Waiting for the Lamb

I am patiently waiting for the lamb - the March lamb, that is. Supposedly, if March comes in like a lion, it goes out like a lamb. The lion was here, but where is the lamb?? It has been wonderfully warm lately, but yesterday was dreary and today is rainy. Just as patiently as we wait for the lamb (warmer weather) we wait for the Lamb, Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to return. We have been studying Revelation for the past two years in Sunday School. Next week we will be in the study of Chapter 22 - the last chapter.  It has been an amazing two years with a truly knowledgeable teacher, Dorothy Miller.  I was trying to find out how many times Jesus was referred to as "The Lamb" in the Bible, even googled the question, but so far have found no answer. I only know that "Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of prophecy in this book". Revelation 22:7

Some of our CRM Chaplains had never been to Reynosa to the refuge, so we had the opportunity to drive them into Mexico so they could see what CRM has accomplished there. They were surprised to see all the wonderful things that CHI has provided for these kids, as well as the smiling faces and love the children have for everyone.

Chaplain Susan White, an author and book publisher, who has written and published 2 religious children's books (and well as many others) presents a copy of one of her books to a RIN teacher. Susan presented one to each classroom. 

part of a 59 person TEAM from Lawrence, Kansas, painting the breezeway between the two school buildings.  

the children from the homes outside the gates of RIN who pay to attend a Christian school - they are leaving for the day, as Mexican elementary schools all dismiss at 1:00 PM 

Baby Sarah, daughter of RIN house parents. If you remember a prior picture, she had a full head of dark, long hair which somehow has disappeared.

Chaplain Paula Gee with Kayla, who came running to Paula to be picked up.

Kayla, loving on Chaplain Keith White

The Senoritas in Casa 7, normal teenage girls, fixing each other's hair



another part of the Kansas work crew working on the roof of the Bodago (warehouse)

We went Progreso, Mexico with another couple, who needed some additional medication,  just as an afternoon get away. Last Friday was Winter Texan Appreciation Day, and as we did not want to be a part of the mass confusion that always ensues, so we went on Wednesday, which was even busy that day.

 

 

 

 scene from the balcony of a restaurant where we stopped to eat - look at the beautiful tile railing



 a busy street scene - vendors waking the streets to peddle their wares

 many pharmacies where you can purchase medications for a very low price

 

 wonder if this man smells forever garlic?

 the restaurant menu - great prices - excellent food

 this man's job is to stand in front of a pharmacy and entice customers - "best prices - almost free - better than Wal-Mart"

 

 some independent vendors invade the people eating at streets side cafes, asking if "you want bracelets, lady?"

 scary masks for sale

 lots and...

 

 lots of silver at low prices

 

 

Shopping in Progreso is fun, if only to people watch - the noises, smells, and sounds are so vibrant. I have more pictures, but for some reason, they will not post. I promise to try next week!

 

It seems that every day, more residents here at the park are leaving for their summer homes - it is sad in a way to see them go, but almost relieved that the hustle and bustle of the busy winter season is over so we can catch our breath to prepare for next season. We will continue our work at CHI, Great Oaks Food and Clothing Ministry, and Border Missions - even though most volunteers have gone home the work continues. Pray for all of those who are leaving for travel mercies as well as for us who stay here to continue the work the Lord has called us to do.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Springtime

Although it is not officially spring, the weather here certainly is. The sun has been shining, and the birds are enjoying the warmth as much as we are. As I was walking the other night, I could smell the citrus trees blooming. It is a beautiful scent, except when they are all in full boom - then it becomes a cloying, almost overpowering sweet odor. One of the things I miss the most in the spring in Arkansas are the booming red buds, dogwoods, and Bradford pears trees. When everything is in bloom, it just seems to take a person's breath away with the beauty of all God's precious creation. Here in South Texas we enjoy the bougainvilleas in their many colors and hues.

