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Mexico

Hogar, Dulce Hogar (Home Sweet Home)

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We’re always thankful for smooth border crossings and travel in general, and for luggage that actually arrives. And that’s what happened this time around.

In fact, God even sent us a large taxi that could take all of us and our luggage at the same time back home!

Clothes market and bus depot
A sign by the bus depot where I left to pick up our van – a clothing market, and, below, the “SuperFast” bus station.
Upon our arrival home, things didn’t go quite as smoothly. No functioning gas meant no stove, and no hot water. Which wasn’t so much of a problem, because – well, there was this major leak in the bathroom. Not really any way to put a bucket under it (and even if you could, who wants to empty a bucket every few minutes?), so we had to shut off the water. So, not much food in the house, no van yet (I had to pick it up in a different city) so no way to get gas and food, and no water – and we went for tacos, but our favourite taco place wasn’t open.

So these things put a bit of a damper on our arrival.

But isn’t it interesting how God has His ways of making you thankful? The next day, the plumber came and fixed the pipe. We got gas. And I sorta had a shower (ok, so water pressure still isn’t a “thing” around here). Then I picked up the van (and something cracked our windshield on the way home — aaack! Enough!) But then we went out for some pozole. So we were very thankful for the simple things, once we got them back!

A few laundry loads and showers (sorta) later, we might even make it to the grocery store today for some actual food to cook. Which we can now cook, because we have gas. But actually, I need some gas in the van. Well, civilization is complicated, isn’t it?

Cottrills - September 2018
Our last evening together in Canada.

Seriously, though, it’s turning out to be a little more of a challenge than we expected to learn how to live in Mexico again, after 15 weeks away. Even before diving into “official ministry”, we’re finding a plethora of things that we need to deal with, expected and unexpected, while we try to remember how everyday life goes. So the first few days are turning out to be a little tough.

However, it’s still hogar dulce hogar – and we’re so thankful for what God has provided, and we know He’s still here – and in Canada too, with Hannah. And we have been reminded that a shower, even with very little pressure, is still a wonder.

Prayer Requests for Sunday – Caronport & Mexico

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Hi everyone!

We’re currently in Caronport, Saskatchewan! I’m taking the Sunday school class tomorrow at Caronport Community Church to teach the 2000 Years of Missions seminar (Modern Era). I would appreciate your prayers, as it’s not an easy seminar to teach. But I pray that God will use the material for His glory.

But I also wanted to remind you all to pray for Mexico tomorrow. The 1st of July is the national election. We know that God puts rulers in place, and removes them. But it is still appropriate to pray that His will would be done, and that there would be peaceful voting, and that Mexico would remain a country in which the truth can be shared freely.

Thanks for your prayers!

Water: Too Little? or Too Much?

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There are a lot of people in Mexico who have worse water problems than we do. In Mexico City, an aging system of pipes and water storage is constantly in need of repair. Neighbourhoods often go without water, and people have to line up to get a little for their home.

Usually, though not always, we have a little water on the outside tap. But there’s usually not water for laundry during the day, and often not enough water for a proper shower, and sometimes not enough water to do the dishes. It’s been a pretty steady problem since the earthquakes this past September.

Since the washing machine in the community centre (well, the building we’ve rented to house interns and have Bible studies, etc, in Las Palmas) isn’t being used right now, we decided to borrow it and put it on the lower level, where there is … more often … some water pressure.

Water from the drainThe lovely sound of running water filled the house, and the laundry got scrubbed. Then the machine started to empty…

… backing up the drain, and pushing sewage water up onto the floor of our back “servicio” (a little covered semi-outdoor area where our water tank is) and threatening to flood our dining room.

So – next step? Find a plumber, and hope that there’s something that can be done, at least with that drain.

Since many of you ask, there’s a quick water update for you!

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