Young Friends

It is said that one of the major inhibitors of getting new missionaries to a foreign field is the objection of the parents. Parents fear for their children's safety, economic situation, and the environment in which their grandchildren will be raised. In fact, there are many legitimate concerns that parents raise when their children talk about the possibility of serving in a foreign capacity. From the early days of our christian walk, both Bernard and I were privileged to participate in various foreign projects. These opportunities instilled within us the huge need for Jesus, not only for our surrounding communities, but for those far and wide. The love of what we do today can be traced back to those early experiences of walking along side missionaries, both in local and foreign works. It has been our long-standing desire to provide such opportunities for our youth of today; thus, we recently hosted 11 Young Friends and their two chaperons. Young Friends is a ministry of the Let's Start Talking Organization in Ft. Worth, Texas. High School students train to lead a week of English conversation sessions based in the book of Luke. Besides these four sessions each day, the Young Friends learn how to interact and lead fun activities that will deepen their relationships with their new friends. A third component of the program is to involve the YF in service projects that will enhance their understanding of servanthood, as well as improve the quality of life for those who live where the YF are destined. We knew the potential of growth was great for the Young Friends, as well as for those they were going to serve, but little did we know of the depth and width of such growth!

With the YF group having been gone now for two weeks, Bernard and I still marvel at the power of change they brought with them. Again, we are convinced that God's power is best exhibited within relationships. The first Canadian/Mexican "meeting of the youth" was, at best, awkward.
Fears and self-consciousness ran rampant, but with smiles and sign language, the youth came to know each other. By the end of the week, and after lots of learning, fun, and service, one would never guess the "international best of friends" had only met a few days earlier. It was easy to see that there would be buckets of tears shed when our Canadian Young Friends said their good-byes.

Although the program is directed at serving those in the host country, I wonder if the greater good is not done in the servants themselves! We said good-bye to 11 changed youth (and two very tired, but happy chaperons). How could so much change happen in just one week? Bernard and I had the opportunity to debrief with the YF team before they headed back to Canada. It was a night to remember! Here are some of the comments we heard:
*"We came to serve, but God taught US through them."
*(This project) "made us step out of our comfort zone-no matter how hot or how difficult."
*"You know, it's our Spring Vacation. Had I not come on this project, I would have just slept and
watched TV, but we did great things here!"
*(My new friends) are the future of Mexico. They have touched me so much.
*"Picking up all that garbage was really gross, but I feel like we have cleaned somebody's life
after cleaning up all that garbage."
*"I was amazed at how the word spread about us. We became "celebrities here!"
*"David (one of our LST readers from Wade and Richelle) really made me think. He asked
some questions that I need to ask myself."
*"I saw that young people can do amazing things!"

These declarations of change make Young Friends worth every penny they had to raise to be with us for the week. They, too, were agents of change for our Mexican youth...
*Julio, recently deported out the US, is starting a new life here in Mexico. He has no friends, no job, and little hope for the future. After the influence of the YF, Julio stated, "From here on out, THIS is MY church." Julio continues to be a part of our Sunday Celebrations as well as is studying with Bernard each Tuesday morning!
*Ana, one of our precious youth was baptized the Sunday after YF left. She told one of her new friends, "God brought you here for me, so that I can hear more."
*Another new friend, after one of the Luke sessions said, "You make me think so much."
*After Aaron's moving testimony, one of the Mexicans said, "You have blessed me on this journey."
*One of Logan's school mates heard that YF were picking up garbage at the school. She came
over the next day looking for them because she, too, wanted to help.
*Neighbours and strangers asked, "WHY are you doing this? Would you call me the next time you have this group. I want my children to be involved, too."
*Logan, contemplating the sadness of the YF leaving, asked, "When can they come again? Can
they come for longer next time?"

Bernard ended the Young Friends Project with these profound words: "This week I saw
CHURCH! We worked together and we shone for Jesus. Thank you!"
We wish to thank our Young Friends,Marshall, Aaron, Kelly, Nathan, Brady, Mallorie, Paige, Kim, Shiane, Heather and Haleigh, and their energetic chaperons, Andrea Muirhead and Deanna Cook. Young people can SURELY do great things. I want to especially thank the parents of these 11 amazing young friends. You could have said, "Absolutely NOT! YOU are NOT going to the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Haven't you heard the news reports from down there?" You could have said, "There's no way we are raising that kind of money for a week." You could have said many things, but thank you for saying, "Yes!" Many hearts have been touched. Lives have been changed because of that answer!

