Blessed Rain

The Valley is so terribly dry - actual drought conditions as the moisture level is already 20 inches below normal. It has rained off and on for a few days - just a shower here and there or a half hour drizzly rain. As we attended church this morning, Becky talked about the much needed rain that was supposed to be here around 3AM this morning. So we prayed for rain for the soil, the crops, the water levels. Pastor Israel spoke on God's greatness, - even greater than Abraham or Moses. We can rest in the greatness of His mercy, just as He rested on the 7th day. The service was just as quiet and peaceful - that is until the thunder roared and the skies opened up as God poured the rain down on us, just as in God's reign His favors are poured out onto us. It was a deluge, with the much needed moisture being drunk thirstily by the earth. The puddles (actually lakes) in the parking lot were so deep that I took my shoes off and waded to the car. But no one complained, just thanked God for answered prayers.

Last week I posted a picture of a beautiful tree with purple blossoms and no leaves. I found out that the name of the tree is Jacaranda Mimoisfolia, normally just called a Jacaranda tree. There were a few posts on facebook from others who also noticed this strange looking but beautiful tree. Our little cactus had two of the beautiful white blossoms on It, but only for 24 hours. We first noticed them one cool evening when we were outside, then the next day when they were in full bloom. We volunteered at CHI resale shop that day, and by the time we returned home, they were already finished blooming. It took me awhile, but I discovered that this is an Azura Gate cactus.  "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven"  Ecclesiastes 3:1
We just thank God that we were here at this time to experience the beauty of the flowering Azura Cactus.

such large blossoms for such a tiny plant

 our Azura Gate cactus starting to bloom at night

Azura Gate in full bloom

a beautiful flower that died later that day

Before coming to the Valley, I never would have pictured it as it really is. What do you picture this area as??? A flat, dry, desert looking place, with a few stores, few people and places to eat???? What a surprise you have in store for you if you ever travel this far South. It is a very populated area, with heavy traffic, (especially when the Winter Texans are here),  many different types of people, and about

any chain store or restaurant you would imagine, including some that are only found in the South. A very beautiful, busy area.

 

 a large industrial area

 

 

 Texas has a love affair with bridges

 but the bridges are great and pretty, too 

 

two of the many hospitals on the right 

 

 

 We made a trip to Reynosa to take a few things to RIN, but also to say hasta la vista until we return in the fall. Paty and Lupe loved the pictures of the quinceanera (they love pictures of any kind) and were surprised to see us at their Casa for the mid day meal (this was the day all of the kids eat at their own Casas) . House mother , Tia Merary, is a good cook and the food was excellent. It was interesting to see them all acting as a family, helping with the chores and taking care of the younger ones. Because we had to wait for one of the college students (Nelson) to arrive and bring us a computer to take back to the States, we got quality time with the girls. Merary brought her computer out, and had a program to translate - hooray - we could communicate, even though sometimes the translation was strange. We showed her this blog, and she saw a picture of Pastor Israel and Becky. She hurriedly explained that when she and Alfonso got married last year (she was a young widow with a son) Pastor Israel married them!!! A convoy of cars from a dealership in Reynosa came into the refuge, horns blowing, sirens blaring, and music playing. The kids we all excited and started running from every direction to see what was happening. It seems that the  employees brought pinatas especially for them. There was a lot of excitement and smiles. The pinatas were set aside for a special time for the kids.

 

 

 some of the cars entering the RIN compound

 the kids coming to see what this was all about

tree climbing to pass the time until all get there

 

 

 the kids and some of the dealership employees

 pinatas for future fun

 Tia Merary on the right serving up some great food

 just like in your home

 time to eat - after prayers were said

 

 

 

 

This is going to be a busy week - preparing to travel to Arkansas to see family. Time to say good-bye to friends with promises of "see you in the fall". A time to end our ministry work here in S. Texas, willing to listen to God's guidance as to what is waiting for us over the summer in other areas. We worry about Great Oaks Food Clothing Ministry while we are gone, but know that God will provide. Hopefully we have added to their provisions somewhat. We thank each and every one of you for your love and support this past year. If God so lays it on your heart and grants you the opportunity to want to contribute to our ministry so that we can continue to follow God's command,  go to crmintl. org and click on online support. Please pray for safe travels for us - with God's help our next blog will be coming to you from Arkansas where we are prayerfully awaiting the safe arrival of our identical twin great grand-daughters. 

