day 6

"Love the Lord your God all your soul and with all your strength. 

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 

Impress them on your children. 

Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, 

when you lie down and when you get up."

(thoughts on family values... Deuteronomy 6:5-7)

Decisions.  

I make many each day without much long-term consequence.  Like whether it's better to put the peanut butter knife into the jelly, or vice versa, or just use two knives.  Let's face it, the sandwich-making decision does not change the outcome of our lives.  

Other decisions, however, seem to carry more weight.  Natural, or hydrogenated peanut butter?  Fresh fruit, or fruit snacks?  If you've read many of my food posts, you know I have opinions.  Some have gone as far as giving me nicknames or rolling their eyes.  I admit it - we have values we'd like to instill in our children.  So, the little choices start to add up and show patterns.  If I want my boys to know and follow my beliefs about nutrition, I needn't lecture on health habits.  What will they see as true in my life?  Each small decision can either reinforce or contradict what I say I believe.

The decisions can seem daunting if we put too much stock in their influence.  In writing to share this trip with you, I've been pressed to edit and cram things into short descriptions.  What results is only a tiny glimpse of the week.  Oh, how I long to share the details of the days, describe sweet exchanges, or recount many conversations that changed me!  Yet this blog is only capable of little tales, and my words are so often inadequate.  I've had to choose carefully, hoping that the things I publish will paint a scaled-down version of the larger picture.   

And so we come to this day in Mexico.  Our final day of working with the families in this village is upon us, and I'm thinking about the decision we've made to come here.  Was it a big choice?  So many people - loved ones at home and strangers here - have looked at our choice to bring a family into this work with disbelief or intrigue.  The time, the money, the travel... going where we don't know anyone... where we don't know the language well... when we have no experience, or formal training to offer...  I suppose it seemed like a very large decision, indeed.

It was, and is, a big deal.  But we also realized that this is a small piece of a larger picture.  When we say we believe each person - our children included - is uniquely and lovingly made for God's purposes and glory, then we must act accordingly.  How do we know our own strengths and weaknesses?  How do we show attention to the unique bent of each child, seeking ways to build his character?  What will we do to point him to his creator?  When given the opportunity, we must rise and stretch as a family, living out opportunities God presents with active faith.  

When these choices are consistent, a message will be clear.  There is a God, and we know him.  He is good, and mighty, and purposeful.  He has offered an immeasurable gift of life in Christ, and this life extends beyond the days we number in this world.  He is creative and in motion, and we are invited to join his work in this world.  Often this work is within the rooms of our home, or sidewalks of our neighborhood.   Sometimes it moves us with love and action in our schools, city, and country.  Once in a while - however rare - an invitation extends to take us into other countries and cultures.  

Every parent chooses his or her values.  We value traveling the world, wanting to raise children who see and appreciate the different lives on this planet.  We value hard work, wanting to raise children who will use their gifts to be a blessing, not a drain.  We value sincerity, wanting to raise children who do what they say.  We value faith, wanting to raise children to understand they are not the center of the universe - but they can know the One who is.  Without action, however, these things remain nice words written or spoken without consequence.  It is those small and slightly larger decisions, made with consistency over time, that will prove what we really believe.

Whether it was playing in the heat of the plaza with dozens of children, or sitting in the shade of a dirt courtyard, or trading life stories with new friends, our boys were with us throughout this trip.  Today I watched Obi-1 explain the gospel story to a group that included his brother and several new amigos.  It was unexpected, and I caught my breath.  It's not about regurgitating what he's been told - today I got to overhear what he believes.  For a moment, I simply found joy in a mother's answered prayer.  My children are starting to understand that they have a gift and purpose for their life, and they are acting on this belief. 

Tonight, we joined new friends and prayed a blessing on a family, household, and village.  We shared hopes that people would come and join them this evening.  The results of tonight's attendance will either encourage or squelch this family's dream to build a church in their town.  We have seen people declare a new and renewed faith this week.  We have heard voices say they believe something eternally important.  Like our children's eyes for us and ours for them, we'll look for actions that reinforce those words.

