Meaningful visits

We stopped by Liboria’s casa to agree on the time to head back to Playa. Alfredo has appointments at C.R.I.T. Hospital in Cancun twice a month now. Her husband, Paulino, will stay home to work in the farm. It’s the season for planting seeds. He mentioned that there are some vegetables that they can’t grow, such as tomatoes and habaneras, because they require more water. Good news… now that the political office is changing, there is a chance that the government will assist in getting the community farm up and running again. The new mayor, Gregorio, put the watering system on his top ten list. Let it be so, Lord!

Paulino invited us for lunch the next day and we accepted the offer. Their custom is to serve the guests first, so Lalo and I sat at the little wooden table and enjoyed the coleslaw and beef with handmade tortillas. Paulino said that he hadn’t been reading his bible, as he was before. I asked him if he’d listen to an audio bible if he had one, and he said that he would. (He now has one.) The following day, we picked up Liboria and Alfredo on our way out of the village.

Building reltionships & building the business

Lalo’s new inventory and accounting forms are helping to make the bookkeeping easier. We keep finding ways to do things more efficiently. Having the computer really is a Godsend (thanks to Holly, Steve and Hindrik). Rosa and I are learning together. I have had the opportunity to express my mistakes to her, which opened the door to talk about how the enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy. I explained that, we have to choose who we will listen to and what we will act on. She understands how the enemy tempts and tricks us.

Prayer request

Unfortunately, the van, that had been donated by a church in Oregon and transformed into a school bus by Don Carlos, is still illegal. Lalo called several customs offices in Cancun, only to find out that at this point there is nothing we can do to legalize the vehicle. Apparently, it’s not legal to donate a vehicle that entered the country with temporary permission. The only hope that we have is that once in a while, the government offers an opportunity to legalize illegal vehicles.

Let’s pray that that door opens soon! Don Carlos, the other teachers, and the entire village were so excited to have their 1st school bus. Father God, we know that You have a solution to everything and we will wait on You.

Seeds that produce fruit

Eduardo, the dentist, donated another dental chair for the clinic. Lalo hauled it out to the village for us. Out of the 3, it’s the best quality. We have lots of equipment; now we just need to get him and his wife, Hades, to come back to provide service. They have had a busy year. About 9 months ago, Eduardo and I got together to chat. He told me that he was thinking about moving from Cozumel to Playa, so that it would be easier for them to travel to E.B. on a regular basis. He said the dental missions are what fulfills him; unlike any other activity that he does. I agreed, ”yup, that’s what following God’s plan for your life feels like. It’s a wonderful thing”. That day, Eduardo received the confirmation he needed, and went back to the island to begin planning this transition. I’m very proud of him for taking this big step of surrendering his plans, in order to seek God’s plans for his life.

Actually, Eduardo is the first person I led to the Lord about 3 and a half years ago. I remember that day he told me that he had done a dental mission once, and really enjoyed it. At that time, my E.B. mission was still in the beginning stages, but I told him that he may end up doing it again! It’s amazing how God orchestrates things.

All in His time

One of the highlights of the trip was being reminded that His timing is impeccable! On Sunday, we stopped at Armando’s casa to deliver 500 pesos ($50) from their hammock that was sold last week in Playa (thanks to Melanie from Germany). His wife’s countenance changed in an instant. She had been trying to sell nuts and candies to help with the kid’s expenses, since her husband had the motorcycle accident 6 months ago. (Since then, he has been free from alcohol, praise God!) He has not been able to work; therefore, saving money for the hospital visits has been impossible. He now has the money to be able to travel to Merida City for several screws to be removed from his ankle, on Wednesday (3 days later). It costs 250 pesos round trip, so he even has enough for the next appointment. After all of the screws are removed, he will be able to bend his ankle and walk much better. God is so, so good!

Armando’s brother, Willy, has been going to AA for 9 months, and is set free from alcohol, also. He has kept himself busy with reading the Bible, exercising and taking English classes. I gave him an art frame, to remind him that Dani has promised to come from Playa to give him free art classes as a reward. Willy is looking forward to this 1 year celebration, in August.

A big thanks!

Thanks to Eva and Tini from Belgium, for donating a brand new wheel chair to the village. We went to visit Feliciana, an elder of the village who has been ill for some time now (her eyesight is her main concern). She already has a wheel chair, so we decided to store it at the clinic until someone else is in need. Her daughter said that she is still using the solar bible. She was happy to have visitors and wanted to know when we’d be back to pray with her again. Feliciana has such a sweet spirit. Many of the mission team members have prayed for her over the last few years, and she has not forgotten that!!

