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!

Rosa's Ropas

“Rosa’s Ropas”,the thrift store, is in business!! Rosa is becoming a real business woman with her enthusiasm, desire to learn, and level of responsibility. She decided to start a short term hold and lay-away option for the clients. All items are priced, inventory is in order, and accounts receivable are accurate. We now have an excel program backing up the books. I’m so proud of her! We have a lot of fun together and great conversations.

One day, the door opened for me to share my testimony. They asked me why I was so lost and empty and I told them it was because I didn’t have Jesus in my heart! Rosa’s husband was listening to all the details of my story very closely. Seeds were planted in fertile ground! Rosa showed me a new level of acts of service! At 6 months pregnant, she spent 6 hours preparing lunch for her husband one day! It started at 6 a.m. with searching for a pollo (chicken) to purchase for 15 pesos ($1.50). Of course, it was alive, so she had to kill it, remove the feathers, and de-gut it before boiling him up!! All that work for 1 meal!! That’s amor (love)!

Spirtual Growth

I was led back to live in casa # 7 with Gaudalupe (Lupe) and family (some of you may remember the story of how I was led there in the fall of 2008)! I believe that she and her husband, Andres, will become spiritual leaders in the village some day. They have commented that they like the perspectives and teachings that I share with them. It touches their spirits as truth! They pray with me before meals and bedtime. They do devotional reading and meditations with me. Their ears and eyes are wide open, as well as their hearts. They ask for prayer when in need. For example, Andres’ sister, who is 40 years old, had to spend the night in the hospital at 6 months pregnant with twins. After putting it in the Lord’s hands, they felt peace. They are hungry and thirsty to go deeper with their Heavenly Father.

During the Friday night bible study, Lupe said that they are like babies, learning and growing. We were discussing the power of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1. I shared a personal experience that night: A few nights ago, I was walking home to my palapa, crying over the fact that my IPOD was being charged and I’d not be able to sleep without my Christian music. I thought about finding comfort in food instead; until the Holy Spirit asked me what the TRUE source of comfort is! The tears stopped! I went to my bed (hammock) and felt His peace come over me, and fell into a deep sleep!! Lupe and Claudia said, “Wow, you can talk to God. You are much closer to Him than us!” I explained that they too can have this intimacy and conversations with the Living God! Some day Lupe will be leading this bible study!

The hammock/solar oven exchange got me into Almi’s casa, which led to her prayer request for a healthy pregnancy. She too is expecting and in her late 30’s. (Due in October!) She opened up to ask me about church and baptism. I shared my beliefs on water and Holy Spirit baptisms. We agreed that the church is the people versus a building! Later in the week, she hosted the solar cooking workshop. We cooked refried beans in about 5 hours… LISTO (ready)!!

Again, the relationships that God is building are so vital to the plan God has for Ek Balam.

Rosa's Ropas

A few months ago, Elaine had the brainstorm to start a thrift store with all the clothes that have been donated. One day, we set up a table under the gazebo in the town square park. Word spread like wild, holy fire and women were swarming in from all directions! In just 2 hours, we made enough money to pay for the dentists to fill up their gas tank to get back home after a day of pulling and cleaning lots of teeth!

The women knew that their purchases helped to make this dental mission possible. I believe that being part of a team gave them a sense of significance, and once again brought value to the services provided. Rosa turned into a shopping guide to all the women that day. Due to her passion shining through, we agreed to open the thrift store in her casa...And so began Rosa's Ropas!

We have had quite a few giggles while pricing the merchandise. It’s interesting to see her preference in styles. Only a few women will where shorts or pants due to their culture. Men rarely wear pants without pockets. “Hotch oots” (its good in Maya), she says as she tugs and pulls on some items. She pointed out the fact that the way they scrub clothes by hand, determines the quality of material. She has been selling quite well out of boxes and piles of clothes on garbage bags. I love to see the people lined up, waiting for us to finish the next batch of inventory so they can shop ‘til they drop just like women know how!! “Compralo” (buy it), Rosa says when she knows they really want it! She has started a lay-away plan for higher priced items. I am pleased with her accounting skills.

One of the highlights of this visit was painting the huacales (vegetable crates in Maya) to provide a way to organize the items. It turned into a family project. Alonzo, her husband; Modesto, her nephew; Pedro, her brother; all came with paintbrushes in hand. Doors opened, and they came out with some interesting questions for me about moral issues. I was surprised at how comfortable they felt to bring up these topics. It turned out to be a great opportunity to share!

Rosa's Ropas has been another confirmation of how well it works to build relationship and watch God move!

Please pray! Elaine will be bringing a group of ladies down next week! Pray for safe travels and lots of open doors!