They came.  Tonight, twenty (four times the amount we had asked for and hoped for!) came to hear, read, and discuss a passage from the bible.  Household after household gathered in that courtyard together.  Children gathered around the steps and built new friendships.  Neighbors and friends helped take care of guests, holding babies and greeting each person who climbed that rocky hill in step with their faith.  Translators and team members stood at the outside, offering seating and fellowship space to those who would meet long after we return to our comfy beds and American homes.  

     

So, a decision was made to bring families into this work.  Were we building something?  What did we do with the kids while we worked?  Why were we here?

It's as simple as peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, I suppose.  Somebody was hungry.  Somebody had ideas for a meal.  We believe in providing nourishment to those around us, so we spent a week of a summer vacation in this work.  As we return home, we'll hope and wait for another opportunity to rise up and challenge us to make a decision.

Thank you, as you've supported us and come along in the journey. 

Much love,

MamaToo

day 5

"For everyone who asks receives; 

he who seeks finds; 

and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

(promise of Jesus, Luke 11:10)

 

Today will end with a bible study at our host's home.  Any bible - regardless of denomination or language - will be useful, as they will take a brief walk through a few scripture passages and discuss it together.  It is a simple, non-threatening introduction to faith, and the hosts will welcome whomever joins them with grace and hospitality.   

While our efforts cover an entire village, our host ministry has a very specific goal: five households at the final bible study meeting.  Ours is not a mission of great revival or conversion; this is not a crusade to make hundreds of people believe like we do.  It is simply the building of a church - a body of people, believing and following Christ - and we are glad helpers to those who have a long-term investment in this place.  A commitment of five households will give our host ministry a "green light," so to speak, to invest time and resources in this community with weekly bible study meetings. With five or more committed and growing in discipleship, they will move forward in planting a church here.

This number seems so easy, but we also recognize the commitment it will take for somebody to come to their neighbors' house for a bible study.  This is not a culture that readily meets together.  The idea of studying the bible, not just displaying it in a corner, surprises and challenges many people we've met.  In order for women or teenagers to attend a meeting, their husbands or fathers will have to approve or join them.  Anyone who comes to a bible study will likely face judgement or skepticism from friends who resist change.  So, we know the goal is set with a solemn heart and faithful prayers.

We spent the day visiting with people in the neighborhood, playing another heated futball match, and presenting a simple but moving drama in the plaza.  Kids, adults, friends, and new faces have been greeting us all day, asking us our story, listening to our hearts, and sharing their lives with us.  Many people have made decisions to welcome Christ's offer of grace and forgiveness and accept His call to discipleship.  It is like seeing fishermen leave their nets - simple, yet profound.  I've never been around this sort of movement, so it is incredible to witness.

While walking over to Angel & Ed's home today, we met a man and his young son outside a store.  The boy is Obi-2's age, which creates an easy conversation for us.  We've met them before, but today we had a chance to visit a bit more.  Mr. Conche has been watching our group, and particularly our family.  He eyes Mr. Kenobi and earnestly asks questions. 

Why would you spend money to come and work here?

You could have gone to a resort.  Why would you plan a vacation like this?

I hear it's about God, but how could religion bring a family with little kids to this place?

Religion.  Yes, it's unlikely that religion would cause us to do this.  If religion is people's effort to get close to the divine, achieve goodness, and find eternal happiness, then this culture (and ours) is rich with religion.  In spite of its simplicity and poverty, these neighborhoods are filled with beautiful art, tributes, and traditions of the religious.  Religion fills the community calendar and creates reason for celebrations.  I'm reminded of the story of Paul's visit to Athens.  Like him, we have not come to introduce our religion.

Religion is fully fueled by the believer.  It is always an expenditure - an effort of people, from their own strength, to give something to another.  No matter who or what the god, religion will only present a new set of rules and behaviors, hoping to bring about change by our own sheer will and discipline.   Religion cannot feed or sustain us.  We might feel better about ourselves, but even that is fleeting.  We might think we can understand, but religion will always leave us striving for more information.   Most of all, religion is only as good as the religious person, and so it often fails and disappoints.  Mr. Conche knows this, so our presence is puzzling.

