March—April 2010
I spent the better part of March with no car due to having to wait on car parts to be ordered. The rotors on my differential were going out so I didn’t want to wait until it did go out and did major damage. The original estimate was about $900 USD, but thankfully I have an honest and very competent mechanic and the price was no where near that amount after all.
During the time I was car “less” I made great use of public transportation. The first week I did Bible Club sans the car I called up my co-workers who were Stateside at the time to find out what buses to take. I knew how to get from my apt to church but not how to get from my apt to the house of the kids I pick up for club and then onto church (via public transportation). With instructions, money, comfortable shoes and my bag of goodies for Bible Club in hand, I set out. It was quite the adventure. I took a taxi from my apt to the bus stop, a bus to the first stop where I got off and then caught a VW Van; otherwise known as a combi to the next stop, from there I had a choice of a taxi or walking. I didn’t see a taxi and didn’t want to be late so I hoofed it (it’s only about a mile), picked up the kids, flagged a taxi down and on we went to Bible Club. Bible Club went really well!
The trip home was a little more challenging, again I knew how to get home but not how to make the trek to drop off kids (I’m familiar driving it but knowing when to get off and change buses is something else completely). Oh yeah and knowing which combi to get on is half the battle. I asked the kids and they gave me a few options so I finally just asked one of the drivers telling him where we wanted to go. I was depending on 3 kids ages 9-10 to know how to get us home, it was fun. After some debate amongst the kids they finally decided where to get off, we walked through a market, which brought us out to the bicitaxi stop. I hired 2 bicycle taxis to get us to our next stop and from there we walked to the kids’ homes. Next I caught a taxi to my bus stop, caught a bus, and finally the last taxi. I think at some point I posted to Facebook that the only thing lacking was the donkey ride. It really is possible to live without a car. you just have to be really patient and not be afraid of being out of your comfort zone. The subsequent weeks the kids’ mom brought them up and I stayed the weekends with my co-workers’ to save some money.
The no electricity incident lasted 3 days, there was a problem with our connection at the pole. Me and my cold stuff packed up and spent the time at my co-workers’ home. I got to go back home on Sunday with my cold things. I have to laugh as I write this because while it can be a little stressful, you just HAVE to find the humor in dragging your cold things, teaching materials and clothes for the weekend back and forth. I’ve actually gotten quite good at packing for the weekend!
So about the opportunities for ministry, that’s been great. Bible Club is growing so much, we’ve had to split up the kids (by age) to best be able to minister to them. We’ve been averaging 30 kids on Saturdays. On Sundays our kids attendance had dropped but two things happened, 1. I got to do some discipleship of our church kids and 2. One Sunday a group of about 6 kids walked in the front door and have been coming faithfully ever since. Johann and I both looked at each other wondering where they’d come from (neither of us knew) but we were excited. Last week we worked on Mothers’ Day Crafts in Bible Club and Sunday School (we have many who come to Bible Club but aren’t allowed to come to SS), even the teen boys got in on the craft making.
We’ve also begun our Ladies Bible Studies again which is always such a blessing. Johann and I rotate in teaching on Tuesdays, we’re currently studying the women of the Bible. I have the privilege of picking up three ladies for the Bible Study. One attends our church, the other two do not attend. Pray please for all the ladies that come several still are not saved, one in particular has come to Bible Studies off and on for the past 3+ years, has heard the clear presentation of the Gospel but still has not received the Lord as her Savior. Please Pray for Mari she desperately needs the Lord but resists him.
As a prayer request, I’ve been asked to do a basic teacher training for some of the ladies who attend churches of my fellow missionaries in the area. The training will be on May 15th and will be for 3 Saturdays. Most of these ladies have never taught and usually are a little intimidated by the prospect. Pray that I present exactly what they need and that they will be excited by the opportunity to serve.
The Lord is blessing and working in the lives of the people here in Mexico City, I thank Him daily for the continued opportunities to serve and the many like you who have a part in those lives that are changed.