Enjoy the photos. Until next blog,
Alicia for the Krogsgaards

PEOPLE--Is there anything more frustrating in this world than PEOPLE? Sometimes I wonder how it is that I, a natural-born introvert, find myself in an "occupation" (or as I prefer-style of life) that requires that I surround myself with people. Then I turn on my computer and try to download my photos or create a power point presentation, and I remember why I've chosen to work with flesh and blood rather than steel and wires-or better, microchips! I laugh with tongue in cheek as I type these words because as frustrating as it is working with people, it's also true that nothing is more rewarding than working with people.
The lifestyle of Mexico, especially in this coastal area, is so very different from our private, enclosed lifestyles in Canada or the States. There's really not much privacy here. Our houses are connected to each another. The windows and doors (if you have any) are left open to receive any hint of a breeze. No matter where you walk, most people know where you are going or where you have been. We truly live in a "fish bowl". The privacy issue doesn't bother me much since we live in a way to attract others to us-the more they see, the better the effect. However, there are times when I just want to close shop and pretend that I am not home. But how does one do that when living in a "glass" bowl, I mean house?
I admire Jesus for his loving patience as people constantly demanded of him. After about the third phone call and the fifth visit of friends and neighbours "just popping by", not to mention the constant squeaking of the machines at the tortilla factory and the bazillion cries of the many bread vendors in the streets, I want to put up a sign that says NO ONE IS HOME!!! But then I get dressed for the day and I realize how blessed I am to have the opportunity to be in so many people's lives. (Okay, I confess, the above details MAY be a bit exaggerated, but you get the picture!)
Such were my days not so long ago. I felt that if just ONE more person banged on my gate screaming, "Senora" or if that phone rang just ONE more time, I would go ballistic--Then in the quiet places of my heart God ever so gently reminded me of whose I am, and in his gracious mercy, He began to remind me how much He truly loves people, AND that I, too, love people...

It began with Marco. He had wanted to "chat" with Bernard and me because he was being challenged by his perceptions and thoughts of what we were teaching. As it turned out, we found ourselves in the age-old "salvation debate" between the Calvinistic and Arminian "camps". I despise this conversation because I see religious people waste too much time debating within themselves that we lose sight of the lost outside ourselves. But I was struck in a profound way by Marco and his quest to understand and apply the truths of God. He came to us, not intent on a battle of words and doctrines, but as a humble sinner who deeply desires to know and understand the heart of God. His understanding of God's truth had been challenged, yet he, like the Bereans, strove to examine the scriptures to confirm what he believes is true. As he and his wife, Yuneun, walked away from our house, I just shook my head and said, "Wow, how I love them!!! What humble and seeking hearts! They have taught me the spirit of searching for truth."

Next, entered Ivan, our Mexican preacher. We have felt immensely blessed, not just by Ivan and his ability to make God's word come alive in the mother tongue of his listeners, but also because of his wonderful wife and son, Stefanie and Ethan. Things slow down a bit during Semana Santa (Holy Week), which is really two weeks. Several of our team families have been vacationing away so it was just the three of us gathering to pray on Wednesday-Ivan, Bernard and I. Ivan is somewhat quiet in a group, so we don't get to hear from him too often when the eight of us gather to pray each Wednesday. During our time together we spoke about important heart issues in the baby church that God has planted here in Lazaro. Ivan spoke of the many ways God has shown His power through relationships that he has developed with others. Although quite young in years, as well as in his faith, I was awestruck by the immense love that Ivan has for his Master and those whom He brings into Ivan's life. Despite obstacles and barriers that come with the choices he and Stef have made for their family, Ivan serves people with the love of Jesus!! As he walked away from our house, I shook my head and said, "Wow, how I love him! How he loves His Master. He has shown me how to serve especially when it's inconvenient and difficult!"

My third lesson came from Carmen. This dear sister involves herself in the important ministry of visiting and studying with women at the local prison. She's been a weekly visitor there for years. She is deeply loved by the women she has touched with Jesus' love. Carmen lives from day to day selling tacos and other "fast foods" from the garage of her humble home. She has raised the five children of her widowed husband that she married when she was 17. (He failed to mentioned that he had five children at the time!), and two children from their marriage, and countless other children who have been abandoned or in need of a family. She has no idea how many children she has raised. It has been my privilege to learn from this great woman of faith as we visit three women in the prison each week. From her little salary she manages to take food and other necessities to them. Every few weeks Carmen brings me a little bag of money saying, "This is my "diezmo" (my 10% offering to God). It is indeed a very humbling thing to receive what I imagine is WAY beyond 10% of her pension, yet she gives it gladly and sacrificially. As she drives away from our home, I shake my head and say, "Wow! How I love her!! How graciously she gives, not only of her little money, but of herself. She has taught me what it means to be the hands and heart of Jesus."

And dear reader, I have no doubt that after you have left my presence, I've shaken my head and said, "Wow! How I love that person. He/She has taught me so much..." Thank you for imprinting upon my life. Thank you for helping me remember why I do what I do. You may have even been a point of frustration for me, but in the end, I know I have learned from you. After reading The Shack (yet again!) I am struck by the lesson that Jesus is teaching Mack concerning loving others:
...All I want from you is to trust me with the little you can, and grow in loving people around you with the same love I share with you. It's not your job to change them, or convince them. You are free to love without an agenda." (page 181)

May we all learn to love people, in spite of the frustrations that some bring to us, to the point that we, like the God of The Shack, can say, "Ah, ________. I'm especially fond of her/him!!

