Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful Christmas here in Mexico. It took a while to get into the Christmas spirit because we're used to cold and snow, but once Logan and I began making our Christmas ornaments and gifts, it soon felt like Christmas, even in the heat!! The best thing about this Christmas was its simplicity. I didn't miss hopping from mall to mall in search of the perfect gift for everyone. Logan and I decided a "home-made" Christmas is much more fun!!!

Here in Mexico, the big celebrations happen on "Noche Buena"-Christmas Eve. We were privileged to be asked to attend the family gathering of Logan's coach. The dinner was to be at 10 pm. By 11:30 we were feasting on delicious BBQ beef and beans. At midnight, we all stopped the celebration and hugged everyone with a Merry Christmas (Feliz Navidad) greeting. Later the brave few serenaded us with their karaoke renditions of what seemed to be classic Mexican songs. We felt very honoured to be asked to be a part of the family celebration. Logan enjoyed the evening by putting off lots and LOTS of fireworks with his friends. Laughter and fireworks could be heard all over our little town. We finally said our good-byes at 1:30 am.
Christmas Day didn't come too early for us "night owls". In fact, I finally awoke Logan at 9:30. He enjoyed opening his three gifts, and declared them "perfect"!
We walked the town giving out our hand-made ornaments and photos frames with pictures of sweet memories in them. It was fun to see our new friends' faces light up when they were presented with their gifts. THIS is Christmas!!!
We loaded our sweet potato casserole, beans and pound cake with strawberries into the car, and off we went to Tammy and Malcolm's house for Christmas dinner. What a feast we enjoyed!!!! (I remember that 20 years ago, we couldn't find a turkey for our feasts.)
Finally, the best part of the day arrived. Oni had decided that he wanted to be baptized on his birthday, Dec. 25!!! So, off we went to the land (Miramar) in search of one of the pools. First, however, Bern, Logan and I stopped by Feliciano to visit our three families. We presented the children with photos frames with their pictures in them. What a treat that was!!! They were so very pleased with their little faces smiling back at them. It was precious!! We arrived at the land to find many people surrounding Oni. We circled him with our love and witnessed him taking on the salvation from His new Lord and Master. What a great moment it was!!! We celebrated with the angels until dusk turned into dark. The boys popped each other with firecrackers and bangers. It was especially exciting when one of the firecrackers landed in the BOX of fireworks. Several of us gals were scurrying away from the explosion fearing that the quad was sure to blow!! It was QUITE the show. Logan said it was the best Christmas EVER!!!
We missed our twins and other family, but we have only five more days until Ashley comes for a visit.
We hope that you, too, enjoyed your Christmas holdiays in your corner of the world. Best wishes as we head into the first days of 2009. We hope you enjoy the slide show we have added to this post.
Until next year,
Bernard, Alicia an Logan Krogsgaard

SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM MEXICO

Christmas has sure slipped up on me this year. It takes some adjustment to get into the Christmas spirit when it's 25+ degrees! However, we're all beginning to feel that it's a bit like Christmas, now that our tree has been transformed from a "Charlie Brown" tree decorated with rubber bands, balloons and writing pens (the candy canes) to a beautiful work of art with the decorations Logan and I made from yarn, balloons, glue and a bit of shimmering gold ribbon. The Pointons have invited us over Christmas Day for ham and turkey. The time for Ashley to visit gets closer. For us, THAT will be Christmas!!

Playa Azul has been a bee hive of activity the last week. A crew of about eight "swept" through our street with hand brooms, getting rid of every grain of sand, then painting the curb. With a huge cloud of dust following them, it was hot work. ( After helping to make a pitcher of lemonade, Logan went to all the workers offering them a cool drink. They were extremely grateful that this little "guerro" was serving them.) Every enramada has spruced up its walls with paint and Christmas decorations, as only the Mexicans can do! The crowds are coming!!! This little town is sustained by the two weeks of Christmas and Easter week turists. Everyone wants to be ready. Even the road between here and Lazaro has been patched-quite an improvement.

Logan has gotten a taste of the festive spirit when his school hosted a party on the last day of school. All the children wore their best party clothes (Of course, Logan had on his shorts and tee shirt--guess we'll know better for next year. ha ha) The festive spirit was evident as all the children ran around screaming and having fun. It was noticeable that the teachers were nowhere to be seen. Bern and I decided to stick around for a while. It wasn't long before firecrackers began to go off in all corners of the court yard. We were about ready to take Logan home as loud firecrackers were being thrown from the balcony into the crowd of children. Thankfully the director finally intervened and announced that there were to be no more firecrackers. With some trepidation we left to return in an hour and a half. The clock didn't seem to move very quickly, but the time finally came to collect Logan from school. What a surprise when we arrived...there was Logan hip hop dancing amongst a group of sweet little girls in their party dresses. The rest of the school children were behind the class bars watching him with their ohhhs and ahhhs. What a HAM!!!! We didn't even know he had such moves. The teacher was his greatest encourager. Wish Kresten had been there to see his uninhibited brother!!!! What a danc'n dawg!!

