Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Final Chapter November 6th and 7th
Friday November 6
We started our day as always with devotions but today was special as we sang together and shared communion together. As Jan led I was once again reminded of the blessed communion of the saints of God. Here I was with people I had met less than a week ago bonded in the faith and through our service together sharing deeply around the Lord’s Table. Every mission’s trip impresses me with the fellowship of the saints as I worship in strange languages and in various cultural modes but this was all in English and with Americans yet the beauty of the fellowship in the body of Christ stood out in a heartening manner.
After breakfast we headed back to the school we visited the day before to finish up about 25 more screenings. The students were all assembled on the basketball court for morning exercises. They were being led by a young woman standing on a platform and bending and stretching to a Mexican sounding version of the joined in the gyrations with a group of students. The tables were quickly set up and we completed the work we needed to do and as everyone packed our equipment in the van I finished entering the data and saving it to various flash drives. We were then escorted back to the basketball court where a long table had been set up at one end. We were invited to sit behind it although with all of us and the Mexican volunteers we were soon spread out along the entire end or the court. The children performed a flag ceremony similar to one we witnessed the first day in Buenos Aires and then after some speeches and introduction of dignitaries who were on hand we were all presented with gifts and certificates of appreciation from the Mexican Board of Health. While this was being taken care of some students started serving us tamales and bottles of soda for lunch.
As soon as the ceremony was complete we headed for the van and the jeep tamales and gift bags in hand because we had a long trip back to Oaxaca ahead of us. The trip from sea level to 6000 feet is almost always longer than the trip down especially if you get behind a heavily loaded double tanker heading up the winding two lane highway. Back at the motel I took a minute to finish the good lunch before getting out and retrieving my suitcase. I had gotten my small suitcase and book bag stuffed into the large suitcase. The pottery in the gift bag required me to take out my book bag and pack it there along with some clothing items to cushion it.
The trip up was thankfully uneventful except for the stop at the Pemex gas station for a rest stop and a Magnum bar. Just as we were about to leave Bill spotted one of those double tractor trailers. It was right in front of the gas station doing about 3 mph over a very steep tope. JoEllen was looking for her sun glasses but at Bill’s admonition she shoved the van into reverse to back out of the parking spot. Throwing it into drive she lurched ahead closing fast on Bruce who was just negotiating the Jeep out of the parking area onto the highway. We all cheered as we sped in front of the tractor trailer which was still straining to get hindmost tires over the speed bump. We did not encounter any more delays and were in Oaxaca well before dark which was our goal.
Malcomb who was the team member unable to come at the last minute had requested we purchase a mortar and pestle for a friend who had done him a great favor so we decided before supper to go into the center of the city to look for one before we had supper. The street was all dug up in front of the only parking garage we knew would stay open long enough to shop and eat. The construction also made a parking lot of all the streets around it. We decided to split up and some shop and some take the van back to the bed and breakfast and come back by taxi. I elected to shop, not because I like to shop but because it was about a ten or twelve block walk and after the long car ride that day I needed it. We managed to find the desired object at a very reasonable price but it ended up being about twenty pounds of solid rock with three legs, an animal face carved in one side and a stone pestle. Immediate concerns were how we would carry it and how we would get it on the plane.
We arrived at the hotel terrace where we were to meet for dinner. I went inside the hotel for a minute and as I was walking back to the table I heard a voice behind me say, “Hi Art!” It was my friend Debbie who was the driving force to get me into serving with Wycliffe missionaries in Mexico last year. She had just arrived back in Mexico from the US the night before. I had emailed her about where we might be and she and our mutual friend Abby had managed to find me. I took a little teasing about always hugging young women who approach me on the Zocalo. The first day on the Zocalo I had run into Maya who is the German girl who had helped out in Mitla so this was just a chance to have some fun teasing Art. JoEllen and the rest of the team arrived just about that time. Everyone was introduced and about then Nate, Abby’s husband arrived. We pulled up another table to accommodate everyone and were soon enjoying a delicious and friendly meal together. Part of our dinner time was dedicated to recounting the highs and lows of our week together. My low point was Monday morning because I was so exhausted from the transition from Mitla to Oaxaca to Tehuantepec. My highlights were the Covenant Church service in Tehuantepec on Sunday night and the communion service Jan led on Friday morning.
We engaged two taxis to ferry us back to the Pasado de Chencho and after some last minute rearranging of luggage fell into bed for our last night in Mexico. Wake up was 5:30 for a 6 AM departure. JoEllen arrived about 5:50 and when Bruce arrived at 6:00 we had already packed the van. We gathered alongside the van for a prayer of gratitude for a safe and profitable trip and for blessings on those who were staying and then headed for the aeropuerta. Everything went fine until Rodney tried to get the twenty pound stone mortar carried on. I guess it qualified as some kind of weapon, a concept one could hardly argue with. He had to head back out to the desk in a rush. They bagged it but could not promise it would make the luggage compartment on this plane nor were they at all sure it would pass customs in the US. Rodney made it back in time for the departure. His stone package also made the flight and sailed through customs in Houston. After immigration and customs we held a short conversation and following more goodbyes I headed for Gate E as the Kansas City group headed the other way for Gate D.
After a hamburger and a milk shake I took time to blog and then boarded an on-time flight for PHL, It arrived there on time and my son Duncan was waiting to pick me up.
We started our day as always with devotions but today was special as we sang together and shared communion together. As Jan led I was once again reminded of the blessed communion of the saints of God. Here I was with people I had met less than a week ago bonded in the faith and through our service together sharing deeply around the Lord’s Table. Every mission’s trip impresses me with the fellowship of the saints as I worship in strange languages and in various cultural modes but this was all in English and with Americans yet the beauty of the fellowship in the body of Christ stood out in a heartening manner.