No, religion would not bring us to this place, especially with our children beside us.  We have no religion to offer - we simply have a relationship that has filled us and overflows.  What we have to offer is not ourselves or our habits.  God has already offered the only way to Himself.  How unbelievable, yet beautiful, for Him to turn religion on its head!  It is not religion, but relationship that has moved us, and this is the story we tell.

Mr. Kenobi continued this conversation with Mr. Conche after the boys and I left for lunch.  When my husband joined us later, he truly glowed from joy.  It seems that throughout their conversation, customers would come in for lunchtime purchases.  Mr. Kenobi and his translator would step back to give Mr. Conche time to do business.  Every time this happened, however, Mr. Conche would waive the customer over to another tienda or a family member, insisting that he wanted to hear more of this gospel story from Mr. Kenobi.  By the end of their time together, Mr. Conche was stepping into a new faith - a relationship built on God's efforts, not his own - and he was eager to join us in study this evening.

And so, this evening a new member of God' family - a man, husband, and father of four boys - joined us.  Mr. Kenobi sat with this new friend and brother, sharing a joy that needed no translator.   

There is much work to do tomorrow.  While we have grateful hearts for the four households who gathered together tonight, several people who indicated they wanted to join us were not there.  Our hosts & ministry leaders seem encouraged, however, and gracious to the Americans who were counting and analyzing.  They explained that many people would rather say they'll come, yet not show up, than refuse an invitation.  This is yet another cultural nuance for us to digest.  Our hosts also remind us of a more solemn problem: there is opposition to change.  Whenever God is at work, there will be challenges to those who are with Him.  This is true, whether in our lighthearted games or genuine conversations.

Tomorrow we will spend our time building the relationships we've begun.  It will be our last day in this place, and we will have another bible study meeting in the evening.   We will continue investing in the new disciples we've found this week, and we pray to see the vision of a small group, growing in relationship with Himself and each other.

day 4

"The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there."

(A promise and description of God's blessing - Zechariah 8:5)

Have I mentioned the children here?  They are beautiful.  They are so full of life, and evidently quite trustworthy.  At least, their parents must think so, as they have very little supervision after school hours.  Within moments of suggesting it, we easily gather a large, enthusiastic crowd for games in the plaza.

Yesterday, we invited kids of any age to join a simple program.  I was struck by a few things that contrast with our lives.  First, children have plenty of time to play, but very little stuff to play with.  My boys, like local kids, have easily adjusted to using rocks and sticks instead of the plastic gizmos that trip me at home.  They're also learning soccer - excuse me, futball - from their Mexican peers, and sharing the joys of chasing a ball around a concrete or gravel field.  So, unlike US kids' programs, which are frought with elaborate props & prizes, this afternoon was very simple.  When our team brought out an inner tube and divided the group into teams for tug-of-war, they were elated. 

The other thing that is quickly apparent is that women - even young teens - have very little time or opportunity for play.  Whenever we organize games, we have to personally invite the girls to participate, and then encourage them to join us.  Once in the game, they are delighted and intensely competitive (much like their US counterparts!).  Mothers, fathers, and curious neighbors watch from the shade as our team instructed the kids in the games.  Within minutes, everyone was laughing and relaxing - poking fun at one or cheering their favorites.  It seems, at least from this observation, that few people ever invest this sort of time in simple fun.

I'm faced with more questions today.  Women, especially, are very curious about me and my children.  What do we do at home?  What do I tell Obi-1 & Obi-2 about the world?  Why would I bring them here - to play with these children?  What could this village possibly offer my family?

The children, too, are full of questions and generosity.  They capture my heart and imagination, and I am reminded that my message knows no boundaries of age or ability.  I'm also learning treasures about this culture: after admiring a boy's necklace, he removed it and offered it to me.  Of course, I insisted I could never take it from him.  It was too special.  I truly had nothing of any value to offer him as a token of trade.  With no addresses or family name, I would have no way to return the favor later.  Certainly I couldn't take something so important from this innocent person!

