Here is a sampling of our day:

Categories: Mx08
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Here’s what happened: After lunch, some of the kids were running about the playground, doing what kids like to do. So, to be funny, I picked up a rock, hid it in my hand, and approached a kid who was looking around, doing nothing in particular. In Spanish, I asked him if he wanted a gift. He replied, “Si’”. I held out my hand and said (In Spanish) “Here, a gift for you.” I dropped the rock into his hands and watched as he began to smile and laugh. I tried it (as did he) on some of the other kids, and they all had the same reaction. So, from there they did it to anyone who walked by.

Categories: Mx08
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Yesterday we got to visit the market in Jaurez… It was crazy but lots of fun! (I especially liked bartering with the vendors in Spanglish…..and, yes, I got great deals….)

Meanwhile, back at the ranch….( ^_^ )

Today, part of my group helped another church group here to paint the fence that borders the property… Some of the kids had come over to watch us, and they LOVE to tease me and the rest of our group… One ADORABLE little girl, Lorena, brought me flowers…again….and again….and again…. ^_^

All the kids are great (for the most part… ^_^) They love to use us as walking jungle gyms…  The “language barrier” really isn’t too much of a problem. Somehow we’ve found a way to communicate well enough to enjoy each other.

This is an INCREDIBLE experience, and I can’t wait to see what God has planned for the next week!!!

Categories: Mx08
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We had a game of street basketball this evening with girls vs boys. The girls crushed us. It was kinda embarrassing. The girls are calling Mikey Robinson “Jackie Chan”. It’s all loads of fun. I can hardly believe we get to do this…

Categories: Mx08
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Yesterday, we enjoyed church at the Ranch, and then a trip to the Market in Juarez, where many people bought junk fabulous stuff. Some pictures here of dorm life, too. Today our work really begins. About 30 or so of us will head into Juarez to work on the Mexican PC apartments. The rest of us will stay behind to work on a construction project here at the Ranch and to have a kind of kids’ camp while Mark teaches the staff. Thanks for praying for us!

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After our layover in Chicago and a short stop in Austin, we arrived safely in El Paso.

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We made it to Chicago Midway (9:00am local). We leave here at 11:50, stop in Austin, TX, and then on to El Paso. Here’s what has happened so far:

Categories: Mx08
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Three things to tell you:

1. Don’t forget to arrive at Dulles NO LATER THAN 5:30a.m.  Terri will be there with your tickets at 5am in front of the Southwest counter.
2. Mexico doesn’t start Daylight Savings Time at the same time as us.  During our stay, we will be three hours behind Virginia.
3. I just talked to Mr. Helms, who is already in Mexico buying supplies for us.  He wanted me to remind you that it is fairly chilly at night (come prepared) and please a long-sleeve tshirt in case you get assigned to the team that is hanging insulation.

See you tomorrow morning!

Categories: five15 blog
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Please pray for us as we prepare to leave for Mexico in two days! Here are some ways to pray:

• That our preparations would come together smoothly and peacefully
• For God’s protection as we travel to and from Mexico and as we work there.
• That we would not sin while in Mexico!
• That our example and our words would help advance the gospel at Rancho 3M.
• That we would be of service and a help to Dean and the Ranch
• That we would experience the grace, presence, and pleasure of God in preparation for and during the trip.

For those of you who are coming, leave specific prayer requests on the comments page if you like.

Categories: Mx08
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I have a tradition: I never shave my face in Mexico.  The best way to start the Mexico beard is to go tabula rasa.

Enjoy it while it lasts; the scruff is on the way.

Categories: Mx08
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