After breakfast we headed back to the school we visited the day before to finish up about 25 more screenings. The students were all assembled on the basketball court for morning exercises. They were being led by a young woman standing on a platform and bending and stretching to a Mexican sounding version of the joined in the gyrations with a group of students. The tables were quickly set up and we completed the work we needed to do and as everyone packed our equipment in the van I finished entering the data and saving it to various flash drives. We were then escorted back to the basketball court where a long table had been set up at one end. We were invited to sit behind it although with all of us and the Mexican volunteers we were soon spread out along the entire end or the court. The children performed a flag ceremony similar to one we witnessed the first day in Buenos Aires and then after some speeches and introduction of dignitaries who were on hand we were all presented with gifts and certificates of appreciation from the Mexican Board of Health. While this was being taken care of some students started serving us tamales and bottles of soda for lunch.
As soon as the ceremony was complete we headed for the van and the jeep tamales and gift bags in hand because we had a long trip back to Oaxaca ahead of us. The trip from sea level to 6000 feet is almost always longer than the trip down especially if you get behind a heavily loaded double tanker heading up the winding two lane highway. Back at the motel I took a minute to finish the good lunch before getting out and retrieving my suitcase. I had gotten my small suitcase and book bag stuffed into the large suitcase. The pottery in the gift bag required me to take out my book bag and pack it there along with some clothing items to cushion it.
The trip up was thankfully uneventful except for the stop at the Pemex gas station for a rest stop and a Magnum bar. Just as we were about to leave Bill spotted one of those double tractor trailers. It was right in front of the gas station doing about 3 mph over a very steep tope. JoEllen was looking for her sun glasses but at Bill’s admonition she shoved the van into reverse to back out of the parking spot. Throwing it into drive she lurched ahead closing fast on Bruce who was just negotiating the Jeep out of the parking area onto the highway. We all cheered as we sped in front of the tractor trailer which was still straining to get hindmost tires over the speed bump. We did not encounter any more delays and were in Oaxaca well before dark which was our goal.
Malcomb who was the team member unable to come at the last minute had requested we purchase a mortar and pestle for a friend who had done him a great favor so we decided before supper to go into the center of the city to look for one before we had supper. The street was all dug up in front of the only parking garage we knew would stay open long enough to shop and eat. The construction also made a parking lot of all the streets around it. We decided to split up and some shop and some take the van back to the bed and breakfast and come back by taxi. I elected to shop, not because I like to shop but because it was about a ten or twelve block walk and after the long car ride that day I needed it. We managed to find the desired object at a very reasonable price but it ended up being about twenty pounds of solid rock with three legs, an animal face carved in one side and a stone pestle. Immediate concerns were how we would carry it and how we would get it on the plane.
We arrived at the hotel terrace where we were to meet for dinner. I went inside the hotel for a minute and as I was walking back to the table I heard a voice behind me say, “Hi Art!” It was my friend Debbie who was the driving force to get me into serving with Wycliffe missionaries in Mexico last year. She had just arrived back in Mexico from the US the night before. I had emailed her about where we might be and she and our mutual friend Abby had managed to find me. I took a little teasing about always hugging young women who approach me on the Zocalo. The first day on the Zocalo I had run into Maya who is the German girl who had helped out in Mitla so this was just a chance to have some fun teasing Art. JoEllen and the rest of the team arrived just about that time. Everyone was introduced and about then Nate, Abby’s husband arrived. We pulled up another table to accommodate everyone and were soon enjoying a delicious and friendly meal together. Part of our dinner time was dedicated to recounting the highs and lows of our week together. My low point was Monday morning because I was so exhausted from the transition from Mitla to Oaxaca to Tehuantepec. My highlights were the Covenant Church service in Tehuantepec on Sunday night and the communion service Jan led on Friday morning.
We engaged two taxis to ferry us back to the Pasado de Chencho and after some last minute rearranging of luggage fell into bed for our last night in Mexico. Wake up was 5:30 for a 6 AM departure. JoEllen arrived about 5:50 and when Bruce arrived at 6:00 we had already packed the van. We gathered alongside the van for a prayer of gratitude for a safe and profitable trip and for blessings on those who were staying and then headed for the aeropuerta. Everything went fine until Rodney tried to get the twenty pound stone mortar carried on. I guess it qualified as some kind of weapon, a concept one could hardly argue with. He had to head back out to the desk in a rush. They bagged it but could not promise it would make the luggage compartment on this plane nor were they at all sure it would pass customs in the US. Rodney made it back in time for the departure. His stone package also made the flight and sailed through customs in Houston. After immigration and customs we held a short conversation and following more goodbyes I headed for Gate E as the Kansas City group headed the other way for Gate D.
After a hamburger and a milk shake I took time to blog and then boarded an on-time flight for PHL, It arrived there on time and my son Duncan was waiting to pick me up.
November 3rd, 4th and 5th
November 3 Tuesday
We were up early for devotions and had breakfast at the hotel. Dr. Elidia who I met last year met us at the hotel along with Carmello and a couple of other Mexican volunteers. We headed up the road toward Oaxaca but soon turned off on a gravel road. The sign said that Buenos Aires was 13 kilometers. We were soon passing km. posts as we wound back and forth through the mountains. It was basically a one-lane road but we were able to pass the occasional oncoming traffic even a bus which we understand makes on run in the morning and another at night to a town that is past Buenos Aires. The scenery was spectacular and the conversation lively as the van made its way through the dusty wake of the Jeep ahead driven by the short term missionary on our team Bruce. There were unguarded drop offs and culverts along the way but none were really scary.
Soon we arrived at the town which was perhaps a little bigger than we were expecting. A left hand turn down a steep dusty road brought the school into view and another sharp left turn through a narrow gait brought us into the actual school yard. Inside the fence were several buildings, two of which held the three main classrooms. We waited near the basketball court as the children assembled. Bruce amused them teaching them “Good morning” in English and a few other phrases like “How are you?” and “fine!”
