Dear Friends,
We had a wonderful meeting with the two other families who are part of our Reynosa team. We can't tell you how excited we all are and everyone is eager to see how God will work -- to bountifully bless a family (perhaps even two) and the missionaries who work full-time with these people.
Our trip dates have been set and they are a little later than originally planned, to allow for better weather and to accommodate the mission's schedule. We will be leaving March 24, arrive at the mission the evening of the 25th, and be there all week (through Friday, I think).
We were told about the woman they built a house for last year. She had graciously cooked the workers a meal of bean soup, having only three Kool-Aid powder container lids in which to serve. She was so embarrassed to only be able to serve three workers at a time and then have to wash the lids and spoons to serve three more. And she assured them that she used bottled water to make the soup.
One of the final things done by the work team is to "kick the family out of the house" and to set it up before the final "unveiling." The house might be furnished with plastic patio furniture, new mattresses and linens, window coverings, and other items. This woman was in tears as she was surprised with a shelf full of real plates and cups and bowls.
You can see water containers in the background here. photo credit: Bruce & Paula Hepburn
And did you know that the citizens of Reynosa have no running water? The government has supplied them with containers that they come and fill with water, but water is only delivered approximately once a month, or sometimes less. So Bruce and Paula (the missionaries) deliver water as they are able.
The things we take for granted, that we assume are basic necessities (and almost our "right" to have) are in short supply in Mexico. Imagine running out of drinkable water. Imagine not having enough plates to feed even your family of four.
Our children will be going through their toys in anticipation of packing up boxes of extras to give as gifts to the sweet children in Reynosa. And we'll be bagging up extra towels and blankets and clothing items. If you have extra clothing, blankets, household items, towels, or anything useful, we would be more than pleased to take these with us to distribute.
God is blessing a family (or two) in Mexico through the donations you are sending. We are amazed at God's goodness. We still have quite a way to go and would love to be able to exceed our goal and build two houses or to purchase extra supplies for the warehouse.
Bruce and Paula (Mexico Missions) have updated their blog with a wonderful post last week: The Yes Gets Blessed. Wonderful things happen when we say YES. Will you say YES with us?
Just take some time to go through their blog and see all the wonderful work they are doing.
Please continue to pray. We are not quite half way to our goal. Passports have been ordered and we are awaiting their arrival. (That's a story for another post!) The missionaries need a check about a month prior to our arrival to purchase building supplies and get the foundation laid before we arrive.
Thank you,
Barb
No comments:
Post a Comment