Too Much, Too Fast

We made about fifteen Let's Start Talking summer project trips before we moved to Mexico in 2008. One of the most difficult tasks in returning to Canada was deciding how to respond when people asked,"How was your six weeks in _________ (fill in the country)?" LST training taught us to capsulize the summer in a 15-20 second answer. How do you sum up 6 weeks into 20 seconds? That's a bit of my challenge as I sit at my computer and read over the last blog. I wrote it AGES ago. So much has happened since then. Where do I start? How do I summarize all the wonderful, sad, exciting, heart-wrenching, and God-orchestrated things that have happened in our lives in the last six weeks? (I don't think I'll get it down to 20 seconds!)...

Logan and I visited my sister in Alabama for two weeks. It was a bitter-sweet experience. Not having seen Bonnie and her family for three years, it was a joy to reacquaint myself with my nephews. Matthew, Stephen and Seth are growing into fine (and EXTREMELY handsome) young men. I'm especially proud of the two older boys who are beginning to make their way in a big, big world. Seth is no longer a little boy, but a tall fourteen year old. Of course, it was wonderful visiting with Bonnie and Tim. My niece lives in Philadelphia, so I missed not being with her and her sweet Gabe and Abigail. The bittersweet part was the sadness in not heading straight to 602 Roxbury Rd. where my mother lived. It was the first time being back in Dothan without having the "old homestead" as my home base. Everywhere I went triggered memories of past times with my sweet mama. I realized "home" just isn't "home" anymore without Mother. But, between the times of reminiscing, I enjoyed folks from the Westgate Church who have been our loyal friends and supporters for years. Thanks, Joe and Gail Clements, for a lovely meal and visit in your home. Logan loved playing in the pool with Dr. Joe! I loved Miss Gail's southern cooking!! Logan even got to take in three days of Westgate's VBS. We also enjoyed two family reunions. My cousin, Beverly Dowdey, organized an impromptu Chambers reunion. I got to see cousins I haven't seen in decades, and got to meet others that I had only heard about. The Dowdey's really know how to "do" a party. We had T-bone steaks (which wouldn't even fit on our plates) that could be cut with our forks!! Hats off to chef John! The dessert prize goes to the best banana pudding I've EVER eaten. (It's a guarded Chambers family secret recipe, so I'm proud to now have in my possession one of the few copies!!!--Thanks, Kelly!) Entertainment-wise, Logan especially enjoyed Mr. John's collection of antique pinball and arcade machines (all in working order, mind you!) Logan won "big-time" on the slot machine. After a few days of being spoiled at the Dowdeys with old fashion root beer, a closet full of candy, the pool, the snow cone and popcorn machines, big screen TV, Wii, Konect, and three freezers full of Blue Bell ice cream, who needs Disney World!!!! We basked in the love with which my cousin, Beverly, lavished upon us.

The next week-end, Bonnie had organized the Arnold reunion. We gathered at Lake Eufala, which holds many memories of summer camping, boating and skiing from my childhood. I was able to connect with my one remaining uncle (Dorsey) and aunt (Betty), as well as several cousins and their families. Logan, along with several family members, celebrated birthdays in June, so we enjoyed birthday cake together. A highlight was meeting my cousin, Hal, and his wife, Paula in a nearby town and sharing in a lovely southern-cooked meal at Hugg'n Molly's. Fried pickles anyone?

At the beginning and ending of our trip, we were able to visit with some dear friends. In Guadalajara we were housed and shuttled to/from the bus station and airport by Tim and Kim Rush. Being with them and their kids is ALWAYS good for me. They are on my list of very favourite folks! It was a bonus to spend time with Jordan Pointon, our team mates' son who just moved to Guadalajara as an AIMer. Tears were ever present when Logan had to say good-bye all too soon.

During an overnight lay-over in Atlanta, we took advantage of renting a car and traveling an hour to visit our dear friend, Esther, who just moved from Lazaro to right outside Atlanta. The evening hours ticked by quickly, but we had a great visit and saw that she is doing great in her adjustment from Mexican life to the "American Dream". It was interesting hearing her perspective of that "dream". I look forward to welcoming her back to Mexico after she completes her year in the States.