Chairs were set up under one basket and a loud speaker system along one side. Opposite the microphone the kids in their uniforms formed two lines almost the length of the court with their teachers standing behind them. A color guard of about 7 students formed near the loud speakers dressed like the rest of the students except for the addition of white gloves. The director of the school approached from the office building carrying a Mexican flag and it was presented to the child with the leather flag holder. As the color guard marched in great style around the court making sharp turns in the corners and tossing in a few goose steps at appropriated times the children sang a song to the flag led by a child at the mike. Everyone saluted the entire time the flag was in motion. Once the flag was dismissed we were all introduced by our leader JoEllen and some speeches occurred.
We began to screen the children after some amount of setting up and deciding in which room each part of the screening would take place. The first step in the process was to have each child wash their hands with sanitary gel. That was my job which was not a problem the first day with the older children. Sometimes I demonstrated so they got the idea and then instructed them to take off their shoes and step on the scale. I had cheat sheet cards and started to get the hang of it after a while. Next I would have them step onto the height measuring device and record that. “Ponte los zapatos .” was the next instruction, “Put on your shoes.” Then they were off to the eye exam. Before they left the room I would check to see if everything was complete. Then they would go to the next classroom for hemoglobin which required a finger sticking and then on to the doctors for a short examination. Each child carried a sheet on which the results were recorded and when finished the sheets would come back to me to entered in a data base.
At lunch time we walked down the steep dirt road to a building where children from distant villages were housed on school days. Transportation on a daily basis is impractical so they stay there on school days. We had packed a picnic lunch so we set up a table and made sandwiches. After lunch it was back to the classrooms to screen more children. Late in the afternoon we left for the hotel and I took the opportunity of the bumpy road home to drift off into a beautiful afternoon siesta (nap).
We had dinner at the hotel and then made a few Skype calls and checked email and then turned in.
Wednesday November 4
Today was much like yesterday. We returned to Buenos Aires with a day’s experience behind us and a clear idea of what our responsibilities were and where they would be performed. We had no ceremony to begin the day so we got right to work. At lunch we were served the same lunch as the boarding students. It came on a cafeteria tray that took me right back to my days in elementary school in the US. There is where the similarity ended. We had a very good vegetable mix that had a type of squash as a basis. We were also served rice and a container of yogurt. A bunch of tiny bananas were also served along with a typical drink made from a gourd which I did not try choosing instead to stick with my bottled water. Soon it was back to work and we were able to finish early so when we arrived back at the hotel we had a few minutes to rest before supper. It was our night to dine at the Asador which features a thatched roof palopa that is probably large enough to seat 30 or more. We were the only party there so the service was great. After the usual questions about what is in this and what is in that two men ordered the “Cowboy” some kind of steak and potato that came in quarter, half, and I think three quarter and full kilo. Since a kilo is over two pounds most folks order the quarter. Dr. Bill was thinking about the medio but settled for the quarto. I got a prime rib which like the Cowboy was served on a small cast iron grille pan. By the time we got home I was ready to sleep.
Thursday November 5
Today we visited another school and got set up rather quickly. We did make one change because our original sequence had the kids leaving one room and then returning for further testing. We were supposed to have about 25 but ended up with closer to fifty. The Mexican workers have been visiting this school which is very close to our hotel so there were not too many left to do. We had two vision stations, two hemoglobin, and two doctors examining. I started on the height and weight but a Mexican volunteer took over so I was able to concentrate on the recording. I was getting pretty used to the Mexican appellation so was able to keep up. When we were finished we headed for the place I had wanted to go since last year, THE BEACH! The restaurant featured two large palopas right on the beach although they were set back several hundred yards from the Pacific. We put in our order and headed off for a walk on the beach. It was blowing about 30 or 40 knots from the north. The Pacific is south so the sand was being blown out into the surf what little there was with that much off shore wind. Of course I had to get my feet wet and the bottom of my pant legs. This was not the greatest day at the beach. Attempts to get pictures of the group with the water as a backdrop were severely hampered by all of us ducking to keep the sand out of our eyes. We trekked back to the restaurant but although the wood fired oven was belching clouds of smoke our food was nowhere near ready. I took my turn in a hammock hanging near one of our tables and we snacked on salsa and a kind of chip very popular in the isthmus. When my order arrived it was a fish about the size of a porgy covered with tomatoes and onions. Of course the head was still on as was the tail and the dorsal fins were about two inches long and spiky. As I dug into it I found a very tasty white meat and although it was about four times the portion size to which I am accustomed I enjoyed it thoroughly.
We arrived back at the hotel and after a short break met in the restaurant to have dessert together. I was one of three to have the banana split. Mexican ice cream is not the same as we have in NJ but this particular dish was delightful. I had down loaded almost everyone’s pictures to my computer so I presented the slide shows at one end of the table as we ate. After some Skyping I returned to the room where Rodney was watching a modern Robin Hood in English with Spanish subtitles. I chose to do that instead of blogging and it was fun to brush up on some Spanish words.
We were up early for devotions and had breakfast at the hotel. Dr. Elidia who I met last year met us at the hotel along with Carmello and a couple of other Mexican volunteers. We headed up the road toward Oaxaca but soon turned off on a gravel road. The sign said that Buenos Aires was 13 kilometers. We were soon passing km. posts as we wound back and forth through the mountains. It was basically a one-lane road but we were able to pass the occasional oncoming traffic even a bus which we understand makes on run in the morning and another at night to a town that is past Buenos Aires. The scenery was spectacular and the conversation lively as the van made its way through the dusty wake of the Jeep ahead driven by the short term missionary on our team Bruce. There were unguarded drop offs and culverts along the way but none were really scary.
Soon we arrived at the town which was perhaps a little bigger than we were expecting. A left hand turn down a steep dusty road brought the school into view and another sharp left turn through a narrow gait brought us into the actual school yard. Inside the fence were several buildings, two of which held the three main classrooms. We waited near the basketball court as the children assembled. Bruce amused them teaching them “Good morning” in English and a few other phrases like “How are you?” and “fine!”