We had an extra special treat in learning new seafood recipes. I had spoken to our friend, Lena, about teaching me how to make shrimp cocktail and fried shrimp. Rather than meeting at our house, she invited me to her enramada. I felt privileged, indeed. ( I also realize it's a huge step of faith when we eat what others have prepared!! A cleaning cloth couldn't be found anywhere. I cleaned shrimp in the same place where the final fruit was cut for the platters. Perhaps my food prep has been too hygiene conscious???!!!! ) All that aside, we had a wonderful afternoon together. Bernard and Logan joined us later when we all enjoyed a lovely meal together. After our yummy eats, we sat around the table and chatted with Lena and several of her friends and family.

We continue to get out into our community to meet more people. As people come to know us, we enjoy more in-depth conversations. It feels good to become part of the community, little by little. We feel honoured to be invited to Logan's coach's family gathering on Christmas Eve. The party begins at 10:00--that's PM!!! Guess we'll REALLY see how Mexico can party! (We've also been invited to the fight-till-death cock fights. We're not yet sure if we will take in that activity.)

Bernard continues to help Logan's soccer team. Seems he spends more time with the boys than does the coach. The boys come in groups to our house to "hang out" with Bernard. They sit on the outside porch and chat or get a game of American football going. They think Logan's dad is pretty cool!

Our week ended with an adult Christmas party hosted by Tammy and Malcolm. Twenty-seven friends, neighbours, and church family gathered for a festive time together. We played the "ever so fun" white elephant gift exchange. The hot items were the fireworks, soccer ball, and two Christmas stuffed bears. Bern and I came home with chocolates. Crystal Peterson will be glad to know that I got my Ferrero Rocher fix!!

We wish a joyous season for each of you. May the peace of the Christ-child be with you as the world remembers the birth of the One we call Master. Merry Christmas to all.
Bernard, Alicia and Logan Krogsgaard

Highlights of our Week

Again, we've had another full week of experiencing the wonders of living in a different culture. There are so many things we love about Mexico. As we grow closer in our friendships with those connected with the baby church and with those in our little community, we again feel so blessed to be a part of the work here in Playa Azul/Lazaro Cardenas.

For the last few weeks, we have been aiming to have a family from Playa Azul in our home each Tuesday. Most of the people in Playa have been here for years, and have relatives in all corners of the community. Our guests come with a wealth of information. I learn to cook a traditional seafood dish while learning about the place and people of Playa Azul. (Now if we can just remember it all!!!) This past week we had Belinda's dear friend, Roxana and her family in our home. Roxana taught me how to cook "camerones, mojo de ajo" (shrimp bathed in garlic). When it was time to put in the garlic, she took my WHOLE bulb of garlic (with at least 20 cloves) and she asked, "Is that all you have?" It was then that I knew we would be sweating garlic for the next week!!! Hmmmmm, was it ever tasty. We enjoyed such a lovely time together. After our meal, we enjoyed the cool evening while the children went in for for a very cold swim. Miguel and baby Belinda enjoyed a little nap. When you come to visit, I'll be sure to cook this dish up for you.
Roxana, Miguel
Alondra, Miguelito,
and baby Belinda




Thursday, as always, was a big day for us. After Logan gets home from school, we head to Feliciano, about an hour from Playa Azul. I was especially excited about this week's study, because I had decided to take the six children aside and have a little class with them while the adults had their study. The children were bursting with excitement when I walked up the hill with a bag full of supplies. I told them we would have our own class; they could hardly wait. Now, you have to remember, these precious children have free reign as they run around their shacks all day with the pigs, donkeys and chickens. I had my doubts that I could contain them for 30 minutes as I spoke to them about the Bible and how we take care of our Bibles. I was in a bit of a panic thinking of how we would make our scrolls. What an amazing class we had! They loved it, and I loved it even more. This "funny-talking woman" was teaching them to take care of their things, learning to be gentle with each other, and learning to wait patiently for their turns. I'm not saying we didn't have some challenges, but I would say it was a huge success! I'll never forget the triumph I felt as they all showed me how to gently open the Bible's pages. Nor will I forget the disappointment in Julio when I took away his Bible and put it back in my bag. Perhaps as they learn to take care of their Bibles, we will be able to give each children his/her own Bible. Until then, Julio will just have to trust that I will bring back his precious Bible each week.

