Peru? Really?

This was the response I got from the members of the One in Christ church when I visited them on Sunday.  We hadn’t mentioned that Keila was off in Africa and Kiana was off in Peru, both on short-term missions to serve.  I did get word from all three this weekend.  Thanks for your prayers as each does their part to help God’s kingdom to grow.  Here’s a pic Tracey sent me from the coast of Lima.

Notice the hang glider in the background?

A much needed visit

Pastor Manuel Vivanco, pastor of the mother church, joined our church for its service on Sunday.  He shared a much-needed message of interest and of discipline.  He came to motivate us to seek God’s best for our lives.  His sermon was on the different levels of financial commitment in the church.  I think many have know about some of these levels, but Manuel’s reiteration solidified their beliefs. 

Church outside of our services

On Saturday, some elementary school students in our church invited me to their “banda de guerra" presentation (marching band).  While it has less to do with marching and more to do with the disciplines of playing, the group was made up of drums and trumpets only.  They did a great job of playing together.  Here are some pics of the ones who participated.

Coming back… to fun

Tracey and Kiana were only back for a week before they had to ship out again for Kiana’s short-term mission trip to Lima, Peru.  The youth put together a going-away party for her, filled with food, games and lots of laughs.  They served Kiana’s favorite Mexican dish.  Kiana and Tracey will be back near the beginning of July.

Coming back… to Mexico

Kiana's Pic

While flying into Mexico City, Kiana took this pic.  It was almost midnight and she used my old Olympus camera 3.2 MP.  It’s amazing and breath taking to see where we live and how big it all is.  I’m glad to be back.  But it’s back to work.

 Taken from internet

When we’re together…

God abundantly supplied when we flew up to California to see my mom.  She was in good health, in good spirits and keeping active in her daily routine.  While the time was short, we enjoyed her company and managed to take her out to eat along with the rest of my family.  May our time apart be even shorter this time.

When speaking in “tongues…”

I had to video tape the sermon at the Pentecost service in my home church.  It was inspiring and motivating to see my pastor preach in English while representatives of the Chinese and Hispanic churches translated to their congregations.  No high tech devices, just a time to share in our unity and our diversity in Christ.  Wow, something to consider for our congregation in Mexico!  (Here's just a sample of the video)

When? In Los Heroes…

Our family shared in my home church and our supporting church in California about the amazing work that God has been doing in Mexico.  We each took a few minutes to share some history and facts, future activities as well as some amazing stories about the congregation.  The church provided the desserts, the place and the interest.  We hope and pray that soon this church will send a team of adults to see the new congregation and encourage them (as they have in the past with their team of young people.)

When… you’re doing what’s right

Carluci Dos Santos, the director of the Latin America Mission in Canada came to Mexico for the first time to visit LAM Canada missionaries.  We happened to get on the list with Tracey being a member of LAM Canada.  He graciously accepted to preach in our church service.   

After the service I noticed that he was connecting with the men and praying for others.  On youth accepted Christ with him.  The young man is trying to get out of a local gang.

 

I enjoyed my conversation with Carluci on our way to staff meeting on Monday and appreciate his experiences and insights.  Blessings on your trip back to Canada, Carluci.

When… “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”

On Sunday we celebrated Father’s Day in the church with a very special treat.  When thinking of men, I thought about a gift.  A pen would make a useful tool or maybe a bookmark.  But when it came down to what was most enjoyed, we sprung for…

Can you guess?  This little one can give you a hint.

 

Yep, ice cream in a cone on a hot day.   

Does it get any better than this?   

The men were appreciative as were the youth, children and women.

When in Rome…

At my home church, the three ethnic congregation that meet in the building had a celebration time together for Pentecost.  The worship team was made up of Hispanics, Chinese and Anglos.  Frank, who was in charge, invited Kiana to play along with the different musicians.  What a joy to see her play!  Who would have thought that some 30 years later I would see my daughter playing where I once played.

Something MORE!

God sure did overdo it with Kiana.  Some friends of ours got tickets to take their own kids and Kiana to Disneyland on the weekend.  The last time she was there was when she was 2, so this time she was able to enjoy the rides and see all the wonders of Disney.

Something YUMMY!

Kiana and Maria prepared dessert for us.  Little did we know that Maria’s birthday is this month, so we sang to her and enjoyed a delicious cake.  Maria’s family has allowed us to crash at their home while we've been in the area.  

Something COOL!

Having some free time on our hands, Tracey and I went for a walk along the Carlsbad boardwalk.  It was enjoyable to stroll with the breeze in our faces on a relatively quiet beach.  Come next week, there probably won’t be much space seen on the sand as it’s invaded by summer vacation visitors.  I did manage to meet someone who was from Toronto, CA and presented Tracey to her.

Something WILD!

Kiana got an opportunity of a lifetime driving up with her cousin to an amusement park.  They went to Six Flags, also locally known as Magic Mountain.  They left late in the day, but surprisingly were able to get on all the rides that they wanted to.  They witnessed the last of Colossus as it will be closed down this fall.  It is the last wooden roller coasters in the park.  It just seemed like yesterday when they opened the attraction to the public.

On the water

On our way south we managed to see maneuvers at Camp Pendleton and this odd carrier parked off the coast.  The flat bed made it look like an aircraft carrier, but its configuration made me believe otherwise.  Got any idea?

Back to grass roots

Our friends were sure to make their voice known by voting on Tuesday’s California elections.  Some neighbors opened up their garage as a polling location which was exciting to witness.  May God continue to bless America.

and MORE of it…

Our friends took us over to a volleyball camp where we got to watch some first class players train a new generation of participants.  I didn’t catch all the names, but met and spoke to the captain of the women’s national team and olympic hopefuls for the USA.  The kids did great in learning some new techniques and disciplines.  And who says an OLD dog can’t learn new tricks?  (Even from a lawn chair?)

Getting some FRESH air

Our first day on the California coast, our friends took us out to the beach to rest and to set the stage for our time back.  It’s wonderful having friends who care so much about our comfort and our well-being.  Kiana lost no time heading into the surf.  And I got back into the swing of things playing a little beach volleyball.

Gone Fishing?

Our family took a short time away to gather some much needed rest using the excuse of visiting my mom in California.  We leave behind a talented and experienced team to handle the day to day activities of the congregation.  While stepping away, even for a short time, is not our heart-felt desire, I can see this as a strategy of God’s to prepare the way for greater opportunities and challenges that will face us in the weeks to come.  Still, we will be in contact with our family in Christ in Mexico.

Pizza Anyone?

After the evening service, the youth organized a going away party for Keila.  She’ll leave early  Thursday morning.  Tracey managed to buy some pizza while the youth played table games at our home.  I arrived a bit later to find the house filled with food, games and laughter.  What could I say?