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,