Twenty Seconds Plus

One principle we learned from Let's Start Talking training is the "Twenty-Second Response". After a six-week project, a worker has more memories than he or she could possibly share when someone back "home" asks, "How was your LST project?". In expectation of this question, we prepare a twenty-second response--Twenty seconds to put six-weeks of heart-to-heart conversations and experiences into words. It's overwhelming. THAT'S exactly how I feel as I bring up my blog and begin thumbing through the sieve of memories that have been made these last few weeks. So much has happened. Will you give me a bit more time than twenty seconds?

Highlight ONE: Chris and Betty Jean Johnson arrived from Winnipeg to lead a two-week LST project. Bernard phoned readers from Wade and Richelle's September project and invited other English speakers we've met at the university and along the highways and byways of Lazaro. Chris and BJ had full schedules and great readers-many had read with Wade and Richelle! The Johnsons read Monday through Friday from 10:00-1:00, returned to our house for lunch, then read again from 2:30-10:00. With only one "free day" and two parties, they were tired puppies by the end of the two weeks. Not only did their readers love them, but they continually filled our cups with their positive and encouraging attitudes. We miss them terribly since they headed back to the cold North. It's our privilege to continue with individual sessions, as well as a Conversation Club with those of their 20 readers who would like to continue their learning. Thanks Chris and BJ. We look forward to your return SOON!

Highlight TWO: Joe Pradzynsky and Kristie Smith traveled from Canada to Mexico to visit their friend, Zack Williams, who is working with the youth of a church in Cuernavaca. They hopped a bus and traveled 12 hours through the night to end up on our door step!! It was great to have them visit for a week. They were gracious to join in our work as we led Bible studies and other activities. They both related very well with the Mexicans, even though the language barrier was huge. Kristie even had the rare experience of visiting some women in the local jail. She was the celebrity as they "ahhhed" over her snow-white skin, red hair, and huge green eyes. She took it all graciously. We took them to Memaw's Manor at Miramar to enjoy the sand and surf. They toured Lazaro Cardenas with our teen friend, Perla, as their personal tour guide. I feel like a mom with her "empty nest" now that all our guests are gone.

Highlight THREE: My dear friend and sister, Socorro, has us visiting her aged aunt and uncle the first Saturday of each month. It's always an adventure. This month's visit took us to Tio and Tia's Ranch. It's not far from their house, but we had to go straight up the mountain, across a bridge that was only a few inches wider than the truck, and guide Tia (who is not able to walk alone) along a path meant for one-up, up, up through rocks, hills and cactus plants!! But once we got there, it was a haven of beauty and wonder. Tio has carved a useless piece of land into a resourceful cactus farm. Bernard's admiration for this incredible older gentleman was raised about ten notches as Tio Geraldo explained how he cleared, leveled, and planted his farm. Because the land is mountainous and dry, his system of watering is a modern-day marvel, using common materials he could scrounge or afford. Our Bible study was extra serene as we gathered under his palapa outside his shack. Our shared food was reminiscent of the community of the first century church. The experience will always be etched into my mind as one of my most peaceful memories. I wonder if the tios learn as much from us as we learn from them!

Highlight FOUR: It is my privilege to visit the local jail each week. I go with two other Christian sisters who have a heart for the women there. They knew of an English speaker who is incarcerated, so they asked me to visit her. I have come to love and respect each of those three gals!! They appreciate our visits, plus we bring a bit of food from the "outside world". My English speaking friend, who happens to be a southern girl, too, said she would love to sink her teeth into a fried pork chop and mashed potatoes. Guess what I took this week!! I don't know what was more entertaining-watching my English speaking friend comprehend that she was actually about to eat southern fried chops, mashed potatoes, and green beans with bacon OR watching my Mexican friends wonder what in the world this bland food was that I was expecting them to eat!! To ease their anxiety, I did include corn tortillas and salsa. After the last bite was consumed, it was a consensus that the food was delicious--strange, but tasty. Kristie and I had a great time watching them all. Please pray for these three women as we help them understand the good news of forgiveness and salvation that Jesus offers. Carla has already proclaimed that she's coming to "MY" church when she gets out. She was comforted that we would welcome her with open arms. I MUST make sure I'm there to welcome her into the door. She gets out in four months!!!

