Head'n to Honduras

THIS IS THE FACE OF A BLESSED WOMAN!

I experience many blessings as we live and serve in our little corner of the world: We are victorious, no matter our lot in life, through Jesus, the One who restores our souls. I share my life and passions with a wonderful, godly man who rises up to be a loving spiritual leader for his family. We have been blessed with three wonderful children who continue on the process of being spiritually transformed. We serve along side amazing team mates, working in unison, according to each one's talents and passions. We have been given the humbling honour to represent our Master through the sacrificial gifts of our supporting congregations and individual friends. We enjoy the privilege of watching God transform those with whom we are forming relationships. How did I get to be so blessed???

I'm looking forward to another blessing coming up for me March 14-18. Come Before Winter Women's Renewals is planning a retreat for those of us serving in Latin America. Being held in Honduras, I really didn't think it would be a possibility for me. Months have passed with the renewal in the back of my mind. Air tickets aren't cheap, nor could I find a frequent traveller who could donate 70,000 Continental AirPass points. After much prayer and contemplation, I have decided that the blessings that I will receive from the renewal far outweigh the cost of the airplane ticket (even with having to sleep in the Houston airport two nights!!). THEN I was extra blessed to have one of my dear supporters and friends, Gail Lawson, plan to come along with me!

Truly, it's blessing upon blessing!

We look forward to sitting at the feet of godly women like Jeanen Reese, Danita Jackson, and so many others. I am extremely grateful to the many who donate toward the ministry of Come Before Winter to cover the cost of lodging and food while we are there. WHAT a blessing!! If you have never heard of CbW, I invite you to check out their website at: http://www.comebeforewinter.org/

Will March EVER get here?

Until the next blog,

Alicia

On the Other Side of the Boxes

After the extensive Mexican holiday season, lives are SLOWLY getting back to normal. Things were pretty sluggish the first few weeks, but the momentum is picking up now in the third week after the holidays. It's almost like people just don't want to get back to the "grind" of life. I was more than ready--three weeks was plenty of down-time for me.

We had a fun experience on Sunday. Our dear friend, Blanca, leads the orphanage ministry at Casa Hogar each Wednesday morning. She and three other friends from various churches spend a few hours with the boys, teaching them about God. Blanca invited La Comunidad de Cristo to the Three Kings Fiesta that the team had planned for the orphans. What a party if was!! Two clowns (and one clown in training) spoke of the importance of listening to God's voice rather than the enemy's voice. Of course there were pinatas and food. The most wonderful part, for me, was the gifts.


While living in Canada, I can't count the number of shoe boxes our family filled with goodies to be sent to children in all parts of the world. It was always fun to wonder what a child in India or Africa would like to play with. After carefully choosing just the right toys and necessities, we often took our boxes to the front of the auditorium, prayed that the boxes would bless precious children's lives, then shipped them off, hardly to be thought of again. Well, I tell you, it was a humbling experience to see those boxes opened from this side of the shipment!! After a prayer of thanksgiving for every family that filled the boxes, the boys could hardly wait to break the tape and plunder through their goodies. Eyes were huge and smiles were wide. Squeals and giggles were rampant. If you filled a box this Christmas you blessed a child beyond your imagination!!! Thank you for spending a bit of money and time--Thank you for giving me the opportunity to witness the excitement. I encourage everyone reading this blog to make sure your church participates in programs like The Samaritans Purse and Operation Christmas Child next Christmas.

Logan also had a great time checking out the kids' boxes and explaining what some things were. It was pretty amazing to see a child put a little sponge in water and watch it grow!!! Good thing Logan was there to explain it to him. I don't think the little boy would have ever figured out what to do with that package of sponges!! Sunglasses were a big hit. One little boy got a whistle. I think he's still blowing it!! I got the biggest kick out of one little boy who was ecstatic over having his VERY OWN tube of toothpaste---TOOTHPASTE...Can you imagine our Canadian kids being ecstatic over toothpaste? How blessed we are!! I am thankful to have been part of the Samaritan's Purse boxes. Bless these programs with your participation in many Christmases to come!

