Flag Day at RIN - 2011

 Today we drove to Reynosa, Mexico for a flag day presentation at Refugio Internacional de Ninos (RIN). Five of us went over in a CHI van, through the Hidalgo bridge, as we were bringing things to the refuge that we probably would be stopped and turned back at the newer closer bridge. This gave us a chance to drive through Reynosa and perhaps my 15th try to get a picture of a garbage vehicle that are prevalent there. It is much harder than it seems- with luck one day I may be able to post it.

a typical street in Reynosa


As we arrived at the refuge, we saw the children lining up, ready to march with their flags to the auditorium when the program which honors many countries by displaying their flags was ready to begin. This celebration is held every year, with great excitement, especially for the younger children. This year one of the girls we sponsor, Lupe, was selected carry the Mexican flag, a huge honor. After the ceremony, the children marched back to the school, where they were excused for the day. Paty and Lupe immediately found us, invited us to their Casa to meet their new Tia. With their limited English and my halting Spanish, we were able to communicate fairly well!!! I need to keep adding words to my vocabulary and practice, even if I get laughed at ( just in fun, of course). The time was flying by, as we were getting ready to head back across the border, but the girls wanted us to see their photo albums, especially pictures of their families, living in Reynosa, Soon we had to leave, with hugs and promises of Hasta Luego!!!

school principal, Teacher Gloria and her husband

opening ceremony, with Lupe carrying the Mexican flag, and Paty calling cadence

some of the children, holding up their flags

more children and flags

some of the countries were represented by costume

the children then went outside for more marching and pictures

 a beautiful windy day in Reynosa

Lupe, posing for the camera

not to be outdone, sister Paty also posed


I have been working a few more days at the resale shop in Pharr, where the CHI office is. It is great fun, as I get to practice my Spanish, meet new people, and hopefully evangelize . Last week I met a very soft spoken minister/missionary with a vision of world peace. We are getting ready for a huge yard sale - prices are usually 50 cents on most items as well as putting out Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas items. We had some wonderful donations from people in our park, as well as a TV from our activity director. All of these items will be sold in the resale shop (except for the TV, which will go to the refuge), with the proceeds will go to help support the children. I will only work one day a week starting next week, as we are patiently awaiting the arrival of Chaplain Dennis and Sally Maloney tomorrow (hooray) and then I will be involved in church activities. Fred will continue to work 3 or more days a week, and we will begin Bible study and prayer time at the CHI office building. The rest of my time will be involved in the Church at Alamo Rec Veh. It seems that we are very busy, but doing the work of the Lord is not tiring at all.


Sunday we attended a church in Alamo with Chaplain Jack and Karen Gregory, who are chaplains at Alamo Rose RV Park. A wonderful, peaceful Sunday with fellow Christians is  is always so relaxing.





CHI Fundraiser

Last Saturday we were invited to a golf tournament in order to raise funds for CHI. This tournament, sponsored by the Palmview Golf Course in McAllen Texas, invited the Reynosa Asociacion de Maquiladoras Y Manufactureras A. C., a group of people representing the manufacturing/production firms and warehouses lining the border in Mexico, many of them being American companies., The entry fee was $75.00 per person, with all of the proceeds going to children’s homes such as CHI. There were over 175 entered, with the prize of a new Dodge Challenger if anyone hit a hole in one on the 8^th hole.

sign encouraging golfer to hit a hole in one

first team getting ready

a team and tournament sponsors ( in orange)



a team heading to the 8th hole after teeing off

  There were two of us couples representing CHI – we set up on the 8^th hole, us two women going around to each team as they arrived at the tee off area, explaining the mission of CHI and asking for donations. The men were at the 8^th hole itself, being spotters to verify it was a hole in one.

Leila and Succo Garza  -the wife of our interpreter, Marco, who helped us tremendously

Fred and Larry Brown
 at the 8th hole - hmm - thought they were supposed to watch the hole!