Highlight FIVE and SIX: These are bittersweet experiences but very much a real part of our lives. I was forced to "enjoy" several days of bed rest as I recovered from what I thought was strep throat- in the end, bronchitis. I'm thankful we have Nurse Tammy on our team to give me the "hip-injected" antibiotics. I'm feeling better, but still have a few days before my chest will be clear of the infection. Just so Mom didn't receive all the attention, Logan decided to face plant off his bike onto the cement. He smucked his front teeth loose. Bernard rushed him to the dentist where the Dr. sewed up his gum and set his teeth in a "cast". It's amazing laser technology, and it eased his pain considerably. He got his stitches out today. The cast will come off in 20 days. We should know by then if there is any permanent damage to his front teeth...sigh.

We continue to love living here in Lazaro Cardenas. Every day is an adventure. We never really know just how the day will be shaped. It's kind of fun living that way--most of the time. We do have a week scheduled to be in Abilene, Texas finalizing our relationship with our new supporting congregation, Southern Hills Church of Christ. We look forward to getting to know those good folks better, and being presented to the congregation. We are very grateful for their love of Latin American missions. When we get back the first of March, we look forward to a two week visit from Uncle Bernard and Auntie Joan Straker, as well as our next Medical Mission Clinic team. We are scouting for various service projects in which they may be involved while they are with us. April will bring us ten teens from Western Christian College who will lead a week-long Friends Camp for teens who speak some English. After they leave, we will have Kresten with us for twelve days. Then the end of May will bring Ashley to us. We love showing off God's work to those who come to see us.
We pray many blessings upon you as you continue to serve our Master in your corner of the world. Until the next blog...(and thanks for giving me your twenty seconds PLUS!!)
Alicia for the Krogsgaards

How Time Flies!

It seems like it was just a few days ago that we were putting up our Christmas tree and waiting for Santa!! Here we are, already at the end of January! In the flurry of this month's activities, I've neglected my blog for too many weeks, now.

We were sad to say good-bye to Kerry and Candace Lamb, but we knew we had made lasting memories in the two weeks they were with us. It turned out to be a great time for a visit because things literally shut down the two weeks after Christmas. We got in lots of visiting and a bit of travel through the beautiful state of Michoacan.

After the holidays, we were glad to have our normal activities start up again. Our groups and studies are an important part of what we do. The church continues to grow both in numbers and in spirit. We are pleased to present two of our newest family members to you. Jaime, who is Ivan's father from Mexico City, had decided to visit his two sons here in Lazaro and engage in closer study about "this God" that they serve. During the course of his two-week stay, Jaime came to the conviction that he, too, wanted to serve this same God. As Ivan presented his father to the congregation, he marveled at God's pursuit of man by saying that he thought his father would be the last person to make Jesus his Lord and Master. We just never know how God is working to make Himself known to others.
After our celebration time that Sunday, many of us traveled over to Glenn and Caroline's pool. It was a joy to see our new brother come out of the waters of baptism. As if needing a "push", Julia, who has been walking in the ways of Jesus for five years, came to the conviction that she, too, needed to die to herself and allow Jesus full authority over her life. She stepped forward and declared her need to have her sins washed away. It has been a tough road for our dear sister, but she conquered her fears in her decision. Please keep Jaime and Julia in your prayers-that they will grow stronger in their faith as they experience God's faithfulness.

The new year also brought a new routine for our family as Logan entered the Mexican school system again. I have been continuing Logan's grade 3 homeschooling, but we felt it was time for him to be in school with other children again. It's an understatement that he's the novelty of the school, but Logan takes it all in stride, and is doing very well. Bernard hasn't fared quite as well-- someone asked him if he was Logan's GRANDFATHER...ouch! We've chosen to put Logan in the afternoon school from 2:30-6:00. The enrolment is less than 100, so his class has only 15 students. His teacher is gracious and kind. Logan has already boasted that he made the highest mark in the class on his first exam. (I guess Math is Math, no matter what language it's in!!) Let's see how well he does on his Spanish and Mexican History exams!

Bernard and Logan have been advertising for our second Let's Start Talking team. Chris and BettyJean Johnson from Winnipeg arrive this Saturday. We are praying for many of our readers from Wade and Richelle, as well as new readers to show up at the Information Meeting on Jan 31. We look forward to having the Johnsons with us, and seeing the good things that God will do through them.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers as we live in this warm little corner of the world. We love to hear what God is doing in your corner!! Blessings,
Until next blog,
Alicia for the Krogsgaards

Turning the Page to Another Year. Welcome Twenty Ten!