As always, it's good to get back home where our family has meaning and purpose. I realized how much I missed my life, friends and family here in Mexico. People were so good to Bernard while we were gone: inviting him over for meals, passing by to visit him at home,and joining him in fellowship at Memaw's Manor. We have a wonderful life full of rich relationships. That was demonstrated fully when my dear friend, Rosy, orchestrated a full-blown Surprise Mexican Fiesta for Logan's 10th birthday. Between the church, our friends, and folks from our community, eighty plus kids and parents gathered to shout "SOPRESA" to Logan when he, unsuspectingly, walked through the church building doors last Tuesday evening. His expression was priceless. He could hardly believe it was all for him. Through the welcoming of his guests, the games, the pozole, the FOUR pinatas, the face in the cake 'mordita', and the gift opening, Logan showed his graciousness and appreciation with hugs and thank yous. The six hours of partying was a display of how blessed and privileged we are to be chosen to serve in Lazaro Cardenas. It was a good lesson to me in giving those whom I have come to serve, the opportunity to serve my family and me--very humbling, indeed. I have come to bless, but I find that I am many times more blessed. More pictures of the fiesta can be viewed from my Facebook page.

Until the next blog,

Alicia, for the Krogsgaards

YoungFriends Come and Go

A highlight of our work here in Lazaro Cardenas is welcoming various groups to walk with us for a week. One of our favourite groups is the YoungFriends from the Let's Start Talking Ministry. Andrea Muirhead and Deanna Cook brought seven high school teens from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada while Kim Lambert brought a friend and their sons from California. The teams melded together right away as if they had trained the whole year together. The week began with Sunday worship and a pizza lunch with the youth from La Comunidad de Cristo, followed by the information meeting of those who wished to participate in the English practice during the week. Monday morning had the YoungFriends playing in the park near our house, getting to know many of Logan's friends, neighbours and school mates. The team organized basketball, soccer and dodge ball matches. The neighbourhood kids didn't quite know what to think about the YoungFriends, but it didn't take long before they all joined in and had a great time every morning. Afterwards, one of our neighbours cooked lunch for the team--good Mexican cooking! The afternoon was dedicated to the English practice in conversation groups. The three groups were made up of 14-16 youth (and some of Logan's friends from the park), including the youth from the team. The team led the youth in meaningful conversations after reading various passages from the book of Luke. Because few of the youth from Lazaro speak a high level of English, several of the church youth, Logan, and participants from last year translated. It was during this time each day that the Mexican, US, and Canadian youth developed close friendships. After a short rest, the YoungFriends returned to the building for an evening of fun and games where 50-80 youth laughed, played and practiced English.

Because the team works and plays hard all week at a vigorous schedule, we plan one day to take them to the ocean and show them various sites around our city. It was so fun watching some of the prairie kids see and swim in the ocean for the first time. They enjoyed some boogie boarding and eating seafood under the palapa of a local enramada on the beach. They were refreshed and renewed to face their last day of marathon English groups, fun and games, and the sad good-byes. I marvel that friendships grow so close in so short a time. The YoungFriends go home changed because of their experience. The Mexican youth lament over the departure of their new best friends.

We thank the YoungFriends for spending their vacations in service to the youth of Lazaro Cardenas. We appreciate the adults who trained and led the group, as well as the supports who made the mission week financially possible. We admire the parents who allowed their teens to travel to and work in Lazaro Cardenas, in spite of the negative media portrayals of this area of the world. Most of all we continue to be in awe of our God who orchestrated all the efforts to bring together the Mexican, Canadian, and US youth. His name was glorified; His reputation was enhanced. Please pray that our follow-up English classes and Youth Group activities will be successful in retaining many of our week's participants. Last night at Youth Group, it was decided that the YoungFriends should not be a yearly activity, rather an activity every three months!! Some have even decided that they are heading to Canada "wetback" to get to their dear friends in Regina. I commented that rather than swim, they would have to skate or ski because the rivers haven't yet melted! haha Thanks, YoungFriends, for sharing yourselves with us here in Lazaro Cardenas!

Other news, here on the home front, includes the announcement that we have a new family member in La Comunidad de Cristo. Hector and Olga first met Ivan and Stef at Olga's sushi restaurant. Nurturing that friendship over many plates of sushi, Hector and Olga began worshipping with us. After many group and personal Bible studies, Hector made the decision to put his life under the authority of Jesus. It was a day of celebration! Our prayer is that he and Olga will continue to grow in the ways of their Master.