USA Dry Van - a manufacturer in Reynosa, who graciously provided free chicken and fajita beef tacos
and beans

Needless to say, no one won the car, but there were fabulous prizes – plane fare for 2 to anywhere that Southwest Airline flies, many large gift certificates, etc. We met some very wonderful people, as visited with them – although most were Hispanic!!! Luckily we had an interpreter with us.  We could speak a small amount of Spanish (which I intend to study more this year), and some spoke English as well. They were all so very generous in their donations, and we made many good contacts for future events and fund raisers.

a generous donor

We also met a wonderful lady, the president of the Maquila Woman Association – the wives of the manufacturers, who live on the US side of the border with their families. She wants us give to a presentation for CHI, and also is very interested in our CRM’s women’s retreat, God’s Worthy Women, this year focusing on women’s place in missions. It is amazing how the Lord works:  is He speaking to us???  We chose this theme earlier (Willing Hearts), which absolutely coincides with our minister's wife, Lynda Eubanks'  mission trip to Cambodia  and her love of missions, encouraging all of us to get involved!! 

It was a beautiful day, with many new “friends” and lots of donations. One gentleman won a 50/50 drawing and turned all the proceeds over to CHI. Praise the Lord – He works beyond our expectations when we put our trust in Him. We received over $1100 in donations that day

Susan Brown and Andrew Hettinger - who turned all of his winnings over to CHI

Many of our winter friends are returning to Valley - our street is almost all filled up!!! It is so fun to see them all coming "Home" for the winter. Please pray for safe travels, with God granting travel mercies to all of those heading this way. We also pray for the families of those who are not returning do to deaths in the family, especially the family of Bob Fleck, who was such a faithful and wonderful servant of the Lord. He was welcomed into the Lord's arms last week as he quietly slept.

We continue to serve God in our daily lives, listening to His words and trying to follow His path for us. We don't always know or understand where He is leading us, but do know that through the grace of His Son, Jesus Christ, we know where we will finally be!

Reynosa, Mexico

Last Thursday was our first visit to CHI's refuge in Reynosa, Mexico ( Refugio International de Ninos). Betsy Chacon (the director) gave us specific guidelines for this trip. Usually, we when get there, the children come running to see us, especially since this is our first trip since spring. As the children were finishing their last day of vacation Bible school, presented by an amazing TEAM from Lincolnton, NC. who had been there all week, it was very important for them to stay in class. We arrived in time to unload the food for the luncheon, and sit and wait, wait, wait, for the kids to finish class. Soon we heard the voices of excited children as they left the auditorium and headed for the cafeteria for a special luncheon of hot dogs (complete with jalapenos, of course), spicy Cheetos, and a special treat, ice cream. Soon the two girls we sponsor came into view. As they walked towards us, Paty was the first one to spot me - she looked and I could see the recognition in her eyes, as she smiled and ran towards us for hugs - soon to be followed by Lupe, whose beautiful smile lit up the afternoon. Paty is more reserved of the two, but shares her love with us both very regally - Lupe is more outgoing and and is so enthusiastic about sharing her love. It was certainly wonderful to see them again - Paty remaining very ladylike and much the same as last year. Lupe has grown taller (taller now than her older sister Paty), and full of energy.

one of the vans used to transport people for tours of  RIN in Reynosa

two of the casas where the children live with houseparents ( Tias and Tios)

one of the casas in the process of rennovation - the couches were donations

the tiles in one of the bathrooms in the casa

the new school addition, built by funds raised by CRM parks in the Valley

the TEAM  from Hulls Grove Baptist Church in Lincolnton, NC who gave of their time to serve

The award ceremony was first, as each child received various awards for their attendance in vacation Bible school. Each child was presented with gifts from the TEAM,  as they waited excitedly for lunch to begin. One of our volunteers, Jessie Curtsinger, began with prayer, as the rest of us dished up and handed out hot dogs and chips. Maria, the very wonderful and loyal cook for RIN had grilled them all earlier and was keeping them hot on a roaster. Soon the mound of meat was distributed, and the kids were adding their own special flavors - onions, mustard, jalapenos, tomatoes, mayonnaise (yes, you heard right ) and a very few used the ketchup. I opted out of the mayonnaise, but filled my bun to overflowing with all the rest. It got fairly quiet for awhile, until it was time for the ice cream. 4 of us couldn't keep up serving cups of this treat - the kids do not get it often. After cleaning up, taking time to visit , it was soon time to say good bye until another day. The Team was also leaving the following day, back to NC, after a week of serving the Lord in Reynosa. They passed out suckers to the kids - mango flavored rolled in chili peppers. Sounds awful - but I was courageous and tried one, and then two. They are really very good - and the kids love them.

