Warehouse Thurs., 7 p.m.

Parkside Sun., 9:45 a.m.

Mexico: Day 3

All is well here in Oaxaca as we continue to trust in God’s sovereignty.  We were not able to fly out to Amoltepec and the village today as a result of a “tropical depression” off the coast of Mexico.  No worries though, we will rejoice and praise God that He has a better plan for us than whatever we had in mind.  Apparantly Oaxacans would be hard pressed to see ten days without sun; of course it is providence!  Mr. Ross (Mike) said something along these lines as we drove back home with an air of despondency, “Well, many of our brothers and sisters are praying for us, we have been praying, and God didn’t just forget about us!”  That really struck me and my disappointment and reminded me that there is a plan!  Turns out, the day was not a waste at all.  Edgar planted a church not too far away only two weeks ago and he received a building to use rent-free from a non-christian!  What provision!  It reminds me of the donkey and the colt in Matthew 21, how God always provides for His perfect plan.   So, God provided work for us today: painting the inside  and outside of the building, previously an old car shop.  We had a great time, and a not so great bathroom (you had to carry a bucket of water up two flights of stairs to be able to flush).  Originally, there was graffiti on the outside of the shop, so it was nice to see a clean, white front to the face of the newborn church.  Next to the building was an empty lot full of trash, on the other side was a fence made of corrugated metal.  “The light shines in the darkness…” (John 1:5).  As you can imagine, when you stick a bunch of teenagers in a room with lots of paint, things can get a little messy.  My once blue jeans now look like they’re acid-washed from the nineties with a smidge of orange from the anamarillos we had for lunch, basically chicken and spices and a sauce wrapped in a tortilla.  I made a mess.  My hands and face were covered in the sauce so I just decided to dive in, and wipe my hands on my jeans when I finished.  After we finished painting most of what we could (we need to paint a green stripe around the bottom and put another coat of white over some parts), we were taken over to a Christian orphanage.  The children were adorable! They have a different way of operating the orphanage, here they are a family, una familia grande, and thus claim responsibility for their family until the children graduate from university.  No adoptions, thank you very much.  I think it’s a great idea and something we should capitalize on here.  Los niños love being picked up (”mas fuerte!”) and pushed (mas alto!”) and their pictures taken (”a ver, a ver!”).  Edgar gave us the grand tour but our favorite part was playing on their AWESOME playground.  It was great.  I made the mistake of thinking I could do upside down crunches on a hanging bar, but ended up falling about a foot on my head (I’m OK!).  After this, John, Kyle, Chase, Amos (our new friend and brand new MAF pilot) and I decided to go on an excursion for a cultrual experience and take the public transportation route back to Oaxaca, about an hour (mas o menos) by bus.  I’m sure the jovial gringos covered in whitewash deserved the stares we got!  After getting off of the bus, we walked about a mile home, showered, and enjoyed the Ross’s always lovely hospitality, including some good ol’ American burgers.  We’re gathered around their living room right now, enjoying each others company and currently comparing the weird things our limbs do, perhaps we are getting a little too comfortable with each other? And this is only day three!  Friends, please pray for the weather tomorrow, that the skies clear and that it doesn’t rain both here and at our destination.  We are all so adamantly awaiting to show our love to the people of Amoltepec.  It is a personal burden on my own heart, to show these people who have no word for “love”, “grace” or “faith” in their language what it means to us.  After hearing Edgar speak, I have strengthened and confirmed my aspirations to live my life completely in God’s service as a missionary in another culture, to live recklessly and without hope save for the love and wisdom of our Lord.  Please pray for the weather, I do so desire to fly out there!

Until next time…

-Hiram

7 Responses to “Mexico: Day 3”

1. Heidi Says:
   June 23rd, 2009 at 5:15 am

   We’re praying that you get to Almotopec! What an encouragement to read your blog Hiram as God made it very clear to you He had other plans for the team yesterday. God will do amazing things with a heart and life surrendered to Him.

2. Evelyn House Says:
   June 23rd, 2009 at 7:29 am

   Hi Sarah: Grampa and I are thinking and praying for you all. This is Tues. morning and I just went on line to check the latest news. I will be praying that the weather clears and you can make the trip to Amoltepec. Weather has been beautiful here. It will be in the 80’s most of the week with showers on Thurs. Love you, Gram

3. Robert Pelletier Says:
   June 23rd, 2009 at 7:56 am

   When I heard that the flight had been wisely grounded by Mr. Ross, God’s plans had been put into motion for the day that Hiram described. Our prayers are for the team to further develop a heart for the lost, whether at home or abroad. We are also praying for your three fantastic leaders. And yes, we miss our Sarah too! The house isn’t the same without her.

4. Kelly and Mrs. F Says:
   June 23rd, 2009 at 11:09 am

   We hope you all are doing well, we’re praying for each of you! Have fun and don’t get eaten by any giant spiders, hehe! See you all soon!
   Love, Kelly and mom

5. Robert & Carol Butts Says:
   June 23rd, 2009 at 3:08 pm

   Hiram, What an awesome update. I could almost feel the fun of painting the building and diving into the food. We are thankful for the way God is working in your heart and the hearts of others. What an awesome God we serve. Keep your focus on Him in everything you do for His glory. Praying for the whole team. Love to Abby and all.

6. Tammy Johannes Says:
   June 23rd, 2009 at 5:28 pm

   Hi Kyle, It sounds like you guys really had a fun doing something that may have been simple but very pleasing to the Lord. I truly hope and pray that you will be able to fly into the Mountains tomorrow. I know you all want that experience. I am praying that God will change each one of you in a drastic way this week. That He would make is so very clear to each of you how you have changed and grown in Him. We do miss you and love you!

7. Shelly Wang Foster Says:
   June 23rd, 2009 at 10:29 pm

   Hi, Every one! Thanks for your entries (I just “discovered” this page, not too late). While praying for a good weather down there, I trust that God provides you team with visible/or invisible opportunities to demonstrate HIS love and passions to the lost ones through your work. What a privilege you are given! Keep up good work and cherish every moment with local people. Love from Clevelad.

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