After our study in Feliciano, we head to Lazaro for our evening study at Rigo and Yessy's. Everyone arrived except Rigo and Yessy. Seems they had decided to go to Ixtapa without telling anyone. But, being the ever gracious host, the neighbour, Daisy, comes to the rescue. She hangs a light bulb out of her apartment onto the back porch. We have just enough light to gather together and talk about the things that God has been doing in our lives. Afterward, we spoke of the challenges we have experienced, then we spent the rest of the time in prayer. It was a powerful evening. Daisy, after not being with us the last few weeks, was reminded how wonderful it was to be a part of the home group. We marvel at how wonderfully God orchestrates opportunities for those He is pursuing. Daisy, being pursued by God

We arrived back in Playa Azul around 10:30 pm. We're always tired and ready for rest after our full day. However, as we drove into town, many houses were lit up with Christmas lights. People were walking from one house to another. Large groups of people were "camped" in front of various homes-talking, laughing, and enjoying hot punch. We remembered-The Festival of Guadalupe. Roxana had told us about the upcoming festival, but having to be gone all day, we weren't sure we would be able to observe the pilgrimage to the many home altars throughout the town. As we understand it, this time of the year celebrates the miracle of the virgin of Mexico (Guadalupe) appearing to a monk, miraculously embossing her portrait on his cloak, and expressing the desire for the people of Mexico to be taught away from their indigenous religions into the teachings of God. As a result, Guadalupe is highly revered. In most churches in this part of Mexico, one mayl seldom hear the name of Jesus, but rather the beloved name, Guadalupe. It is she to whom they pray. The belief is, their blessed virgin grants their petitions. As beautiful were the altars; as stirring were the scenes of people enjoying fellowship, we reflected on Paul, in Acts 17, walking through the religious city of Athens.

The rest of the week was filled with daily life here in Playa Azul: repairing a garage door, taking apart a broken washing machine, keeping abreast of the various festive activities taking place at Logan's school, as well as writing and performing our first drama on Sunday. Until next week...

Bernard, Alicia and Logan Krogsgaard

Through the Eyes of a Seven Year Old

**Editor's Note-All the thoughts are Logan's. Most of the words are his. I have changed a few of his sentences for readability's sake. Remember, these thoughts are from the mind of a seven year old. Enjoy!!

My family has been living in Mexico for two and a half months. I like living here in Playa Azul, and there are some things I miss about living in Canada. Most of all, I miss my brother and sister, my Grandpa, aunts, uncles and cousins, and my friends, especially my best friend, Matthew. (I already know what Matthew and I will do together if he ever comes to visit me in Mexico.) I also miss my school and my neighbourhood friends from College Park in Saskatoon.

I am glad I get to go to school here in Playa Azul. I like it, but it's also hard because I don't speak much Spanish. I'm learning more and more. (Mom and Dad have promised me a bicycle when I can speak lots of Spanish. The bike man, Jesus, said I would be speaking in a year, but I think I will be speaking in six months. I really want a bike.) One of the best things about school is that I know my Physical Ed. teacher. (He takes care of our pool, and he speaks English to me. He says we help each other.) We have a big concrete area at school where we can play "futbol" (that's soccer) and other games like volleyball. I can play better volleyball than the Mexicans, but they sure can play futbol!! At school I have two uniforms I wear- one for PE days on Monday and Wednesday and another for daily wear.

Another thing that I love about Mexico is the fireworks!!! My mom doesn't like them, but I've learned how most of the "cuetes" work. When we go to the market, I always stop and ask the vendors about their fireworks. I know where to get the best ones at the cheapest price. When Ashley comes in January we'll shoot off lots of cuetes because she loves them, too. (We're not sure how we'll get past Mom, but Ash will have some ideas.)

One of the best things about Mexico is my friends. My best friend is named Israel. He's Mexican, but he grew up in California. He speaks English and Spanish. We both have sling shots so we hunt for squirrels that eat the coconuts. One day we were hunting for iguana, but I fell and the iguana bit Israel's finger-ouch! Sometimes Dad takes Israel and me to the beach. We have a great time surfing the waves and looking for "chiquiliquis" (crab-like fish bait in the sand).

My best friend, Israel, my parents' friend, Jesus, and I shoot off cuetes

Another thing I like about Mexico is my soccer team. We haven't won any games, but we get to play every Saturday. We have to wake up at 6:30am to meet the team by 7:00. Mom doesn't come to the games anymore. She says it's too early, and it's a great male-bonding time, whatever that is.) Our team practices Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Sometimes our coach doesn't come to practice so Dad organizes us to play. A few times, we even played basketball at futbol practice. All the kids like my dad.

Though I like Mexico, there are a few things I don't like: the two scorpions we found in our house and the geckos that run on the ceilings and walls (although we don't have as many now that Dad made screens for all the windows). Sometimes there are sting rays in the water. Dad saw four right as I boogie-boarded over them. I'm glad I didn't get stung. Mr. Malcolm (our team mate) said that they really hurt because he got stung by one before.