My heart overflowed with gratitude as the clowns asked the children questions concerning various lessons from the Bible. One little boy in the back row seemed to know all the answers. Finally,with hands on his hips, the clown asked, "How is it that you know so much about the Bible?" The little boy replied, "Me regalaron mi propia Biblia!" It brought tears to my eyes to realize some of YOU who are the reason he knows so much about God. His answer was: "Some people gave me my very own Bible." Those were the Bibles that Moose Mountain Church and others gave us to distribute. We have given about 40 Easy to Read Spanish Bibles to the orphans. We just never know what will result from our giving hearts. Thank you for blessing this child's heart and life.

Until the next blog,

Alicia, for the Krogsgaards

Reflections of Christmas 2010

The living room is back to normal with the Christmas tree snug in its box, waiting to be pulled out again in eleven months. The small pinata that Logan had made in Bible class has been taken down from the front door frame and smashed to smithereens. Josh Groban's Christmas CD has been returned to its case (much to Bernard's relief). Another Christmas on the Mexican Pacific Coast is recorded in our minds and in my computer picture library. The three of us enjoyed an intimate holiday season. We had big plans of making visits that get overlooked during the regular weekly busy schedules, but alas, many people were away visiting family in other parts of Mexico. After the last of our "pre-holiday" activities: visiting with our elderly and hosting a Christmas posada with our grupo de siervos, we finally packed up our week's supply of food and necessities and headed for our beach retreat at Memaw's Manor at Miramar. We enjoyed various activities that were not interrupted by TV, telephone or internet tyrannies. We enjoyed the solace offered to us by the crashing waves and clear, star-filled night skies--far removed from the barking dogs, crowing roosters, heart-thumping car stereo woofers, and the constant noise of the tortilla factory that characterize the sights and sounds of Lazaro Cardenas.

For the first few days, Dad and Logan worked steadily on Mom's Christmas present: the second addition to the birdhouse collection springing up all around the Manor's yard. This, however, is no ordinary birdhouse. This is the deluxe bird mansion version. The thoughtfulness and love that went into this precious gift brings a smile to my face every time we drive up to Memaw's Manor. Thank you, boys!!

We splurged at Thanksgiving with a family-sized turkey that fed eleven of us, so for Christmas Eve, we decided to adopt the Mexican tradition of a Noche Buena Asada. We lit the grill and enjoyed a lovely supper of grilled beef with all the "fix'ns": guacamole, tortillas, and grilled veggies. Satisfied, we sat back in our chairs enjoying the signature sunset of our God declaring that all is well, as He has sent His Son for Peace and Good-Will to all men.

The peace and tranquility were soon interrupted by cracks, pops and booms from Logan's favourite gift: a whack of fireworks. The truth be told, this is the primary reason Logan loves living in Mexico: Fireworks are "somewhat legal" during the holiday season. Logan saves his allowance all year just to blow it up during firework season! Knowing his love for these dangerous toys, against our better judgement, we made his Christmas memorable by buying him a cache of loot he'd never forget. They were gone in two days!! But he sure had lots of fun.

Christmas Day was spent in a lazy, relaxed way. We discovered a GREAT secret to have that yummy holiday ham without all the fuss: Soriana, our local grocery store bakes a great pineapple/cherry/pecan stuffed ham. I added the baked sweet potatoes and green beans, and Voila! Christmas Dinner!!! The rest of the day was spent reading in the sun, cat-napping in the hammock, and playing table games. The only thing that would have made the Christmas 100% perfect would have been having our extended family with us!!!

After spending two Christmases without our twins and extended family, I have come to the conclusion: no matter that the plane tickets are at their highest cost, no matter who's left to attend any "emergency" in the church back in Lazaro, Christmas is meant to be spent with our extended family back "home"!!! As wonderful as our little piece of heaven was at Memaw's Manor during the holidays, I sure missed being with our twins and other family members in Canada. We have enjoyed new traditions and a new kind of Christmas on the Mexican Coast, but Christmas just isn't Christmas without the whole family. Christmas 2011 will be in Canada. (Book our reservations at the Krogsgaard Bed and Breakfast, Dad!)

We were blessed to have Bryan and Angela Gately visiting Miramar. We haven't seen them since they left Mexico 15 months ago. It was wonderful catching up on their lives. Few people stimulate and encourage me as Angela does when she shares the many things her great God does in her life. We love and appreciate them deeply!!

