Reflections of Christmas

Bob Steele - chairman of the CHI board and the lovely ladies of Casa 3

Last week I posted that I would tell you about the wonderful Christmas party at Children's Haven in Reynosa, Mexico. 4 van loads of us traveled across the border (and back) with no problems whatsoever, except for a longer wait at the border, which I did not mind as the border guards were being cautious. We arrived just in time to receive instructions form director Betsy Chicon ( as she always has for us). We were not to go to the casas where out kids were but to gather in the gym where we were told that the kids were excited to see us in their own casas with wonderful supp rises for us.They had made ornaments for us from pasta! They we so very pretty and ornate and they were so proud to present them to us. Each casa had a presentation of a typical Mexican Christmas food and drink tradition also made with the help of their Tias (housemothers or aunt in Spanish). Casa 1 had a star or tree ornament (we were instructed to take only one), Mexican Christmas cookies - you know - the small ones coated in powdered sugar. There was a pecan flavored cornstarch drink. Sounds dreadful, but was really very good. Casa 2 had a flower or wreath ornament, champurrado - a hot thick Marxian drink made of corn masa and chocolate (which I did not particularly like, perhaps due to the thickness of it,), and popcorn. Casa 3 presented us with a shepherds crook ornament, Mexican Christmas punch, which was super delicious (a fruit drink with real fruit in it), and Mandarin orange slices. Casa 4 had stars and hearts ornaments, typical Mexican hot chocolate ( a strong chocolate/cinnamon drink), churros which a long skinny Mexican donut (very good). Casa 5 is not lived in at the moment but is used for the church plant for Sunday services - the kiddo now do not have to go out of the compound to church - a much safer way to worship. Casa 6 is being renovated right now - the last of the 7 casas to be remodeled. Casa 7 held the Holy Family ornament, including a baby Jesus in swaddling clothing. We tasted an assortment of nuts -some sweet tasting and some very spicy hot, followed by a strawberry maicena - a cornstarch drink which I had to sort of force down! We were allowed a bit of time to visit the kids, as we were on a time schedule  to be ale to return to the US before dark. We returned to the gym where we were served by the kids a dinner of a beef roll, covered with bacon, the ever present green noodles, veggies, and dinner rolls (no butter or salt). The kids had made a video based on the Christmas story using each letter of the alphabet to tell the story. - it was excellent. They had worked so hard on it, even speaking in English!! Our Pati had a non-speaking part as she does not like to speak English (she thinks it is way too hard to learn). She played the part of Mary to perfection. You can go to their face book page to view the video - these kids learned and perfected this video in less than 2 weeks. They were so anxious to show is their accomplishments. After all of this excitement we were ushered out onto the patio where the kids were presented with their Christmas gifts - that is when all chaos breaks out. Each child received 1 large, 2 medium, and 1 small gift according to their wish list. We were all so won out, including the kids, as we bid farewell (adios) to the kids until we see them again soon. I know they will sleep well tonight knowing that they are cared for and loved all through the generosity of many of you.

loading up and ready to head to Mexico

Fred, Pati, and me

lovely Carolina, who could not walk when she came to the refuge but through surgeries and therapy, she now can walk with the help of a cane. She is returning to her family now after a few years here at the refuge. 

Some of the homemade ornaments

the beautiful senoritas in Casa 3 with their houseparents

Mexican cookies and pecan mecina

popcorn anyone

churros, hot chocolate, and heart ornaments

bacon wrapped beef, green noodles, and veggies

I envy Pati's red shoes

Big presents

our Pati and her presents - one more year of college and she will be a lawyer!!!

lots of presents

This young boy has disabilities that make walking difficult - he received a special present of a motorized scooter so he could easily get around, with a promise that he would not let anyone else use it  - he promised