Walking by the Spirit

We were invited to Maximiliano’s birthday party. He brought his solar bible to me to show me that it’s still working, and to tell me how much he uses it and enjoys it! His expression of gratitude really touched me. I believe he actually went home to get it and show it to me! Thanks to Jay Smith for donating those from West Side Church, Oregon! So, I went for lunch and left with something much more satisfying.

During the party, Gregorio asked Lalo and I for a few minutes of our time. He informed us that he is running for Mayor in July. He asked for our opinion in regards to his top ten goals for reform. He wants to create a better ambiance at the entrance of the town and the park area. His plans include re-building the government building, which the pre-schoolers are currently meeting in. He didn’t seem to have a plan for a new location for them. After expressing concern for this, he said that there was a piece of land in another location, where they could consider building a small school. I told him that along with medical services, this would be a priority on my list and that I would pray about encouraging a mission team to come and build a school. (Anyone interested in this project? The last classroom that a mission team built with the villagers cost about $4000 USD.) Gregorio will be submitting his plans in a couple of weeks.

Healings!

The Lord sent Augustina to Lupe’s casa, so He could begin the healing in her wrist. She had fallen and broke it a month and a half ago. About an hour after praying, the swelling went down and she said the pain lessened as well. She had come to find out if I had brought any men’s shirts this time, and left with a touch from God!

Update on Rosa

On a recent trip to Ek, Lalo filled his truck with several bags of clothes, and other items that were donated to the village. I had already notified Rosa by text (yes, she has a cell phone!), so she was eager to see the “goods”. Thanks to Jose, Andrea, Karine, Tere and Carmen for a total of 211 new items for the tienda (store). Rosa is getting used to pricing the clothes on her own now!

Lalo made a new excel sheet which made recording inventory much easier and faster! Rosa is involved with every decision, and she was definitely in favor of this idea! I admire the simplicity of the village myself! He also created the accounting and layaway forms. This was very helpful, since computers are not Rosa’s; nor my strong point. The three of us brainstormed about possibly making a sign for her store front. She requested it to be blue.

The Lord had me give her a new bible and I read 2 Corinth 9.6-14 & Mark 12.41-44. After reading about tithing, Rosa decided to give 10% to both of the churches in the village (5% will go to the Catholic Church and 5% to the 7th Day Adventist Church). She doesn’t attend either one; but felt that it would be fair this way. This was when she shared with me that her husband has been attending a Jehova witness bible study on Fridays. I explained to her that they have changed the context of the Holy Bible & that they don’t believe that Jesus is God. She was surprised to hear this. I read a couple scriptures to her like, John 3.16. I told her I’d be praying with her that the truth will be revealed to Alonzo, and we closed in prayer.

More business ventures in Ek Balam

During this same visit, Holly’s assignment was with “Estetica Gabi” (hairstylist). This was the second trip that Holly & I took to the village to train Gabi. This time, they met several times over the 4 days that we were there and Gabi got to experience 3 more haircuts. Holly suggested to Gabi to look into the cost of the hair styling school in Valladolid. She continued to train her on how to run a hair salon, along with several techniques including combing, parting, trimming with tension, and angling the comb. I was the fortunate one that Gabi got to practice on!! Three hours of having my hair combed, was like heaven on earth! She needed to get comfortable with holding scissors and a comb at the same time, along with using the right pressure. Then, she even cut my hair! (She can practice on me anytime!)

It was a double blessing for me because I got to see another young woman learn how to “fish”, while being able to be the connecter of a foreign woman sharing her passion in Ek Balam! I love to see the interactions and lessons that both woman are teaching each other. While Gabi was learning about her new business, she was seeing how God is in the center of all things! At the same time, Holly was learning how to be resourceful in a simple lifestyle, along with a new level of patience. That’s the first sign of a good teacher, of which she truly is! I’m fortunate to be a part of many first experiences and to observe growth amongst foreigners and villagers. Thanks Holly, for offering your time, resources, and talents; for showing God’s love; and for giving Gabi an opportunity that will make a difference in who she becomes!

