Ramblings of Thankfulness

As I click the "post new blog" button, I have so many things in my heart and head that I want to write about, but I know I can't get it all out...who wants to read all that anyway? My thoughts, however, continue to trail back to our little guy, Logan. What a blessing he is as we work to become part of this little community here in Playa Azul. He has had so many good experiences these last 3 1/2 weeks...but it isn't always easy for him. Because Logan has been created with a gift of contentment, he goes along with the flow quiet well, but after our family devotional, when the lights are out and we are lying in his bed, the tears begin to well up in his big eyes. "I miss Canada. I miss my room. I miss my bed...and I don't like the bugs here." We assure him that we miss those things too, and more...and that's okay. Again we talk about the blessings we have gained as we have relocated in Playa...It isn't long before he's again content and secure in our new life here...and ready for another night's sleep.
Although we tell him, he really doesn't understand just how vital he is to our work here. We have met so many people because of him. I am 100% convinced that God surprised us with this little guy later in our lives just for THIS time in our lives!!! Let's see how many people we know because Logan is part of the work here...
*Durazo-the coach of the soccer (futbol) team. Logan saw the team playing soccer and put in that he wanted to play. Not speaking a word of Spanish, he joins the team for practice three times a week. They had their first game today...lost terribly, but had a great time doing it!!
*Marlo, Rolando, Dani, Max, Miguelito...and all the other kids on his soccer team. We don't walk down the street that we don't hear, "LoGAN" being yelled from across the street. Two of the boys came over to swim today. It blesses my heart as I hear them trying to teach words to Logan...and Logan talking to them in his limited Spanish vocabulary.

*Maestra Rosa Lena Reyes-Logan's teacher at school. We have been waiting until Logan has felt safe and secure in being in Playa Azul before we looked into the possibility of getting him into school. Last week, out of the blue, Logan said he was ready to start school. So...Tuesday morning we were off to visit with the director. He spoke to the teacher and the next day Logan was at school at 8 am!!! What a ruckus we caused!!! Nothing but stares from all the kids and parents as these "guerros" bring their little "guerro" to Mexican school. His friends were so excited to see him. They couldn't believe Logan was at school. He stayed 2 1/2 hours for the first day, and loved it. He had lots of tales of his day to share with us when we picked him up at 10:30. We'll see how next week goes for him.
*Lena-as we were walking from the school, after talking to the director, we chatted with Lena, the owner of an enramada along the beach. We told her we had been talking to the director of the school. After a bit of a chat, we promised to stop back by. It was a hot day, so after our errands we peaked into her enramada and bought a coke. We sat and visited at least 45 minutes. We met her neighbour, Jimi who then showed us how to gut and dress a fish. Logan taught Lena's grandson how to ride a bike. Lena made us promise to come back to see her...that's a promise we won't have any trouble keeping!!!
*Israel, Zula and Rosa-three children just a few doors down from our house. Israel and Zula live in LA and are here just visiting their family. It's nice to have children with whom Logan may speak English. Of course the kids wanted to swim in the pool soon as we met them, so Logan and I went over to get permission from the parents. We met the g'ma, Tomasa, along with about 5 other family members. We learned all about "chicilicis" which are used to catch the delicacy, Red Snapper. We met the mom and dad, Luz and Israel, whom we were able to help later by calling the States and asking for the school info for the children. The kids have had a blast exploring the beach and swimming in the pool.
*Marlan and Claudia-As we were walking on the beach tonight enjoying the beautiful sunset and greeting people as we went by, Logan found a baby sting ray. We had heard there were sting rays in the afternoon, so Bern brought two passerbys to Logan's find. We asked about sting rays, scorpions (which we found in Logan's bedroom two nights ago...eek), and other things that crawl in the night. We were assured that these things are rare, then Marlan told us how to treat the bites of such creatures...she also told us about the Health Centre here in Playa. We told them we would find their enramada one day.
*Jesus-the owner of the bike shop. One day as I searched for marbles for Logan to give to Miguelito for his birthday, I came across a bike shop. I stopped and chatted about getting a bike for Logan. This week we all passed by his shop and introduced ourselves. Jesus said he would keep an eye out for a perfect used bike for Logan. Jesus just might be our first LST (Let's Start Talking) reader when we get ready to "open shop" for English conversation classes in the future.

We are so very thankful for Logan's attitude and willingness to embrace our new lives here in Playa Azul. We continue to be amazed at his growth in his understanding of our purpose here. I'll close with a story that touches our hearts...
The coach had asked to use Logan's soccer ball today for the game. After the game coach asked if he could use the ball for other games later today. Logan was very willing. In fact, we all gave a chuckle to see Logan's Upward Soccer ball, all the way from Regina, SK, being used as the "official" ball of the game. Now, you need to understand, this was no ordinary soccer ball. This was Logan's favourite ball...the one he chose to bring to Mexico when he had to choose just one. Later this afternoon we heard a shout for Logan from the street. The coach's son had a faded ragged soccer ball in his hand. It took us all a few seconds to realize that it was Logan's once beautifully coloured ball. What had happened to it?? We guessed it had been used for ALL the games that day, from the little kids to the big boys. Logan laughed a bit, but I knew he was sad about the condition of his ball. Later, after his friends had left I asked him how he felt about his ball. His big eyes filled with tears as he held the deluge from falling, then he uttered the most godly words I have ever heard, "I'm really sad. That was my favourite soccer ball, but my friends are more important than my ball. God made my friends, but it was just man that made that ball." Now who was holding back the tears?...God had and continues to have plans for this little boy who loves Jesus so very much. What an honour to be a part of Logan's work!!



The before and after pictures of Logan's soccer ball. Who knew God would use this ball to teach us all an important lesson about how much more He loves people than things...Thanks, Logan for teaching us!!!

Until next blog, blessings to you as you let God use you in your corner of the world!!
Bernard, Alicia and precious little Logan Krogsgaard