Chairs were set up under one basket and a loud speaker system along one side. Opposite the microphone the kids in their uniforms formed two lines almost the length of the court with their teachers standing behind them. A color guard of about 7 students formed near the loud speakers dressed like the rest of the students except for the addition of white gloves. The director of the school approached from the office building carrying a Mexican flag and it was presented to the child with the leather flag holder. As the color guard marched in great style around the court making sharp turns in the corners and tossing in a few goose steps at appropriated times the children sang a song to the flag led by a child at the mike. Everyone saluted the entire time the flag was in motion. Once the flag was dismissed we were all introduced by our leader JoEllen and some speeches occurred.
We began to screen the children after some amount of setting up and deciding in which room each part of the screening would take place. The first step in the process was to have each child wash their hands with sanitary gel. That was my job which was not a problem the first day with the older children. Sometimes I demonstrated so they got the idea and then instructed them to take off their shoes and step on the scale. I had cheat sheet cards and started to get the hang of it after a while. Next I would have them step onto the height measuring device and record that. “Ponte los zapatos .” was the next instruction, “Put on your shoes.” Then they were off to the eye exam. Before they left the room I would check to see if everything was complete. Then they would go to the next classroom for hemoglobin which required a finger sticking and then on to the doctors for a short examination. Each child carried a sheet on which the results were recorded and when finished the sheets would come back to me to entered in a data base.
At lunch time we walked down the steep dirt road to a building where children from distant villages were housed on school days. Transportation on a daily basis is impractical so they stay there on school days. We had packed a picnic lunch so we set up a table and made sandwiches. After lunch it was back to the classrooms to screen more children. Late in the afternoon we left for the hotel and I took the opportunity of the bumpy road home to drift off into a beautiful afternoon siesta (nap).
We had dinner at the hotel and then made a few Skype calls and checked email and then turned in.
Wednesday November 4
Today was much like yesterday. We returned to Buenos Aires with a day’s experience behind us and a clear idea of what our responsibilities were and where they would be performed. We had no ceremony to begin the day so we got right to work. At lunch we were served the same lunch as the boarding students. It came on a cafeteria tray that took me right back to my days in elementary school in the US. There is where the similarity ended. We had a very good vegetable mix that had a type of squash as a basis. We were also served rice and a container of yogurt. A bunch of tiny bananas were also served along with a typical drink made from a gourd which I did not try choosing instead to stick with my bottled water. Soon it was back to work and we were able to finish early so when we arrived back at the hotel we had a few minutes to rest before supper. It was our night to dine at the Asador which features a thatched roof palopa that is probably large enough to seat 30 or more. We were the only party there so the service was great. After the usual questions about what is in this and what is in that two men ordered the “Cowboy” some kind of steak and potato that came in quarter, half, and I think three quarter and full kilo. Since a kilo is over two pounds most folks order the quarter. Dr. Bill was thinking about the medio but settled for the quarto. I got a prime rib which like the Cowboy was served on a small cast iron grille pan. By the time we got home I was ready to sleep.
Thursday November 5
Today we visited another school and got set up rather quickly. We did make one change because our original sequence had the kids leaving one room and then returning for further testing. We were supposed to have about 25 but ended up with closer to fifty. The Mexican workers have been visiting this school which is very close to our hotel so there were not too many left to do. We had two vision stations, two hemoglobin, and two doctors examining. I started on the height and weight but a Mexican volunteer took over so I was able to concentrate on the recording. I was getting pretty used to the Mexican appellation so was able to keep up. When we were finished we headed for the place I had wanted to go since last year, THE BEACH! The restaurant featured two large palopas right on the beach although they were set back several hundred yards from the Pacific. We put in our order and headed off for a walk on the beach. It was blowing about 30 or 40 knots from the north. The Pacific is south so the sand was being blown out into the surf what little there was with that much off shore wind. Of course I had to get my feet wet and the bottom of my pant legs. This was not the greatest day at the beach. Attempts to get pictures of the group with the water as a backdrop were severely hampered by all of us ducking to keep the sand out of our eyes. We trekked back to the restaurant but although the wood fired oven was belching clouds of smoke our food was nowhere near ready. I took my turn in a hammock hanging near one of our tables and we snacked on salsa and a kind of chip very popular in the isthmus. When my order arrived it was a fish about the size of a porgy covered with tomatoes and onions. Of course the head was still on as was the tail and the dorsal fins were about two inches long and spiky. As I dug into it I found a very tasty white meat and although it was about four times the portion size to which I am accustomed I enjoyed it thoroughly.
We arrived back at the hotel and after a short break met in the restaurant to have dessert together. I was one of three to have the banana split. Mexican ice cream is not the same as we have in NJ but this particular dish was delightful. I had down loaded almost everyone’s pictures to my computer so I presented the slide shows at one end of the table as we ate. After some Skyping I returned to the room where Rodney was watching a modern Robin Hood in English with Spanish subtitles. I chose to do that instead of blogging and it was fun to brush up on some Spanish words.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
november 1st and 2nd
November 1
Awaking before the alarm I lay there listening to the sounds of the city, roosters crowing cars passing on the street below my open windows and the inevitable barking of the perros. Oddly enough one of my first thoughts was of some online banking I needed to attend to. I got ready and went down to the lounge area and did what I needed to do and then Cindy checked her email. It was time for devotions and prayer. I presented some thoughts from Hebrews 5:8 about Jesus’ prayer life and the answer he received to His prayer in Gethsemane. He was delivered from death but not until after the cross and three days in the grave.
Breakfast followed and it had been two days since I had oatmeal so I inquired about avena and got a positive answer. Oatmeal in Mexico is served sometimes almost as a warm drink. Today I got a bowl of cream with butter floating on the top and grains of oats filling the bottom portion and a banana on the side. After slicing the banana into the milk I proceeded to enjoy a hearty breakfast finishing up with some Day of the Dead bread. Loaves of bread prepared for Day of the Dead come in many creative designs. This was one of the simplest with a plastic face on a spike decorating one spot on the top crust.
