Welcome Back Little Birds

Some of my Northern facebook friends have been posting that their humming birds are leaving - some are already gone for the winter. The little guys are migrating here to S Texas for a few weeks to re-fuel before heading to Mexico. We have two resident birds, but the other day we had four more, so some of the early birds are here already. It is easy to tell the newcomers - the resident birds are very territorial and chase each often, but when new birds arrive, the newbies are allowed to feed for about 24 hours - after that they are on their own and have to fight for position. The four new birds were on the feeder, undisturbed for a few hours - now it is a constant chirping, flying, swooping, and staking claim on the feeder. Last year we did not have nearly as many birds as the previous years - perhaps the migration pattern changed. We hoping to have many this year as they are such fun to watch.

Yes - I got the wallpaper removed - all ready to start painting this next week. The only mushrooms are in the grass after a wonderful, much needed rain. What a blessing that was.

This Saturday we spent a long,  tiring but surprised filled day in Reynosa, first at Peter Piper Pizza then at the Haven as we celebrated the July/August/September birthday of the kids from the Haven. You will have to check in next week for the biggest surprise, as we are sworn to secrecy until then!!!! For now, enjoy the pictures from the celebration party.

cupcakes - big glasses for the lucky birthday celebrants

we were instructed to sit 4 per table

Paty's glamorous nails

we were able to make our own pizzas - step one - the crust which was pre-made for us

from the left, clockwise, Fred, Rhonda, another Fred, Sergio, Dulce, and Paty

now the toppings - instructions were in Spanish, so we just followed what the kids did

Belinda and Carolina, ready to bake theirs

presents ready and waiting

we were treated to a tour of Peter Piper Pizza - the baking ovens

cutting baked pizzas

BIG and little pizza dough cutters

even a heart shaped one for special occasions

lined up in the freezer - too cold for me

more pizzas ready to be completed

sauce anyone

now for the fun time - we were given cards to play all the games and win tickets to be traded for prizes

ready to be honored for their birthdays - even Jesse

Belinda posing - I was very surprised as she is usually very shy

all the lucky birthday celebrants

mass confusion as presents are distributed and opened

Fred and Paty

me and Belinda

Belinda's special gifts - each child receives the same number of gifts

Carolina in braces - after her recent surgery, she is walking for the first time in her life - thanks to CHI and the help of wonderful donors

back at the Haven, celebrating Jessie's birthday - number 77

talk about a snootful of cake

It was a full day today - please keep Marvin and Judy in your prayers, as Marvin is in hospice with the end very close. How ironic that they mined for gold in their younger days - how surprised Marvin will be when he can walk on streets of gold!!! The angels will be singing as they welcome him home. We attended church services, brought Judy some lunch as she is staying at the hospital all the time now, went to the store to purchase some micro food for her meals tomorrow and returned to visit some more with her and to talk to Marvin, even though he does not respond. Bill and Ali Artherholt, former chaplains at ARV, called and prayed with and for all of us as we minister to Marvin and comfort Judy.

 

Pastor Israel's sermon this morning referring to the Lord's power to save was so powerful itself. He told the story of Colonel Rowe ( a school and main thoroughfare here in the Valley are named for him) who went to West Point, became a green beret and served in Viet Nam. He was actually in the intelligence division of the service, was captured, and imprisoned for 5 years. Somehow he managed to keep the true nature of his positron from the enemy and convinced them he was just an engineer. After about 5 years, he was to be executed and was being led to his execution point in the jungle when an American helicopter flew overhead. He managed to overcome his captors but because he was dressed in enemy clothing was almost shot down. He managed to somehow convey to the helicopter that he was not the enemy and was saved at the last minute. Don't wait for the last minute to be saved - be prepared. So many signs are pointing to the fact that we may be in our final days before the Lord returns - be prepared now - don't wait!!! We often become too complacent, not listening to the Lord. God has the power to save us from our sin just as saved Colonel Rowe. He has given us His son, Jesus, for this very purpose. His timing is perfect and He is always working to save us. Just listen.

 

We feel that God is leading us to a new outreach ministry - we will know more this coming Friday. Just pray that we are listening to Him and follow His will. His timing is indeed perfect.