Until the next blog post,
Alicia for the Krogsgaards

Feb/March Blur

How can it possibly be a whole month (minus one day) since I last posted on the blog?? I know when it's been "too long" between posts because we start getting little comments like: "Haven't heard from you in a while." or "I kept checking to see if you had posted something new." Then we get the "not so subtle hints" like: "Hey, are you still alive down there?" Thank you to the many loyal readers and prayer warriors who look forward to the news of God's work here in Lazaro Cardenas. You encourage us; thank you!
As I've written before, I'm convinced that time runs faster here in Southern Coastal Mexico. It's already mid March. In Canada I would have felt that the warmer weather and melting snow would have never arrived, but here in Mexico it seems that I flip the calendar before I even become accustomed to saying the proper month. I used to do that with the changing of the YEARS. Now I do it with the changing of the MONTHS!!! Am I getting older?
We've experienced God's grace in many ways since the last blog post. Let's see if I can catch you up on a few of the events:
God continues to grow the church. Our Monday night leaders' group has grown as others have accepted the challenge to serve by leading groups. Monday night's group has also decreased as raised leaders leave to form and lead their own groups!!! Claudia and Tato are being further mentored by Ivan to lead a group for married couples. What a great need this group meets. We miss them terribly, but our goal is to mentor so that the rising leaders/servants lead others. What a joy to be used by God in this way. Monday night leaders' group is one of our most anticipated activities of the week.

Our dear sister, Blanca, has stepped out of her "authority hierarchy" background and gathered a group from various churches to teach the children at the orphanage. She had a passion for taking the good news of Jesus to these precious children, but she felt that had to "come from the leadership". We encouraged her, because of her passion, to take the lead and gather a group to meet that goal. After months of guiding her step by step, Blanca was pleased to announce that the children's activities would take place each Friday. The orphanage director is MORE than pleased to have her group come teach. We were able to pop in on the activities today and saw how bountifully God has blessed Blanca's efforts. We pray that many little hearts will be touched with the truths of God's Word. We also pray for many big hearts to be touched because the orphanage workers sit in on the lessons, too! Please pray for our efforts at La Casa del Hogar.

Our new supporting congregation, Southern Hills, in Abilene, Texas flew us up to spend a week with the church family there. This was our third visit, so we are feeling like part of the family as we begin to recognize names and faces. We first became acquainted with Southern Hills as our team regularly hosts a medical team from Abilene every six months. The week with our new family was wonderful. We were presented before the congregation at both services, as well as in several of the Bible classes. We were shown much love and support from our new family. We look forward to the many ways God will use our partnership to grow and strengthen His Kingdom. Many thanks to Gail and Bobby who hosts us so royally; to Jack Walker who organized many opportunities for the congregation to get to know us; the mission's committee and elders who have put their trust in us to partner with Southern Hills these next four years; the many who had us in their homes and took us out to eat. No doubt we were "fed up" by the time we left!

Just a few days after returning from Abilene we were able to greet Uncle Bernard and Auntie Joan Straker at the Ixtapa Airport. We have been on the go ever since. They seem to never run out of energy nor enthusiasm. They have painted at the Medical Clinic. They have enjoyed Chicken Feet Soup with Socorro's Tios. They have graciously met many of our friends who come knocking at our door. They involved themselves in whatever activity we have on our agenda. We only have them for one more week, so we want to make sure they get to see the many things God is doing here in Lazaro.

Finally, we are now into the week of the Medical Mission in Los Llanos. Because Logan is now in full-time Spanish school, we aren't able to spend the whole week with the team, but we did spend Monday helping them get organized, and the "two Bernards" and Joan busied themselves in a service project of painting the local school. Our plan is to return tomorrow as they wrap up the clinic. Extra hands will be needed as it will be the first full day of the vision clinic. We have an optometrist who will be with us Thursday and Friday. Once the people hear of free eye testing and glasses, we will be swamped with folks. Glasses are a great luxury for most and a need for many, especially for reading glasses.

Our family continues to enjoy our lives and work here on the Pacific Coast. We are ever so thankful for our team, our family within La Comunidad de Cristo, and the many in Canada and the US who make it possible for us to live and work here. Most of all, we continue to be thankful to our Father who gives is much work for our hands to do here. We are humbled to be called to His work in Mexico.
It is our vision, as a church planting movement, to plant churches in 20 targeted cities along the Pacific Coast. We enlist your prayers and networking. It is a God-sized vision that can only be accomplished with much prayer and supplication. We also need passionate people who have a heart for the lost here in Mexico. You can help us network by letting such people know of our work here in Lazaro. We would love for them to come see what God is doing so that they can pray about helping with the Pacific Coast church planting movement, too!!! We are just an e-mail or a phone call away.
Blessings to you all as you serve our Master with the work He has given your hands to do in your corner of the world!
Until the next blog,
Alicia for the Krogsgaards

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.