After breakfast we loaded the van and headed out of the city toward the Pacific coast. The road is primarily a two lane highway which has almost no dotted lines. Since it was Sunday morning there was little traffic and the primary barrier to moving more quickly was the endless string curves back and forth and forth and back. Nausea is a real concern for anyone prone to motion sickness and group members use a variety of medical remedies and preventative measures. The scenery is breath taking as we follow a deep river gorge from about 6000 ft. down to sea level. One stop at a rest station produced the necessary refreshment to continue. For me it was a Magnum Classic bar which is like a dark chocolate Dove bar on a stick.
We arrived at our hotel Quichoba in Tehuantepec after about four and a half hours of travel and had about twenty minutes before supper in the restaurant. Then we had about forty five minutes to get ready for church. Scheduled for Five o’clock some sound systems problems held it up until 5:30. I was happy that the singing went on and on and on. Two different worship leaders led and the words were projected on the wall from an overhead projector which was a real help for someone with as small a vocabulary in Spanish as mine. Two of our group gave testimonies. Cindy read hers in Spanish and Bruce who is a short term missionary here translated for Bill. The JoEllen read a sermon prepared by Malcolm who was unable at the last minute to accompany us. After a list of announcements by Carmello, the pastor, we adjourned to the church yard for delicious tamales which were served from a large galvanized wash tub. They were in being steamed in several large pots over open fires in the yard when we had arrived. During the service whiffs of wood smoke were wafted into the auditorium as a forecast of the good things to come. A warm coffee drink with doses of cinnamon and sugar was served in white foam cups. Soon it was time to head back. To explain how tired I was I did not even join the group headed for the Pemex where a case of frozen Magnum bars was waiting. After a short cell phone conversation with Ann in MT. I did gain enough energy to get the Wi-Fi code from the desk. The signal in my room was weak so I sat on a stray backless resin chair near the back door to the office to delete most of my email messages and respond to two.
Then after plugging in everything that needed recharging Rodney I checked with Rodney, my roommate and an EMT from Kansas City about stetting the alarm and deciding on 6:15 AM as in 6:15 in the middle of the night. I then fell into bed and was soon fast asleep.
November 2nd
The cell phone alarm awoke me from a deep sleep and since it was on the dresser I was up immediately. Devotions were scheduled for 7:00 and after a frustrating search for things in my luggage which had never really recovered from my hasty departure from Mitla it was all dumped on the bed. Things I thought I would not need were packed in the smaller bag leaving me lots of room now in the larger one. We were all out in the van by 9:00 AM and on the way to a small church in the village of Mixtequilla. When we arrived children and adults were gathered waiting for screening. It took some time to configure the equipment according to available electric outlets and soon we were operating to do health screenings. My job of recording was not needed so I had time after the set up to catch up on my blog. Young faces appear all around the screen but soon leave when they see only English text and no action on the screen.
As the morning progressed I started showing some of the videos I had taken in Oaxaca. Even some of the parents came to watch and one little guy who couldn’t see ended up on my knee. We were finished early in the afternoon and so we opened our cooler and shared lunch with some of the Mexican volunteers. They had taken care of all the registration, heights and weights and were trained to do hemoglobin and sugar levels by Rodney and Jan. We left and headed for what had been described as a Mexican swimming hole. It turned out to be a warm spring that was contained by stone walls about three feet higher than the water level. Every few yards were stone steps leading into the crystal clear 80 degree water. Only three brave souls went in, Rodney, Bill and Art. The bottom was sandy although there were boulders and other stones on the bottom. When I first sat on the edge to put my feet in to test the water a swarm of half inch long fish swarmed out. Soon three inch fish actually began to nibble my toes and tickle. I was able to actually video them.
I came out for a while and sat with my huge hotel towel around my shoulders. When I ventured I put it down near Jan and Cindy. Coming out some time later I grabbed it and went up the hill only to discover that I had a tiny pink towel in my hands. Embarrassed I quickly returned it next to some ladies sandals and bewildered I began to search for my towel. JoEllen asked if the man sitting nearby had it. He did! I tried to get a better had to go. “Mi toalla”, I began wondering if he would be belligerant. He jumped to his feet obviously embarrassed handed it to me while heading for the little pink one. Carmello told him I had taken his and we all laughed about it for some time. On the way home we stopped in downtown Tehuantepec. A couple of us had worn shorts so we really looked like Amercanos not that the tall white people did not stand out before.
We got home and had dinner at the hotel and then we made some Skype calls. Of course mine was to Montana. While watching the world series I caught up on my blog and talked to Rodney.
Awaking before the alarm I lay there listening to the sounds of the city, roosters crowing cars passing on the street below my open windows and the inevitable barking of the perros. Oddly enough one of my first thoughts was of some online banking I needed to attend to. I got ready and went down to the lounge area and did what I needed to do and then Cindy checked her email. It was time for devotions and prayer. I presented some thoughts from Hebrews 5:8 about Jesus’ prayer life and the answer he received to His prayer in Gethsemane. He was delivered from death but not until after the cross and three days in the grave.
Breakfast followed and it had been two days since I had oatmeal so I inquired about avena and got a positive answer. Oatmeal in Mexico is served sometimes almost as a warm drink. Today I got a bowl of cream with butter floating on the top and grains of oats filling the bottom portion and a banana on the side. After slicing the banana into the milk I proceeded to enjoy a hearty breakfast finishing up with some Day of the Dead bread. Loaves of bread prepared for Day of the Dead come in many creative designs. This was one of the simplest with a plastic face on a spike decorating one spot on the top crust.
After breakfast we loaded the van and headed out of the city toward the Pacific coast. The road is primarily a two lane highway which has almost no dotted lines. Since it was Sunday morning there was little traffic and the primary barrier to moving more quickly was the endless string curves back and forth and forth and back. Nausea is a real concern for anyone prone to motion sickness and group members use a variety of medical remedies and preventative measures. The scenery is breath taking as we follow a deep river gorge from about 6000 ft. down to sea level. One stop at a rest station produced the necessary refreshment to continue. For me it was a Magnum Classic bar which is like a dark chocolate Dove bar on a stick.
