Short But Sweet

We had a sweet surprise to hear from Gary and Barb Zorn from Calgary. They were vacationing in Ixtapa and wondered how far away we were in Lazaro Cardenas. They thought if we weren't too far, they would like to pop over to spend the Sunday with us. Were we EVER excited! We weren't able to drive the 1.5 hours to pick them up Sunday morning, but they had little trouble in getting a taxi to bring them--and not only them, but they brought John and Brenda Coghlin with them. What a treat it was for us!! We enjoyed a wonderful morning of worship together. It's always a joy to introduce our loved ones from far away to our loved ones here in Mexico. Afterwards, we headed for Memaw's Manor at Miramar. We had only a few hours to enjoy the fellowship, but it was a sweet few hours. The Zorns and Coghlins filled our cups with their encouragement and sweet joy. Before the sun set, we all filed into the truck to return them to Ixtapa. Logan was disappointed they had stayed such a short time, and even more disappointed when we left them in Ixtapa. He loves visitors as much as we enjoy them. Thank you four, for taking the time to come see us.

Meanwhile, we continue to enjoy our lives here in Lazaro. We feel honoured that God has chosen us to be a part of His work in this corner of the world. We continue to meet new people and get involved in their lives. The Mexican culture lends itself to such community because friendships and sharing good times together are what Mexicans do best. One of the ways we love getting to know new friends and enriching our relationships with older friends is spending the day at Memaw's Manor. Even though Lazaro Cardenas is on the coast, most who live in the city rarely make it to the beach. It's always a treat to share a meal together, then head for the pool, and of course comb the beach for the "prize" shell. We shared such a day with a new family that has been visiting with us at Comunidad de Cristo. Raul, Isabel and their three children, Alex, Ruben, and Nancy have recently returned from living in Arizona. Because the US is all that the children know, the transition has been a difficult one at times. They are blessed to speak Spanish fluently, but other cultural differences, like school, recreation and shopping have taken some time in adjusting. Logan had a great time with them. None of them was real sure which language they should use, so it was a day full of "Spanglish" for the four of them. Would you please keep this sweet family in your prayers? They have overcome amazing obstacles through the power of Jesus. They have many more trials and adjustments ahead of them. We feel honoured to be able to have a part in helping them adjust to their lives here in Mexico. Their biggest need right now is WORK. Raul came to Lazaro Cardenas with the promise of having a job with the electric company, but recent protests of the fishermen and farmers toward the company have made it necessary to terminate his position. Isabel found work cleaning a school, but she has not been paid since October. May God provide secure work for them both so that they can stay in Lazaro and grow spiritually with us at Comunidad de Cristo.

Logan continues to grow and mature. He's adjusted so incredibly well here in the Mexican culture. I find that he often exhibits more Mexican mentality than Canadian ways. We love watching him grow. He spends much more time outside here than he did in Canada. There are usually lots of neighbourhood kids with whom to play. He's taken on a baking ministry these days. He chooses a friend, and they bake chocolate chip cookies. Afterwards, they enjoy sharing their yummies with the neighbourhood kids. It's a fun experience--even the clean up of the bowls and cookie sheets. (Many thanks to the Coghlins and Zorns for restocking our chocolate chip supply--and a special thanks for our peanut butter chips and Smarties!!! WooooHoooooo!!!)

Away from higher technology and television, Logan has learned to be quite creative. He and his dad spent several weeks building a crab pot. I had said we would boil the crabs he captured. Needless to say, he was ecstatic to find his first prize after lowering his pot in the waves of the rocky shores at Miramar. His face showed every bit of the pride he felt...even if the crab was only, at the most, two inches in diameter!!! With some protest about its size, I put the water on to boil. He was somewhat disappointed when he found more "less desirable yuck" than sweet meat once he finally got the little guy open! Better luck next time!

Logan's also become adept at building kites. He pulls down coconut tree palms and strips the stalks, then arranges them in various designs. He covers them with plastic. (So THAT'S why I have no more plastic bags for the garbage cans!) After fashioning a tail, he attaches his ingenious "string wrapped around a bottle" guide line. He's made some amazing kites-some of them flying so high they can hardly be seen. The kids at school have invented games where they capture each others' kites by wrapping their own kites around their opponents'. I simply shake my head in wonder! I love the busy and creative hands at work. It's wonderful to see the children play. Logan's having such a rich childhood here.

We are indeed blessed! We pray the same for you. I am off to Honduras for ten days as I, along with a few other Mexico missionaries from other cities, participate in the Latin American Come Before Winter Renewal. I'm very excited to be a part of this rich experience. I am even more excited that my dear friend and supporter from our church in Abilene, Gail Lawson, will be joining up with me in Houston. We are looking forward to encountering God together! (Thank you to all who helped to make this dream a reality!)

Until the next blog,

Alicia