches for the week, went to a meeting where the other person forgot we were going to have a meeting (and therefore it was cancelled, so I came back home and finished up my businessy stuff, and read an article about a serious issue that it looks like I'll be dealing with with a teen.
I don't know why I just wrote all that-- it doesn't make a big difference, but it was a really productive day, especially since yesterday, I didn't do what I had planned on doing.
Tomorrow will be an equally busy day (and Thursday even more so)-- more people-oriented though, where as today was mostly a business day. Tomorrow, it's seeing people and discipleship, and leader stuff and trying to talk to that teen. Friday is the beginning of the WIM Mexico Conference. It's in Fortin de la Flores, which is about 3 hours away, but it'll end up being about 5 or so hours by bus. I'm looking forward to it-- It's a time where all of us who are working in different parts of Mexico get together, worship God, pray, and of course, learn more about the Word. This year's theme is "Adapting our Ministries to New Challenges" (or something to that effect)-- and it's incredibly relevant to all of us, and most especially to me. I was asked to speak at the Women's Tea (where we get chocolate... and American snacks that you can't get here) and I'll be speaking on Appreciating the Challenge. I might also share a little of my testimony and that. But this was a theme that I felt God wanted me to speak on and when I sat down to write it out, it developed rapidly. I really like the conferences... it's like a big family reunion, lots of catching up, hugs, and it does feel like a family. This will be my last Mexican one-- as I'll be going to the Asian ones afterward-- starting in January!
Well, I need to get... My fingers and toes are pretty cold and I'd like to do a little more reading before heading to bed...Take care all!
Saturday was the kids' first night leading almost all. They took care of most responsibilities, did the announcements, the lesson, praise and worship-- everything. And they did a very good job. I was very happy to see it all. The young lady who gave the teaching-- it was her first time, but it was very good-- very visual, very to the point, true-- and captured their attention. They connected with the youth-- and that is a very important part.
Their theme for this month is Don't keep your mouth closed (sounds better in Spanish)-- Raise your Voice! And they're talking about it in different aspects each week-- evangelism, praise and worship, etc. Lately, it's a lot of giving "tools" to them in all aspects-- because there are a lot of things to consider in ministry. Yesterday I went to the doctor in another city. A girl had hugged me last week and picked me up while doing it and cracked my back several times. And since then I've had a significant amount of pain-- enough to make me take it easy but certainly not to keep me in bed. The doc checked everything and said it was a stretching of the nerve? I've never heard of that. My guess is-- she pinched a lot of nerves in my back (he pointed to like 4 or 5 sets), and somehow that affects the muscles, blah blah blah. So, no washing laundry by hand, no carrying heavy things, take it easy, take care of myself, pain meds and no being in the cold.What?!? When we told the doc I live in Altotonga (we were in another city), he just kinda paused and was like-- well, keep a lot of layers on, stay warm.
Today I was able to get a lot of stuff done... A lot of business type stuff... as well as studied Japanese, got bus tickets for Friday, took my laundry to the laundromat (where they will wash and dry it for me), visited a lady for a few minutes that I haven't seen in a while, went to the post office, taught an English class, made lunches for the week, went to a meeting where the other person forgot we were going to have a meeting (and therefore it was cancelled, so I came back home and finished up my businessy stuff, and read an article about a serious issue that it looks like I'll be dealing with with a teen.
I don't know why I just wrote all that-- it doesn't make a big difference, but it was a really productive day, especially since yesterday, I didn't do what I had planned on doing.
Tomorrow will be an equally busy day (and Thursday even more so)-- more people-oriented though, where as today was mostly a business day. Tomorrow, it's seeing people and discipleship, and leader stuff and trying to talk to that teen. Friday is the beginning of the WIM Mexico Conference. It's in Fortin de la Flores, which is about 3 hours away, but it'll end up being about 5 or so hours by bus. I'm looking forward to it-- It's a time where all of us who are working in different parts of Mexico get together, worship God, pray, and of course, learn more about the Word. This year's theme is "Adapting our Ministries to New Challenges" (or something to that effect)-- and it's incredibly relevant to all of us, and most especially to me. I was asked to speak at the Women's Tea (where we get chocolate... and American snacks that you can't get here) and I'll be speaking on Appreciating the Challenge. I might also share a little of my testimony and that. But this was a theme that I felt God wanted me to speak on and when I sat down to write it out, it developed rapidly. I really like the conferences... it's like a big family reunion, lots of catching up, hugs, and it does feel like a family. This will be my last Mexican one-- as I'll be going to the Asian ones afterward-- starting in January!
