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