Until the next blog,

Alicia for the Krogsgaards

Honduras

Hello from the tropics of Mexico,

My trip to Honduras for the Come before Winter Renewal was everything I had hoped and more. Karen Alexander and her staff have created a wonderfully effective retreat for missionary women all over the world. We thirty-four participants felt loved and honoured by the twelve servants who filled our cups during the five days. If you are ever looking for a worth-while ministry to support, this is one I would highly recommend. You can find Come before Winter on the internet. The trip was especially meaningful because my dear friend and supporter, Gail Lawson, went with me. It was a gift just to see her being ministered to by the team. Gail is one who gives and gives, so it was nice to see her receiving for a change as she was pampered with lots of love. My prayer is that something like this would be made available to our missionary men. It, of course, would look very different for them, but the result would be the same--refreshing renewal with the opportunity to refocus in their purpose. Thank you, Karen and the Come before Winter team. Thank you to those who helped make it possible for me to participate.

Although the renewal was the highlight, the island of Roatan, Honduras wasn't too shabby either. I kept thinking how wonderful it would have been to have Bernard and the kids with me to enjoy the Caribbean beauty. Fantasy Island was just that--a fantasy. (Yes, it is the same T.V. Fantasy Island that we (older ones) remember...Boss, de plane, de plane. We even got to see the sea plane.) The snorkeling was the best I've ever seen. What a beautiful world our God has created.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Logan and Bernard held down the fort. The bachelors did fine while I was gone, but it was apparent that I had been missed. Soon after I returned, we welcomed Bern's niece, Erica, for a week's stay at Memaw's Manor. It thrills me that the Manor can be used for rest, renewal, and refreshing for the soul. Our calendars are filling up as we look forward to the arrival of our second YoungFriends Team the end of April. The next Medical Mission is scheduled for the last week in May. Logan and I, unfortunately, won't be able to participate. I had booked that time to go to Alabama to visit my sister and her family. We've not seen them in almost three years, so we are all looking forward to that trip to Dixie.

Logan continues to bloom here in Mexico. He has been recognized as the top student in grade four for all three semesters of the school year. Who wuda thunk...the token white Canadian kid has been chosen to represent his school for grade 4 in a city-wide achievement exam. It will be interesting to see how he does. He's a pretty amazing little boy. He recently graduated to brown belt in Karate, and is now working toward his black belt. Bernard and I are so very pleased with the disciple and healthy teachings he receives from his maestros of Karate.

May God's HESED flow out of you as He continues to pour Himself into you. We are indeed blessed! Until next blog,

Alicia for the Krogsgaards

Short But Sweet

We had a sweet surprise to hear from Gary and Barb Zorn from Calgary. They were vacationing in Ixtapa and wondered how far away we were in Lazaro Cardenas. They thought if we weren't too far, they would like to pop over to spend the Sunday with us. Were we EVER excited! We weren't able to drive the 1.5 hours to pick them up Sunday morning, but they had little trouble in getting a taxi to bring them--and not only them, but they brought John and Brenda Coghlin with them. What a treat it was for us!! We enjoyed a wonderful morning of worship together. It's always a joy to introduce our loved ones from far away to our loved ones here in Mexico. Afterwards, we headed for Memaw's Manor at Miramar. We had only a few hours to enjoy the fellowship, but it was a sweet few hours. The Zorns and Coghlins filled our cups with their encouragement and sweet joy. Before the sun set, we all filed into the truck to return them to Ixtapa. Logan was disappointed they had stayed such a short time, and even more disappointed when we left them in Ixtapa. He loves visitors as much as we enjoy them. Thank you four, for taking the time to come see us.

Meanwhile, we continue to enjoy our lives here in Lazaro. We feel honoured that God has chosen us to be a part of His work in this corner of the world. We continue to meet new people and get involved in their lives. The Mexican culture lends itself to such community because friendships and sharing good times together are what Mexicans do best. One of the ways we love getting to know new friends and enriching our relationships with older friends is spending the day at Memaw's Manor. Even though Lazaro Cardenas is on the coast, most who live in the city rarely make it to the beach. It's always a treat to share a meal together, then head for the pool, and of course comb the beach for the "prize" shell. We shared such a day with a new family that has been visiting with us at Comunidad de Cristo. Raul, Isabel and their three children, Alex, Ruben, and Nancy have recently returned from living in Arizona. Because the US is all that the children know, the transition has been a difficult one at times. They are blessed to speak Spanish fluently, but other cultural differences, like school, recreation and shopping have taken some time in adjusting. Logan had a great time with them. None of them was real sure which language they should use, so it was a day full of "Spanglish" for the four of them. Would you please keep this sweet family in your prayers? They have overcome amazing obstacles through the power of Jesus. They have many more trials and adjustments ahead of them. We feel honoured to be able to have a part in helping them adjust to their lives here in Mexico. Their biggest need right now is WORK. Raul came to Lazaro Cardenas with the promise of having a job with the electric company, but recent protests of the fishermen and farmers toward the company have made it necessary to terminate his position. Isabel found work cleaning a school, but she has not been paid since October. May God provide secure work for them both so that they can stay in Lazaro and grow spiritually with us at Comunidad de Cristo.

