Kresten and Zack Visit

I've often said there are two great sacrifices for me to live and work here on the Pacific Coast of Mexico: My Bible Study Fellowship and my children. Bernard, Logan and I love our work. We are finding that this is one of the best stages of our lives concerning our ministry. But, I tell you, I sure miss my kids!! To take some of the "sting" out, I often tell myself that even if we were back in Canada, our kids would be involved in their own lives to the point that we would rarely see them. I marvel at how small the world is now that we have computer phones and internet. As wonderful as those things are, there's just no substitute for getting a big ol' bear hug from my big ol' boy!!! And I've enjoyed every hug I've gotten from Kresten this last week and a half! He's changed so much. I realize just how much we are missing by being so far from our children. Yes, it is indeed my greatest sacrifice.

Not only have we enjoyed having Kresten with us, Zack Williams, Kresten's friend who is working with the baby church in Cuernavaca, near Mexico City, bused the 10 hours down to visit us. It has been a wonderful treat having the boys here. It's flying by too quickly. They have especially enjoyed spending time with Malcolm and Tammy's son, Jordan.
We were able to gather a few of the "jovenes" (young people) that we have met through our various English programs for a day at the beach. It's amazing how a few hours can make such an impact on folks. Bern led a devotional at the end of our day reminding us that Jesus brings all people together-no matter what country we're from (We had five countries represented that day.) or what language we speak. We all left the best of friends. Thanks, Kresten and Zack, for sharing yourselves with our friends here in Mexico. We look forward to having Ashley with us in two weeks!!...More fun times to be had-- and more friendships to be made.

The work has been a little slow. We'll have to mark it as a reminder on the calendar for next year that late April/first of May is a time when many people head for other destinations or simply "check out" for a while. We've had more canceled studies and no shows than ever. We're ready to get back into the routine of our groups and studies. It has given us a bit more time to take the boys to Memaw's Manor at Miramar. Kresten finds the city a bit too hot. He had a melt-down yesterday which drove him to run ice water down his face and neck. Don't think we need to ever get our hopes up that he may join us here in the work in the future. His comment is "How do you live in this hot country???" He's a cold-weather Canadian boy, for sure.

Zack has been apprenticing with our friends, Doug and Sandy Holcolm. His role has been working with the youth of that congregation. I am MORE than impressed with Zack's language acquisition. He's a natural in this setting. I know he is impacting many there in Cuernavaca. He has inspired me to remember how important our young people are in the kingdom work. I pray that more of our US and Canadian youth will step out of their comfort zones and serve in ways that make them completely dependent on God and His power. Such service is not for the faint-hearted nor the selfish. I see Zack serving whole-heartedly, denying his wants and "rathers". But in doing that, he is finding abundant blessings from the Master he serves! Perhaps God will send such a young adult to us. As I reflect on the good that the Young Friends accomplished in a week, I can't help but wonder what God would do with one or two "Zacks" or "Krestens" who would work with us for a few years. Perhaps you know such a young servant in your circles. Would you start praying for and encouraging him/her to dedicate a few years of this life toward serving in foreign or local missions? Our experience has been that if we can get young folks out of their normal "cultural" everyday lives, they discover a big world of opportunities, which lead to many open doors for their futures.

We serve an amazing God. He does great things in us, through us, and often in spite of us-no matter what corner of the world in which we choose to live. It excites me to see young people dedicate their lives in service to others-whether it is in foreign or local apprenticeship or full-time ministry, as a University student, or in a secular work setting. Let's encourage these servants on their way!!!

Until next blog,
Alicia for the Krogsgaards