Things are beginning to slow down here at Alamo Rec Veh, as many people are returning to their Northern homes (although I cannot understand why they want to go back to the cold and snow). Many have appointments, weddings, parties, or perhaps they just are homesick. We pray for their safe travels and will miss them until next fall. It gets very quiet (but peaceful) here in the park when most people are gone.

Our ladies Bible study is over - a great study by Beth Moore, "Living Beyond Yourself". We will meet this coming Friday, just to review, enjoy a few snacks, and fellowship. Over 30 ladies gathered this season to study God's Word - an amazing
blessing as we shared thoughts.

Last night was our last Christian Movie night - a movie, cartoon, and FREE popcorn!!! A wonderful movie "Amish  Grace" with a powerful message of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a process and a choice on our part. As we forgive others, God works miracles in our lives, freeing us from bitterness, returning our joy, and helping us to establish better relationships with others. we need to forgive, repent, and renew your minds - the greatest joy of forgiveness is peace of mind. Take it into your hearts this week to forgive someone who has hurt you in the past, releasing all the sadness and bitterness in your heart.

I think I am finally getting used to the daylight saving time as I hope you are, I do love the longer, cool evenings and the quietness of the early dawn. I hope we all can take the time to enjoy our lives in Christ, being content where we are now, and not wish for the impossible.

^" What do workers gain from their toil?  I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.  I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him. Ecclesiastes 3:9-14

I Hear You

I have heard from several of you faithful followers that you missed preusslesspathways blog so far this week.  Yep - I am a slacker, as my youngest daughter informed me!!! And so, hearing from you, here I am, humbly asking your forgiveness. Do we so easily answer God when He speaks to us - do we say, "yes Lord", or "OK Lord, in my own time"??? Do we just as easily ask for His forgiveness as we do from others?? As we go through the day, talking to others, do we talk to Jesus just as easily? Think about these questions this week - try talking to Jesus, just because!

It has again been a strange week weather wise, as I see that it has been all over the country. One morning it was so quiet outside, cloudy, and cool. So cool in fact, that the steam was coming off the lake - it looked positively eerie.

Our neighbor, Harper, walking home after shuffling

just the scene for a scary movie.

Friday, we attended another mariachi concert at the Basilica. As we arrived, we noticed some pictures being taken of a lovey young lady, evidently ready for her Quinceanera, which is a really big production. This is an old tradition, which initially indicated that the daughter of a family was of marrying age. Now it is a "wedding without the groom".

 

 these dresses are very expensive

 this dress is unusual in that it is many colors

We went to a church service before the concert (a short Catholic mass) in order to ensure a good place for the program. Last year we were up in the balcony, in a corner ( although we could see well enough).

the beautiful life size stations of the cross outside the Basilica

 purple - the color during lent

 a striking display

 

almost ready to start - 4 mariachi bands

 

 

 the junior high group

very talented kids

the high schoolers

 the end

 an all male mariachi band

 

 the Basilica Mariachi's

 a soloist-what is that big instrument on the right

all of the bands playing together

Saturday was our very last Chaplain meeting - it seems like we just had our first one!!! It was a fun time together, but a bittersweet one as two of our couples are retiring. We will continue to see them occasionally, though. The theme this year was "Insight For Ministry" with a different Chaplain presenting the program each month. It was truly interesting as each Chaplain is so individually different in their presentations, but all giving us the insight into our own ministries.

 our ladies checking the left over sweets from the retreat

 as aways, food is involved

 the technology needed to keep us going

 Paul Darnell - our technology guru

 Bob Gossinger is stepping down from his park chaplain position, to assume, with his wife Liz, the directors of training

the insight for the day, presented by Bob Ostermaier, living in an instant society and learning to wait on the Lord

    

Chaplain Jim and Linda Paydon, on the left,  retiring from a park chaplain but continuing to come to the Valley in the winter , Vicki Troutman, Caring Resources Ministires administration, and Chaplain Raymond and Marian Smith, who are leaving to return to England, but will also be visiting us in the winter.

