PEOPLE--Is there anything more frustrating in this world than PEOPLE? Sometimes I wonder how it is that I, a natural-born introvert, find myself in an "occupation" (or as I prefer-style of life) that requires that I surround myself with people. Then I turn on my computer and try to download my photos or create a power point presentation, and I remember why I've chosen to work with flesh and blood rather than steel and wires-or better, microchips! I laugh with tongue in cheek as I type these words because as frustrating as it is working with people, it's also true that nothing is more rewarding than working with people.
The lifestyle of Mexico, especially in this coastal area, is so very different from our private, enclosed lifestyles in Canada or the States. There's really not much privacy here. Our houses are connected to each another. The windows and doors (if you have any) are left open to receive any hint of a breeze. No matter where you walk, most people know where you are going or where you have been. We truly live in a "fish bowl". The privacy issue doesn't bother me much since we live in a way to attract others to us-the more they see, the better the effect. However, there are times when I just want to close shop and pretend that I am not home. But how does one do that when living in a "glass" bowl, I mean house?
I admire Jesus for his loving patience as people constantly demanded of him. After about the third phone call and the fifth visit of friends and neighbours "just popping by", not to mention the constant squeaking of the machines at the tortilla factory and the bazillion cries of the many bread vendors in the streets, I want to put up a sign that says NO ONE IS HOME!!! But then I get dressed for the day and I realize how blessed I am to have the opportunity to be in so many people's lives. (Okay, I confess, the above details MAY be a bit exaggerated, but you get the picture!)
Such were my days not so long ago. I felt that if just ONE more person banged on my gate screaming, "Senora" or if that phone rang just ONE more time, I would go ballistic--Then in the quiet places of my heart God ever so gently reminded me of whose I am, and in his gracious mercy, He began to remind me how much He truly loves people, AND that I, too, love people...

It began with Marco. He had wanted to "chat" with Bernard and me because he was being challenged by his perceptions and thoughts of what we were teaching. As it turned out, we found ourselves in the age-old "salvation debate" between the Calvinistic and Arminian "camps". I despise this conversation because I see religious people waste too much time debating within themselves that we lose sight of the lost outside ourselves. But I was struck in a profound way by Marco and his quest to understand and apply the truths of God. He came to us, not intent on a battle of words and doctrines, but as a humble sinner who deeply desires to know and understand the heart of God. His understanding of God's truth had been challenged, yet he, like the Bereans, strove to examine the scriptures to confirm what he believes is true. As he and his wife, Yuneun, walked away from our house, I just shook my head and said, "Wow, how I love them!!! What humble and seeking hearts! They have taught me the spirit of searching for truth."

Next, entered Ivan, our Mexican preacher. We have felt immensely blessed, not just by Ivan and his ability to make God's word come alive in the mother tongue of his listeners, but also because of his wonderful wife and son, Stefanie and Ethan. Things slow down a bit during Semana Santa (Holy Week), which is really two weeks. Several of our team families have been vacationing away so it was just the three of us gathering to pray on Wednesday-Ivan, Bernard and I. Ivan is somewhat quiet in a group, so we don't get to hear from him too often when the eight of us gather to pray each Wednesday. During our time together we spoke about important heart issues in the baby church that God has planted here in Lazaro. Ivan spoke of the many ways God has shown His power through relationships that he has developed with others. Although quite young in years, as well as in his faith, I was awestruck by the immense love that Ivan has for his Master and those whom He brings into Ivan's life. Despite obstacles and barriers that come with the choices he and Stef have made for their family, Ivan serves people with the love of Jesus!! As he walked away from our house, I shook my head and said, "Wow, how I love him! How he loves His Master. He has shown me how to serve especially when it's inconvenient and difficult!"

My third lesson came from Carmen. This dear sister involves herself in the important ministry of visiting and studying with women at the local prison. She's been a weekly visitor there for years. She is deeply loved by the women she has touched with Jesus' love. Carmen lives from day to day selling tacos and other "fast foods" from the garage of her humble home. She has raised the five children of her widowed husband that she married when she was 17. (He failed to mentioned that he had five children at the time!), and two children from their marriage, and countless other children who have been abandoned or in need of a family. She has no idea how many children she has raised. It has been my privilege to learn from this great woman of faith as we visit three women in the prison each week. From her little salary she manages to take food and other necessities to them. Every few weeks Carmen brings me a little bag of money saying, "This is my "diezmo" (my 10% offering to God). It is indeed a very humbling thing to receive what I imagine is WAY beyond 10% of her pension, yet she gives it gladly and sacrificially. As she drives away from our home, I shake my head and say, "Wow! How I love her!! How graciously she gives, not only of her little money, but of herself. She has taught me what it means to be the hands and heart of Jesus."

And dear reader, I have no doubt that after you have left my presence, I've shaken my head and said, "Wow! How I love that person. He/She has taught me so much..." Thank you for imprinting upon my life. Thank you for helping me remember why I do what I do. You may have even been a point of frustration for me, but in the end, I know I have learned from you. After reading The Shack (yet again!) I am struck by the lesson that Jesus is teaching Mack concerning loving others:
...All I want from you is to trust me with the little you can, and grow in loving people around you with the same love I share with you. It's not your job to change them, or convince them. You are free to love without an agenda." (page 181)

May we all learn to love people, in spite of the frustrations that some bring to us, to the point that we, like the God of The Shack, can say, "Ah, ________. I'm especially fond of her/him!!

Until the next blog post,
Alicia for the Krogsgaards