In Perfect Harmony

We've all met people of whom we think, "His name sure suits him," or "Why do I always want to call her Cindy?--She just LOOKS like a Cindy, not a Sandra, to me." Harmony is one of those people of whom I think, "Yep, she IS her name. She adds a bit of depth--a bit of resonance--a bit of harmony with her presence. I know that others think the same. After the introductions were complete during a small group gathering, someone quipped (in Spanish, of course),"I am the melody, you are the harmony." Hardly batting an eye, and not even waiting for the translation, Harmony mumbled, "...In EVERY language." Obviously, folks from India, to Hong Kong, to Mexico agree that Harmony 'resonates' her name.

Our ten days together went by too quickly, but each day was a blessing for us. We didn't do anything monumental, Harmony simply walked with us as we went about the work God has given our hands to do. Of course, our biggest, and most important ministry is caring for a very special 10 year old. So, Harmony was right in her element with that task. She and Logan had a great time together. In fact, after leaving them alone one night while Bern and I went visiting, we learned a few days later just how much fun they had. There must have been a "tight-lip" pact between the two of them; however, the sordid details are just now slowly leaking out: a trip to the local store for chips and munchies, a serious, winner-takes-all Monopoly game (rumor is: Harmony won!), staying up to all hours of the night!!! Isn't it great when others make lasting memories for our children?! Logan had a wonderful time.

Caring for Loggie means caring for all his neighbourhood buddies. Since we returned from our summer trip to Canada, the boys have been complaining about being bored. With Harmony's athletic skills, love for children and endless energy, we decided it would be a real treat to have a play day in the park. Logan spread the word, we gathered the Youth from La Comunidad de Cristo, and Harmony planned the games. Everyone had so much fun that plans were underway to do it again, but for the kids, it wouldn't be soon enough. They would have loved to have kept Harmony playing all day, every day! She was a trooper, even in the heat.







We spent time with the youth at Miramar.

Needless to say, they LOVED Harmony

We visited our precious friends at La Casa Del Anciano.

Harmony received some sweet kisses!

Harmony went out on the town with Angeles.

My personal favourite: We went around hugging strangers.
We showed the youth a video of the "hug campaign" and asked them how they would like to do that. To my surprise, they were MORE than eager to take on the challenge. So we made our signs and went to the local grocercy store. The pictures say it all:

And finally, Harmony got a taste of Mexican-style worship. Where's Harmany?

Thank you, Harmony, for blessing us and those that we love here in Mexico. Come back soon!

Until next blog,
Alicia for the Krogsgaards

PS. I literally spend HOURS trying to this blog set up. And as you see, the spacing is NEVER what is the preview shows it to be. I find it a very difficult and slow process to add pictures. I got many comments that the slide show from the last blog did not embed properly so no one, as far as we know, was able to see the pictures from our summer. I'm DONE with blogspot. I am now accepting ANY imput as to which blog site you find user-friendly, especially for posting pictures. Thanks for suggestions. Good-bye, Blogspot!

HOME Sweet HOME

(Click, Click, Click) "There's no place like home. There's no place like home. (fading) There's no place like home.

Okay, so I probably would not have chosen red glittery shoes...perhaps a cool hue of blue-sans the sparkle. Oh, how I envy that little piggy-tailed gal--What a great way to travel!! Sure, she endured trials along her way, but the modern day travel (20 hours in the truck over two days) is a tad slower (not to mention beastly on the back) than the clicking of the heels. (On second thought, the air flight during the tornado may NOT have been the best way to travel!)
And what about Dot's concept of home? Though I've not spent much time in Kansas, my elementary school geographical studies did not entice me to sell the farm and move "out west". (Mind you, that doesn't say much coming from a small-town, Alabama girl.) However, Dorothy knew where home was, and longed for the people and comfort of that home. I, on the other hand, am pulled three ways. More than anything, I long for the home that Jesus has prepared for me. You know the one--many roomed-mansion and streets of gold, no sorrow, no tears, no more longing for "home". But while I walk the paths of this life, I'm pulled between two "HOMES"--the place where our twins and other family live out their lives and the place where God has given us purpose and fulfilment through our ministry. Kansas may not have been much, but at least Dorothy knew it was "HOME".

I'm so glad we had three weeks at HOME in Canada with our kids and other family and friends, but it's great to be HOME again in Mexico. My heart stretches from the top of North America to the bottom. As we travel, I am reminded that the greatest blessing of that "where is home" tension is the many relationships that have been formed from place to place over the years. Thank you to the many who helped create lasting memories during our 2011 summer furlough--those who provided beds, meals, parties, BBQs, gifts, and gatherings through which to share our Mexico ministry. Those thanks extend to our loved ones in the "HOMES" to which we travelled: Lazaro Cardenas, San Antonio, Regina, Kenosee Lake, Dauphin, and Saskatoon. Please know that you have a "HOME" here in Mexico--Mi casa es tu casa! Enjoy the slideshow of memories.