The Sunday Celebrations have been small these last three weeks because of the holidays. With Ivan and Stef in Texas, it has afforded the opportunity for a few others to spread their wings with some of the preaching. Rigo, Francisco and Bernard have blessed us tremendously with their study of God's Word. Logan had the idea that he would like to lead the Lord's Supper. He did his own study and organized his thoughts. He even invited Ikel to participate with him. My heart was full!! The break in schedule also gives us a reality check that we are so very blessed to have Ivan bring us messages from God each week. Bernard and I both look forward to getting back to our "regular schedules" next week!! I think Logan's about ready to get back to school.

I love the sentiments that the Mexicans verbalize as they wish you the best in the coming year. I leave you with a few of their thoughts: !Que Dios te bendiga en el anyo nuevo con buena salud, buenas amistades, y la felicidad! (May God bless you in the new year with good health, good friendships and happiness.) I'll add to that: May 2011 be a year of the realization of Romans 12:2: that God will transform our thinking from the ways of the world to His ways by the renewing of our minds through the reading of His Word and falling in love with HIS Son and HIS ways. May 2011 be a year of TRANSFORMATION for us all!!
Blessings Abound,

Until the next blog,

Alicia for the Krogsgaards

Time in Fast Forward

As I've mentioned before, I'm sure that time runs faster here in Mexico. How can it already be the end of November? I haven't even gotten used to writing 2010, and soon it will be time to change to 2011!!!

The nights have cooled down, while Santas and snowmen are appearing in shop windows. The image still makes me chuckle as I wipe sweat from my brow. However, the signs point to the fact that another holiday season is upon us. Logan's ready to get our tree up and begin making our Christmas ornaments that we give away. We will miss being with our family in Alabama and Canada, but we look forward to celebrating the holidays with some our dear friends here in Lazaro Cardenas.

The last month has been full of bountiful blessings. We welcomed a new precious sister into the kingdom. Juanita has been with us for about a year. It's been fun watching her grow in her knowledge and relationship with God. Her decision was not made lightly. She loves learning, and ponders these new truths in her heart. She's a blessing to us all.

One of our dear sisters began a new ministry with the Casa del Anciano (Home of the Aged). Angie leads a team that visits the aged each Wednesday. Their love and care for the residents is testimony to God's love and care for us all. Angie is passionate about getting some of the ancianos to our Sunday Celebrations. Her little Volkswagon Bug can be seen on route from the asilo to the church building as she makes several trips to accommodate all those who want to attend. As church planters, we are thrilled to see our brothers and sisters empowered to minister to others with the passions and desires that God has placed within them.


Our family decided to celebrate American Thanksgiving since I goofed and served chili dogs for Canadian Thanksgiving (oops). We bit the bullet and paid top peso for a turkey (and it was worth every peso we spent!). I was even surprised to find one lonely can of cranberry sauce on the top shelf of Soriana. We unpacked Granny 'Vera's china, crystal and silver to set the prettiest table you've ever seen. We shared the meal with 8 of our dearest friends and co-workers here in Lazaro. As wonderful as the turkey and dressing were, my favourite part of the day was our sharing time. We each expressed things for which we felt grateful. It thrilled my heart to hear my precious friends talk about their renewed faith in God, their thankfulness for La Comunidad de Cristo, and our friendships. THIS is what Thanksgiving is all about!!

Logan has been enjoying the festivities of the Mexican Revolution. He participated in his first parade with his Karate club. He also has been hard at work in memorizing a group poem declaring his promise to fight for Mexico!! I was very proud of our little white boy whose face shined in a crowd of brown ones as he confidently spoke of his desire to be like the Aztecs in their simplicity and wisdom, and seek after the liberty that Hidalgo and Morelos initiated in universal harmony. He's one amazing little guy!!

Finally, we have received news that our non-paying renters in Saskatoon have finally been evicted. What a nightmare that has been. We are grateful that no damage was done to the house. We are extremely grateful for MANY who have helped us deal with the problem. We especially appreciate Ian MacLeod and Sue Willienic for their tenacity in dealing with the renters. Because of their service and sacrifice, we did not have to make an unexpected trip back to Canada. Thank you so very much!! We have been reminded of the lengths to which the enemy will go in order to disrupt Kingdom work. It all took a toll on Bernard (as well as wearing out another battery on the Vonage phone), but God's faithfulness shone in all the weariness and mess. We figure we must be doing something right here to have the enemy so riled up. We look forward to having new renters and closing this three-month chapter of our lives.

