Starbucks is in Mexico, too!
Friday, June 8, 2007
La Iglesia en Mexico
Notice the paint colors and the "pews"
It was not too much different from our Worship services, except for the 10 minutes of greeting each other during the middle of the service, and the drums in the praise band: )
I did get a lesson in the story of Jesus overturning the tables of the money-changers. I was perplexed to see book tables with merchandise for sale after the service. Elder John later explained that Jesus became angry because the men were crooks and selling animals for sacrifice at inflated prices at the temple, but these people were not looking to turn a profit, but to provide resources for the growth of the people attending church.
So, I missed my opportunity to buy a Santa Biblia (spanish Bible).... so our fellow team member, Barbara (former Missionary in Puebla) gave me hers. She is dear...but more about our team later.
Debriefing: Parte Dos
I've been so concerned with shuttling my kids back and forth between Cheerleading Camp and Tennis Camp and working on Music Camp, that I haven't had much of a chance to process.
On a fun note: Jack has been begging his Uncle Aaron to take him to a Braves game. Aaron scored 2 extra seats in the Pepsi suite for a catered party at the game. Adam and Jack are on their way. Jack thinks that they are meeting Aaron & Hilary at Burger King in Atlanta to drop off some papers and eat dinner.
Missionairies in the field: I guess the biggest thing that I took away from them was that building relationships is key. (at least in Mexico - which is also characteristic of their culture) They don't worry about marketing programs, using amusements and gimicks to get the attention of people. They keep things really simple. They work hard. Live more simply, less materialistically, don't need a nice big home. They are normal people. They are humble people. We work and feel as though we earn our money. They may do similar jobs, but must ask their friends, family and churches to provide for their physical needs, trusting in the Lord that he will give these people the desire to give.
Their perspective just seems to be different. They do not seem to be as distracted by the world, but more burdened for the lost in the world. But regular, nice, fun people.
I think that we could learn a lot from them. American churches may be missing the mark, by trying to "get the attention of young people". People do not need to be entertained, amused, wowed by facilities or programs, but reached out to in love. Also, we must not only concern ourselves with the people who seem to be just like us economically or socially. That is not the example that Jesus gave!
I needed the reality check!
On a fun note: Jack has been begging his Uncle Aaron to take him to a Braves game. Aaron scored 2 extra seats in the Pepsi suite for a catered party at the game. Adam and Jack are on their way. Jack thinks that they are meeting Aaron & Hilary at Burger King in Atlanta to drop off some papers and eat dinner.
Missionairies in the field: I guess the biggest thing that I took away from them was that building relationships is key. (at least in Mexico - which is also characteristic of their culture) They don't worry about marketing programs, using amusements and gimicks to get the attention of people. They keep things really simple. They work hard. Live more simply, less materialistically, don't need a nice big home. They are normal people. They are humble people. We work and feel as though we earn our money. They may do similar jobs, but must ask their friends, family and churches to provide for their physical needs, trusting in the Lord that he will give these people the desire to give.
Their perspective just seems to be different. They do not seem to be as distracted by the world, but more burdened for the lost in the world. But regular, nice, fun people.
I think that we could learn a lot from them. American churches may be missing the mark, by trying to "get the attention of young people". People do not need to be entertained, amused, wowed by facilities or programs, but reached out to in love. Also, we must not only concern ourselves with the people who seem to be just like us economically or socially. That is not the example that Jesus gave!
I needed the reality check!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Would you pray for these children?
First of all, my niece, EmmaKate is awaiting heart surgery. She has a condition that is curable with surgery. She is 11 and a half weeks old and still only 8lbs12oz, please pray that she will grow before her surgery. My sister, Amy is getting married this Sunday in Gatlinburg, and has been told to know where the hospitals are, just in case.
Also, a friend of mine from highschool, Kristy has 4-yr-old twin girls. One with spina bifida. Amelia will have surgery next week. Here is Amelia's story.
Also, a friend of mine from highschool, Kristy has 4-yr-old twin girls. One with spina bifida. Amelia will have surgery next week. Here is Amelia's story.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
A Funny Story
My family jokes about me running into someone I know everywhere I go. On Saturday, we were walking through the Acapulco airport. I saw this lady who looked familiar. Then I realized that she looked just like the aunt of one of my highschool friends. I went up to her and said, "you are going to think that I'm crazy, but are you Aunt Doe?" She said "yes". I actually had seen her a few months earlier at her sister's funeral (my friend's mother)... so she remembered who I was too... (I usually remember everyone, but most don't remember me).
She ended up on our flight. When we got to Atlanta, there were no international gates available, so we had to sit on the runway for quite a while. She missed her shuttle to Chattanooga and hitched a ride with us. It's such a small world!
She ended up on our flight. When we got to Atlanta, there were no international gates available, so we had to sit on the runway for quite a while. She missed her shuttle to Chattanooga and hitched a ride with us. It's such a small world!