Instead of the expected relief, I immediately saw a pained look of rejection, hurt, and confusion cover his face.  My translator jumped in to say that the boy truly wanted me to have this gift.  To reject the gift would be to reject the giver.  It is not an offer for trade - it is a free gift.  I can simply receive it with sincere gratitude.

I've had several more chances to share and discuss the most important topics today.   I am so grateful for this moment in time.  It is one thing to tell Obi-1 and Obi-2 that God loves people who live outside of our home or preschool group of friends.  It is simple to tell them that we have received a gift worth sharing with others.  It is quite another to show them - indeed, introduce them personally - to a world of people who are loved by the same Creator.

day 3

"This gospel of the kingdom 

shall be preached in the whole world 

as a testimony to all the nations..." 

(Jesus' promise, Matthew 24:14)

Why are we here?   

This is the question we must answer.  Certainly for ourselves, but also many times over for those we meet here.  Today our team spread out over the various areas of the village.  In a small, simple place like this, the best way to share a wide-reaching invitation is to personally visit neighbors.  Such is the way of communication here, and so we went out, family by family, with an interpreter.  Our hope was for easy introductions, an opportunity to share the reason of our visit, and chances to invite people into relationships.

Our hostess tells us that she doesn't know the neighbors very well.  She has friends in this place, to be sure, but women must work very hard at home - no dishwashers, washing machines, or other modern conveniences here.  Their time is often filled with work and family needs, so they simply wave or nod to neighbors without really getting to know them.  Men, too, are very hard working - often traveling by bus for jobs.  So, today we helped our hosts' neighbors get introduced to one another, and invited people to investigate this idea of a new church in their community.

I must admit, the day had me nervous.  Yesterday, I comfortably held a crowd while making small talk.  However, the idea of knocking on doors to help bridge a gap between neighbors carries weight.  Knowing that I will have to rely on our interpreter to do this work had my stomach in knots.  Considering my own reaction to door-to-door salespeople or political activists back home, I wondered how many folks would hide behind their tall front gates.

Our interpreter knows the culture and local community, however, and he said this is a good way to bring people together.  One of our hostess' friends also joined us in case we met some of their friends.  House by house, we were greeted with curiosity, skepticism, and sometimes outright gratitude.  Through an interpreter, we explained there would be a kids program in the plaza today, another futball game tomorrow, and other activities in the week.  When possible, we also shared that we're here to help our host family invite neighbors to their home for a bible study.  With photos of home and children beside us, introductions were quick.  We asked about their lives, their interests, and even their beliefs.  We talked about our own faith, and the faith of their neighbors who would like to host a bible study in their home.  

Sometimes, we're asked questions.  Other times, we do the asking.  The most pressing question, naturally, has to do with why a family from the US would venture into this village for work, rather than vacationing as a tourist.

Throughout the morning, I was reminded of Peter or Paul, who simply and frequently shared the gospel as they travelled.  Cocooned by the open society of the US, I often think everyone has heard this story.  So, it surprises me when we hear questions and interest to hear our faith - over and over.  When neighbors learn that our hosts will have a bible study later this week, they are curious - as if they never considered reading that or discussing its meaning.  People are especially eager to have skepticism, questions, and honesty allowed into discussions about faith.  Today reminded me that many have not heard, many do not know, yet all need to hear this story for themselves.

One of the most poignant moments overwhelmed me.  While Mr. Kenobi chatted with some young men in a doorway, our hostess' friend walked down the street to see a woman she knew.  Frankly, I was paying more attention to handing out fruit snacks to my boys than anything else.  I was a little startled to stand up and see three women in front of me.  In broken Spanish, I tried to introduce myself, but I couldn't understand what they were asking.  I greeted them politely, and looked around for our interpreter, who jumped to my aid.

"These women are asking what you believe. They heard we were here, so they came down the street to ask. They want to know why you're here, and what that has to do with God."

Can you explain what you believe?  

Do you know why you are here?  

Can you tell a stranger about the faith that brought you and your family to this place?  

When given a brief moment in history, can you explain these important things?

