My life in Mexico

Greetings everyone!

Thanks for being patient with the blog updates. Things have been very busy here and my internet access is limited. I'm happy to be able to check in, though, and share what's been going on since I arrived here in Mexico City. I'll post some pics below which can help tell the story, and if you'd like to see more I'll try to get them posted on FB :)


This is my host family, the Roques. They are very hospitable and I always have PLENTY to eat. Since I miss my family at home quite a bit, it's a blessing to have people here who love and care about me. The whole family jogs together early in the morning so between that and playing basketball with Peter I think I'm getting enough cardio to burn off all of the calories!







Here I'm with my host brothers, Ivan (25), and Elliot (19). They're fun guys and I've enjoyed getting to hang out with them. They're really into music and are very talented! They attend a school of Christian music here in Mexico City and help lead worship at their church. They have been really helpful in communication as they know some English and are patient with my attempts at Spanish!






This is Peter Breit, the missionary who's supervising my internship (he's the one with his head still attached to his body). Peter and his entire family have been incredible hosts and mentors. They pastor a small church here which is enough to keep anyone busy with weekly services, prayer meetings, outreaches, Kid's Club etc. Additionally they're involved in training nationals for ministry leadership, getting a cafe up and running to provide work for some of their congregants, developing great relationships with locals, and serving on boards and committees. Peter and are really enjoying playing basketball when there's spare time.


This picture was taken atop an Aztec pyramid, which I think was built in like 300 A.D. (you can Wikipedia it and let me know for sure if you want). I'm standing on the sun temple and in the background is the moon temple where the Aztecs would perform human sacrifices to appease their gods. I'm thankful to serve a God who sacrificed Himself for me! The view was extraordinary and the history fascinating. Peter's wife Delia shared other things with me about Mexican culture and history. It's all very intriguing and understanding these things helps give me a more complete picture of the Mexican people.


El Club De Ninos (The Kids Club) is one of the minstries of the church, Living to the Max in Christ. This cement slab outside of a home is the meeting place for the club as well as for the church. The club consists of singing, puppets, Bible teaching, English classes, arts/crafts, games, and a good lunch! There is such a BIG need for this type of ministry here. This is one of the poorer neighborhoods in Mexico and the kids are exposed to so much! The club gives them a safe place to come and experience the love of God through a wonderfully caring staff.

After the club we got to play soccer with some of the kids in the street. It means so much to them that we're simply with them on their level. I also got the privilege of sitting and talking with some of them while they ate a good meal at the church (something some of them might not get all the time). No amount of programming can replace the simple presence of people who care! I feel so blessed to be a part of this ministry while I'm here! Some of you donated money and supplies specifically for children's ministry and I'm proud to let you know that it was given to help sustain the efforts of this Kid's Club to share the love of Christ with the children of Mexico City!

Beyond that I've been staying pretty busy preaching and just trying to adjust to the culture. The preaching has been going really well! Speaking through an interpreter is a new and interesting experience but the Gospel is powerful in every culture and it's been amazing to see it at work here. Also, in a place where so much is new and unfamiliar I'm so thankful that God's Spirit is with me and remains a consistent guide in my life and ministry.

The most difficult and frustrating part of my experience so far has been the language barrier! It makes me feel helpless and dependent...I'm not used to that! It's humbling to be sure but God is using it to teach me and mature me so I'm thankful for that. I look forward to learning more and more and to being able to communicate more effectively and I appreciate your prayers in the matter.

Actually, I appreciate everyone's love and prayers from back home. I don't have a lot of time for the internet but the blog responses and FB messages mean a lot. I love and miss you all! Until next time...

Adios