FELIZ NAVIDAD!

A few people stayed late after a big Christmas dinner at the church.

Sunday December 23 was our annual Church Christmas party and dinner at the church in Nuevo Progreso.

People were late arriving, but little by little they began to trickle in and there was a nice group there finally. A visitor from the nearest neighborhood came, carrying his Bible. His name was José. Also our long time friend Reyna visited again with half a dozen grandbabies and 2 daughters. Reyna and Francisco had 13 children who are all grown with children of their own.

Chicken chipotle was served along with rice, spaghetti and chicken mole. 

After songs and a Christmas message we pulled tables together for a fiesta. Even though there was a lot of food, there wasn’t much left over later. In Mexico they don’t have potluck like we do in the United States. All the food is taken into the kitchen where helpers spoon out food onto plates and deliver them to the people.

We blessed Pastor Zabdi with a few Christmas presents after things quieted down. He was really happy and it was obvious he had a great time.

After the Christmas message, the people were invited to the altar for special prayer.

Everyone was happy and feeling the presence of God. The kids gathered up all the wrapping paper and took it home with them. There were shouts of “Feliz Navidad!” as people drifted away down the lane into the night.

Rain had been in the forecast, but when we drove home the moon was full and the night was still and mild. Even though we were weary, we were content.  Pastor Zabdi had reminded us of the First Christmas and later the kids sang Jingle Bells and other songs with motions.  We were all as young and happy as children that night celebrating the Birth of Jesus, Savior and Prince of Peace.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

MY HOUSE IS YOUR HOUSE

Peaceful night in Nuevo Progreso.

There was a parade that night on the main street of Nuevo Progreso. It was a “Vision of Guadalupe” parade, a procession of dancers, bands and people carrying the image of Mary. This was a special event for Mexico. The parade clogged traffic causing us to have to take another road to the church for our weekly English class and Wednesday night Bible study.

But first we stopped at the military post at the bridge and gave the soldiers a case of spicy popcorn. That was our Christmas blessing to them. Those soldiers are young men who are away from home and in danger. Every year Lloyd and I express our appreciation and pray for them.

Pastor Zabdi had hung Christmas lights and they made a soft glow in the room.  We stayed seated around a long table while he got out his guitar for worship. Then he gave a short sermon that was very encouraging. During that time I had a sharp awareness of where we were and what was happening. There was such a flow of peace and contentment. Pelon, the church dog, got between us on the floor and fell asleep. The guitar music was gentle, the lights were cheery and there was a soft breeze blowing through the open doors and windows. We were surrounded by friends.

Somehow through time we have become deeply steeped in the lives of people in Mexico, and we are now included as part of the group. It’s hard to understand how we got to this place and why we feel so much at home. A common saying in Mexico is: “My house is your house!” Maybe that sincere saying is more powerful than we realize!

My House is Your House

"And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

FRANCISCO, REYNA AND THE RIVER

Reyna with one of her grandchildren years ago.

Another unusual night at the church. We were praying something would happen.  It was dark and Pelon was barking more than usual. Lloyd went outside to see what was wrong. A couple was in the lane coming to the service, and they looked familiar. We recognized the man, but the woman didn’t look like the wife we knew. Lloyd invited them in and they sat in the seats across from me.

I recognized our old friend Francisco, but surely that was not his wife Reyna (Queen). Reyna had dark soft curly hair and was always beaming and smiling. This woman had gray hair drawn back in a knot and she was solemn looking. But it had to be her,  I walked over and reached out my hands to her.  It was Reyna! We’ve known Francisco and Reyna over 20 years but hadn’t seen them in more than 5 years. They had 13 children. Later 2 of their sons drowned in the Rio Grande River trying to cross over to the United States. That caused them to move to another town farther away from the tempting river crossing.

Reyna and I stood with arms around each other for the longest time. I was overwhelmed at seeing her and so glad. Now they live a stone’s throw away from church. I stayed with her, held her hand, and then asked her what she needed. She told me her son is gravely ill and he’s on the other side of the river. She was burdened with sadness and dispair. Pastor Zab prayed with her too and urged her to keep her faith.

We had coffee and cookies after church and they stayed and visited with the small group in attendance. We urged them to come back, they need blankets and food.  This is a needy family, but they always took good care of their children. Francisco now works in the fields and his hands are so rough and calloused.  He has a ready grin, is tall, thin and rough looking.

Reyna, like her name, was always regal and in command. She helped when we’d have give-away projects. She knew what we wanted and was valuable to us. Her dark hair was always soft and cut close to her head in a becoming way.

Their arrival made the night very special for us.  Later they left the church walking up the lane together in the darkness.

Francisco and Reyna the last time we saw them several years ago.

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:34-35

SPEAK ENGLISH, PLEASE

Pastor Zabdi, Monica, Kimberly and Acuzena in our first English class of the season.

First English class of the season. Since Nuevo Progreso is a tourist city, learning English is a good thing for the people. And while teaching English, we are learning a lot more Spanish! We learned something new in this class - peanuts are called cacahuates if they are in the shell. But peanuts without the shell are sometimes called cacahuates pelones, bald peanuts! And popcorn is called palomitas, little white doves. We munched palomitas and cacahuates pelones while we studied English together!

"The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge."  Proverbs 18:15