 

 

 

 

Quinceanera

Paty's Quinceanera was indeed the highlight of the CHI events this year. Paty, who is very shy by nature and smiles from her are at a premium. She was all smiles  and absolutely glowing, as this day was all for her.

Six of us traveled to Reynosa last Saturday evening prepared to begin the ceremonies at 6 PM. We forgot everything revolves around Mexican time - which means whenever things get under way whenever everyone is ready. At about 6:30 Betsy told us to get ready for the grand entrance, which took place at 6:45!!!

It was truly a beautiful celebration, which included a grand entrance, a walk around the hall, then being seated in the chairs of honor. Cristian, one of the boys at RIN was also 15, so he was included in the ceremony. Normally, this celebration is centered on young girls, but at RIN the boys are also honored. After a greeting by the pastor, the young people were spoken to about their coming responsibilities as young adults, and their responsibility to God. Fred and I then had the honor of placing the ring on Paty's finger (we may have pictures at a later date of this). Both youngsters were presented a Bible, then a pillow was placed on the floor by Paty's sister, Lupe, as Paty knelt to receive the blessing. After that, it was again a promenade around the hall, and the festivities began. Hugs and congratulations were bestowed on the kids, as family members and friends all swarmed around them, with many pictures being posed for and taken. It was a beautiful, tear making time of love and friendship.

the beautiful lilac decorations

these were live flowers

the cake, complete with a fountain

the cake top - even these were live flowers

the rondallya, serenading the couple, even singing a Mexican version of Happy Birthday

Paty's sister Lupe with the kneeling pillow

Paty's grand entrance- with flower petals

she is muy bonito (very beautiful)

Paty and Cristian , listening as the Pastor spoke

receiving her blessing

Cristian receiving his blessing

Paty's Mother, on left, and siblings

even we got our pictures taken

a sassy pose

 

Paty opening a huge box full of gifts, balloons, and crepe paper

another delicious dinner from Maria - chicken cordon blu with Mexican sauce

                                                       and the ever present green noodles

a fun game where Malena called out "groupa seis" or group six - the people then had to quickly join in a group of six, then try to keep others from joining then - another group number was called and the scramble was on - Fred even was part of this

she is enjoying this too much

After we all had too much fun, it was time to get ready for bed - we stayed in the honeymoon casa with another couple, woke up early the next day, and stopped at the Holiday Inn in Reynosa for a breakfast buffet. It was very good and quite interesting, as there were many dishes that were unfamiliar. The coffee was excellent, and my favorite were the fried plantains.It was an exhausting week-end, but one filled with many memories. And we get to do this next year when Lupe has her Quinceanera.

 

"How many are your works, oh Lord ? In wisdom You made them all: the earth is full of Your creatures".  Psalm 104:24 As I take my daily walks, I just enjoy the beauty of God's creation, especially all the critters. After a while, a person begins to know and understand their daily habits. Until this week of course (does not everything have an exception). The other morning Fred opened the back door and told me to come quick. There was a whistler duck trying to perch on the power lines with his web feet!!! He did manage to balance for a minute or two - while up on the power pole sat another whistler. The next day as I was walking up to get the mail, the sparrows were in a flying frenzy - a huge number of them were flying in a helter skelter manner - so low that I had to be careful walking through them. There were hundreds of them!!! It was surreal and totally out of character. A low front was coming in, so maybe that had something to do with it. There are so many wonderful things to see if we just take time to look around.

 

 

 

this strange tree has no leaves, but many purple flowers

 

 
amazing huge amaryllis flowers next to normal red ones

the Easter Lilies are blooming and smell so beautiful

 

another sight in the quietness of the park, a lonely couple playing shuffleboard (or pushy-stick as one friend calls it). Normally these courts are full.

 

We celebrated a birthday of one of the residents and his wife. They live in Minnesota but are not going be back North until the weather clears there. It was a celebration of life, as a year ago his chances of seeing another birthday were very slim. After weeks of treatments, and many prayers from his church, family, and friends, he is cancer free today. It was so amazing to hear his testimony and praise to the Lord for his healing

 

 

friends gathering for Loren Schmitt's birthday celebration

 these were soooooooooooo good

Loren smiling as he reflects on another year granted by God

 

We are starting to planning our trip back to Arkansas where Fred will consult with the doctor about carpal tunnel surgery. It has been bothering him all winter, so he finally decided to get it taken care of. Please pray for successful surgery and complete healing.