We arrived at our hotel Quichoba in Tehuantepec after about four and a half hours of travel and had about twenty minutes before supper in the restaurant. Then we had about forty five minutes to get ready for church. Scheduled for Five o’clock some sound systems problems held it up until 5:30. I was happy that the singing went on and on and on. Two different worship leaders led and the words were projected on the wall from an overhead projector which was a real help for someone with as small a vocabulary in Spanish as mine. Two of our group gave testimonies. Cindy read hers in Spanish and Bruce who is a short term missionary here translated for Bill. The JoEllen read a sermon prepared by Malcolm who was unable at the last minute to accompany us. After a list of announcements by Carmello, the pastor, we adjourned to the church yard for delicious tamales which were served from a large galvanized wash tub. They were in being steamed in several large pots over open fires in the yard when we had arrived. During the service whiffs of wood smoke were wafted into the auditorium as a forecast of the good things to come. A warm coffee drink with doses of cinnamon and sugar was served in white foam cups. Soon it was time to head back. To explain how tired I was I did not even join the group headed for the Pemex where a case of frozen Magnum bars was waiting. After a short cell phone conversation with Ann in MT. I did gain enough energy to get the Wi-Fi code from the desk. The signal in my room was weak so I sat on a stray backless resin chair near the back door to the office to delete most of my email messages and respond to two.
Then after plugging in everything that needed recharging Rodney I checked with Rodney, my roommate and an EMT from Kansas City about stetting the alarm and deciding on 6:15 AM as in 6:15 in the middle of the night. I then fell into bed and was soon fast asleep.
November 2nd
The cell phone alarm awoke me from a deep sleep and since it was on the dresser I was up immediately. Devotions were scheduled for 7:00 and after a frustrating search for things in my luggage which had never really recovered from my hasty departure from Mitla it was all dumped on the bed. Things I thought I would not need were packed in the smaller bag leaving me lots of room now in the larger one. We were all out in the van by 9:00 AM and on the way to a small church in the village of Mixtequilla. When we arrived children and adults were gathered waiting for screening. It took some time to configure the equipment according to available electric outlets and soon we were operating to do health screenings. My job of recording was not needed so I had time after the set up to catch up on my blog. Young faces appear all around the screen but soon leave when they see only English text and no action on the screen.
As the morning progressed I started showing some of the videos I had taken in Oaxaca. Even some of the parents came to watch and one little guy who couldn’t see ended up on my knee. We were finished early in the afternoon and so we opened our cooler and shared lunch with some of the Mexican volunteers. They had taken care of all the registration, heights and weights and were trained to do hemoglobin and sugar levels by Rodney and Jan. We left and headed for what had been described as a Mexican swimming hole. It turned out to be a warm spring that was contained by stone walls about three feet higher than the water level. Every few yards were stone steps leading into the crystal clear 80 degree water. Only three brave souls went in, Rodney, Bill and Art. The bottom was sandy although there were boulders and other stones on the bottom. When I first sat on the edge to put my feet in to test the water a swarm of half inch long fish swarmed out. Soon three inch fish actually began to nibble my toes and tickle. I was able to actually video them.
I came out for a while and sat with my huge hotel towel around my shoulders. When I ventured I put it down near Jan and Cindy. Coming out some time later I grabbed it and went up the hill only to discover that I had a tiny pink towel in my hands. Embarrassed I quickly returned it next to some ladies sandals and bewildered I began to search for my towel. JoEllen asked if the man sitting nearby had it. He did! I tried to get a better had to go. “Mi toalla”, I began wondering if he would be belligerant. He jumped to his feet obviously embarrassed handed it to me while heading for the little pink one. Carmello told him I had taken his and we all laughed about it for some time. On the way home we stopped in downtown Tehuantepec. A couple of us had worn shorts so we really looked like Amercanos not that the tall white people did not stand out before.
We got home and had dinner at the hotel and then we made some Skype calls. Of course mine was to Montana. While watching the world series I caught up on my blog and talked to Rodney.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday October 30
I will try to catch you up on the 29th but am going on to the 30th. Was up early this morning and had a good chat with Ann. The day started with the usual kids for individual help. I actually started employing some of them to help start dismantling the room. My room which doubled as the Art room is not a permanent FES room it is only borrowed so all FES stuff had to be moved out. As Soon as the kids arrived I took over the opening exercises because Linda had to go up to Oaxaca for some urgent visa business. I spoke about Jesus being the chief corner stone and urged everyone to be sure their faith was planted on Him so that He would not be a rock of offense. We then all walked to auditorium where the instruments were set up for the closing program. Melinda led the music rehearsal and then I did a couple of walkthroughs of the play because that was the first time the microphones were there. I also gave them a pep talk about the need to imagine themselves as the characters they were playing or they would never get the audience to imagine it either.
Back at the school a bit later than planned we took time for the Bible lesson. I was filling in for Linda who was still in Oaxaca. The theme of the FES was prayer so I used Hebrews 5:8ff and tied it in with Jesus prayer in Gethsemane. After recess we started serious work to tear apart the room. We had wanted to use the diet soda mentos explosion for a volcano eruption and Linda had located some so we watched her class set that off. I was invited out to lunch but declined because I still had work to do in the apartment and get ready for a devotional talk at the program.
I was hardly ready when it was time to head for the auditorium but head there I did. My first part was to give a devotional thought from Psalm 18 which the older kids had been memorizing. I focused on the verse that indicated that God stoops to make us great. My voice broke a few times but I was able to get through it. Each teacher had a chance to have their kids perform. The students sang the songs they had practiced and the Stone Soup play was far beyond any of the practices and a big hit with the parents. Our teen age aide Rusty did a fantastic job on the slide show and Linda closed with a time for recognizing those who helped make the three weeks a success. Gifts were given to the teacher and aides and then it was time to enjoy some stone soup and ground cake with gummy worms for desert.
Without rushing my goodbyes too much I soon headed for the apartment for the final packing and getting it all cleaned out. All but the medicine chest that is. I discovered the next morning that my toothbrush, razor and shaving cream were all left behind. I had extra of everything but shaving cream and in all the shopping today forgot to get some. Joel helped with the last few things and Beth stopped by and finished taking all of the stuff out of the fridge and freezer. By that time Abby and Nate and Heidi were all in Joel’s pickup waiting to head for Oaxaca.