Letter to our church missions committee from its chairman
We had a fantastic week in Acapulco. Please ask any of us about it. When you do, however, be prepared to 1) be talked to for a while; and, 2) it is better to come prepared with tissues.
Since only about half of us were present at Robin's house for the meeting with Robert Carr, I thought I would catch everyone up on what went on.
Howard Memorial Money: We considered several options. The one we decided on was to update/repair the computers the kids use for homework, etc. Aaron Moore, an MTW missionary who was there when Mike went last year, is in charge of the home's computers. He is arranging the repairs.
Street Child Money: As you will recall, we have $3,000 in the budget for Street Child work. At the last meeting, we decided to wait and see how funds came in before sending it out. I took on more authority than I actually have and allocated about $1,000 to Sobre El Puente (the Acapulco street child ministry). They have been burglarized recently, losing (among other things) their TV, DVD player, boom box, microwave oven, and 2 computers. While not absolutely crucial to the ministry, the lack of these items is severely hampering the ability of Sobre El Puente to attract kids. Replacements for the TV and the DVD player had already been promised. We bought a boom box, microwave, computer, and printer. The need was immediate and I felt (hopefully, correctly) that there would not be opposition to doing this.
Return Trip: We are looking the possibility of returning to Acapulco in January or February. The weather will not be so hot then, and no teams come during the winter. I will keep you informed as matters develop.
Grace and peace,
John
Since only about half of us were present at Robin's house for the meeting with Robert Carr, I thought I would catch everyone up on what went on.
Howard Memorial Money: We considered several options. The one we decided on was to update/repair the computers the kids use for homework, etc. Aaron Moore, an MTW missionary who was there when Mike went last year, is in charge of the home's computers. He is arranging the repairs.
Street Child Money: As you will recall, we have $3,000 in the budget for Street Child work. At the last meeting, we decided to wait and see how funds came in before sending it out. I took on more authority than I actually have and allocated about $1,000 to Sobre El Puente (the Acapulco street child ministry). They have been burglarized recently, losing (among other things) their TV, DVD player, boom box, microwave oven, and 2 computers. While not absolutely crucial to the ministry, the lack of these items is severely hampering the ability of Sobre El Puente to attract kids. Replacements for the TV and the DVD player had already been promised. We bought a boom box, microwave, computer, and printer. The need was immediate and I felt (hopefully, correctly) that there would not be opposition to doing this.
Return Trip: We are looking the possibility of returning to Acapulco in January or February. The weather will not be so hot then, and no teams come during the winter. I will keep you informed as matters develop.
Grace and peace,
John
Debriefing: part uno
First of all, an update.... poison ivy: still there!
I am a pretty emotional person, so I am going to pace myself and start today with non-emotionally charged info and work up to talking about the kids (self-protection :)
So far, I can think of 4 categories: cultural differences in general between Mexico and the States, observances of missionaries in the field, our team, and finally the kids and Casa Hogar.
Cultural Differences:
In the training, we were told again and again: the Mexican way of living is not better or worse than the American way, just different.
The biggest thing that stood out to me was that they are a very hospitable nation. I expected 2 things: 1) to see a lot of US tourists - not the case! It is no longer a US vacation destination, but a Mexican vacation spot. Our county has issued a warning about visiting Acapulco due to gang violence and government corruption. We saw very few Americans! Maybe 10 or 20. 2) I expected to be treated like a minority - but we were treated with honor; the exact opposite of the way we treat Hispanics in the US. We need to show more honor and respect to them!!!!
The streets: I prayed the whole 45 min. van trip to Casa Hogar, that we would make it alive. I had the misfortune of sitting in the front seat with the driver, and an intern missionary. (their vans seat more - with 3 in the front) The drivers go soooooo fast, and dart around cars, weave in and out of traffic and lay on the horn to warn others to stay out of their way. The streets have a music of hums, sputters and horns.
Most people opt for public transportation. Bus rides are 4.5 pesos - almost 45 cents- and you can go anywhere in town. Taxis are everywhere and are VW Beetles and Nissan Sentras. I hear they are only a few dollars. I'm sure that they don't play "Punch Bug, Don't Punch Back" in order to play there, you'd basically beat the person sitting next to you until you arrived at your destination.
Shopping: As you sit on the beach, vendors stream by. Do not attempt to buy anything unless you are good at bartering. The price may start at $45, and go down every time you say "no", until they give up around $10. Some of the items offered to us on the beach: Shells, jewelry, clothing, hats, cheap sunglasses (he wasn't going to lie, they were barato in price and quality), sarongs, fruit with chili sauce, candy, popcorn, beer, massages, purses, shoes, get your hair braided, watches, pails and shovels, etc. etc. Who needed to go to the market? Where by the way, I was talking to a vendor in Spanish. He very perceptively asked, "?De donde es usted?" - my accent gave it away. I told him that I was from the US. He said in Spanish "Oh, you mean Los Angeles?" - they have stereotypes of us too!
