A/C Time

It is getting warmer here in S. Texas, so we have been running the a/c in the afternoon. We are lucky to have a nice breeze otherwise all day long. We have had some strong winds lately - so strong that my neighbor and good friend, Carole, came to my back door on Friday with my sheets in her hands, and said she was tired of picking them up off the ground. Thank you, Carole!

Last Monday, 4 of us Winter Texans along with CHI directors Betsy, Randall, and Malena took 22 children, plus some houseparents from RIN in Reynosa  to the beach in Matamoros, Mexico. These are the children that for some reason were not able to go home for the spring holiday. Betsy wanted to pack this day with fun activities for the children, and she certainly did so!!! We left around 7 PM from the Texas side of the border and drive to RIN in  Reynosa, then continued on to Matamoros on the gulf on the Mexican side.We finally returned back to Texas about 9:30 PM. Normally, we do not cross the border after dark, nor be out  in the Mexican cities, but it was deemed to be safe. It was a tiring day, but filled with fun and the knowledge that the children (as well as us adults) had a day to remember.

ready to to go in Reynosa - the children were very excited

Mexican director Malena showing off her beach pedi

our youngest child in her Disney swimsuit

in the van, anxious to leave

                                                            even the baby has a beach hat!!


The trip to Playa Bagdad at the beach was at least 2 hours, but we made a rest stop about halfway there, complete with snacks of Mexican Twinkies, a type of of delicious, Mexican  graham cracker, chocolate milk for the kids, and orange juice for adults. With that many children and adults, it was really called for. The children were so good on trip in our van, as Betsy kept them entertained with her driving!!! The Mexican roads are a bit bumpy in places, almost like a roller coaster ride, so the squeals from the back were fun to listen to. The children also serenaded us with Mexican children's songs and hymns  for awhile.

the manufacturers and warehouse along the border

huge sorghum fields on the way

we are making progress

Mexican toll road

one of the many beautiful homes we saw

we've arrived in Matamoros

the Mexican gas stations do not advertise the price of gas, because the government owns all of them and the price is the same at every one

a street in Reynosa

                                                       hmm - I think I have seen this before

fries anyone?

After arriving at our destination of Playa Bagdad, we proceeded to round up the kids, gather up all the beach bags, food, etc. and headed for the beach. The kids as well as adults were lathered up with sun screen and we adults received our instructions. If we chose to do so we were assigned to a child to be under our constant surveillance. Fred chose to sit under a palapa and be a general overseer - keeping watch on everyone. I was assigned to Angel, the youngest of the 4 brothers who recently came to the Haven. After becoming more acquainted with him, we proceeded out into the warm water, with him in my arms. He stared around, completely mesmerized by the water, waves, and other kids laughing and playing. He felt the water and smiled at me - all of a sudden a huge salty wave smacked him in the face. End of water time!!!! He was very content to sit on the shoreline after that, playing in the sand and letting the waves wash over his feet.

here at last

 getting sunscreened and final instructions

inviting, shady palapas

splash down

time to get wet

 this little guy is not really sure if he likes it or not

the little one in the middle is Angel (with the shirt on) content on the shore

washed up by a wave

 all in great fun

 Anthony( one of our RIN children)  trying to sell us his seaweed necklace for $5, as there were many beach vendors hawking their products - a vendor cart in the background

houseparents Tio Juan and Tia Susann - I think she was a bit wary of the waves

 a beach vendor

Soon it was time to come in, dry off, and get ready to eat. A delicious meal of Church's chicken (spicy, of course), mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, bread, potato chips (also spicy) and drinks were ready for all. It takes a lot of planning and coordination to handle a big party like this - there are many more surprises for the day - I will show you some more in my next blog!!!! Sort of like a sit com - lots of laughs and fun.

volunteer Susan Brown and Betsy serving up the food.

 

We just thank the Lord that He has given us the opportunity to be a part of this outreach ministry. Through partnering with Christian Resort Ministries  we can reach out to those across the border in Christian love, instilling in them the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.