Well, I need to get... My fingers and toes are pretty cold and I'd like to do a little more reading before heading to bed...Take care all!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Summing up 23
Altotonga, Mexico -- Last Friday was my birthday and I turned 24. The day before-- Thursday--was an eventful day. I was getting ready to go to the Club for a commitment I had at 5, when my roommate came up stairs and said, Janine, come here! Something terrible has happened!
Of course, I knew this wasn't true. So I went downstairs and some people were there to throw me a surprise bday party. So I sent a message to the girl I was going to meet, and put it off for an hour.
When I got to the Club, I saw that there were some police a few store entries down, and I was later told that at 5pm, there was a guy right there murdered. So I was thankful that this last minute party thrown together was a form of protection for me and that girl. It's certainly not safe to be a witness to those types of things around here.That night a young lady walked in and she wanted to talk to me. She has some problems going on in her family and so I talked to her about Jesus, who is her real comfort, more than advice from me can help her (of course, we talked about these things) and she decided that she wanted to have a relationship with Christ. So we prayed!
For my bday, I slept in later than usual, and went about my business for the day. Some of the youth soaked me good that evening, and it was cold!Saturday we talked about purity-- the last in a series on 1 Tim. 4:12. The kids enjoyed the talk-- it was pretty straight and clear. Of course, we did some activities to make it more youth-oriented...This week the youth will starting leading and doing everything on Saturdays. It'll be cool to see how it goes!
Keep in touch!
Of course, I knew this wasn't true. So I went downstairs and some people were there to throw me a surprise bday party. So I sent a message to the girl I was going to meet, and put it off for an hour.
When I got to the Club, I saw that there were some police a few store entries down, and I was later told that at 5pm, there was a guy right there murdered. So I was thankful that this last minute party thrown together was a form of protection for me and that girl. It's certainly not safe to be a witness to those types of things around here.That night a young lady walked in and she wanted to talk to me. She has some problems going on in her family and so I talked to her about Jesus, who is her real comfort, more than advice from me can help her (of course, we talked about these things) and she decided that she wanted to have a relationship with Christ. So we prayed!
For my bday, I slept in later than usual, and went about my business for the day. Some of the youth soaked me good that evening, and it was cold!Saturday we talked about purity-- the last in a series on 1 Tim. 4:12. The kids enjoyed the talk-- it was pretty straight and clear. Of course, we did some activities to make it more youth-oriented...This week the youth will starting leading and doing everything on Saturdays. It'll be cool to see how it goes!
Keep in touch!
Monday, October 20, 2008
My Day Off
Altotonga, Mexico -- In this last week a lot of things have happened. I had various meetings... the girl who cleans the building wrote me that she wouldn't be able to clean that week due to her college classes... So, I ended up doing that... as well as cleaning the chairs of the church, which the pastor was wanting to be done...I also took apart the hockey table and cleaned it, and it's working a lot better, I'd like to say. Man, it was dirty!! Also, we're starting a course on how to disciple others, so the last 2 or 3 weeks I'd been reading a lot, talking about principles, putting together all the best of the best, translating materials, etc.
On Saturday, we had a lot of kids at the meeting-- we were around 30, which is growing, since there were some things over the summer-- and some other plans of other people, which had caused some problems. So, for a while it was a bit difficult, but with a lot of work and encouragement, we have been growing. The majority of the kids going are new too!
So, there's still a lot of work ahead of us, and I'm working with the core group, since starting in November, they're going to be the ones who will be running stuff. I'll be helping them transition into this "position" or, guiding them along. Coaching, if you will. They need a lot of encouragement and prayer, if you would be thinking of them.
Last week I bought tickets for Indonesia and Japan. It was very exciting and very like-- wow-- at the same time. I've believed along the way that God was going to provide, and He's provided thus far-- though as in this too, there's still more to go.
Since buying them, I've been working a lot more on Japanese and reading more about the culture and stuff.
I'm pretty excited about this.
Today, I've got a bit of a cold that I've been working at attaining for the last few days. It's not bad, just a stopped up nose and bit of a cough. But, this Friday is also the big b-day, and so from Thursday til Saturday I may very well be pretty wet, or covered in soda, sardines or whatever. I'm hoping the kids will have mercy on me... but I'm not expecting it. :)And two weeks from Friday there's a conference in another city for the missionaries in Mexico that I'm looking forward to attending... Fun times.Well, I'm gonna get. Today's my day off and I'm gonna get some rest. It's been a long week!Newsletter coming out in the beginning of the November!