As we get closer to the holiday season, we wish blessings galore on you and your families. Please remember us in your prayers as we miss being with Kresten and Ashley, as well as our other family during the holidays. We hold you in prayer as you continue to enhance the name and reputation of our Lord in your corner of the world. Blessings abound!

Until the next blog,

Alicia for the Krogsgaards

The Impact of the Mundane

I have just enough "spunk or spirit" in me to occasionally like to see people squirm (but just a bit). One way I like to "put folks on the spot" is ask, "Tell me, what has God been doing in your life these past weeks?" or "What has God been teaching you?" Reactions vary from a you- must-be-from-Mars look to the deer-in-the-headlights look. But sometimes, much to my delight, I receive a huge smile and an ear-full of just what God has been doing in my friend's life. I LOVE that!!! One of the perks I enjoy about writing a blog is that it keeps me thinking about what God IS doing in and around me. I can't count the number of times in a week that I mentally write my blog around marvels that God has done in our lives or the lives of those with whom we have the privilege to work. Unfortunately, most of those blogs never get published.

But you know, sometimes our lives go from day to day a bit like the droll reading of the 'begat' chapters. You know the ones I mean. We've all read them in our read-through-the-Bible-in-a- year schedules: Matthew 1:2f Abraham begat Isaac, Isaac begat Jacob, Jacob begat Judah and his brothers, Judah begat Perez...yada, yada, yada.

My personal, all-time favourite begat chapter is Genesis 5: Adam begat Seth and lived 800 more years, and then he died. Seth begat Enosh and lived 807 more years, and then he died. Enosh begat Kenan and lived 815 more years, and then he died. Definitely a cure for those LONG, sleepless nights! Yet, where would WE be without those long genealogies? Mundane? Sure. Important? You betcha!! The Saviour of our souls came from all those begats. He was planned even BEFORE the creation of the world. He was promised even as the pomegranate juice dripped from Adam and Eve's chins. He became God Incarnate lying in a box from which cattle were fed. Had papas not begotten sons, Jesus would have been only a passing thought in the mind of God.

There really hasn't been any monumental happenings in the life of the Krogsgaards these last few weeks. Yes, it's even a bit mundane at times--work with Logan on the computer with his English, cook and eat by 1:30, hustle Logan off to school, do a bit of visiting, run a few errands, prepare the next study, make a few phone calls, wait for the next person to show up for a study, wash a few loads of clothes, clean the floors, mend some skirts, run to help a distressed family, go visit the newly born baby, shop for fruits, shop for meats, shop, shop, shop...etc...SIGH..., and then she died. (Oops, we're not that far into the story yet!!) Mundane? ...Hummm, sometimes. Important? You betcha!!

We thank God every day for the opportunity to represent Him here in Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan, Mexico. We don't live idealistic, utopia lives.-- Who does this side of heaven? But what He has called us to do every day is important. No fireworks, no earth shattering news, no special announcements interrupting the regularly schedule broadcasts...just life! --Life in relationship with our Father, and life in relationship with those He has created. What could be better? Thank you to every church and individual that/who sacrificially gives so that Bernard, Logan and I can live and work on the Mexican Pacific Coast. La Comunidad de Cristo is growing both numerically and spiritually. I have included a short prayer list for our prayer warriors.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, the real deal is even better. We would LOVE to have you come visit God's work first-hand. Just let us know!!

Until the next blog,
Alicia, for the Krogsgaards

Thank God for the MANY ways He has blessed us and His work here in Lazaro:

-wonderful team: Malcolm/Tammy Pointon, Glenn/Caroline Pointon, Ivan/Stefanie Ponce de Leon
-awesome church family that is growing numerically and spiritually
-faithful and prayerful supporters

-healthy and happy nine-year old boy, Logan, who is very much a part of our work
-healthy and happy 21 year old adult children in Canada making their own way in life
-experienced a powerful prayer night last Saturday/Sunday

-experienced an excellent marriage seminar-many visitors

-many thanks to Ian MacLeod and Sue Willienic who have handled BIG problems with our house in Saskatoon

