BACK TO THE LAND OF THE LIVING

So we thought we were a novelty in Playa Azul--it's nothing compared to the reaction we get around our new neighbourhood. I'm guessing most of our neighbours have never had "guerros" (white folks) living among them. Yesterday we explored our new neighbourhood for the first time. As we approached most groups, the people literally stopped their conversations and stared at us, I'm sure, wondering what those "guerros" were doing in their neighbourhood. It takes a bit of adjusting, but it also gives us a great opportunity to meet many people. As we greeted many in Spanish and stopped to chat with a few, the delight shone in their eyes. Now they are REALLY wondering what these "Spanish-speaking guerros" are up to!!! We live in front of the local tortilleria so we get to daily see most people who live in the vicinity...and they get to see us. No doubt, we're the talk of the neighbourhood. We look forward to meeting our neighbours as we strive to shine for the Son in this part of Lazaro Cardenas.

It has been a long adjustment getting normalized to our new house and neighbourhood. Amazingly, we don't really miss visiting the ocean, nor the pool, but we do miss the peace and quiet, as well as the soft, constant sound of the ocean waves crashing as we drifted off to sleep. Because we live among the hustle and bustle of a busy street and neighbourhood, we see and hear people, music, traffic, and most of all the squeak and squeal of the tortilleria. I did break down into tears the first night we slept in our house. It was about 3:00 am, there had been hours of music and loud visiting in the streets. After a few hours of restless sleep, I awakened to a familiar sound from Playa. You guessed it...cock-a-doodle-do. Paralyzed, I told myself I was dreaming. Silence was again broken...cock-a-doodle-do. Tears streamed down my face as I had a little pity party. I couldn't believe it. We had roosters living right behind us. I thought I was escaping that horrible sound, and now I have loud music, a noisy tortilleria, AND roosters, to boot. WHAT HAVE WE DONE????? HOW COULD WE HAVE THOUGHT THIS WAS FROM GOD??? THIS IS A NIGHTMARE!!!! But, as usual, things looked brighter in the light of day. The noise means that there are lots of people to get to know, and the rooster didn't crow very long because there don't seem to be many fellow roosters around to answer him. We have made the decision to love our new area, despite the noise. How can we shine in a quiet, secluded area void of people? This house is a gift from God, and each person we meet I wonder if we have been placed here just for him/her!!
Of course, Logan continues to be a great tool by which we meet many people. After a few days of boredom, he decided he wanted to put up a lemonade stand. He rummaged through our moving boxes and found just the two he needed. He made his sign, his lemonade, bought his cups, and away he went. He planted himself on the corner by the tortilleria and sold about eight cups his first day. He's well known around these parts by now. He also makes daily visits to the ice cream shop, the local "abarrotes" (misc.) store, and of course the tortilleria. Today we went to visit the area school to ask if Logan would be permitted to attend a few hours each day. We go back on Friday for the answer. Logan is such a trooper. His attitude is hardly that of a seven year old. He endures difficult situations as if they are no challenge at all. He is one of our greatest blessings. God uses him in wonderful ways. The plumber who installed our hot water heater, among other things, slipped into our Sunday Celebration. Logan got up from his seat to welcome Severo to our celebration. The smile on Severo's face was as big as they get. He grabbed Logan and gave him the biggest hug ever--and all that because of a seven year old with a heart full of love and service. Just imagine what other things God has in store for that little boy!!!

Now that we live in the city, we don't have palm trees or a view of the ocean to offer to our visitors, but we continue to have the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful baby church. We would love to have you come see what God is doing here in this friendly city. Tonight I will start another cell group as I teach the seed-line to women. Yesterday Maria Socorro, Blanca and I went out "visiting" in the neighbourhood where the study will be hosted. These two older warriors have a deep desire to make known Jesus to those who do not yet know Him. Did I think I was moving to Mexico to teach??? I'm being taught and mentored by these women in ways I could have never imagined. We would love for you to come and meet them personally.

It's great to be back in touch. A week without technology makes us appreciate our tools for close communication. Our vonage phone is now connected. Our number is the same Texas number: 1-806-853-9935 Many blessings as you continue to shine for the Son in your corner of the world.
Bernard, Alicia, and Logan Krogsgaard