I am going to reprint a meditation sent to me by a friend in Arkansas. He sends us one almost every day  but this one really struck me as being so apporpiate
Everybody needs a coach or mentor. Tom Landry, the Dallas cowboy head coach for nearly 30 years said, "the job of a football coach is to make players do what they do not want to do in order to achieve what they always wanted to be". We do not always want to pay the price necessary to become who we are destined to be. On our own we don't always know what to change or even how to make the changes that are necessary to grow In our relationship with Jesus. Who we associate with is who we will become. If you want to be wise and become more Christlike, find someone who is where you want to go. Look for Godly qualities in their life. Then listen to them and implant their counsel. As you walk through life consider the company that you keep and make adjustments in those relationships so that nothing holds you back from becoming the person that God wants you to be. Taken from A Minute of Vision for Men by Roger Patterson.
How very true this is. Do you sometimes find yourself with a group of people who are not very Christianlke and all of a sudden you are acting like them - becoming like them. When you realize what has happened your value in their eyes decreases - they wonder of all Christians act like that! Step away from these people - when a group begins to gossip do not join in - just quietly excuse yourself and leave. If they enjoy telling off color jokes do not join in the laughter -  again just leave. These people are not your friends if the try to involve you in the their unchristian behavior. Surround yourself with Christian friends - you will find your life so much more peaceful.

Join me in prayer for two very special people in our lives - friend Paula Gee who has had several infections and misery this year here in S Texas - she is heading back to Joshua, Texas, again for a doctor's consultation. And our dear sister-in-law Susan Preuss, who will be having open heart surgery this week on Wednesday. She lost her husband 3 years ago (Fred's brother) and needs all the love, support, and prayers that are sent her way.

The Color of Chrisrmas

What color do you think of when you think of Christmas? This year was a red Christmas for us. We spent a few days with the Gee family in Joshua, Texas. What a wonderful time of semi-controlled chaos!! Roy and Paula have a daughter, 2 twin sons, and twin grandchildren, plus a few random relatives. Last Friday was a quiet day followed by 3 days of eating and celebration frenzy! Saturday was a finger food evening followed by a visit from Santa for twins Mack and Mallie although we adults seemed to enjoy it just as much.  We ladies all wore red and black lounge pants and monogrammed black monogrammed t-shirts, the guys in black lounge pants and red monogrammed t-shirts - a family tradition to all dress alike and act crazy! 

The Gee family - do you see red

acting foolish - they always take some goofy pictures

Mack and Mallie were so surprised to see Santa

even Santa relaxes sometimes

us in one of the silly pictures 

love my red/black loungers and slippers

Fred does not look too impressed with the silliness with the Gees

my Christmas wish list is that each and everyone one you have a wonderful and blessed New Year

Sunday was a beautiful Church service with a sermon based on the many names and meanings of Jesus. Following the service and much discussion of where to go for a family dinner at a local Mexican restaurant was enjoyed by the entire family. A sort of quiet afternoon getting ready for a huge family Mexican dinner on Monday followed by opening of presents, then followed by the whole family attending the movie "Mary Poppins Returns". Actually very entertaining. A hour or so followed with a rest time before bed and some rest before facing another day of eating and Christmas fun. Tuesday produced the annual Christmas dinner of ham, cornbread dressing ( much different than our Northern type), cranberries and all the fixings followed by apple pie. We gave the twins a gingerbread boy and girl - when Mack opened his sister Mallie said,"Look Mack got the old man". Those two keep a person entertained forever.

Even with all of the worldly disruptions going on we managed to always keep in mind the real reason we celebrate. God allowed His Son to be born of man, to suffer and die so that we could spend eternity with Him!! In church last Sunday we heard a song about the trials Mary went through when she was preparing to deliver the Savior. She was in a cold, foreign place, in a dark and dirty manger with animals milling around, no midwife to calm and reassure her, a husband who was just as fearful as she, no cute baby clothes, only rags she had taken with her on their long journey to Bethlehem. Imagine her great surprise when the shepherds came to adore her son!!!! What a powerful song.

Now that all of the celebrations are almost over, we need to think about the coming year. Pastor Jim Maxson's sermon this morning was just about that - commitments. Not the normal commitments of going on a diet, more exercise, etc., but commitments to yourself to release yourself from the bondage of past sin - of allowing yourself to forgive others as well as yourself. To rely on the fact that God has forgiven ALL of your sins so you do bot have to wallow in the guilt of your past. Move on - release those past ghosts and live the life God promised us.

