A Month in Mexico

As most probably know by now, we went back to La Barra and were able to stay on Eva's property. Jose had NOT met with Arturo, the President, and lied to us saying we couldn't be there for various reasons. When we left we gave Eva and Rafael our email addresses (she did not have one at the time and got one for the sake of emailing us...this alone is an act of God...Computer's are foreign objects to most adults in this village). Eva went around collecting signatures of those who wanted us in La Barra. When she came to the President he had no idea we had been there and were kicked out. Eva emailed us and told us to return and that all was well. We came back in to make sure things were OK and sure enough they were. Jose remained furious the rest of our time there and we loved on him despite his feelings toward us. We went on to have a very fruitful trip shown in the following pictures!


The group of broken vessels the Lord chose to use to display His love in La Barra this time (minus Jim Blomstrand). Me, O.J., Luke (Paul's son), Paul, Faith, Chris. Thank you immensely for your continued prayers!


The family who opened their home and land to us. Rafael, Jonathan, Me, Eva, Dayana. The men set up their tents on their property and Rafael and Eva offered their spare bedroom (their oldest son's bedroom who now lives in Huatulco) for Faith and I to sleep in. This was quite a change from the last trip for me and a huge blessing. This allowed me to wake up and exit the bedroom to Eva in her kitchen. There I could practice my spanish and build relationships with her and the rest of her family. This is one of the sweetest families you will ever meet! Please keep Rafael in your prayers. Pray for His salvation and the salvation of their kids: Israel (19), Jonathan (12), and Dayana (5).


Our first service hosted by Inocenta. This is quite a few more people than our first service last year at Inocenta's house which included just Inocenta and 3 of her children! Praise the Lord!


Three believing sisters in the Lord, two of which were new to us! Briceda, Inocenta (known from last time), and Eugenia. Praise the Lord for more believers!!


Pancho (or Endefonso as I previously called him), Inocenta's husband, taking a peak at the word of God. Last time we were in La Barra he was in Huatulco for the better part of our time there at a Alcoholics Rehab program. Just a year ago he was a wild drunk who even came at their 12 year old daughter with a knife! Praise the Lord he is reading the word of God!!


Second service held at Eva's. Jim led us in song and then preached a message to the crowd.


Our last service held at Eva's house. Eva is the lady in this picture. Paul, the man with the brace, preached the gospel from Ephesians 2:1-10 while O.J. translated. Eugenia, Inocenta, Briceda, and a lady named Sophie (not a believer that we know of) were present for this service. Praise the Lord! What a glorious thing the gospel is to hear whether you are saved or a lost sheep hearing it for the first time!


Helping them knead the dough. They do this for an hour and a half! What a workout! I was pouring sweat from every pore of my body. Not to mention there was no airflow in the room! So much fun! We all laughed histerically! What a great way to experience the culture and build relationships in the process and display the love of Christ!


So much bread to be baked! All this was rolled at 4 in the morning by Elizabeth and Celia! We didn't join them on that part of the process...maybe next time!!


All alone in the oven...but not for long!


It's ready!!


Pan dulce's (sweet bread) mode of transportation! Only the pros do it without hands!


The final product waiting to be sold and consumed!


Making tortillas by hand and with a tortilla press at Marina's house! So fun and a bit tricky! This is one thing you SHOULD try at home!!


My first tortilla ever to make with my own hands!! How cool! Chris was the blessed recipient of that tortilla!!


Making tostadas at Inocenta's mom's house using their machine. Quite fun...and tasty!


Tostadas on the 'stove-top' with the help of planchitas (little irons).


Dental work on my patient Chewy while NOT being a good example and eating a sucker!! Disclaimer: I didn't actually eat it while working on his teeth!


Our first day of our makeshift three day VBS for the kids. Jim sang songs with them and then told the story of creation the first day, the gospel the second day, and the third day none of our translators were present so with the help of Faith and Paul we lead the kids in a craft of decorating frames of pop-sickle sticks to frame cards with Malachi 1:11 on them in Spanish. God's name WILL BE GREAT in every nation!


All the kiddos working on the craft relating to the Creation Story.


Herman with His craft with Genesis 1:1 at the bottom in Spanish.