I always hoped I could, but that moment challenged me like no other.  It also changed at least two lives.  In the sun of an early afternoon, I gained a sister.  Not by birth or language, but through a holy adoption - a gracious, eternal gift.  Angel, a beautiful 28-year old mother of a kindergartner, received faith that none of us can ask for, demand, or earn.  I don't know what she had heard or considered before that moment, but I am eternally grateful to have seen her eyes open and her heart melt in the hands of God.  

As our conversation continued, I shared some of the things God promises.  Faithfulness... Goodness... Justice... Provision...  We are both mothers, so I vulnerably told her about God's promises to generations of those who follow him.  These promises have been gifts to my parents, then to me, and I hope my children will be blessed by the faith of their parents.  I also assured her that I was not infallible, but that I study and learn what God has to say about Himself, the world, and us.  In fact, I frequently get together with others who believe Him and want to understand the bible.  In these times, I am challenged and encouraged to grow.  

I invited her to join us the next day for a simple bible study.  This is not a new religion or way to earn favor before God.  It is simply an invitation to know scripture for herself - not rely on me or others for truth.  She nodded excitedly, and we parted with smiling cries of "hasta lluego" (see you later) - as I returned to Mr. Kenobi.

I felt like I was in a beautiful dream, but it would only get better.  Apparently, while Angel and I talked and prayed together, Mr. Kenobi had a similar experience with a young man named Ed.  As we visited on the way back, we marveled at the miracle we'd just witnessed in two people.  Then, our hostess explained another, beautiful piece of the day's tapestry: Angel is Ed's sister.  

Why are you here?  

day 2

"My prayer is not for them alone.  

I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message..."

(words of Jesus in prayer, John 17:20)

Today was our first day in the village.  We arrived ready to do whatever was asked of us, but not entirely sure what the requests might be.  Before we left camp in the morning, we shared with each other our anxieties, concerns, and hopes for the week, and then prayed with and for one another.  We also reminded ourselves of why we're here.

Many of our supporters have asked us expectant questions about the trip:

"So, are you building something down in Mexico?  

What will you be working on?  

What will be the results?"

I suppose many missions trips are projects of construction, and so people (especially those of us here in the US) are accustomed to seeing photos of volunteers with hammers, scaffolding, or paint brushes when they send a short-term missions team to the airport.  In this case, picture our family, joined with a couple of other families, alongside a few young men and women, and finally surrounded by local families and young people.  

Not a single one of us has a hammer in hand.  We have no electrical skills to offer, nor design drawings to post.  We're empty-handed, though willing to do whatever is required.  We have a few supplies, but they're not traditional construction equipment: bibles, photos of home, and translation dictionaries are packed next to water bottles and granola bars.  We also carry illustrated "cubes," to help us explain our faith if asked, since our language could be limited.  No, we will not paint over crumbling or faded walls, but we are building something.  It is - in truest sense of the word - a church.

Our host families have been commuting to the city (about 30 minutes away) for church community.  Their home village is very rural, with only an old, traditional Catholic church for miles around.  While our hosts were once a part of this church, they've now joined the evangelical congregation I described yesterday.  This small but vibrant group envisions being part of a collection of churches that multiply, rather than grow in enormity, in local neighborhoods and communities.    While their idea is not common here, it is an organic way to grow through local homes & neighborhoods.  I am eager to encourage our host families, who do not have the options of faith that we so easily take for granted.  So, this week, we'll be helping our hosts meet neighbors, build relationships, share their story, and invite the community into their home and lives.  

In many ways, it might be easier and safer to just hang out with other Americans on a building site.  However, it is said that "church" is a term to describe a group of people - not a location, event, or facility.  So, this is a church-building project.  The project was started before we arrived, and the work will continue long after we're back at home.   This project will be building a community of open invitation, of passionate faith, of neighborly sincerity, and of divine love.

Today, our new friends joined us in a simple assignment.  Each family from our team was paired with a local Spanish-speaking translator.  We walked through the village, getting familiar with each other and the area, and praying together.  Our prayers vary - blessing the people and homes we see, asking for opportunities to connect with locals this week, seeing open minds and hearts in the coming days, and of course, for perseverance and joy in each of us (especially our young children).  We aren't out to convert or announce anything flashy; it is simply a way for us to focus some time praying for this small village, for her people, and for the work ahead of us.