Actually, now there is a difference in her eternal life too.. Yes, she and her mom both now have Jesus in their hearts and lives! On my following trip out to the village, I was drawn to her casa by the Holy Spirit; or talvez (maybe) it was my own desire to give Gabi some practice with combing hair (Or talvez a little of both. Ha-ha!)!! I was too late! She was “practiced out” because she had just finished with her third brothers’ haircut when I arrived. She, her mom and I began talking about the young man who is visiting her from another small town, once a week. He is courting her in the proper way. Her mom informed me that either she, or one of Gabi’s siblings is always around when he is there. They would not be allowed to go out for a walk after dusk, just the two of them, for example. There are very specific regulations for courting and dating within the Mayan culture (including marriage proposals). Gabi did say that they would be allowed to be at the same function at night, however. I find their traditions to be very respectful and interesting! This led right into my personal advise for finding out if he is the ultimo costilla (“last rib“.. A common saying that they use, which goes back to the beginning when Adam’s rib went to Eve)! Prayer, seeking wisdom and confirmations from God are first and foremost, being that He is the One who creates & molds every match made in heaven (like: Holly & Steve)! We talked about many other things like a person’s character & interests; but most important is his relationship with the Lord. I reminded her of the Pastor’s message at Leity’s wedding (you know.. The 3 strand rope story). When I glanced over at Paulina, Gabi’s mom, I asked her what she thought. She said, that I would know more about these things because I read the bible & understand more than she does. That’s what opened the door to them receiving the free gift of salvation. They were interested in having the Holy Spirit enter their bodies so that they could have that Spirit to spirit communication, which will help them to understand more of the bible too. God’s timing is perfect!

Rosa's Ropas

I know it has been a while since I have blogged, to bring everyone up to speed let me go back to April 9th and share this story about Rosa's Ropas.

Holly & Steve Taft (friends from Oregon) and I arrived with a car full of ropas (clothes). The Lord had given each of us an assignment for our stay. Mine was with Rosa’s Ropas. She was surprised to see several bags of new inventory being unloaded (thanks to Claudia, Grisela, Krystal and others who donated). It had been 5 months since we got clothes donated and she was excited to see that the merchandise was in great condition.

After one year of being open for business, I sat down to share with her, that I believe God has a new plan for her tienda (store). (Thanks Elena for the confirming word you gave me!) He told me that she has learned a lot about running a business and that it was time for me to step back and give her more responsibilities. He trusts her to be in charge of doing all of the pricing on her own. She broke a smile at that!! I told her I’d be giving her the pricing markers for her to be able to start with the 300 pieces that we dropped off. She was excited and nervous at the same time (a common reaction to change, for all of us!). She said she didn’t know if she could do it; but I told her that I, along with God, have confidence that she is ready for this! That little smile squeaked out again! I explained that instead of me doing the monthly accounting and showing her the checks and balances, that she would be showing me now. She seemed to be comfortable with this, however, she wasn’t so sure about learning how to use the computer and excel spreadsheet. I told her, “si, se puede. (yes, you can)! Gabi will also be learning at the same time to be able to do her hair salon accounting, so you can help each other.”

The next day, I handed her the markers and told her to pray that the Lord would help her to price each item. She wanted me to help, but I just encouraged her because I knew it was time to let go (it can be hard for a teacher to let go of markers!! Hee-hee!). Later that afternoon, she was proud of herself for completing the task. As always, a few interesting conversations were opened up in-between all of this training. Rosa needed to come clean about a layaway situation. We had previously decided that no merchandise would leave the store unless it was paid in full. However, one woman somehow got out the door with several items without paying, a few months ago. She promised to pay Rosa a month later, as she was escaping. It caught Rosa by surprise and she didn’t know what to do. Over the next few months, she paid several visits to “the escaper” to ask for the money. One excuse after another was followed by promises and more promises. The good thing is that I was able to see Rosa’s honesty through this situation. She could have easily covered it up and I would have never known. She chose to do the right thing instead.

At one point, Rosa was comfortable enough to ask me some questions about American values. She had met a European girl who had told Rosa that in her country, there’s a lot of sexual promiscuity (pre-marital sex etc.). She went on to say that if a married person gets bored with his/her partner, it’s common for them to go find someone else to fulfill their needs. Rosa told me that in E.B., this is not acceptable and that if it happened, that person would be insulted by the entire village (to the point that he/she would practically be ex-communicated). “In this small town, everybody knows everything”, she said. She added that divorce is extremely rare. Rosa was very curious to know what it‘s like in the States. I told her that in all parts of the world, there are sects of people that think and behave like her European informant. However, Christian values differ. Ephesians 5.3: But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. I am so glad that Rosa has opened up more and more over time, allowing me to speak truth into her life.

At the end of the visit, I shared with her that the Lord wants them (the villagers) to fulfill their own purposes and feel a sense of esteem for learning something new that they can do on their own. It’s one thing to bring free clothes to the park and its another thing to brings funds to a village and for a family to have a source of income (a percentage goes to Rosa, while a percentage goes towards the village goals, that the women will vote on). So, one woman has now learned how to “fish” and she loves it! I expressed to her how proud I am of her and I believe she is pleased with herself, too! She was happy about the increase in the percentage that she will now be receiving as well!! Thank You Father, for all that You are doing in, through and with Rosa!