Security: As we were walking down the street I noticed a guard with a machine gun. He was guarding a Coke truck. A machine gun to be sure that no one stole soda???!!!! We passed by a car dealership - guys with machine guns, almost every delivery truck had guys with machine guns. In front of the large Mexican flag at the beach - a guy with a machine gun. We were told not to look any of them in the eye.... so I definitely did not take a picture!
Safety: They do not seem to worry about their personal safety or that of their children. We saw many a baby sitting in an adult's lap in the front seat of a car. Minivans speeding down the street with the sliding door open so that more people could fit inside. We rode to church in a small bus (for about 20 passengers) they insisted that the Americans sat in the seats, and the children stood in the aisle and by the open door at the front. Unsafe buildings, no right of way for pedestrians, even children, If you cross the street, be ready to run, and every man for himself.
Beauty: I did not know that mountains and ocean could meet!
The first picture is our view from about a block from the orphanage. The second is on our way to the airport, our driver pulled over for us to take pictures. The water to the right is the Acapulco Bay the water to the left is the Pacific Ocean. Did you know that you can be on the Pacific Coast and in the Central Time Zone?
More info to come.... but our whole team wants to go back!!!!!you'll understand better as you learn more about our trip!
I am a pretty emotional person, so I am going to pace myself and start today with non-emotionally charged info and work up to talking about the kids (self-protection :)
So far, I can think of 4 categories: cultural differences in general between Mexico and the States, observances of missionaries in the field, our team, and finally the kids and Casa Hogar.
Cultural Differences:
In the training, we were told again and again: the Mexican way of living is not better or worse than the American way, just different.
The biggest thing that stood out to me was that they are a very hospitable nation. I expected 2 things: 1) to see a lot of US tourists - not the case! It is no longer a US vacation destination, but a Mexican vacation spot. Our county has issued a warning about visiting Acapulco due to gang violence and government corruption. We saw very few Americans! Maybe 10 or 20. 2) I expected to be treated like a minority - but we were treated with honor; the exact opposite of the way we treat Hispanics in the US. We need to show more honor and respect to them!!!!
The streets: I prayed the whole 45 min. van trip to Casa Hogar, that we would make it alive. I had the misfortune of sitting in the front seat with the driver, and an intern missionary. (their vans seat more - with 3 in the front) The drivers go soooooo fast, and dart around cars, weave in and out of traffic and lay on the horn to warn others to stay out of their way. The streets have a music of hums, sputters and horns.
Most people opt for public transportation. Bus rides are 4.5 pesos - almost 45 cents- and you can go anywhere in town. Taxis are everywhere and are VW Beetles and Nissan Sentras. I hear they are only a few dollars. I'm sure that they don't play "Punch Bug, Don't Punch Back" in order to play there, you'd basically beat the person sitting next to you until you arrived at your destination.
Shopping: As you sit on the beach, vendors stream by. Do not attempt to buy anything unless you are good at bartering. The price may start at $45, and go down every time you say "no", until they give up around $10. Some of the items offered to us on the beach: Shells, jewelry, clothing, hats, cheap sunglasses (he wasn't going to lie, they were barato in price and quality), sarongs, fruit with chili sauce, candy, popcorn, beer, massages, purses, shoes, get your hair braided, watches, pails and shovels, etc. etc. Who needed to go to the market? Where by the way, I was talking to a vendor in Spanish. He very perceptively asked, "?De donde es usted?" - my accent gave it away. I told him that I was from the US. He said in Spanish "Oh, you mean Los Angeles?" - they have stereotypes of us too!
Security: As we were walking down the street I noticed a guard with a machine gun. He was guarding a Coke truck. A machine gun to be sure that no one stole soda???!!!! We passed by a car dealership - guys with machine guns, almost every delivery truck had guys with machine guns. In front of the large Mexican flag at the beach - a guy with a machine gun. We were told not to look any of them in the eye.... so I definitely did not take a picture!
Safety: They do not seem to worry about their personal safety or that of their children. We saw many a baby sitting in an adult's lap in the front seat of a car. Minivans speeding down the street with the sliding door open so that more people could fit inside. We rode to church in a small bus (for about 20 passengers) they insisted that the Americans sat in the seats, and the children stood in the aisle and by the open door at the front. Unsafe buildings, no right of way for pedestrians, even children, If you cross the street, be ready to run, and every man for himself.
Beauty: I did not know that mountains and ocean could meet!
The first picture is our view from about a block from the orphanage. The second is on our way to the airport, our driver pulled over for us to take pictures. The water to the right is the Acapulco Bay the water to the left is the Pacific Ocean. Did you know that you can be on the Pacific Coast and in the Central Time Zone?
More info to come.... but our whole team wants to go back!!!!!you'll understand better as you learn more about our trip!
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