More Random Stuff!

Well! It's been a beautiful day. Sunny but cool, slightly windy, and fresh. Autumn is great.

And today was our big cleaning day! Though I felt a bit tired at the outset, my motivation increased as I started helping to clean the stove. Actually, it's a big conventional stove, with two ovens and a large griddle. I felt a sense of ownership as I cleaned it because of the fact that I use it everyday.

After the all-day cleaning event, I got to help our cook make frijoles charros and tacos de res. I'm really going to miss working in the kitchen when we leave!

One of the things I enjoy about being in the kitchen is the conversations I get to have with the Hermano. (Which in Spanish means "brother," but is a commonly used term for addressing people in an informal way, rather than using their first names. So, "Hermano" is the way we address our cook). Aside from his job as our cook, Hermano Heriberto is a pastor at a small local church here in Sauzal. Some of the ministries that his church participate in include: hospital and prison visits, events for neighborhood children, outdoor worship services, and prayer meetings.

We got the chance to attend Heriberto's church two Sundays ago, and the singing was beautiful! It was definitely from the heart, in worship to God. I love the music at Spanish-speaking churches because oftentimes it's got a Latin flare - the rhythms and melodies are contagious.

I have to let you know that, unfortunately, I will not be able to update the blog while on outreach, due to our schedule and computer availability. But when I come home for Christmas, you can ask me about how it went!




The biggest thing that God has taught me while I've been here is probably the extent to which he wants to have a relationship with me. He wants to hear my thoughts, and take on my questions, and understand my heart.

Knowing God is an amazing thing, but it can't happen without grace and forgiveness. Why? Because I need grace and forgiveness! And that's what Jesus died for - to make a way for me to intimately know God. The cross is what I deserved. But relationship with him is what I am given instead. And what a wonderful gift it is!

I hope that your day has allowed for some enjoyment of whatever it is you like to do. Be blessed, and see you later.


Above:
- Flags used for worship at Iglesia Centro Vida (bearing the Hebrew names of God!).
- In the park in downtown Juarez.