Next week I will have some awesome pictures of the Christmas Party at Children's Haven International in Reynosa as we attended their Christmas party before Christmas. What an amazing time we had. I did not want to overwhelm you with Christmas pictures as any proud parent would do, so be sure to come back and see them.

There was not going to be any food distribution this past Friday as there were not a lot of folks to help out, but an amazing group of young missionaries came to the Valley from NewMexico and were looking for someway to serve. Jim Maxson stepped up and delivered produce to them so they could serve the Lord as well as supplement the pantries of the people in the colonias. A person is never too young to serve - these young folks also are not afraid to share the gospel with others. We thank all of those involved.

Now as we closed out 2018 - let us resolve to not being bitter but being better in 2019. Do random acts of kindness throughout the week and see what a warm and fuzzy feeling you get from it!

What is a Christmas Gift

This was the title of the sermon this morning at Mission Bell with Pastor Jim Maxson. I'll get to that later on, but it certainly makes a person think. Why do we give gifts at Christmas? My thoughts are because we want to thank folks for their friendship and support during the year, or because we "always do that" with our family. I remember years ago when someone in our immediate family needed to conserve funds, so suggested we draw names for Christmas. That was all well and good, except we were a family for 6 and there were not enough other family members to insure that we did not get our own family! We had to buy gifts for my husband's parents in order to make it work well. That only happened for two years - after that my in-laws rebelled and went back to buying gifts for those you chose to - we opted for the in-laws and kid only which seemed to work out much better. Funny how some traditions become non-traditions as the years go by. Kids grow up, families move farther apart in distance as well as personally. But the reason remains the same - Our Savior was born on Christmas Day (Although it was not in December -any theologians think it was in the fall, others int he spring But whatever the day the message is the same.

A group of us ladies went to the local Women's Shelter with gifts of quilts and toiletries. We collect the small soaps, etc. that we get from hotels and motels which make for great gifts for those in a shelter. The women are there for various reason and often come with only the clothes on their backs.  they and their children may be homeless, it is a refuge from the dangers of a bad relationship , or it is a pace to gather the mother and her children who have no where else to go due to financial circumstances as they try to rebuild their lives. Every Christmas the volunteer's and directer of the shelter invite groups who donate to the organization to a delicious meal - we are served a tamale dinner and waited upon wonderfully as a"thank" you for helping them. Pictures are taken around the tree with smiles on everyone's face. No matter their own internal struggles these ladies are gracious hostesses.

Zoe and Marie delivering toiletriess and quilts

The weather has been pretty crazy - 30's in the morning and then 70's in the afternoon. So dressing in layers is a must! We are so grateful to everyone for their donations of blankets, quilts jackets, hats, gloves, etc. to help those in the colonias keep warm in the cool evenings and mornings.

I posted a picture on facebook of my brother and myself in Chicago in 1947 with a State Street Santa. I thought I had lost the picture, but found it one day as I was changing pictures in the frames -it was hidden under another picture. I love the picture as it is truly a picture of childhood innocence and anticipation as we waited for Santa to arrive. We did get a recording of what we actually asked for that year, but that somehow got lost in moves and transitions. I distinctly remember one Christmas as I lay in bed I hard the jingling of bells and the reindeer hooves on our apartment roof (we were on the second floor, therefore close to the roof). I was petrified that Santa would know I was not asleep and would not leave any presents.

 how innocent we were

We stayed away from all of the stores this weekend as it was a tax free weekend. Hundreds of folks from Mexico came to the US to shop (they receive a card which allows them to enter the US for only 25 miles - they also have to prove they have a reason to return to Mexico, least they use the card as a ruse to illegally enter the US. The stores are packed, the restaurants have long lines and there is not a motel room to be found for miles around. Those unfortunate people who went to Mexico to shop had a 3 hour wait at the border - usually there is a just couple minute wait to cross back to the US. Needless to say we did not anywhere near retail stores!