 

 

Spring is almost here and daylight saving time has really messed up my schedule - it will take me a bit to  get back to normal. As an old Indian once said, "taking time from the beginning of the day and adding it to the end of the day will not make the day any longer." 

 

There are many people in the Bible who waited on the Lord because they knew God's promise and relied on His love. It involves some effort to wait in the Lord like learning trust Him, because His answer is better than your own. (These thoughts come from Chaplain Ostermaier last Saturday). Wait on the Lord.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old and new friends

As the season begins to wind down, it seems that everything needs to get squeezed in before the great exodus from South Texas. It really seems strange that so many want to head back up North where the snowstorms are still going on, but the pull of home seems to increase as the days grow longer. Sometimes it is a bittersweet farewell as there are those who are not returning because of health or other reasons. It seems that every year new friendships are formed and the ever increasing circle of friends grows.

We did get another trip to RIN in Reynosa scheduled (and maybe another one if time allows) for people who were involved in the construction of the schools, and even those who were former chaplains at CHI. The weather was cold and rainy (yes, cold in Mexico, too) but the warmth of the kids made us all forget the outside temps.

Bob Johnson, former CHI Chaplain, and Lucian Schmidt, who helped with the school construction. They were amazed at the changes at RIN in just a few years.  

Maria, RIN cook, finishing up her duties

first, a video before the tour. This is a new video - we have a copy, so ask to see it.

this teacher gathered her chicks for a class picture with Bob.

Fred and Belinda - our new little girl we sponsor, who is no quite so shy anymore

these kids are in the "wild" classroom - they go bananas every time we visit 

look how his eyes sparkle with mischief

a house parent getting things ready for lunch - his Casa's duty for the week

This is little Angel, who with his 3 other brothers came here with scars on their backs and even their ankles where they were tied to their beds or someplace else. They are almost normal kids now - the emotional scars will probably last all of their lives.

Bob loved playing with the kids as much as they loved playing.

Paty saying goodbye to Fred, "until we see you again" (Hasta la Vista).

Our ladies bible study this year was phenomenal, to say the least. We are doing a Beth Moore study on living beyond yourself. It is a lot of homework - 5 days of at lest an hour of study and bookwork, but it a powerful study. Our thanks go our to Ali Artherholt who has encouraged us so far and inspired us to delve into the word. We need to know the truth, and the only way to know the truth is to read about it, and study it, understand it , and the accept the word of the Lord as truth. Then we know that we are indeed saved and our name is written in the Book of Life. "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to my Father except through Me."

John 14:6

Ali leading the study

 

thinking and taking notes

 

 

As the year ends, many of us who stayed on the church board to help new Chaplain Bill get to know Alamo Rec Veh are going off the board in order to allow new and fresh members lead. I have been president for 7 years - it is way past time for me to step down. We have a meeting on Tuesday to talk to new candidates, select those we think are suitable for board membership, and then determine who the new officers will be. I feel relief that I am turning this position over to someone else, but then again, I know I will miss it.  Today the board had a luncheon with Chaplain Bill and Ali to say thanks for an exciting year as the church has gone through many changes, and to welcome them for another year. As Assistant Chaplains we will continue to support them however we can, especially encouraging them through prayer.

 ready to eat at the Echo Hotel

some of the board members had family members visiting who also joined us

 presenting Chaplain Bill with the love offering from the congregation

 some of our members and spouses

 

Chaplain Bill blessing the buffet - great salad bar, ribs, chicken, and beef.

 

 

Chaplain Bill had a great message this morning regarding the lies of Satan which affect our lives. We believe these lies and they become a part of us for many years, perhaps all of our lives. We need to confess our sin of believing these lies, letting the power of God release us from these lies (you are worthless, it's all your fault, you can't trust your parents or spouse, your are ugly, etc.) and let His forgiveness wash these lies (sins) away - we also need to forgive those who caused these lies to become a part of us - then we can be free of our burdens.

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest". Matthew 11:28