On Saturday, we had a lot of kids at the meeting-- we were around 30, which is growing, since there were some things over the summer-- and some other plans of other people, which had caused some problems. So, for a while it was a bit difficult, but with a lot of work and encouragement, we have been growing. The majority of the kids going are new too!
So, there's still a lot of work ahead of us, and I'm working with the core group, since starting in November, they're going to be the ones who will be running stuff. I'll be helping them transition into this "position" or, guiding them along. Coaching, if you will. They need a lot of encouragement and prayer, if you would be thinking of them.
Last week I bought tickets for Indonesia and Japan. It was very exciting and very like-- wow-- at the same time. I've believed along the way that God was going to provide, and He's provided thus far-- though as in this too, there's still more to go.
Since buying them, I've been working a lot more on Japanese and reading more about the culture and stuff.
I'm pretty excited about this.
Today, I've got a bit of a cold that I've been working at attaining for the last few days. It's not bad, just a stopped up nose and bit of a cough. But, this Friday is also the big b-day, and so from Thursday til Saturday I may very well be pretty wet, or covered in soda, sardines or whatever. I'm hoping the kids will have mercy on me... but I'm not expecting it. :)And two weeks from Friday there's a conference in another city for the missionaries in Mexico that I'm looking forward to attending... Fun times.Well, I'm gonna get. Today's my day off and I'm gonna get some rest. It's been a long week!Newsletter coming out in the beginning of the November!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Watermelons
Altotonga, Mexico -- My "kids" called me a watermelon this afternoon. We had gone out to a basketball court instead of having our meeting inside and it was chilly. So, as we were running around my cheeks got nice and red. So, they talked about the green and then the white line and then the red-- and said my eyes were the green, my face the white, and the reddness, well- the red.
Of course, I've also been called other kind of food here. I suppose while Japanese and maybe Asians in general use nature as comparisons, the Mexican kids here use food for comparison.
This week has been interesting-- I've spent a lot of time in counseling and ministering to kids, have made 2 trips to another city to work on a new visa, had an aquiantance ask for prices on stuff I'll be selling, made a leader upset for asking him to make a decision that leaders make, had a debate with a kid on "Does God exist" and "How was Jesus fully God and fully man", and met a lot of new people. It's just been a really interesting week-- I've been praying that God will provide more and more opportunities to minister and to help me, step by step, to prepare these kids to rise up.
This afternoon, as I mentioned, I left a sign on the door saying where we were, and then carrying sodas and a basketball and soccer ball, we went around and invited kids we knew to go play basketball and soccer with us and we had our typical meeting there after running around like crazy. We are trying new things to reach new kids and get out of the habit of being inside "four walls".
Tomorrow the leaders will meet to discuss today and make it better for next weekend (because it was pretty cool) and we'll continue discussing the transition of me stepping down and them stepping up, and have our prayer time and course on evangelism, which I have things in mind for them, HA HA HA (evil laugh there, :).
I am excited for that. Please pray for these teens-- for a lot of encouragement for them.
Also, if you would be praying for me about finances after I lost that money and-- in 2 weeks at the latest, I believe, I'll be buying my tickets for Japan!!! :) Yay!
Alright, I need to finish preparing for tomorrow!
Of course, I've also been called other kind of food here. I suppose while Japanese and maybe Asians in general use nature as comparisons, the Mexican kids here use food for comparison.
This week has been interesting-- I've spent a lot of time in counseling and ministering to kids, have made 2 trips to another city to work on a new visa, had an aquiantance ask for prices on stuff I'll be selling, made a leader upset for asking him to make a decision that leaders make, had a debate with a kid on "Does God exist" and "How was Jesus fully God and fully man", and met a lot of new people. It's just been a really interesting week-- I've been praying that God will provide more and more opportunities to minister and to help me, step by step, to prepare these kids to rise up.
This afternoon, as I mentioned, I left a sign on the door saying where we were, and then carrying sodas and a basketball and soccer ball, we went around and invited kids we knew to go play basketball and soccer with us and we had our typical meeting there after running around like crazy. We are trying new things to reach new kids and get out of the habit of being inside "four walls".
Tomorrow the leaders will meet to discuss today and make it better for next weekend (because it was pretty cool) and we'll continue discussing the transition of me stepping down and them stepping up, and have our prayer time and course on evangelism, which I have things in mind for them, HA HA HA (evil laugh there, :).
I am excited for that. Please pray for these teens-- for a lot of encouragement for them.
Also, if you would be praying for me about finances after I lost that money and-- in 2 weeks at the latest, I believe, I'll be buying my tickets for Japan!!! :) Yay!
Alright, I need to finish preparing for tomorrow!
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