Church retreat

Last weekend we had our annual church retreat. What a blessing it was! Steven Wells, a former team member and now a minister for Impact Church in Houston, was with us and spoke about being artists for and of God. He did a great job talking about how we are God's artwork, created by Him, and are created to be artists also -- being able to see what is true, interpret truth and live truth. Everyone was blessed and inspired! We had about 50 people there and the rains held off during the day. It did, however, catch up in the night, and the ground was soaked, leaving nice muddy grass to walk on!!!
The weekend was a special time of being filled by the word, resting, being refreshed and being in community with one another. We had a bonfire, smores, plenty of food and even a talent show! The kids actually got to swim and enjoy it. All in all, it was a special weekend and we look forward to next year and what God will do!

The whole group


The kids playing a little water balloon toss!

Breakfast bright and early for the kids

Worship time before class from Steven

We meet baby Ezekiel

The road to Ciudad Hidalgo


Today, we packed up the car and headed to Ciudad Hidalgo to visit some friends of ours and meet their new baby. This is a 50 mile, two hour, winding drive through the mountains of Mexico to a small town nestled in the Mexico highlands. It is near the area where the Monarch butterflies come to winter. Olivia got carsick on the the way there and left a pungent aroma for us to all enjoy!
We met Salvador and Stacey a couple of years ago when Stacey and her three had recently arrived in Mexico to join her Salvador who had been deported from the States. They live in Ciudad Hidalgo where his family is from, and have adjusted to a VERY different than what they had in the States. Stacey just gave birth to their fourth child and today had the joy and relief and bringing Ezekiel home. She endured 70 hours of labor, a couple of tries at Pitocin (which only intensified labor, but didn't create much progress), no pain medicines, communicating in broken Spanish, and no one by her side!!!! The dad, and only the dad, is allowed to come in during visiting hours twice a day. Salvador stayed outside the clinic sleeping in his truck to be as close as possible. The baby had some breathing problems at birth and so he had to stay a few more days in the hospital.

Baby Ezekiel

The Torres family -- Salvador, Stacey, Salvi, Luis, Mariah and Ezekiel

We rejoice with them in the birth of their new baby. His brothers, Salvador and Luis, and his sister, Mariah were very excited to finally meet him, since they had been waiting a week to meet him. We pray that Stacey will get some much needed rest and everyone will adjust to this new bundle of joy!



Stacey and baby looking radiant



A literal bundle of joy with his daddy!

Yes, school has started!

Victoria and Sofia getting ready for school. Don't let Sofia's face fool you -- she's thrilled about school, after 8:00 am!


We are a little slow on getting things published in this family, but indeed, school has begun. The girls have survived their first days of school; although, we are still adjusting to the schedule. Victoria is now in 3rd grade! This is rumored to be a difficult year in Mexico, so we are praying that Victoria will continue to do well. She already knew who her teachers were, and most of her classmates are back. So, she started with confidence. One tidbit of information that we failed to receive was start time. So, when we arrived at 7:30 am the first day and everyone was in class and seated I decided to ask. Sure enough, school now starts at 7:15. This is a big adjustment for us! It's still dark when Victoria goes to school
Sofia started kindergarten this year. It is her second year of school and she seems to be enjoying it. She also already knew her teachers, which is very helpful in adjusting. She goes with Victoria and I at 7:15, and then we sit in the car for about 30 minutes until I drop her off to start her day. This has been a special time to spend just with Sofia reading, talking, drawing or just sitting (usually she's brings her fluffy robe along to stay warm).
We are off to a great year for both these girls. We pray that they and we will be a light in that school for people that need the hope of Christ.