Where has the week gone??

It has been a very busy week – don’t know where to start! Last week I mentioned that God provided stuffed animals for our Christmas distribution in the colonias – after many loads of washing and drying there were 67 toys available. We knew we needed about 150 to make sure each child and teen received something. As I volunteered at CHI resale store, I noticed a plastic bucket of stuffed animals which had previously been for sale. They were just sitting in the hallway. After talking to the director, I was then the proud owner of 23 MORE animals (yep- more loads of washing and dying). Still need more toys. OK Lord, lead us to them. As we picked up a more than abundant supply of produce on Friday, one of the workers asked how the washing of toys went. As I related tat they all looked wonderful, she asked if I could use more. What – thank you Lord. Of course, I said yes, so next Friday I will again be in the bear washing mode. Two of the toys were dolls that had only underwear – one had shoes and socks, the other only socks. And no hair! So I made dresses, I pair of shoes, and bows for their hairless heads. Ready for some little girl to love.

2 babies for someone to love

We received some really strange fruit this week – sort of looked like miniature hedgehogs. One of the workers gave me one to try – just peel off the hairy outer layer to reveal a soft small fruit – sort of like a lychee. It was sweet and very good. The name of this fruit is rambutan and comes from the Malaysia, area, as well as the Philippines. The name comes from the Malaysian word ‘rambut” which means hairy. Strange little fruit that has many nutritional values. Many times you may see this at a Chinese buffet.  After we had loaded the produce and were driving down the road, a car pulled alongside us and wanted to know if we would sell them some tomatoes!! How funny was that?

 rambutan - a teaspoon for size

the inside of the fruit

Many of our chaplain are traveling down to the Valley in preparation for CRMI board meeting and training. It will be so great to see them all again – to see where God has lead them this past year. Jeff Hastings, one of our chaplains, and his son kayaked the Mississippi River from the headwaters in Minnesota to the mouth in Louisiana to raise awareness for returning service folks with PTSD – what an amazing accomplishment. Check it out on Facebook.

We attended a Quincernera in Reynosa for a beautiful young lady and two young boys. Usually this celebration is for the girls only, as a tradition is that the family has a girl of marrying age. Sort of a coming out party. In these days it is just a celebration of entering young adulthood. It was a beautiful ceremony with everyone dressed up for the occasion. As one person said, “a wedding without the groom”. As American teenagers coming of age tradition is getting their driver’s license, the Mexican tradition is a Quincernera. So excited to see all of the kiddos, all excited about the party. But the they did not know that there was also a big surprise for them – the July through October birthday celebration. Directors Betsy and Malena pulled it all off without the kids being aware of it. We all were sworn to secrecy. When the curtain was pulled back and they realized what was going on, the noise grew to a roar with clapping and whistling! What a wonderful day – we were exhausted as we traveled back across the border in the early evening.

 strange stop lights in Reynosa - all green or red

 the cake, which was delicious

 all of the girls receive a professional photograph of their Quincernera

 the throne is ready

 the two 15 year old boy who act as escorts

 the lucky girl and her parents

 trying to sit still through the long ceremony

 family picture - the parents are house parents at the Haven

accepting the blessing

 so very beautiful

 Our Pati and Fred (He looks so sober)

Two lovely ladies

 some of the birthday celebrants

 happy with their gifts

more kids getting ready for the signal to open presents

Miss Opal, our resident quilt maker here in the park, made 3 quilts for the kids she sponsors as well as one for heir mother who comes to the Haven to visit often. The boys are twins with an older sister. They were thrilled with their quilts and proudly placed them on their beds.

Miss Opal and Aida

the twins boys who love their quilts - all the quilts were made by Miss Opal in the favorite colors of the kids

“If there is a wrong way to do something, someone will do it”. This is a quote from Captain Edward Murphy in 1949 – revised to modern day Murphey’s Law. How do we always mess things up?? I suppose it is because we are always looking for an easier, quicker, cheaper way to do things.  We all like to cut corners. But do we still do so when it is important? A few years ago, a group of folks wanted to build another Casa at the Haven in Reynosa (House #7). All of the other homes are built of cement block for warmth and coolness. Butt his group decided they wanted to build a better home as they do in the states – a stick built contractor type home When they got done, it was indeed beautiful. But they had not taken into consideration the climate of Mexico near the border – the home now needs to be redone because the lumber has molded, the bathrooms did not hold up to the heat and moisture. So even though they thought it was better, perhaps cheaper, and quicker, it really wasn’t. Cutting corners tends to cut durability.  And so, it is true in our spiritual life also We should not cut corners in our discipleship endeavors. Cutting corners cuts costs, but also comes at a high price. Do we just tell others about Jesus, then go on to tell others not following up with those we have ministered to? It seems to be the American way – cut corners, cut time. As mature adults, time is a very important commodity to us right now. We need to use this time wisely. When corners are cut, it creates cheap products Jesus does not want cheap products – He wants us to use our best – abilities time, and resources – only the best for Him.