It's been a great holiday season here in the tropics. Even though it never seems quite like Christmas in the heat, we have enjoyed many seasonal experiences. After returning from our surprise trip to Canada, I worked hard at getting our Christmas drama polished. One of our youth shined like a star with her eight-minute monologue depicting Maria's quandaries concerning Jesus' lowly birth. The congregation was spell-bound as AnaKaren transported us back in time to that humble little stable.

Many of our activities and studies took a break during the holidays. Logan ended his Karate well by nailing his "examen" which upgraded him to advanced yellow belt. He amazes us with, not only his agile moves, but also his ability to understand and speak in both Spanish and Japanese.

The congregation enjoyed our annual adult Christmas Party, complete with traditional dishes of "Tinga" and "Pazole", and of course the delicious "ponche". Leaving that gathering, we were invited to the block party already in progress on our end of the street. Logan enjoyed the breaking of the pinatas. Mom and Dad enjoyed getting to know the neighbours better over yet another cup of "ponche".

We ended our home studies with a games night at our house. It was fun teaching the Mexicans how to play Mexican Train. Logan and his friends retreated to the balcony to make their own firecrackers. (I will be soooo glad when fireworks are not so readily available. They are abundant from mid December through the first week of January.)


One of our December highlights was our visit to the orphanage. Families from the church bought gifts of clothing for 40 children. Bernard organized all the party trimmings: pinatas, hamburgers/hot dogs, music, and sweet treats. Thirty of us met and loved on the precious children from "Casa Hogar". We thank Wade and Richelle Grocott (Regina, SK) and family who donated the "Christmas Blessing" to these children! Your gift was greatly appreciated!

Christmas Day found the three of us at Memaw's Manor at Miramar. We marvel at the blessing my dear mother has left us. The view is spectacular as we wake up in the mornings overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We look forward to many guests enjoying Memaw's legacy! Tammy hosted our team to a turkey, ham, and lamb (New Zealand tradition) Christmas dinner. Logan's favourite gift was...more firecrackers!!


We are currently enjoying our latest Christmas gift: Candace and Kerry Lamb from Saskatoon!! They arrived on Tuesday, Dec. 29. We took them to Miramar, spent one night with them, then left them at Memaw's Manor to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. We'll return for them tomorrow (Sat) because we have lots more planned while they are with us!!!

We send best wishes for you all in 2010. Our desire for you is that you will grow closer in your relationship with Jesus-that you will see beyond this present world's promises and cling to the eternal promises offered by the One who has created and loved us. May you see as God sees. May you touch as Jesus touches. May you encourage as the Spirit encourages. We look forward to hearing of your many blessings that you experience as you continue to walk the journey with our Saviour.