I stole a couple of pictures from a to Mexico (a chiropractor from the US who feeds hundreds of kids daily just across the border, and owns a pharmacy and spa in Progresso). The pictures give you an idea of the vastness of the fields and amount of produce grown here in The Rio Grande Valley.

one of the many fields of cabbage

cilantro growing everywhere

As I said earlier, Pastor Jim gave a really great sermon this morning. His question"what is a Christmas gift" made us all begin to think. On that Christmas night, the angels proclaimed the truth and the heavens opened up  in praise and glory. But are we puzzled by God's gift? A gift comes wrapped and presented usually in person to another person. God's gift to mankind was presented thousands of years ago in a mall, dirty manager. It was not gift wrapped or sent from Amazon. God created mankind, but mankind spurned Him. He created us to have fellowship with Him, but we hide from Him just as as Adam and Eve did.  Mankind rejected God just as we sometimes run and hide form Him today. From Genesis to Luke, Man continues to spurn God. A child was born, given to us for salvation, but suffered abuse form the time he was a baby and had to flee frorm Herod to the time he was crucified. The Christmas Story is a story of A God who gave until it hurt.

It was not easy to save the world when it did not want to be saved. God knew that there were those in every generation who would not believe or care but He sacrificed anyway. The Christmas story began in a lowly stable and ended at the cross. Jesus was born in a borrowed stable and buried in a borrowed tomb for our sake. Jesus would crush the devil and destroy his work. Revelation says that before creation that He was the Lamb who was slain for our sake. "So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Romans 14:11

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

We may be out of pocket for Christmas, so there may not be blog until later in the week. We wish everyone a very blessed Christmas.

Fruits of the Labor

This is a picture of the Red Mill in Waupaca, WI whuch I consider my hometown. There is a covered bridge where many a bride walked across to the little chapel in the woods. A beautiful setting any time of the year. For a time it was a wonderful gift shop,with lots of Christmas decorations as well as pictures and stories of the past. A great place to visit.

The anticpiation and preparations for the Christmas celebration/distribution in the church group from the Dallas area were there to help with all of the festivities. We made various trips to the colona area where the program was to take place in order to make sure everything that was needed was there, as well as of of the donations were in place. A group of folks from Big Valley RV Park made over 100 Christmas stockings and filled them all for the kiddos, as well as donated hams, canned goods, quilts and blankets.

The ladies of Big Valley at work filling stockings

fruits of the labor

 The day started out very wet and cold, but as the day wore on the rain let up but the dreariness remained. when we arrived at the sight, the driveway and all of the area was muddy and soaked. There were three vehicles but we managed to get to where we were supposed to be without too much trouble. We immediately began to fill bags with hams, canned goods, peanut butter, pudding and cake mixes, rice, beans and whatever commodities that we had gathered. Two very helpful young ladies worked right along with us as we set up an assembly line -calling out to the other helpers as we ran of out beans, rice, etc. They immediately supplied us with more and kept up the pace. As we filled bags, a short Bible study for the kids was being held, as well as a short Scripture reading. Lots of Christmas singing, as well as beautiful hymns sung in Spanish. It was then time to eat! The ladies had made 175 dozen (yes you read that right) tamales, beans from the large commercial cans which were donated to us, and rice (from the rice we provided) was the menu for the afternoon. After this warm meal, we handed out boxes of food for ladies, the kids received gifts and stockings for each one of them. The joy in their eyes as they hugged the stockings realizing that this was for them , just for them and they did not have to share. It was such a rewarding and blessed day. As the day was coming to  an end the program was cut short as a result of the weather, the clouds seemed to break up and blue skies were seen. As we cleaned up , tired, cold, and muddy we maveled at how everyone helped so the job was done quickly. We did get stuck in the mud and had a bit of a problem getting out, but we made it. Car wash today for sure!!

a multitude despite the mud and cold

Ida trying to keep order despite the bad conditions

singing Spanish hymns

praising the Lord

packing boxes

ready to deliver boxes of food - a big job done

some of the many tamales

hot sauce anyone - I did not try it

hot meals for the family

Fred, Chaplin Roy Gee, Zoe (a faithful worker) and Ida

a special family - Sol, Emily, and Jr along with Fred - we hope to help achieve Sol's goal of being a veterinarian

Sol, Emily, and Jr's mother, Jessica

Fred, Brenda, who graciuusly allows us to have our distribution on her property, and Chaplain Roy

stockings ready to hand out - notice all the other presents

and more presents

smiling and happy for the blessing of lots of food for the family


As I leave you today, I ask you to remember the reason for this season, and to always be thankful, no matter what the circumstances. this lady certainly portrays that. 