Petitions to lay at our Powerful God's feet:
-that Malcolm and Tammy can be back with us on a permanent basis SOON

-that Mexican leaders will be raised up to carry La Comunidad de Cristo to maturity

-that God will continue to give us all physical safety

-that God will touch and heal the marriages and families of the church as a testimony of His power for all those in Lazaro Cardenas

-our next Marriage Enrichment Evening is Nov. 1

-people with whom we are sharing the Good News: Hector, Juanita, Karina, Edy, Luz Maria, Robin, Lupita, Lorena, Zachary, Elia, Beto, Saul, visitors in our groups, visitors on Sundays

-that God will raise up more church planters to plant on the Pacific Coast

-wisdom in making a decision to move to bigger facility or multiply into two services

-that we can rent or sell our house in Saskatoon (We need MUCH wisdom in this area as it is taking WAY too much time away from the work we have been called to do here in Mexico.)

Happy Anniversary to Us!!

The Krogsgaards arrived at our Mexican Pacific "sweet spot" Oct 2, 2008. In some ways it's hard to believe we've been here two years, yet somehow it feels like we've been here much longer!! We thank God daily for the honour and privilege to enhance His reputation here in Lazaro Cardenas. We love the work He's giving our hands to do. Thank you to our oh, so faithful supporters. We couldn't be here without you. We pray God's blessings on you as you bless our lives with yours.

We had an extra special week hosting two lovely couples from Texas. Wes and Ellen Shutt supported by Southern Hills (our supporting church), Reid and Meriden Overall, supported by Richland Hills, and three others have been training to church plant in Concepcion, Chile. We were THRILLED to have two couples from this team walk along with us in our ministry last week. We were challenged and inspired by these godly folks. Their hearts overflow with the love of Jesus. I look forward to hearing the many good things God will be doing through this team. Their projected departure is January.

Reid and Meriden

Ellen and Wes

Our team had a wonderful Wednesday Prayer time. We reserve each Wed. 11:00-1:30 for sharing what God is doing in our lives and in the lives of those He gives us to touch. After sharing, we spend time in prayer. Lately, we have all felt the attacks of Satan in our personal lives. James exhorts us to "consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds..." We all feel that we've have reason to have much JOY these days. This particular Wed., rather than concentrate on the lives of those we are touching, we spent much of our chat time transparently revealing the various ways we see the enemy's attacks in our lives. (Now, I'm not saying that any negative we pass through in our lives is from Satan, but when you stack all the things that are happening in our lives at this time, one has to wonder if the enemy doesn't have a bee in his bonnet.) James explains his reasoning as to why we should consider it a joy to face trials: "because the testing of your faith develops perseverance, which leads us to be mature and complete." After our time of reflection and confession, we listed off the MANY blessings that we see from God's hand. What an awing experience. Truly we serve a mighty and powerful God who cares about the tiniest detail of His people's lives. We are so very blessed. In comparison to Satan's blows, God's blessings far out-weigh anything the enemy sends our way. We know we are more than conqueres in Christ Jesus!! Amen!!

This week-end was an exceptional blessing as we hosted 8 representatives from Ivan and Stefanie's supporting congregation, Monterrey Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas. Barry Stephens presented three sessions on marriage enrichment, while Ivan translated. The praise team opened and closed each session, then gave a short concert to end the week-end. Many of our family participated, as well as invited their friends and family to attend. We were overwhelmed by the response. It was a fast and furious three days for our visitors. But their time and sacrifice was a pleasing offering to our Master!! We look forward to the next seminar!!! We pray that La Comunidad de Cristo would be a shining example to Lazaro Cardenas of families walking righteously in God's Way!

Thank you to our prayer warriors who bring us before the throne on a regular basis. We could not being doing this work without the power of our Master. The task to too daunting for just our human strength and wisdom. Would you pray specifically for godly wisdom as we train more servants, as well as investigate other worship options/locations to accomodate our steadily growing family!

Until the next blog,

Happy Thanksgiving, to our dear Canadian family and friends!!!