Until next blog,
Alicia for the Krogsgaards in Mexico

A BIG SURPRISE

The calendar says it's December 16, 2009, but for me, Christmas has come and gone--and what a great Christmas it was! I had been pretty sad about being in Mexico over the holidays without the twins. We tried to get them to us, but with school and dates so close to Christmas, the cost was prohibitive. One morning I woke up to see Bernard sitting at the computer. I meandered over to see what he was "researching". He quietly said, "Do you want to go see your kids in Canada?" I objected, stating that we had responsibilities, not to mention the cost. He continued staring at the screen and asked again, "Do you want to see your kids before Christmas?"-- What a ridiculous question; of course I wanted to see Kresten and Ashley. He smiled and said, "There's a great seat sale. Do you want to go in two days or in nine days?" I was stunned. Was this really happening? Could we REALLY travel to Canada to see our children and other family members? My emotions were mixed as I thought of my deep desire, yet my responsibilities that God has given my hands to do here in Mexico. We checked the calendar and realized that the week of Dec 8-15 would be a perfect week to go. I could hardly believe our spontaneity--not a character trait of either of us.
We didn't tell Logan of our plans because we knew he would be too excited to get much done in the next nine days. The week slowly dragged by, but the 8th finally arrived. I got Logan up to get his school work done early. Then as his last "assignment" I had him put a paper puzzle together that read: Get your backpack packed. We're going to Canada today. He was quite proud of how quickly he put the puzzle together. Then he stood up to go on to something else. --"Hey, did you read the puzzle?"
--"Sure. What a silly sentence!"
Bern and I laughed. Then we spent the next five minutes trying to convince Logan that it was true; we really were going to Canada. We showed him the packed suitcases. We told him the plan, but it only resulted in fits of tears. This was hardly the reaction for which we had hoped!!
--"Why don't you want to go to Canada?"
--"I don't want to spend 50 hours in the truck!"
Well, I couldn't agree more, so we told him about our plan to fly. Only then did he somewhat reluctantly pack his backpack. Bernard and I were hoping we would get a bit better reaction from the other two when we showed up on G'pa's doorstep.
The night of the 8th found us in the lovely home of Shirley and David Lidbury in Calgary. They were gracious to host us overnight and get us to our departing plane by 7am the next morning. Our anticipation was growing. We would see our family in less than two hours!!!
Richard, Bern's brother, was the only one who knew of our plans. He picked us up at the airport, but not wanting to cast suspicion, he had not rummaged through Grandpa's closet for our coats. Have you ANY idea what -30 C temperatures feel like when your clothes consist of blue jeans, t-shirt, and a bunny hug??!!
We arrived at Grandpa's, walked through the door, and watched Grandpa and Uncle Dave try to process what they saw. It was then that Kresten came around the corner brushing his teeth. He stopped dead in his tracks and said, "What are you guys doing here!" Hmmmmm, two out three reactions were not quite what we had expected. But soon, hugs and explanations were being offered. Logan was so happy to see his big brother. Dad graciously conceded to having us as his guests for a week!! (haha---What other choice did he have??) He was so happy to have us home.
Anxious for the third reaction, we had planned to have Ashley drop by G'pa's after school to "call us in Mexico." Right on time, she drove up to the house at 4:00. As she opened the entry door, there we were, the three of us singing We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Her reaction was worth the whole trip--She stared at us with eyes as big a saucers, trying to believe what she saw, but realizing it couldn't be!! It took quite a while for her to process the fact that we were there. I now fully understand the meaning of "complete shock". She was paralyzed trying to understand what she saw. Then the tears flowed freely. What a great surprise!!!
We had a wonderful week together. We made the conscience decision to stay at home, spending all of our time with family. Two of the many highlights were the extended family gathering for games, snacks, and some "pick'n n grin'n" and our sharing Christmas as a family around G'pa's tiny tree.
Never has a week flown by so quickly. We got in lots of lov'n and liv'n during that one week. I was reminded again how precious is the gift that God has given us that we call "FAMILY". We are blessed by G'pa's life and wisdom. We marvel over the growth and maturing of our kids, as well as their cousins and chosen mates. We remember the many blessings God has bestowed upon us--the gift of being HIS family, and the privilege of sharing in fleshly family. I pray that you have as wonderful a Christmas as we have had. Yes, the calendar tells me it's Dec 16 today, but my Christmas has come and gone--And what a memorable Christmas it was!!! Happy 2010 to you all as you share this holiday season with family and friends.

Perspectives of Life (and Death)

God has given us some wonderful opportunities to be LIGHT and SALT here in our little corner of Mexico. Bernard and I should count how many times a week we look at each other, give a chuckle and say, "What is God doing?" One of our LST participants, Javier, pops by our house quite often. He is an "ideas" man. One of his recent ideas was to have us go to his high school and spend 40 minutes with an English class. We had a great time interacting with the 35 students with varied ranges in their English abilities. Logan, of course, was the main attraction, especially among the girls!! We chatted briefly with the teacher, then we were on our way. Later that day Bernard and Logan were on their daily bike ride when they turned down a random street. Who did they see arriving at her house? You guessed it, the English teacher from that morning's experience! What are the chances that they would pick a random street and a random hour and "bump" into a new acquaintance?? Indeed, God, what are you doing?

A highlight for us continues to be our reading sessions with the LST participants. I meet with Karina each Tuesday. She is a lovely 20 year old who finds such excitement in learning about Jesus. Every time she leaves, she expresses how much she enjoys our sessions. It is SOOO fun getting to lead an hour's worth of conversation centered around Jesus!!! Elia and David are also a joy for the two of us. Bernard continues his studies in English. Elia and I are studying the seed-line of Jesus in Spanish. Bernard also continues lessons with Gustavo and Javier. All of these LST participants, except for Karina, join us for our Sunday Celebrations each week. I look forward to the day Karina joins us, too.