Beans and Rice and More Beans and Rice

In case you don't know it, my very, very favorite Christmas decoration (other than the beautiful manger from my brother) is gingerbread! I like smiley snowmen, and reindeer  and bells and holly, but gingerbread puts me in the holiday mood. Not only the taste of gingerbread,  but everything gingerbread. Although this is not a gingerbread scene, it reminds me of one.

We are going to be pretty busy these next coupe of weeks, as this coming Saturday is the 1st Christmas distribution, there will be 2 in the colonias, so we are preparing to gather up everything that we need to make sure that those  folks have a few things to help them celebrate the season. Saturday will be a day when  all the people come together to celebrate, with skits,Christmas worship music, a Bible study, a wonderful hot meal and gifts and

Turkey Overload

People say tryptophan is the chemical in turkey that makes you tired, but nutritionists say it's a myth. You get sleepy when digesting a big meal. I suppose I cannot blame turkey for the sleepy Thursday! We had a wonderful buffet at Victoria Palms again this year - except there were no sweet potatoes!! What is Thanksgiving without sweet potatoes. I don't mean the casserole with marshmallow, etc - just plain baked sweet potatoes. A friend told me that she put them in her crock pot - unpeeled with a bit of water, and cooked them that way. A great way to beat he kitchen heat. I hope all of you had a wonderful thanksgiving, never forgetting to give thanks for all of the blessing you have received so far this year. 

My birthday is coming up soon so I ask that you check out my face book site - I am asking that you think about a donation to Christian Resources Ministries this year as I would like to see our Ministry fund grow, Last year we had some nice donations which allowed us to build 2 bedrooms for two different families in the colonies Fred did finish the bunk beds for the boys and put them up this week in their converted bedroom from a shed. They boys were overjoyed as they were also given sheets and blankets for their new room. We also gave them paint, brushes,and rollers for them to paint their beds. Hopefully they will take pride in ownership and do so.

 they made their beds - well sort of

 ladders on opposite ends of the beds 

they even have one outlet for a small heater

they love their own "room"

Children's Haven is preparing for the Christmas party at the refuge in Reynosa. The kiddo so look forward to this - putting on a program for their parents and their sponsers who cross the border to see them perform.  I really don't know what is going to be happening this year - they will have a program but don't know if we will cross the border to see them. There are military people stationed at all of the area borders - some even just a few miles down the road in Weslaco. Betsy, CHI director, will be monitoring the situation and will not allow us to go if there is any danger what-so-ever. We would not be caught in Mexico because we are American citizens, but could be held up for hours on the return trip. We place it all in God's hands and will definitely follow His plan.

Friends and relatives of a lady here in the park planned a surprise 80th birthday party for her yesterday - a breakfast brunch. It was wonderful - we did not have to make breakfast at home! Her friends flew her daughter and grand-daughter here from Wisconsin to surprise her and it was a huge surprise There was so much food leftover that we were invited to take some home - so we did not have to make breakfast again this morning - what a great treat.

We attended the early service this morning - a traditional service as we had errands to do today and wanted time to relax a bit afterwords. Pastor Ricky presented the sermon reminding us that the future of our churches rests on our children. grandchildren and great grand children. God reminds us that we need to have the faith of a child in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. Christianity is only one generation away from extinction. It is our responsibility to share our faith with the next generation, especially our immediate families. Children are the most likely to become followers of Christ as they are humble, always willing to learn and not be afraid to ask questions. When you open you heart to a child, you are opening your heart to Christ. Reaching people, especially children, is God's highest priority. In the busyness of raising our children we often loose sight of their spiritual growth. Make it a point to talk about God to them, your grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

they love their own "room"