WOW It is December 1st Today

I am really not sure what happened to November, but I can tell you there were many moments of joy.  There were smiles.

There were things to build...

and he didn't need my camera distracting him!

There were many days of school

and school time with friends is always the best.

But before you go, you have to have your hair done right.

There was time for quiet reflection.

And many meals to get ready and serve and consume.  Delia is a first class cook - the kids love her meals.  I try to make a meal once a week just to give her a break.  During the month, I introduced the kids to "goulash" - not only was this a funny word to hear but an even funnier one to say.  They didn't love it... but they ate it.

There were some BIG Events!

During the month, the house got a new name. As we move forward with licensing, there was a need for a name that all would understand. "Toma Mi Mano Guarderia" is that name.

"Take my Hand Daycare"

will be licensed as a nonprofit 24 hour child care facility.

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A Ten Person Mission Group from Minnesota visited.  The first night Delia prepared Tamales with rice and beans and Tres Leche cake for dessert.  Everyone was excited to be with us and they loved the food!

Revolution Day is November 20th.  It commemorates the beginning of the Mexican Revolution in 1910 that would eventually result in a President instead of a Dictator.  All the school children participated and the Minnesota Group was put to work watching children as we all enjoyed the parade.

Native Costumes

A friend who used to spend time at the house.

Miniature Banditos

All marching and all decked out in their finest school clothes.  (As you can see white or red tights are always in demand if you happen to see any at a good price.)

One of the visitors spotted a tortilla factory and bought some to share.

"Take my hand Mike"

This one found a good spot from which to enjoy the festivities.

Have to admit I have never seen one of these before.

These two Mexican women provided a study in contrast - the traditional and the modern.

I see examples every day of the little ones having serious conversations - I would love to know what they discussed...

Some of "ours" in their costumes.

And then there was some time for the slides!

Of course, there was a reigning queen.

Back at the house, we all enjoyed chicken and bean tortillas with cheese.  All enjoyed!

With extra hands around, Delia had a few moments out of the kitchen.

This "family" enjoyed some make believe time.

This one enjoyed music and adult attention... but it seems he may like soccer also.

All of the children loved the adult attention and the adults and teenagers were wonderful examples of Christian Love

and Peace.

This one loves to smile but I have never seen a bigger smile than when he got to wear the Minnesota North Stars cap.

During their time in Mexico, Mike and I gave them a tour of the area including "The Brick Factory".
Some of the teens had been in a Vacation Bible School class when we talked about how these bricks were made but all were impressed by the actual labor-intensive process.

The chicken and the shovel each play an important role in brick making. 

This is part of the visiting group with Domingo who has been making bricks for 50 + years.

Domingo's son, Martin, joined in the photo shoot.

On another day, before shopping, the group packaged rice and beans for distribution during the Christmas Outreach which will be on December 17th.  The rice and beans are all paid for by donations and packaged by volunteers with other volunteers doing the distribution;  labors of love!

Group photos are important for all God's children to remember the day and the smiles!

Marlon, who earns his living as a painter downtown, made a beautiful chalice for Pastor Shelly and the congregation of Our Saviors in Cleveland, Minnesota.

The visiting group got to see hard working field laborers who come across the border each day to plant, hoe and harvest the crops in the Yuma, Arizona area.

Another photo op presented itself we saw a orchard of date palms.

The mission group's last day was Sunday and Pastor Shelly celebrated with a service in the courtyard.

Delia's brother, Moses, led the group in a Spanish song that speaks of the love of Dios for all his children.

We played instruments, which were then left at the house for the children to use.

We praised our beloved God from whom all blessings flow.

And after we posed for more photos

and we laughed!

And took family pictures!

Then it was time for the group to return to The United States.  As we drove to the border, I realized again just how close our two countries are; not just in location, but in fundamental beliefs.  We are all God's children and we all want what is best for our children.  The flags of our countries fly in the same direction.

Only a flower covered fence separates us.

Thank you to the many people from the United States and Canada who support our efforts here in Mexico.  And thank you to visitors who spend their time and money to see for themselves what Papa's Missions and "Take My Hand Daycare" is all about.  May God Bless each of you!

During this season of Advent and every day, please remember to Listen when God whispers and to Respond when He nudges.