I can't believe it's already been three months since I've arrived in Mexico, and it's been such an amazing experience! The Lord has truly blessed me, and I can't wait to see what the upcoming months have in store.
I'm hoping to be more consistent in the future about posting updates about what we've actually been doing here in Mexico, but here are a collection of photos from the past few months to give you a glimpse of what my life here has looked like so far!
Went into Morelia and shopped around the markets with Annie (left photo), Katie and Ana (right photo).
Accompanying Annie during her many music classes!
Left: The resident donkey decided to peek his head through our window one morning! Right: We just started weekly reading lessons at the park where we read Christian literature to the kids that come as they color or do puzzles and encourage them to read a few paragraphs as well. The goal is to get them excited about reading, so that they'll also desire to read God's Word. We also do a Bible lesson with them and play games afterwards to invest in them and demonstrate Christ's love for them!
Below is one of the many beautiful Mexican sunsets!
Every afternoon, I take four brothers: Juan (16), Xavier (11), Yahir (9), and Joel (7) on a bike ride full of steep, intense hills but beautiful views of the Sierra Madres! They always have energy afterwards to go to the park and play tag or ninjas!
This photo was the first time we made it all the way down the hill to Agua Fria, a neighboring rancho!
Whenever there is a camp, we're always helping with the meals in the kitchen! It's been fun learning to cook authentic Mexican food, and nothing beats a homemade tortilla!
Uncle Ted loves camping, and twice so far this year, we've gone camping with the families at the church. The first camping trip was in March at the traditional camping place along the river. I shared a tent with my roommates, Ana and Lucy, on the other side of the river, which meant we had to carry everything through the water! It was worth it, and we shared many laughs and adventures that weekend! One of the best things about these camping trips were the evenings around the campfire singing hymns and sharing what the Lord was teaching us. It was such a refreshing and enjoyable time of fellowship!
The second camping trip (photos below) was just this last weekend at a new place at a lake near Ciudad Hidalgo about an hour and a half from where I live. We headed out as soon as we finished the Parents in Action camp on Saturday, April 29. This time, I camped with Annie Clark and Gloria, a girl from Oregon who was part of the discipleship program in 2021 at Camp Berea (where I'm currently living). We decided to be adventurous and pick the "romantic" spot close to the lake, tucked away from everyone else. Annie and I faced the dangers of many branches and thorns to set up the hammock in a forested cubbyhole, peeking out at the lake. It was an absolutely beautiful weekend full of warms days and freezing nights. It was such a blessing seeing all the families and kids playing games and enjoying fellowship in the great outdoors! On Sunday after church, Isaac Roa and I raced across the lake with Annie and Regis (husband of Annie's sister Katie) following in the kayaks.
One of the biggest blessings since coming to Mexico has been getting to know the people. The language barrier has been a challenge, but the Lord has been so gracious to me, and everyone has been so patient! Despite not being able to speak the same language, these people have been so welcoming, treating me like I'm part of their family! My goal in coming here was to be a blessing, but they have blessed me more than I'll ever be able to in return!
Tacos with Fati, Yasmine, Manuel, Trini and Ana! I'll never be able to eat an American taco again. Below, I'm with Lidia and Arlin, my two violin students!
Blackberry picking with Annie, Gloria, Zaira, Lucy and Yasmine! There weren't very many ripe bushes and we were attacked by many thorns, but the laughter and fellowship made a fun evening!
Left: Regis and Katie's 2-year-old twins, Ella and Owen, love reading books and learning about different colors and animals. They're so fun to be around and affectionately call me "Heenah" and "Gannah," respectively.
Right: Ana was my roommate for the first two months I was in Mexico, and although she has since returned to her home in Ciudad Hidalgo, she has been an incredible blessing to me. I always felt so encouraged after a conversation with her, and her heart for the Lord is so inspiring and refreshing! Be praying for her as she witnesses to her unsaved family (she is the only believer).
I had the privilege of spending a weekend in Patzcauro with Gloria! We stayed with a missionary couple named Luke and Emily, and their story is absolutely amazing! What a testimony of perseverance and commitment!
Left to right: Eating lunch with sister Yuri and Abi in downtown Patzcauro. Gloria and I playing tourist and visiting a historic statue. Taking the boat to the little island of Janitzio, the location of the statue!
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What an amazing time for you and the Lord with your new family and all the new friends along the way. I pray the Lord continues this adventurous life you have with Him. Blessings and love to you ( Heenah/Gannah). So Sweet!
Thanks for sharing Grandma D loves you so much it’s hard to believe your Mom and the Lord could love you more.