a team members handing out gifts

Lupe (Maria Guadalupe) with one of her gifts

Paty ( Patricia Carolina ) with some of her gifts

hot dogs - hot and ready to go

Maria, eagerly awaiting the children to claim their lunch

Director, Betsy Chacon, and Jessie Curtsinger, administering the prayer for the food

no time to talk

a game the boys play with bottle caps - they throw the cap at an opponets cap to flip it over - if it does, the thrower claims the additional cap - they have very original ways of throwing the cap!

enjoying the chili mango suckers

We are often asked if we are afraid to go to Reynosa, where there is trouble with the drug cartel and the Mexican police. The trouble is no better, nor worse than last year. We have never had any problems - we ask for God's grace and protection when we leave the states, and when we return, we do not not forget to give Him thanks for safety when we arrive back at the CHI office. It is not that I do not worry, but I put it all in His hands and rely on His promises.

As our chaplain is not here yet, we went to a church service at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan de Valle National Shrine in San Juan, just a very short drive from our park . It is a very beautiful, Catholic service but the message is the same.  The music is presented by a mariachi band and is so fitting for the area. The sermon is very much like other churches, even instructing us to read the Bible. We were told to read Revelation, chapter 21 this week. The priest told us to make sure we read it, as that would be his first question when we arrived at the Pearly Gates - "Did you read Revelation, chapter 21?".  I observed a huge lesson in humility as an older gentleman "walked" down the aisle on his knees, arms raised in worship, knelt before the altar, prayed to our Lord, then quietly rose and walk back down the aisle!!!

The weather here is warm, hot some days, but today I have the door open and no a/c on - Fred is at  the CHI office in Pharr, helping in some aspect. Tomorrow is my day to work at the resale shop, reconnecting with all the reliable customers. We both want our service to be for God's glory, and none for ourselves. Our home church in Arkansas has this theme :"Love God, love others, serve others". This also is our personal goal,

Rain in Texas

We left Arkansas last Wednesday headed for our winter home in Alamo, Texas. I was sad to leave the beautiful mountainous area where we live in the summer - the rolling hills (called mountains by the locals, and every one of them named). The area we live in is in sort of a valley,surrounded by this magnificent scenery.

the rolling hills of NW Arkansas

We knew it was time to head South, as fall was in the air, and Children's Haven was calling. Our time in Arkansas seemed short, but the Haven needs volunteers and chaplains, as the summer workers have finished for the year and us winter Texans are all due to arrive.  Children's Haven office and resale shop runs entirely on volunteer work, and the summer crew is overwhelmed with work, due to the skeleton staff. We are a welcome relief to them as well as being excited about resuming Bible studies and prayer time. This year we may do a study from a study booklet - perhaps Corinthians  I & II.  But when we get organized, we will decide as a group what we want to do. Pray that God leads us to the perfect study, as he did last year.

The hay is baled - fall is indeed in  the air

As we traveled South, we marveled at the beautiful landscape, the wonderful traveling weather, and seeing all of God's creation around us. It was not long before we left Arkansas behind and wove our way through Oklahoma.

OOOklahoma, where beauty abounds

Eastern Oklahoma vistas

It did not take long to arrive in Texas, but as usual, I forgot that the sun rose and the sun set, and we would be in Texas yet and not to our destination.

Welcome to the Lone Star State

A very dry, parched land

One of the many burned areas of Texas. There were numerous large and small areas all along the way which showed signs of fire.

Whataburger - YES - we are in Texas

Before even heading to Alamo Rec, we stopped at Children's Haven to deliver some donation checks and say hi to everyone. Their first question was "when are you coming in to work?". I'm sure it was said jokingly, but I could see the desperation in their eyes!!! We needed a few days to get settled and re-oriented again, but promised them we would be in very soon. Of course, the director, Betsy Chacon, gave us our first assignment - to try to find a hall for a benefit councert.

"Home" at last. we give praise and glory to God for our safe travels, and pray that He grant travel mercies to all who will be heading this way soon.

"You who ride on white donkeys, you who sit on rich carpets, and you who travel on the road, sing". Judges 4:10. Sing God's praises as you travel.

The day after we arrived in Alamo, the rain began - it poured for quite a while bringing much need moisture to the parched area. We give thanks to God, acknowledging Him as a source of all blessings.