When I was on the way to the truck I realized I had not left a shirt out and was wearing a white tee. I unzipped the suitcase in the back of the truck and managed to get a shirt out. The ride to Oaxaca was one of animated conversation about Ann, the clousura and many other topics. Fortin hill overlooks the city of Oaxaca and there is a terraced, open aired restaurant there with spectacular views of the city lights. We ate there and continued our conversation long passed my estimated time of arrival at the bed and breakfast where I was to meet my new team from the Covenant Church. I decided not to even look at my watch and surmise that their plane was late and they had not arrived. They had of course arrived on time and were all asleep when I got there around 10:30
I will try to catch you up on the 29th but am going on to the 30th. Was up early this morning and had a good chat with Ann. The day started with the usual kids for individual help. I actually started employing some of them to help start dismantling the room. My room which doubled as the Art room is not a permanent FES room it is only borrowed so all FES stuff had to be moved out. As Soon as the kids arrived I took over the opening exercises because Linda had to go up to Oaxaca for some urgent visa business. I spoke about Jesus being the chief corner stone and urged everyone to be sure their faith was planted on Him so that He would not be a rock of offense. We then all walked to auditorium where the instruments were set up for the closing program. Melinda led the music rehearsal and then I did a couple of walkthroughs of the play because that was the first time the microphones were there. I also gave them a pep talk about the need to imagine themselves as the characters they were playing or they would never get the audience to imagine it either.
Back at the school a bit later than planned we took time for the Bible lesson. I was filling in for Linda who was still in Oaxaca. The theme of the FES was prayer so I used Hebrews 5:8ff and tied it in with Jesus prayer in Gethsemane. After recess we started serious work to tear apart the room. We had wanted to use the diet soda mentos explosion for a volcano eruption and Linda had located some so we watched her class set that off. I was invited out to lunch but declined because I still had work to do in the apartment and get ready for a devotional talk at the program.
I was hardly ready when it was time to head for the auditorium but head there I did. My first part was to give a devotional thought from Psalm 18 which the older kids had been memorizing. I focused on the verse that indicated that God stoops to make us great. My voice broke a few times but I was able to get through it. Each teacher had a chance to have their kids perform. The students sang the songs they had practiced and the Stone Soup play was far beyond any of the practices and a big hit with the parents. Our teen age aide Rusty did a fantastic job on the slide show and Linda closed with a time for recognizing those who helped make the three weeks a success. Gifts were given to the teacher and aides and then it was time to enjoy some stone soup and ground cake with gummy worms for desert.
Without rushing my goodbyes too much I soon headed for the apartment for the final packing and getting it all cleaned out. All but the medicine chest that is. I discovered the next morning that my toothbrush, razor and shaving cream were all left behind. I had extra of everything but shaving cream and in all the shopping today forgot to get some. Joel helped with the last few things and Beth stopped by and finished taking all of the stuff out of the fridge and freezer. By that time Abby and Nate and Heidi were all in Joel’s pickup waiting to head for Oaxaca.
When I was on the way to the truck I realized I had not left a shirt out and was wearing a white tee. I unzipped the suitcase in the back of the truck and managed to get a shirt out. The ride to Oaxaca was one of animated conversation about Ann, the clousura and many other topics. Fortin hill overlooks the city of Oaxaca and there is a terraced, open aired restaurant there with spectacular views of the city lights. We ate there and continued our conversation long passed my estimated time of arrival at the bed and breakfast where I was to meet my new team from the Covenant Church. I decided not to even look at my watch and surmise that their plane was late and they had not arrived. They had of course arrived on time and were all asleep when I got there around 10:30
Saturday October 31
Did not sleep very well last night but got enough to get by on. Was out of the room by 7:00 and saw Cindy walking around the court yard. She told me the time I needed to be in the lounge so I got my computer on the WI-Fi which I was unable to do last night probably because it gets turned off. I met the team members that were not here last year Rodney, Bill, Jan and Bruce. JoEllen led us last year and will again this year. We had devotions led by Jan and then had breakfast. The Pasado Chencho http://www.mexonline.com/chencho.htm is the bed and breakfast where we are staying and they have a beautiful building and good menu. After breakfast we met to view the latest DVD’s of the Covenant in Mexico and discuss our concerns and aspirations.
We then drove closer to town and did some sightseeing and shopping. JoEllen is very knowledgeable in the history and culture of Oaxaca. We had lunch at a sidewalk café in the Zocalo. The Zocalo is the main square of Oaxaca and has a beautiful park with huge towering trees. In the center is a high ornate bandstand and around it there are many fountains. The buildings on all sides are characterized by high arches. One side holds government offices the other three sides feature hotels and sidewalk restaurants. As you eat venders ply their wares at your tables and musicians hold forth with a variety of portable instruments and then solicit change for the diners for their performances. The afternoon was taken up with more shopping and sightseeing and then a stop at the Italian Coffee company for what was advertised as light supper but ended up to be more in the line of frappes and deserts.
As we were getting ready to leave a brass band was coming down the street followed by a group of 30 or so masqueraders dancing and swaying to the music. Just passed the restaurant in the middle of an intersection they stopped and the dancers showed their very best steps there on the pavement while traffic came to a standstill. We eventually made our way back to the parking garage and then on to the bed and breakfast. I was exhausted. Nothing makes me more tired than shopping. I took a half hour nap and then succeeded in getting back on the web. I called Ann on Skype but as soon as I got to my room I lost the net. I sat on the balcony and talked to her for awhile and then came into the lounge where the rest of the team was watching a movie on VHS. We called Malcolm on Skype. He was supposed to be with us but could not come at the last minute. He was back in KC carving pumpkins and passing out Halloween candy. We then called my sister Carol and her husband Alan. They were also unable to come with us this year. Tomorrow we will head out early for Tehuantepec so I am going to try to post this before the internet goes off.