Alicia for the Krogsgaards

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

As a little girl, I remember my mom singing that little ditty when we pulled into our driveway after a trip. Two weeks ago, I was a bit gitty in Ixtapa as we stepped out of the airplane to 27 degree C tempertures. For this southern cold-blooded gal, it was a welcomed relief from the below normal summer tempertures of the Saskatchewan prairies (burrr). Our internet news reported snow in some parts of Saskatchewan on the last day of summer...boohoo. Alas, we find ourselves here on the Mexican Pacific Coast again bathed in constant sweat. The rain continues to pour and the mold welcomed us to our Home, Smelly Home!!! The Mexicans say we have about six more weeks of rain. I've decided to enjoy it while we have it. Eight months is a long time to go without a drop of the wet stuff.

We have mixed reviews concerning our three weeks in Canada this summer.
The highlights:

*seeing our twins and other dear family members (Thanks G'pa for the great B & B.)
*visiting with some of the churches and individuals whom make it possible for us to be in Mexico
*attending the WONDERFUL wedding celebration of Tiffany (Bern's niece) and Layne

Our first week and a half was dedicated to visiting some of our supporters. After a way-too-fast coffee with dear friends, Marlo and Robin Dunlop, we headed off to Kenosee Lake to visit with the Moose Mountain Church. (They sure put on a great pot luck!) On the way we had the joy of staying overnight with Kresten's adopted family, Lowell and Darla Peterson and gals in Weyburn. We had the opportunity to get a peek of Kresten's corner of the world for the summer at his work and home. We are so grateful for the Petersons, the Oberkirsches, and others who welcomed Kresten into their world with open arms. He had a GREAT experience in Weyburn.

After saying good-bye to Jim and Judith Sedor in Carlyle, we headed north to Dauphin, Manitoba. We were royally spoiled by Mike and Debbie Bolton. Logan even got to go for a ride on Mike's four wheeler with his pal, Ronald. That evening, after stuffing ourselves from another AMAZING potluck, we had the opportunity to chat about God's work on the Pacific Coast. We felt so loved and honoured by our families from the Mountain View Assembly and The Crossing.

Heading back south we ended up at the Mitchell Ranch in Southern Saskatchewan for Tiffy and Layne's wedding. This truly was a highlight as we visited with many friends and family. The "cowboy" wedding was lovely, and Tiffany was the prettiest "cowgirl" bride I've ever seen!! Everything was simply PERFECT!! Congratulations, you two!

Grampa's wheels then took us to Saskatoon where we spent time with our dear church family. It was a joy to share the work of which they have been such a vital part. We get such encouragment from our family there. (Now we're getting into the "not so great" part of the trip.) The next four days were spent cleaning and showing our house to potential renters--NOT what I want to be doing when we've come so far for so little time. The GREAT part about those four days was spending time with Kresten (who worked as hard as we did) and Brad and Crystal Peterson. Thank you for eveything!!

We give a million thanks to Ian MacLeod for managing our property while we are in Mexico. That's a HUGE gift. Thanks, Ruth, for lending him to us so often!

Finally, we returned to Regina for a week of visiting with the twins, G'pa, Dave, Rich and Sue. The time went WAY too quickly. Bernard had to dedicate more time than we had hoped in trying to get the house rented. His efforts paid off as we signed a rental agreement the Wednesday before we left, for which we are extremely grateful. As always, good-byes are painful, but we were so very thankful for the time we were able to spend with our loved ones. (Thanks to Rich for getting up at the crack of dawn to take us to the bus station.) Our overnight stay in Calgary was with Bud and Marlene Ashby. It was lovely to "catch up" a bit with them, and Logan had a great time with Ethan. Bud was very gracious to transport us to and from the bus station and airport. (Thank you, Bud.)

We hit the Mexican soil running, and again are immersed in the reality of life in our corner of the world here on the Pacific Coast. Our team is reunited, except for Macolm and Tammy who are still in the States for the next few months. We were all glad to see each other back home fulfilling our various roles in God's work. We love being home and worshipping with our Mexican family. On our first Sunday back with La Comunidad de Cristo, there were at least 17 new people worshipping with us that we did not know!!! Our hearts are always tugged in two directions: longing to be with our twins in Canada, and longing to be where God has led us to church plant. It has been said that missionaries are happiest on the airplane between two places--perhaps I identify all too well with that.

Until next blog,
Alicia for the Krogsgaards