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.