Did not sleep very well last night but got enough to get by on. Was out of the room by 7:00 and saw Cindy walking around the court yard. She told me the time I needed to be in the lounge so I got my computer on the WI-Fi which I was unable to do last night probably because it gets turned off. I met the team members that were not here last year Rodney, Bill, Jan and Bruce. JoEllen led us last year and will again this year. We had devotions led by Jan and then had breakfast. The Pasado Chencho http://www.mexonline.com/chencho.htm is the bed and breakfast where we are staying and they have a beautiful building and good menu. After breakfast we met to view the latest DVD’s of the Covenant in Mexico and discuss our concerns and aspirations.
We then drove closer to town and did some sightseeing and shopping. JoEllen is very knowledgeable in the history and culture of Oaxaca. We had lunch at a sidewalk café in the Zocalo. The Zocalo is the main square of Oaxaca and has a beautiful park with huge towering trees. In the center is a high ornate bandstand and around it there are many fountains. The buildings on all sides are characterized by high arches. One side holds government offices the other three sides feature hotels and sidewalk restaurants. As you eat venders ply their wares at your tables and musicians hold forth with a variety of portable instruments and then solicit change for the diners for their performances. The afternoon was taken up with more shopping and sightseeing and then a stop at the Italian Coffee company for what was advertised as light supper but ended up to be more in the line of frappes and deserts.
As we were getting ready to leave a brass band was coming down the street followed by a group of 30 or so masqueraders dancing and swaying to the music. Just passed the restaurant in the middle of an intersection they stopped and the dancers showed their very best steps there on the pavement while traffic came to a standstill. We eventually made our way back to the parking garage and then on to the bed and breakfast. I was exhausted. Nothing makes me more tired than shopping. I took a half hour nap and then succeeded in getting back on the web. I called Ann on Skype but as soon as I got to my room I lost the net. I sat on the balcony and talked to her for awhile and then came into the lounge where the rest of the team was watching a movie on VHS. We called Malcolm on Skype. He was supposed to be with us but could not come at the last minute. He was back in KC carving pumpkins and passing out Halloween candy. We then called my sister Carol and her husband Alan. They were also unable to come with us this year. Tomorrow we will head out early for Tehuantepec so I am going to try to post this before the internet goes off.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday October 28
At FES we are starting to practice seriously for our closing program on Friday. The children who have been in music in two small groups got together for today’s practice. I sat in to help and was so blessed by the work Melinda had done with the students over the past two weeks. A song called “Trust and Obey” (not the old hymn) was so worshipful and sweet as the kids sang and accompanied themselves on the instruments. At rock class we erupted our film case core and clay outside volcanoes. The recipe of vinegar, Joy dish detergent and red food coloring was a real hit when we added baking soda to the mix. I had put a small table outside and covered it with plastic. By the time we were finished we had “lava” running down to the ground on all sides. The cardboard bases got a little delaminated but all the work was worth the effort. We practiced the Stone Soup play in the auditorium and it is starting to take shape.
At lunch I started making lists of things I need to finish before I leave on Friday. My friends Joel and Heidi wanted to go out to eat and since Friday is the only night left they offered to take me to Oaxaca Friday and drop me off at the bed and breakfast after dinner in Oaxaca. That is where I will meet the Covenant group when they get in from the airport. I was invited to go to supper Friday night and then to the airport to meet the team but I would not be able to get there in time after finishing here. While talking to Joel and Heidi today I found out that Joel had to pick up someone at the airport tonight. I offered to drive up with him to keep him company so as soon as Gym was over we left for Oaxaca. Joel needed to do some shopping for a cookout tomorrow night so we went to Sam’s Club. What a trip that was. I don’t even shop Sam’s at home.
Of interest also today was an email I received from Wycliffe, the mission I am serving under here in Mitla. They have an urgent need for someone or some couple to help Mickey and Barb in Cameroon. Mickey and Barb were the host and hostess for our team in Cameroon in April and we talked then about future trips. I feel like a man in my twenties with so many life changing decisions to be made. Well, God has a plan; I will trust Him to show me where to go from here. I am guessing it will be MT in the near future for one of the holidays.
At FES we are starting to practice seriously for our closing program on Friday. The children who have been in music in two small groups got together for today’s practice. I sat in to help and was so blessed by the work Melinda had done with the students over the past two weeks. A song called “Trust and Obey” (not the old hymn) was so worshipful and sweet as the kids sang and accompanied themselves on the instruments. At rock class we erupted our film case core and clay outside volcanoes. The recipe of vinegar, Joy dish detergent and red food coloring was a real hit when we added baking soda to the mix. I had put a small table outside and covered it with plastic. By the time we were finished we had “lava” running down to the ground on all sides. The cardboard bases got a little delaminated but all the work was worth the effort. We practiced the Stone Soup play in the auditorium and it is starting to take shape.
At lunch I started making lists of things I need to finish before I leave on Friday. My friends Joel and Heidi wanted to go out to eat and since Friday is the only night left they offered to take me to Oaxaca Friday and drop me off at the bed and breakfast after dinner in Oaxaca. That is where I will meet the Covenant group when they get in from the airport. I was invited to go to supper Friday night and then to the airport to meet the team but I would not be able to get there in time after finishing here. While talking to Joel and Heidi today I found out that Joel had to pick up someone at the airport tonight. I offered to drive up with him to keep him company so as soon as Gym was over we left for Oaxaca. Joel needed to do some shopping for a cookout tomorrow night so we went to Sam’s Club. What a trip that was. I don’t even shop Sam’s at home.
Of interest also today was an email I received from Wycliffe, the mission I am serving under here in Mitla. They have an urgent need for someone or some couple to help Mickey and Barb in Cameroon. Mickey and Barb were the host and hostess for our team in Cameroon in April and we talked then about future trips. I feel like a man in my twenties with so many life changing decisions to be made. Well, God has a plan; I will trust Him to show me where to go from here. I am guessing it will be MT in the near future for one of the holidays.
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