Logan continues to grow and mature. He's adjusted so incredibly well here in the Mexican culture. I find that he often exhibits more Mexican mentality than Canadian ways. We love watching him grow. He spends much more time outside here than he did in Canada. There are usually lots of neighbourhood kids with whom to play. He's taken on a baking ministry these days. He chooses a friend, and they bake chocolate chip cookies. Afterwards, they enjoy sharing their yummies with the neighbourhood kids. It's a fun experience--even the clean up of the bowls and cookie sheets. (Many thanks to the Coghlins and Zorns for restocking our chocolate chip supply--and a special thanks for our peanut butter chips and Smarties!!! WooooHoooooo!!!)

Away from higher technology and television, Logan has learned to be quite creative. He and his dad spent several weeks building a crab pot. I had said we would boil the crabs he captured. Needless to say, he was ecstatic to find his first prize after lowering his pot in the waves of the rocky shores at Miramar. His face showed every bit of the pride he felt...even if the crab was only, at the most, two inches in diameter!!! With some protest about its size, I put the water on to boil. He was somewhat disappointed when he found more "less desirable yuck" than sweet meat once he finally got the little guy open! Better luck next time!

Logan's also become adept at building kites. He pulls down coconut tree palms and strips the stalks, then arranges them in various designs. He covers them with plastic. (So THAT'S why I have no more plastic bags for the garbage cans!) After fashioning a tail, he attaches his ingenious "string wrapped around a bottle" guide line. He's made some amazing kites-some of them flying so high they can hardly be seen. The kids at school have invented games where they capture each others' kites by wrapping their own kites around their opponents'. I simply shake my head in wonder! I love the busy and creative hands at work. It's wonderful to see the children play. Logan's having such a rich childhood here.

We are indeed blessed! We pray the same for you. I am off to Honduras for ten days as I, along with a few other Mexico missionaries from other cities, participate in the Latin American Come Before Winter Renewal. I'm very excited to be a part of this rich experience. I am even more excited that my dear friend and supporter from our church in Abilene, Gail Lawson, will be joining up with me in Houston. We are looking forward to encountering God together! (Thank you to all who helped to make this dream a reality!)

Until the next blog,

Alicia

Lots Happening on the Pacific Coast of Mexico!

Looking at my list of the last twelve big events of these past weeks, I've decided to lean on the saying: A picture is worth a thousand words. Otherwise, this post will be WAY too long. Enjoy the last couple of weeks in pictures!

Our dear friend and sister, Esther, has been waiting to head to the States for a year where she will work as a nanny with a family near Atlanta, Georgia. We will miss her greatly, but know it will be a great year, full of new experiences. Family and friends shared in a "Tamale Farewell Party" a few days before Esther took off. I have no doubt Esther will be light and salt to the family that has chosen her to be with them for the year.

We were honoured to host Cameron and Margaret Husband from one of our supporting churches, Moose Mountain Church of Christ, from Saskatchewan, Canada. They filled our cups until we were slurping out of the saucers! We loved having them join us in our weekly activities. They were real troopers in keeping up with us in the heat. What a contrast to the -40 C temperatures they were experiencing in the land of snow and ice!! They met our neighbours, friends at the "Casa del Anciano" and beloved sisters and brothers from La Comunidad de Cristo.

Sunday was an extra special day as we worshipped together, then spent the rest of the day at Memaw's Manor at Mirmar with a few of our newer families in the congregation. It was a lovely day of fellowship.

A special event with which Margaret helped was our Valentine's dinner party. Bernard and I invited four of our servant couples and lavished them with candle light and a lovely meal. The best part of the evening was the sharing of each person's appreciation for his/her spouse. The sweet words were then sealed with a kiss. It was a night to be remembered!!

Since we said good-bye to Cam and Margaret, we have celebrated Bernard's ?? birthday. The day was complete with birthday wishes from Canada, our traditional "present treasure hunt", and a surprise pozole party with Bern's Thursday night group. Does age 55 join you to the official group of senior citizens?

Last Wednesday at our team prayer time, we celebrated Bern and Ivan's birthday with the best gift of all: Tammy and Malcolm's arrival back in Mexico!!! After many months of having to be in Texas, they have again joined us in Lazaro Cardenas. Our team is once again complete. We are looking forward to a wonderful reunion this Sunday as the church celebrates their return. They have been greatly missed!