La Harranah

In between all of these interesting conversations, “La Harranah” was taking place! It all started at 4 o’clock in the morning with the squeal of two pigs. This is a traditional celebration in the state of Yucatan. A 6 piece band marched down the street & hand-made fireworks were set off to announce the fiesta. They ended up at casa #7, where they set 4 pots of “relleno negro” (a black sauce made of spices & chilies served with chicken and pork) into the underground pit. Men were stirring away, while the women added salt, and all the while, the band entertained us all. I enjoyed sitting back & observing the excitement on their faces, in their voices & laughter! The meal of the day was “chicharron” (deep fried pig fat) with refried beans. (Pass.) It was a cold rainy day; but that didn’t stop them from hanging a tarp across the street to dance under! Women wore their “huipeles” (embroidered dresses) and men wore their traditional white clothing & cowboy style sombreros. Lalo and I got up and snapped our fingers and kicked our feet like 2 outsiders trying to fit in on the dance floor! I’m not sure if those standing by were laughing at or with us! At about 10 a.m. the next morning, the band resumed their position at the pit, while they removed the pots from the “oven”! It was a bit spicy, and quite flavorful. Lalo wasn’t as brave as me.. (sorry Lalo ☺)! We escaped before the pig head was paraded through the center of the pueblo, marking the end of “La Harranah” until next December.

On our way out of town, I was asked to pray for Florencio. His family members said that, “he just isn’t right, although the doctors can’t explain why at any given moment he acts as if he is drunk”. They admitted going to brujas (witches) for “help”. He repented, asked Jesus to enter his heart, and broke all curses in His name! Please keep Florencio in your prayers.

Coming together

We had a conversation with Mario, a local, who is organizing the first dental mission from a University in Mexico City. Acting as the coordinator of these volunteers, Mario is arranging for their transportation, home-made meals, and overnight stay at “The Cabanas” (a rustic hotel in E.B., which is run by 12 local families). Next weekend, they will be using the 2 dental chairs that were donated by Eduardo & Alma, and compressor that was donated by a church in Oregon! It warms my heart to see people from E.B. doing their part to unite with outsiders & make it easier for them to donate their time and services. At the same time, it amazes me to see how God orchestrated so many people from so many different areas to make it all happen! I believe that new doors are opening.

That evening, we were blessed with home-made tortillas and garlic shrimp, by Luther & Mariam. Luther is from Mexico City while Miriam, his wife, is from Switzerland. About four years ago, they decided to build a palapa adorned with bamboo. They gave several villagers jobs in their bamboo factory. Not only did it help these families financially, but they discovered that they were created with artistic abilities! Over “hot cocoa de olla”, I found out that Luther would like to help other people in the village to discover their hidden talents! His vision is to see the primitive lifestyle of E.B. preserved, while helping to create an opportunity for families to offer their own handicraft or food products out of their palapas. This way, tourists will get a taste of living the simple life as they walk through the entire town, visiting & shopping! What a great way to help the people increase their economy while building them up on a personal level. I would like to encourage anyone who has a creative bone in their body to come and share your skills with the village.

In need of a doctor

I met Lalo on Thanksgiving Day at the Griggs’ casa. I had asked him to make “café de olla” (coffee prepared in a clay pot with cinnamon sticks and molasses - MMM!). Little did he know, he’d be asked to haul a dental chair to the village 5 weeks later. Lalo has a heart to lend a helping hand. He is the Coordinator of Volunteers at Angel Notion (A medical clinic, which is a non- profit organization in PDC).

Our first stop was to visit Alfredo, a 3 year old boy who is in need of medical attention. I wanted Lalo to meet the family to find out if a doctor at Angel Notion can help him. Lalo’s suggestion is for a General Doctor to come out to E.B. to see Alfredo, as well as others who are in need of a Doctor.

We arrived at casa #7 at dusk. Is there a doctor in the house?? I managed to walk into a clothesline, which happened to be a barbwire…OUCH! Actually, I didn’t feel much; but the blood dripping down my face called for some gauze and hydrogen peroxide. Thank God, I had recently brought some to casa #7! While Lalo gently cleaned the wound, I prayed for His peace. Everything that I experience in E.B. gives me a deeper understanding of the intensity of their needs. The closest doctor is 20 minutes away and costs $45 just for a consultation. If I had needed stitches, this would be do-able for me; but not as much for my Mayan friends. Although I already knew this, now I know how it feels to be in the situation. It’s a bit scary. Yes, perfect love casts out all fear… and, also, I was fortunate to be surrounded by 3 caring & comforting friends (Lalo, Lupe & Angel).

Let’s pray for a doctor to be willing to move out to E.B. or at least to make a monthly medical visit!