One of the themes in which we try to present to those with whom we are studying is the idea of "perspective determines response". The way we perceive, envision, or "know" God determines how we will respond to Him. I believe that God has been further teaching me concerning this theme of perspectives. Living in a different culture, we are challenged to be mindful of how our actions may be perceived by those around us. Even closer to home, we constantly have to check the "reality" of how we are perceiving others in a culture that is not our own. It's easy to get upset when a car slowly merges into your lane, butting you out, until you come to your senses and remember that here in Mexico, there are no lanes; wherever you are is your lane, and wherever someone else is, is also your lane. See? It's easy! No need to waste energy in getting frustrated!
Sometimes we have ethnocentric perspectives. That's to say, we begin to think that our "Canadian or American" way is far superior. But then we watch the masterful skills that are put into erecting a two-storey concrete house. It truly is a work of art. How did they EVER come up with those creative ways of building? Or we encounter the ingenuity of solving the problem of how to fit three truck-loads of aluminum cans into one truck. The problem is quickly solved by dumping all the cans in the street and using the truck to repeatedly run over the cans-forward/reverse, forward/reverse. In short order the cans are reduced to a fourth of what they were! The driver even had plenty of room to scrounge up a few more cans!

God again reminded me this week of how my wrong perspectives lead to unjust reactions. Our dear brother, Eliseo, for whom several of you sent funds to help with his prostate operation, lost his battle with Cancer on Tuesday. His operation was successful, to the point that he rallied enough to be baptized back in the summer. Some time later, however, other complications set in, and he withered to skin and bones. We were honoured to be present for the celebration of his life. The crowd was small, but it was a beautiful experience of sharing the qualities of this fine husband, father, and grandfather. Afterward we convoyed to the graveyard where the family said last good-byes. While Ivan was saying a few words, we were constantly interrupted by the background noise of the shoveling and mixing of cement from a cemetery worker. The loud and constant sound was so intrusive that many of us kept looking back in hopes that the worker would cease his work out of respect for Eliseo and his family. But no, the shoveling continued. Finally, upon Ivan's concluding words the irritating noise also came to an end. My thought was, "Yeah, wouldn't you know the worker would stop just about the time Ivan concluded his thoughts." It was then that the worker parted through the crowd carrying a heavy pail of wet concrete. He placed four concrete slabs over Eliseo's grave, then pail, by pail carried wet concrete to pour over the grave. I was humbled. The worker's face poured with sweat as he laboured tirelessly to give honour and a last dignity to Eliseo and his family. And what honour did I give him? I barely listened to Ivan's words out of my annoyance over the mixing of the concrete-the very concrete that would seal Eliseo's final resting place. Sigh...

With the holidays approaching, I've been a bit on the melancholy side. I've missed my dear sweet mother, my sister and her family, and the only remaining uncle, Dorsey and Betty, in Alabama as the Arnolds gathered for the yearly family reunion-Thanksgiving always reminds me of my family and my growing-up years. The upcoming holidays without Kresten and Ashley seem less than exciting. I would much rather be putting up the Christmas tree knowing that all five of us would be opening presents together on Christmas morning. However, my perception of these holidays determines my response. I know there will be other holidays when we will share in the festivities together--just not this year. On that thought, I'll sign off until the next blog. My little boy is anxiously waiting to dust off the stored Christmas tree. We have a house to decorate; the holidays are coming!

New-Birth Day

Happy Birthday to me. Happy Birthday to me. Happy Birthday to Alicia. Happy Birthday to me. November 2, 1982. It was very late at night my last year of University. I had been studying God's Word with one of my best friends, Carol, and the campus minister, Larry Cline, at Troy State University. I grew up "going to church", but some of the things I studied challenged my thinking. I finally began to understand the great sacrifice Jesus had made for me. I realized my great need for His blood to wash away my sins. I longed to be a new creation in Christ. I died to myself into Christ's death, coming under the authority of Jesus 27 years ago!!! I've taken some time this past week to reflect on the many ways God has used others to help mold me into the person He has created me to be. I'm so very grateful to be walking in the grace of God's love. Without that life-changing decision in the late hours of that Nov. 2 night, I would have lived out a very different life. It's a privilege and honour to represent the One who has made all the difference in my life. It's been a great 27 years.