This afternoon, things became more physically exerting.  The young (and not-so-young) men from our team invited the local young (and not-so-young) men from the village to play soccer. The "futball" game was scheduled for late afternoon (after siesta - about 4 pm) at the town plaza.  When we arrived, however, the crowd was so large that the local guys suggested we head to the main futball field near the school so everyone could play.  

I walked behind the crowd with the boys, marveling as it swelled with each passing block.  People poured out to come see these "gringos" play futball.  Evidently, a simple activity like a friendly neighborhood futball game is rare in the village.  Plus, of course, Americans are never found walking through their neighborhood, far from resorts or business districts, much less willing to play the internationally-known game of soccer.  Nearly as quickly as the idea was offered, the group headed off on the short walk.  As they arrived, the guys took the field while women and kids chatted with the spectators.  We soon heard that neighbors were meeting neighbors, classmates seeing peers for the first time outside of the school, and even young children and adults mingled in the shade of buildings or trees.   By the time the guys took the field, the surrounding area was dotted with kids and adults, playing with each other or sitting together.

Fortunately, the town is as hospitable as it is curious, because several local guys volunteered to play on our much-understaffed team to make things a little more even.  Needless to say, we needed their help!  After another local volunteered to be referee, play began.  Mr. Kenobi had only worn sandals, which were clearly a hazard on the gravel field (peppered with broken pieces of glass bottles).  We grabbed his tennis shoes from the car, and suddenly watched him transform into a competitive soccer player - even using his head to pass the ball! 

While the guys played, a group of younger kids gathered around the sidelines.  I tossed Obi-1 an extra soccer ball, and he asked the boys to play.  Unfortunately, he asked in English, which of course sounded like mumbo-jumbo to them.  They giggled, and Obi-1 looked ready to cry from his embarrassment and rejection.  Fortunately, a friend quickly translated that this American boy would like to play with them and had brought a soccer ball to share.  She also let them know that Obi-1 had no idea how to play soccer.  Immediately their giggles turned to enthusiastic nods of "Si!" and the ball was tossed into the fray.  They formed a circle, and each took turns gently kicking toward Obi-1, teaching him the basics of footwork.  The patience and kindness of these young kids were amazing.  For the next two hours, my 4 1/2 year-old son "played" with boys twice his age, while they encouraged him, chased after his wild kicks, and made sure he had every opportunity to participate.  I was impressed at their generous spirit, as well as the quick participation of my son.  

After watching them a while, I sat in the cool shade of a tree (Obi-2 was sleeping in my arms, exhausted by his missed siesta).  I was soon joined by a group of girls who were there to watch the older boys play.  Most of them were young teens, and while some flirted with their "novios"  on the field, most simply admired the action.  They, too, had rarely met one another outside of school.  We got ourselves introduced with a basic mix of Spanish & English ("Spanglish"), and I shared photos of our home while everyone answered questions of each other.  Once in a while, I'd request a translator's help, but our honest attempts to speak each others' language, along with lot of impromptu sign language, got us through.

By the end of the afternoon, the guys had played a hard game (which, of course, was won by the Mexican team - though it was a close battle).  We also all had new friends, a few new vocabulary words, and fun stories of a day at the futball field.  As evening closed in, we gathered with the host family and prayed again for a blessing on this town and the relationships that would begin this week.  It is a building project indeed, and the architect is at work in our midst.

day 1

All the nations you have made shall come 

and worship before you, O Lord,

and shall glorify your name.

(Psalm 86:9)

We've arrived in Mexico with health, good spirits, and eagerness to begin our work.  Last night was a chance to rest in our dorm-style rooms at the camp.  Today we headed into the Queretaro City to participate with our host church.  Less than a year old, this is a growing and vibrant group of people who are eager to greet us with hospitality.  They have grown to include a few families from a nearby village, and hope to plant a church more locally for this core group.  Our work this week will be to help them connect with neighbors and raise interest in this little rural village's new church.

