MOTHERS DAY SERENADE

Pastor Gerardo serenaded mothers gathered for the fiesta.

A Mothers Day fiesta was held at the home of Norma and Gil on a hot and windy Saturday evening.  There were about 40 who came to the little yard to share a meal, visit and observe the important occasion.  Here are some highlights from that party:

First of all, the phrase "dark thirty" is one we've heard for years in Mexico, long before there was a popular movie by that name.  No matter what time an event is scheduled, people don't start arriving until about half past sunset.  This time was no exception, and in addition we ended up literally in the dark!  The electricity was off in the whole neighborhood!

The setting sun brightened the small yard where we met.

Pastor Gerardo spoke a few words about the difference between a strong woman and a woman of strength, a woman who concentrates on her spiritual life and her walk with God.  Then he picked up his guitar and serenaded us all.

Lloyd had a gift for each woman present, a fancy black folding fan that could be carried in a purse.  It was something they could all use during the hot days to come.

There were 17 women present, plus all their children and a few men.

During this time some of the men began grilling chicken over charcoal fires.  Smoke quickly funneled down the driveway and enveloped our meeting place.  When the bright sun slipped down behind the buildings to our west, darkness descended within minutes. But the children still played and it didn't stop the women from starting to serve the food.  We literally ate by faith and not by sight!  There wasn't a lamp, a candle or even a flashlight to illuminate the plates in front of us on the long table.  But no difficulty or hardship was going to dampen this party!

Paola was one of the youngest mothers present.

We were served menudo to start with and then grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, pico de gallo, tortillas and coolaid.  We finished with slices of chocolate cake with creamy icing.  

This little girl, hot and tired, was comforted by her mother.

It was a great fiesta and one we'll long remember.  It was held almost totally in the dark in a very small space filled with people and covered with smoke.  That was our Mothers Day celebration in Mexico.

Beautiful personalized name tags were pinned on each lady.

A strong woman exercises all day to keep her body in shape,

but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in good condition.

The strong woman is afraid of nothing,

but the woman of strength has the fear of God.

The strong woman does not let anyone get the best of her,

but a woman of strength gives her best to everyone else.

The strong woman walks with confidence,

but a woman of strength knows where her steps are directed.

The strong woman wears the vestments of confidence,

but the woman of strength wears grace.

The strong woman knows that she is sufficiently strong for the day,

but a woman of strength has faith that she is sheltered in a very safe place.