Twenty Seconds Plus

One principle we learned from Let's Start Talking training is the "Twenty-Second Response". After a six-week project, a worker has more memories than he or she could possibly share when someone back "home" asks, "How was your LST project?". In expectation of this question, we prepare a twenty-second response--Twenty seconds to put six-weeks of heart-to-heart conversations and experiences into words. It's overwhelming. THAT'S exactly how I feel as I bring up my blog and begin thumbing through the sieve of memories that have been made these last few weeks. So much has happened. Will you give me a bit more time than twenty seconds?

Highlight ONE: Chris and Betty Jean Johnson arrived from Winnipeg to lead a two-week LST project. Bernard phoned readers from Wade and Richelle's September project and invited other English speakers we've met at the university and along the highways and byways of Lazaro. Chris and BJ had full schedules and great readers-many had read with Wade and Richelle! The Johnsons read Monday through Friday from 10:00-1:00, returned to our house for lunch, then read again from 2:30-10:00. With only one "free day" and two parties, they were tired puppies by the end of the two weeks. Not only did their readers love them, but they continually filled our cups with their positive and encouraging attitudes. We miss them terribly since they headed back to the cold North. It's our privilege to continue with individual sessions, as well as a Conversation Club with those of their 20 readers who would like to continue their learning. Thanks Chris and BJ. We look forward to your return SOON!

Highlight TWO: Joe Pradzynsky and Kristie Smith traveled from Canada to Mexico to visit their friend, Zack Williams, who is working with the youth of a church in Cuernavaca. They hopped a bus and traveled 12 hours through the night to end up on our door step!! It was great to have them visit for a week. They were gracious to join in our work as we led Bible studies and other activities. They both related very well with the Mexicans, even though the language barrier was huge. Kristie even had the rare experience of visiting some women in the local jail. She was the celebrity as they "ahhhed" over her snow-white skin, red hair, and huge green eyes. She took it all graciously. We took them to Memaw's Manor at Miramar to enjoy the sand and surf. They toured Lazaro Cardenas with our teen friend, Perla, as their personal tour guide. I feel like a mom with her "empty nest" now that all our guests are gone.

Highlight THREE: My dear friend and sister, Socorro, has us visiting her aged aunt and uncle the first Saturday of each month. It's always an adventure. This month's visit took us to Tio and Tia's Ranch. It's not far from their house, but we had to go straight up the mountain, across a bridge that was only a few inches wider than the truck, and guide Tia (who is not able to walk alone) along a path meant for one-up, up, up through rocks, hills and cactus plants!! But once we got there, it was a haven of beauty and wonder. Tio has carved a useless piece of land into a resourceful cactus farm. Bernard's admiration for this incredible older gentleman was raised about ten notches as Tio Geraldo explained how he cleared, leveled, and planted his farm. Because the land is mountainous and dry, his system of watering is a modern-day marvel, using common materials he could scrounge or afford. Our Bible study was extra serene as we gathered under his palapa outside his shack. Our shared food was reminiscent of the community of the first century church. The experience will always be etched into my mind as one of my most peaceful memories. I wonder if the tios learn as much from us as we learn from them!

Highlight FOUR: It is my privilege to visit the local jail each week. I go with two other Christian sisters who have a heart for the women there. They knew of an English speaker who is incarcerated, so they asked me to visit her. I have come to love and respect each of those three gals!! They appreciate our visits, plus we bring a bit of food from the "outside world". My English speaking friend, who happens to be a southern girl, too, said she would love to sink her teeth into a fried pork chop and mashed potatoes. Guess what I took this week!! I don't know what was more entertaining-watching my English speaking friend comprehend that she was actually about to eat southern fried chops, mashed potatoes, and green beans with bacon OR watching my Mexican friends wonder what in the world this bland food was that I was expecting them to eat!! To ease their anxiety, I did include corn tortillas and salsa. After the last bite was consumed, it was a consensus that the food was delicious--strange, but tasty. Kristie and I had a great time watching them all. Please pray for these three women as we help them understand the good news of forgiveness and salvation that Jesus offers. Carla has already proclaimed that she's coming to "MY" church when she gets out. She was comforted that we would welcome her with open arms. I MUST make sure I'm there to welcome her into the door. She gets out in four months!!!

Highlight FIVE and SIX: These are bittersweet experiences but very much a real part of our lives. I was forced to "enjoy" several days of bed rest as I recovered from what I thought was strep throat- in the end, bronchitis. I'm thankful we have Nurse Tammy on our team to give me the "hip-injected" antibiotics. I'm feeling better, but still have a few days before my chest will be clear of the infection. Just so Mom didn't receive all the attention, Logan decided to face plant off his bike onto the cement. He smucked his front teeth loose. Bernard rushed him to the dentist where the Dr. sewed up his gum and set his teeth in a "cast". It's amazing laser technology, and it eased his pain considerably. He got his stitches out today. The cast will come off in 20 days. We should know by then if there is any permanent damage to his front teeth...sigh.

We continue to love living here in Lazaro Cardenas. Every day is an adventure. We never really know just how the day will be shaped. It's kind of fun living that way--most of the time. We do have a week scheduled to be in Abilene, Texas finalizing our relationship with our new supporting congregation, Southern Hills Church of Christ. We look forward to getting to know those good folks better, and being presented to the congregation. We are very grateful for their love of Latin American missions. When we get back the first of March, we look forward to a two week visit from Uncle Bernard and Auntie Joan Straker, as well as our next Medical Mission Clinic team. We are scouting for various service projects in which they may be involved while they are with us. April will bring us ten teens from Western Christian College who will lead a week-long Friends Camp for teens who speak some English. After they leave, we will have Kresten with us for twelve days. Then the end of May will bring Ashley to us. We love showing off God's work to those who come to see us.
We pray many blessings upon you as you continue to serve our Master in your corner of the world. Until the next blog...(and thanks for giving me your twenty seconds PLUS!!)
Alicia for the Krogsgaards