Pastor Israel's sermon this morning was about Christ being greater than anything on earth. Hebrews 2:1-4 warns us not to be drifters - it is easy to drift with the current, but harder to swim back upstream. We pray this week and always that we do not drift, as the Devil is the greatest of all enemies, but Christ is greater than any enemy.

God's calling

 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose" Romans 8:29. This verse has been appearing all week, in my daily devotions, in watching Christian TV, and even on the radio. As the daily hours continue to march on, it seems as if a feeling of peace is with us, as if each hour seems to be passing by methodically and with a purpose almost as if the path was already laid out. And it has been by the greatest path maker of all - Jesus Christ.

 We have worked continually this week with food for the Great Oaks Food Ministry - items that the Winter Texans had dropped off, unwilling to tote them back North again. If they only realized how many lives they touch by this, I am sure they would be totally amazed. We had been given many bags of potatoes and crates of tomatoes. After delivering them to Great Oaks, as they were being unloaded, a family nearby was asked if they would like some. the mother said yes, and then proclaimed what a blessing this was for their family. The older gentleman started talking about not being able to work because of a back injury, so that  gave Becky Rodriguez an opportunity to pray for him and ask for healing. I'm sure those who donated the produce could never have imagined the outcome of their giving. Within two days, all of the produce was in the possession of those who truly needed it.

We had the opportunity this week to go to Reynosa with Melana and Betsy, the Mexican and American Director of CHI along with Paty and Lupe, the two sisters that we sponsor. Paty is 15 this year, her Quinceanera year, the big Mexican celebration which at one time meant that the girl was of marrying age. Our four daughters, along with us. pooled our money and offered to buy Paty's ring. As I said before, this celebration is just like a wedding, only without the groom. We traveled to RIN, had lunch with the kids, and then headed to midtown Reynosa's  pedestrian mall to the jewelry stores.  On the way there, the girls rode in the van with us as we followed Betsy and Melana. We conversed the best we could with them when they asked for "musica" and directed us to Christian radio station. Yep, the first two songs were about following God's call. Hmmm - does not God speak to us often if we take the time to listen? At first, Paty, who is quiet by nature,  was overwhelmed by the selection of rings, but by the third store she had gotten the hang of it and really got serious. She chose a ring from the second store, well within the budget. It was a gold heart shaped ring with "15" in the middle, surrounded by zercons. Very rich looking, but certainly Paty's style.

new trees planted at RIN in memory of founder Shirley Mendoza at the 40th anniversary celebration

new stonework at RIN

Director Betsy Chacon visiting with the RIN kids before lunch 

new school building, almost completed

the round water tanks are called "cheese" (queso) in Spanish for some odd reason, so the TEAM members painted this one like Swiss cheese, then added a mouse to the storage building, much to the delight of the kids 

lunch is over, and the chores begin

a car donated to CHI by Mike Myers, from a maquelidora (manufacturer) employee in Reynosa. The three employees brought the car and posed with some of the RIN Senoritas

Paty, along with sister Lupe, showing off her Quinceanera dress in purple, Fred's favorite color

 

the pedestrian mall in Reynosa - there is also a beautiful square, as is prevalent in most Mexican cities

our first jewelry store stop

the second of four stops, where Paty eventually chose her ring

admiring her choice

Melana treated us to "aqua", delicious fruit flavored water from a street merchant. Most of us chose pineapple.

We traveled back to the US with Betsy while Melana took the girls to have Paty's dress cleaned and altered. RIN has a large selection of dresses to choose from, most are donated, or they can choose to have a new one. Paty. being the conservative person she is, chose to wear one of those from RIN's collection.

 

Next week I will post pictures of the Quinceanera which was yesterday. We went to Reynosa yesterday and stayed overnight, as the event went on into the late evening. We had the opportunity to meet Paty's family as well as family friends, and to take part in this very beautiful and moving Christian ceremony. Being a part of this multi-culture happening helps us to remember that we are all God's children, regardless of color, speech, or denomination. "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God". I John 3:1