Our family had an adventurous week-end. Saturday was packed with activities and people. We began the day by visiting my friend's aunt and uncle. Socorro has been asking me for weeks to drive out to Guacamayas to "chat" with her Auntie Socorrita. Getting there was like going out into the bush of Africa (Okay, it wasn't that rough, but close.) It was an extremely poor area, and we were the novelty item of the day. Logan became quite uncomfortable that "everybody" stopped and stared at the "guerros" (white folks). We finally arrived at the tios' home, which was little more than a wooden shack. A little old lady was sitting out in her big plastic chair that seemed to dwarf her little body even more. She broke out in a huge smile to see Socorro, then the tears followed. She explained that her "viejito" (old man) had left her and she had been sitting there all day. She didn't know where he was. As it turned out "Tio" (Uncle) returned about an hour later from the ferreteria (tool shop) where he had bought a pump (through small weekly payments) to supply water to his cactus plants. The moment he arrived home, Tia Socorrita settled. Socorro introduced us by telling her uncle that we were teachers of the Bible, and that we could answer any questions he had about God. (After picking my jaw up off the floor, we explained that we were simply on a journey, and that if he would like to join us, we could investigate God's Word together.) He was thrilled. He popped one question after another as we tried to give the Reader's Digest answers. After an intense and quite enjoyable time of discussion, he leaned back in his chair and declared, "No one has ever been able to answer all these questions I've had. I've asked many people who have come knocking on my door. They don't know the answers, and they never come back." We expressed our concern in just "knowing facts", and explored the need to know God and His desire for our lives. We left him a Bible, which clearly marked the passages that answered some of his questions, and we settled on a date when we would return again to spend the afternoon together (as well as bring him a pair of reading glasses). What impressed me the most about this gentleman was his passion to live for God. There he sat in front of his wooden shack, his wife robed in a dirty plain dress, his home supplied with the most basic of necessities--and guess what he spoke about--his desire to do good for the poor!!! What a humbling experience. This humble man who works every day in his cactus garden to earn a few pesos for his little wife and himself taught me a lesson in having compassion for the poor. He knows he's poor, but he realizes there are many who have even less than he. We can't wait to be with him again and glean from his many years of wisdom. Our lives will no doubt be blessed!!

Sunday's Celebration brought 108 people together in worship to our God. It was a great morning of song, prayer, testimony and praise. Afterward, we loaded into various cars and trucks and headed out to Miramar where Tammy and Malcolm hosted between 70 and 80 folks in their home. It was a grand time of fellowship and getting to know one another on a deeper level. As we have the privilege to walk shoulder to shoulder with our brothers, sisters and friends of La Comunidad de Cristo, I can't help but wonder if much of what we do would have been similar to many things that the first century church did that we read about in the book of Acts. What a great family of believers!!

Hope you had a great week-end, too! Until next blog,
Alicia, for the Krogsgaards

A Week Full of Surprises!

Do you know what I love most about working in our Master's Kingdom? We never know what things God will bring our way. I think of Jesus and his resolute decision to get to Jerusalem; yet, along the way he met up with many opportunities to bless others' lives. Bernard and I have our general schedule of what our activities will be for the week, but we just never know what other opportunities God will orchestrate to tie into those events. Our first adventure came on Monday evening when our Let's Start Talking reader, David, and his girlfriend, Elia, scheduled their session. David had mentioned bringing over a few friends with whom he had been taking an entrepreneur class. Thinking I would make them a treat, I began to make a lemon pie. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect SEVEN people to show up at my front door FORTY-FIVE minutes early. I had flour over me, Bern was out for the next thirty minutes, and I had not one sip of cool drink to offer. After finding places for all our guests to sit, I scurried Logan off to the corner store to buy cold refrescos. As it turned out, it was a wonderful evening. Four of the guests were from nearby aboriginal coastal towns, and one guest was a tourism promoter for the state of Michoacan. The little group of seven has been cooperating together to bring about an ecologically based tourism business to their land on the virgin Michoacan Pacific coast. They are wanting to offer their land for tourism to the Canadian public. They are hoping we can help them promote their beautiful vacation spots by finding a person in Canada to get the word out about the Michoacan coast. We had a lovely conversation, but the most impressive moment was when we asked if we could pray for God's blessings on their endeavors. After our prayer, David ran out to his truck, grabbed his Bible, and asked if he could read a passage from Job. He reverently opened his Bible and stood to read. The others immediately stood to hear the Word of God. It was a holy moment as David read Job 22:19-30 ...Submit to God and be at peace with Him; in this way prosperity will come to you...If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored...You will pray to Him, and He will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows...After our guests said their last good-byes, Bernard and I turned to each other and said, "What is God doing in all this???"