Today, however, will be spent with the "mother" church, or the main congregation.  We drive through Mexican roads to a designated meeting place, and then are escorted with a host family to the church.  To our surprise, the van pulled up to the curb in a residential neighborhood.  This service is held in an enclosed, tiled courtyard in front of a modest but welcoming home.   For those familiar with "house churches," this would be somewhat familiar, but ours is a group accustomed to buildings and coffee bars, video projection and classrooms.

Our host explained that in Mexico, most people define a church's "success" by its large (nice) building, kids' clubs, programs, and the like.  Their ministry is counter-cultural in its vision.  This church sets out to plant churches that multiply, rather than grow into enormity.  They focus on discipleship, leader development, and building local church connected to others in the region.  They don't desire large programs or buildings.  Rather, they set out to build communities of Christ-followers and their (often unbelieving) neighbors, and avoid the common "insider" clubs of other evangelical churches in their country.  It is a challenging proposition, but one that is gaining strength and enthusiasm with those they serve.

The service was simple but beautiful.  A prayer began the time, then we sang a few songs.  A leader stood at the front and asked for prayer requests.  Somebody's father was ill, another's son is struggling in school, and similar stories of family needs described.  A few reports were given to share God's faithful answers to prior week's prayers.  Toward the end of this time, a young woman stood up, and with accented English, she shared that our team's arrival was an answer to many prayers for this congregation - reminders to them of God's provision and blessing across the world.  They were excited to share in the week ahead, and grateful to host us.   

Smiles and nodding heads told us that everyone in that courtyard shared her heartfelt words.  Just when we thought we could not be more welcomed, a few people came out of the home carrying trays of cake and drinks.  It seems this church has a "break" much like our home church enjoys, and today they were celebrating the arrival of new friends.  We mingled and spoke, some of us with clear Spanish and others of us (me included) in phrases mixed with pantomime.  As connections grew, we realized how much we all looked forward to this week.

As service continued, a leader stood to teach a short lesson.  He explained that this church first and always finds their teaching in scripture, not the dictates of a church or particular person.  While people may fail and churches may error, he reminds the group that God is faithful and true.  Those in attendance opened bibles or shared views over a shoulder of the friend next to them.  Together, the group read aloud from Psalms.  Then the teacher asked them to turn to the New Testament, where he read and began to explain a passage.  

Younger children gathered in a side room for a bible study geared toward their understanding, and the boys began to squirm in the growing heat and Spanish language.  I joined a couple of other mothers with very young kids in the living room.   To my delight, one of our hosts is from the Seattle area, so not only is she from the US (and speaks English!), but we have much to discuss (including a shared delight in Starbucks' coffee and vision for families growing together in faith).  Our children quickly introduced themselves to each other and began playing, and the mothers explained that each week, parents flow from courtyard to indoors with little children, helping to train their young ones to be part of the church while giving grace to those who have a hard time sitting still for a teaching time.  

After the teaching time, we all returned to the main group, and the young class' teacher announced they had some special recognition for the fathers in the group.  It was Dia del Padres, so each child has written the blessings they have from the fathers, recognizing and thanking their dads in a special way.  The dads were brought to the front of the room, and each child had a chance to share.  One little girl broke into tears part-way into her paragraph, and her father embraced her with tears in his own eyes.  Even my boys were invited to participate, complete with a hand-drawn picture of Mr. Kenobi in the company of Bob the Tomato & Larry the Cucumber.  In small voices they recognized the fun they enjoy with their daddy, then ran to give him enormous hugs.  

This tradition is one we will see repeated this week - taking time out to publicly recognize the people God has given into our lives, the gifts and love we've received through others.  These Christians make a priority to show gratitude for the gifts of God, and in the process remind each other of the treasures in his community.

How sweet it was to hear their words to one another and our team, and especially poignant to see each directed praise to our Father.  I'm not sure I've ever felt so welcome, anywhere, as I did this day.  As we mingle and say goodbyes to this church, I realized the first of my lessons:

We thought we came to give and to serve.  

It is apparent that we have also come to learn and receive.