Connected in Spirit

It took me a week to write about our trip because I had to process all that went on.  We had so many wonderful experiences and learned a lot in a short amount of time.  Overall, the trip connected us with people who serve God with their whole hearts and reminded us of the physical and spiritual poverty in our world.  The people who opened their homes to us are inspiring.

We ate with Uncle Paul, Sarah, Stella, and Colton in Tuscon, AZ.  It was great to see them!

After two airplane rides and a 9 hour bus ride, this was our first meal with Carlos and Celia's family at their home in Navojoa, Mexico.  

What wonderful hospitality!  Coca Cola all around.

This is the fence that Michael, Jedrek, and Slade built under the table where around 100 kids eat and learn about Jesus every Saturday at the Kid's Cafe Carlos David.  You can go to their Facebook page to see more pictures.

Jedrek, Slade, and Elena practiced and then sang at a church service.

Sulema, Elena, Blane and I painted the bathrooms.

Michael, Jedrek, and Slade built the bathroom roof at the Kid's Cafe.

Liv loved Sulema, Mireya, and Karla.  They made our trip so happy, when Liv was happy.

Mireya led the children in songs, games, a Bible Story, and a craft.  Then we served the food.

This is a man making bricks.  Amazing!  It was like stepping back in time.

The neighbors let us pick grapefruit off a tree in their backyard.  They welcomed us into their home.  We sat  on the back porch and tried to speak in broken Spanish.

Lots of fun riding around in the back of the pickup.  Usually Liv rode in the front with Carlos, Celia, and I.

This picture was taken after a wonderful meal of carne asada.  It was a meaningful meal where we all shared what the trip meant to us.  Carlos, Celia, and their family were so warm and generous to welcome us into their home.

This picture is taken by the walls of a new church, with the old church still inside.  There is no roof on the new structure.  They will build it when they have the money.  We met the pastor who works in the fields, but serves as pastor.  We prayed for the church.  God will build his church (people who follow Him) and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it.

Michael, Jedrek, and Slade built this pulpit for the church.  In the middle is a member of the congregation.  

After, another 9 hour bus ride, we stayed at the Cuirim House in Nogales, Mexico for one night.  

We visited with Mari, who we met on previous trips.  She continues to run a Kid's Cafe, works in the church and library, and ministers to the families.

We visited with Elena's friend who she met when she was three years old.  They are the same age.

Elisabeth shared with us how she helps the families in Nogales.  She is connected to people in Tucson who help to meet needs of the people who need physical needs met.

We ate with Michel and Mariella.  Michel is a pastor.  It was a treat to eat with them at their home.  

This pilot let Blane sit in the cockpit!  We were so thankful for a safe trip.  God blessed us every step of the way.  

Thank you for your prayers and financial support of our family.  Thank you, Brian Donohue of the Cuirim Outreach for your guidance and setting up the trip.  We feel so blessed to be able to see first hand what God is doing in these places of the world.

Notes of things to remember:

• Learn more Spanish!  Translators on the iPhone are great, but nothing beats hard work of learning a language.
• Be involved in Kingdom work where you are.
• We are rich in the United States.  The people picking the tomatoes, cucumbers, and fruit in Mexico are earning around $6 a day.  We met people, some of Celia's family, who still cook beans over the fire outside.  
• Live trusting God to meet our needs and provide.  Live for God's Kingdom.
• Even though someone may live far away, we can have an impact and be connected in Spirit.
• Carne Asada is delicious!