Our next surprise came on Wednesday when we got to enjoy the presence of our new Mexican team member, Ivan Ponce de Leon. He, Stephanie and five month old Ethan arrived earlier in the week from Texas. We look forward to seeing how God will use this wonderful couple in La Comunidad de Cristo! I also got to share a classic Canadian food- G'pa's Johnny Cake with genuine Saskatoon Berry syrup (Thanks, Sharon, for providing that from the Berry Barn.) It was a big hit for our Texan and New Zealand team mates. Logan remembered how much he loved it, too.

Thursday turned out to be a big day with my Thursday Bible study. God stirred the participants into deep prayer as we brought the names of several struggling Christians before the throne. God's presence was tangible as we begged His mercies upon our loved ones. Comments were tossed around that we need more prayer in our celebration times on Sundays. God formed an idea in my mind. (More on that later.) Then we were off to a big birthday party for one of our family's five year old, Ximena. The mom was frazzled as she prepared for her 50 plus guests. She didn't know how she would ever entertain the children and serve everyone. Alas, Bernard and Alicia to the rescue. Our years of LST parties gave way to a million party games. The kids had a great time and the parents enjoyed watching the crazy Canadian games their children were playing. The birthday mom was the most grateful as she didn't have to entertain all those kids!! Afterward I rushed home to get chairs set up for our make-shift Bible study since the birthday party was still going strong at the building where we usually host the study. Again, God orchestrated great things as we studied and visited until 11 pm.

Friday brought another set of great circumstances and conversations as five women gathered at Blanca's house to enjoy a morning of food and fellowship. We covered a host of topics from the celebration of Halloween to testimonies of how broken marriages have been healed through tough love. During our conversation one of the women, Julia, who has been worshiping with us for many months expressed her concern that she didn't sense a full joy that she has seen in some of us women. After much probing and questioning, it finally came out that she has been living with a married man for 21 years, with the hope they he would leave his wife and marry her. After much admonition, advice and godly counsel, we took her burden to God. It was a powerful time of prayer for our dear friend who is suffering from wanting to follow Jesus, but burdened by the love of a man who can never be hers- the father of her three children. We saw, first-hand, the power of confession. She's faced with a very difficult decision as she contemplates her "first love".

Now it's Sunday and the surprises continue. With Blanca's admonition that we needed to pray as a church for some of the baby Christians who are struggling with sin, as well as those who have not yet named Jesus as their Christ and Saviour, Bernard and I planned a time of congregational prayer. It was an amazing experience. I think if we had made the time, every person in the congregation would have come forward for prayer today. Rather than feeling shame for their weaknesses, many poured out their hearts as they struggle in their journey to walk with Jesus. Afterward our praise and worship was filled with a renewed joy and determination to live a life worthy of our calling. It was a great day.

And the surprises continue even as I bring this blog post to a close. Our family escaped the trick- or- treaters Saturday night by spending the afternoon and evening at Miramar. We arrived home about 11 pm, glad to see no evidence of eggs having been thrown at our door. However, around 9:00 tonight (Sunday) we were greeted with the familiar songs of the trick-or-treaters at our door. No one told us that Halloween candy beggars peruse the streets THREE nights!!! We had little candy, few coins, and even less desire to explain our oversight, only to receive an egg or two thrown at our wall. (These little goblins are so very persistent.) So we turned out the lights and headed for our team mates' house. We visited for a few hours until we thought the begging ghosts had all retired for the night. Our first order of business for tomorrow is to head for the store and buy a BIG bag of candy for our little beggars tomorrow night. Next year we'll be ready!!!!

Hope you have a week full of surprises from God, too. Until next week,
Alicia for the Krosgsgaards