My favourite foods are quesadillas (tortillas with cheese) and shrimp. We eat more fish and shrimp here than we did in Canada. (My coach told me to eat lots of fish so I could get stronger.) I tried fishing once, but only caught a bit of seaweed. Our team-mate, Mr. Glenn, hopes we can go fishing in a boat sometime.

I also like the church we are helping. I like the music and songs. We have class on Sundays and I get to learn my Bible verse in English. There are lots of kids. My best friends are Renee (our team-mates' boy), Equel, and Hector. We have fun playing. I go with my parents to three group studies. There are kids to play with there, too.

Sometimes I miss Canada, but I like living here in Mexico. We want to teach many people about God. I hope our friends will come see us in Playa Azul. You can meet our new friends. It's hot here and you go to the beach. Ashley is coming to see us in twenty-five days. I can't wait!!!

Logan Krogsgaard

Mexico Missionary Retreat

Last week was a bit different for us because we left Playa Azul on Wednesday, heading for Guanajuato. It was a beautiful six hour drive. We were able to see the scenery of the last three hours that we had missed in the dark when we first traveled into Michoacan in October. Before we left for the retreat, however, we were able to spend an afternoon with Jose, Elvia, Nancy, and Elvis. We bought Huachinango (Red Snapper) early Tuesday morning from the fishermen on the beach as they arrived from their night of labour. Elvia helped me clean them, then she taught me to prepare the fish "moja de ajo" (fried and drenched in garlic). I'm not sure it's so healthy. We drained the bottle of oil, but there was enough garlic in those fish to keep our immunities high for a month!!! Elvia is a master cook because that was the best fish I've ever eaten. Not only did I receive cooking lessons, we also received eating lessons. Jose soundly chastised us for eating fish with a fork. He gave us the finer points of using our God-given utensils. I think the fish did taste better with our fingers! Elvis even showed Logan the art of sucking out the fish eyes. Logan sucked, but he turned a bit green as he tried to chew them. Next thing I knew, Logan was outside spitting his quest into the grass. It's not always easy learning new things. My next lesson is "camerones moja de ajo" (shrimp in garlic).

Now for the retreat--Guanajuato is a beautiful city set in the hills--the city of tunnels. We met with about 10 missionary families and 20 or so AIMers (young adults helping various teams). It was a great way to meet many of the missionaries throughout Mexico. Of course, it didn't take long before we realized that we had many connections with most of them. The majority of the families has come out of Sunset and AIM (Adventures in Missions). Jason and Heather Thornton from Tulsa Oklahoma presented excellent lessons and group discussions. Logan was in his glory. There were about 20 children--many of them his age. He cried when we had to leave. He was enjoying playing and speaking in English!!! It was easy to see that this retreat is a MUST for the missionaries. It was a time of resting, feeding the soul, relating with others in the same situation, and stepping back and remembering what God has done through the year. Although we were the "new kids on the block", it was good for us to rub shoulders with those who have gone before us. It was also humbling to hear so many say that they knew of us through the Mexico City Quijotes team twenty years ago. It was a little over the top when one AIMer said, "Hey, you're legendary here in Mexico!" Yikes! I felt "legendary" noting that we were the second oldest among the missionaries. How exciting that the younger generation has taken on the much needed work here in Latin America. It was a real treat to be with Benjy and Carolyn Brednich and their three wonderful boys. Logan always enjoys playing with Reece.

Going to the "big city" supposedly includes a trip to Costco and Wal-Mart, so when we arrived in Morelia Saturday evening (four hours from Playa) we stayed the night with Sam and Anne Gonzalez. We worshiped with the church there. What a great experience!!! We were blessed and encouraged to continue maturing the baby Christians in Lazaro and shining for the Son in Playa Azul. Had we gone home at that point, the trip would have been a "picture perfect five day get-away". BUT NO!!!! We were compelled to see what all the fuss is over the big box stores in Morelia. What a nightmare!!! There were wall-to-wall people EVERYWHERE!!! Those of you who really know me are chuckling heartily because you remember that crowds and shopping are two things I don't do very well. Later we learned that it was the busiest shopping day of the year-the last Sunday of Nov.--payday week-end. That will teach us to shop on the "Sabbath"!!!

We were glad to get back home Sunday night to our little community and the warmth of the beach. Logan's friends had missed him when we walked him to school on Monday. Many wanted to know where he was on Saturday when he didn't show up for the soccer game. The reported outcome was the same as all the other games--"Perdimos" (We lost). Maybe next Saturday!

Until then...
La Familia Krogsgaard
Bernard, Alicia and Logan