Below are a few odd clips from Hannah’s Quinceañera. I’m afraid they’re very odd, because we had some technical difficulties. So the majority of the actual program was not recorded.
We were very thankful for so many who graciously helped us put this party together. People cooking, setting up, cleaning, running sound, playing instruments, making banners, sharing in the program – the list just goes on and on. And, of course, we were blessed and honoured by the people who attended (about 115 people). AND – thanks for so many of you who were praying for the event!
We were especially thankful for the many wise words shared in the program. The gospel was clear, and there were other words of exhortation – not just for Hannah but for all of us. We were thankful to see the Lord glorified. Hannah did a great job, doing a lot of the planning. She chose some great music for worship, among many other details.
If you haven’t seen them already, there are lots of pictures in our Photo Gallery.
In the video you’ll see Hannah’s entrance and the introduction to the program, then some clips of people hanging out before the meal (with Hannah & friends handing out favours), the meal, and the cutting of the cake with the singing of some birthday songs.
Shari has made some great cakes over the years, but in my opinion this was one of the best! Nathanael’s “gecko party” was about to begin, and Nathanael was dressed for the occasion at the age of 2 – ten years ago today.
So, starting in about half an hour – well, maybe an hour. Or an hour and a half… well — later this afternoon — Hannah’s 15th birthday party begins!
For the uninitiated, the 15th birthday party, or the quinceañera, is a big deal in Mexico. Sometimes it’s bigger than a nice wedding would be in Canada. People book things months – or years – in advance. We’re talking HUGE.
Although there are many traditions, the quinceañera isn’t just once thing. It goes from the secular to the religious, from a massive expensive party to something small, and has become quite flexible in modern days.
And with our Canadian/Mexican background, we’re feeling free to make it perhaps even more flexible than usual!
Anyway, I’m writing today because I need to warn you that I won’t actually be online a lot from now until toward the end of next week – and then after that we have some other big events – so although I will try to get some photos and/or video up eventually, it may actually take a week or two before you see something substantial.
Anyway, thanks for those who have been praying for this event. We pray that it will be a blessing to Hannah, and to those who come.
We’ll be having a program, with a number of special presentations from various people. The theme is “Inheritance”. And the theme of the decorations is – snowflakes (And we have lots of them, trust me.)! There will also be a meal. And of COURSE a cake by Shari (it’s looking good – just sayin’).
We’re so thankful for so many people who have helped us out – cleaning, decorating – the Frys even loaned us a vehicle today (since we’re not allowed to drive today, due to the current laws in Mexico City).
So – I’d better run! I’ll see you after the party – sometime!
10 years ago today, Nathanael and Hannah were just readin’ their Bibles. Let’s admit it – it was a photo shoot, showing off some new gifts. It was Resurrection Sunday!
So what’s been going on over the last two and a half weeks?
We enjoyed having David Radlowsky here. He was around for a couple of weeks, learning about the ministry in the area. We went to Puebla, toured a Christian publishing house, and spent time with fellow missionaries Chalo and Beth (including some time downtown with Chalo’s Model T Ford). We also enjoyed visiting some people around Ixtapaluca, and then in Ixtapalapa as well. (Say that five times fast – Ixtapaluca, Ixtapalapa…)
Chalo chats with people in downtown Puebla.We also finished up our community centre classes for the semester, and had our closing program.
There was a soccer tournament in Las Palmas on the 21st, and then we welcomed our friends Shelene and Alyson here for about a week and a half. We showed them around Ixtapaluca and Mexico City, enjoyed Resurrection Sunday here with our church family, and then headed to Taxco for a few days off with them, where we road cable cars and camels and had various other adventures.
Hannah and Nathanael are continuing with school. We’re struggling to keep up this year, with so many other activities going on. But so far so good.
I’ve been working hard to prepare orientation materials for new missionaries coming to the field. We’re creating packets with resources and requirements for missionaries at various stages, particularly at the beginning of their journey to serve here.
We’ve got some big things coming up this month. A retreat for our Camino missionary team in a little over a week. A visit from Shari’s parents. And – why are they coming again? Oh yes, for Hannah’s 15th birthday party! That will be a big deal. And the weekend after that, a big outreach event – actually four outreach events, over the course of four days!
As usual, we have emerged from cold season and have entered directly into hot season. So within the space of a month we’ve exchanged scarves and gloves for fans and sunscreen.
The practical parts of life are complicated as usual. Lately our water pressure has been turned way down during the day (and other random times), which means either you do laundry when people are trying to sleep, or you don’t do it. And showers are touch and go.
Driving Restrictions April – June 2016But the big topic of conversation is pollution and new vehicle restrictions. Pollution in Mexico City has improved a lot in 25 years, but it took a down-turn recently. So the government has decided to restrict all vehicles during April, May and June. That means that we can’t drive our van one day a week, and an additional one Saturday a month (that’s 16 days over 3 months).
During that time, they’ll be thinking up new restrictions for the future.
So juggling transportation, and trying to be home when there’s water pressure, does make life interesting.
But right now I need to prepare for next week, get some things ready for the kids’ school, and deal with some practical matters. Talk to you later!
Ten years ago today, I made empanadas from scratch for the regular customers and also a special guest – Shari’s sister Amy (visit Amy and her husband Nate here)! So here they are enjoying (I hope!) the empanadas in our apartment in Calgary.
And please notice the Herdez brand salsa, a Mexican brand we still have on hand here.
So, starting in about half an hour – well, maybe an hour. Or an hour and a half… well — later this afternoon — Hannah’s 15th birthday party begins!
