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We Have Lived in Mexico for Ten Years.

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That fall was probably one of the most difficult times of my life. Absolute chaos, in so many ways – uncertainty, hardly time to sleep, and just waaaay too many balls in the air. But somehow or another, on the 31st of October 2006, we left Canada on our way to Mexico.

Nathanael and Hannah: Newly in Mexico!
Nathanael and Hannah, having recently arrived in Mexico
Once we made it to Texas, we met up with friend and fellow missionary Alan McManus, who had been in the USA visiting family and picking up a few needed items. It was on this day – 10 years ago – that we followed Alan across the Río Bravo (called the Rio Grande in the USA), to start a new phase of life living in Mexico.

The border crossing was remarkably uneventful, and we were blessed with safe travels down (even though we were about to become horrendously sick for a few days – but let’s not get into that!).

That night we stayed at a hotel, and went to get pizza (Domino’s, I think – who would have thought our first supper in Mexico would be pizza?).

I look back with gratitude to God at those ten years in Mexico. In the weeks before we left, there were times we wondered if we would make it at all. Many times of urgent prayer. But God provided every step of the way.

Iglesia Bíblica El RenuevoOur first year and a half were spent in the city of Cuernavaca, going to classes and worshipping with our brothers and sisters in Christ at Iglesia Bíblica El Renuevo (The Renewal Bible Church). Then we moved to Ixtapaluca in Mexico City, where we had the privilege of seeing Mexican leadership officially take over the work of Iglesia Bíblica Sendero de Vida (Path of Life Bible Church).

Then it was a new part of Ixtapaluca – Jesús María, where we saw the birth and growth of another local church – Iglesia Bíblica Sendero de Vida Jesús María. We watched as God brought people to life and gave them a hunger for His Word.Iglesia Bíblica Sendero de Vida Las Palmas

And this month – we have seen the beginnings of a new group of believers in the community of Las Palmas.

God has blessed us with so many new friends here in Mexico (and continuing friendships outside of Mexico) – people who have counselled us and spoken God’s Word to us and encouraged us. He has shown us His grace over and over.

Living in Mexico with Canadian RootsAnd today we still pray for many of the same things we prayed for in the first place – understanding, health, friendship, opportunity. That somehow God would use us to bring new life in an area where there are so few believers.

Thank you to all of you who have been a part of this ministry!

I have lots to do today – no time to reflect as much as I would like to. And how could I write a post that would do justice to what God has done over 10 years?

But just for fun, let me leave you with this almost-10-year-old podcast featuring Hannah and Nathanael. Less than a month after our arrival in Mexico, I asked them what they liked about it. Today they still like it, after living most of their lives here!

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Hannah and Nathanael Explore
Early exploring in Cuernavaca, Mexico

Motorcycles in Puebla (video)

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So we were walking around the streets downtown in the city of Puebla, Mexico, and there were these motorcycles.

Some people were in costumes, other people not.

That’s all I know.

Hannah’s Dolphin Discovery

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Back in August, Shari took Hannah to “Dolphin Discovery” in Mexico City, as a (late) part of her 15th birthday present. It was a complete surprise for Hannah. Here are a few glimpses of their time with some sea creatures …

Note: Many of the pictures were taken by the Dolphin Discovery staff photographer.

Constant Reminders

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Sometimes it’s really obvious. A man by the side of the road with crutches, who looks like he hasn’t changed his clothes in a year or two.

But other times it’s a little more subtle.

Subtle or obvious, it’s inescapable herein Mexico City.

I did a quick run to the grocery store to get some food for the week. An older man with a moustache started to bag my groceries. Yes, they still do that here. It gives someone a job. But they only get tips.

Old WomanFor whatever reason, the man left and an old woman took his place. Slightly stocky, curly grey hair. Probably somebody’s grandma, maybe somebody’s great-grandma.

I’m not a proponent of everyone retiring on the beach at 65, but knowing that many old women have to work long hours on their feet just so their family can survive — . No, in many cases this is not a woman looking for a challenge and a little extra cash – it’s life and death.

Out in the parking lot, more people are given jobs through tips. These are men and women who help you back your car out, using whistles and voices. They’re known as “viene-vienes” (come-comes) because that’s one thing they shout out when it’s save to leave your parking space.

I could tell this particular viene-viene was checking out my Canadian license plate, and he spoke to me in English (pretty good English, actually, which isn’t common around here), asking if I had any jobs available. I answered in Spanish (just by habit), and told him I really didn’t know of anything.

I wasn’t very good at answering such an unexpected question off the top of my head. But it frustrated me again – there are so few jobs available here, anywhere. Once you reach 35, your chances aren’t great. And it’s sad that he would ask a foreigner with a foreign license plate, and perhaps not a well-connected Mexican business-man. Canadians, Americans, can you imagine someone in your country seeking out an immigrant to ask for a job?

Many years ago we started to make more of an intentional effort to build into our lives help for the poor. But the job always remains bigger than one family, or one church.

I’m thankful for the constant reminders, whether subtle or blatant. The push to ask – do I really need what I’m buying? Can our community of believers do more to help? Can I respond in more helpful ways?

The constant tension and push out of comfort and ease is a good thing. But even then, it will either lead to a callous insensitivity, or compassion. Jesus modeled the latter.

A Holy Door?

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This is a little video all about the temporary “holy door” at the basilica in Mexico City.

It’s really hard to give a good explanation off the cuff, though I gave it a shot. The basic idea is that, according to current Roman Catholic belief, going through this door can be a part of helping you avoid some of the punishment that you deserve for sin.

I talk here more about “official” Roman Catholic doctrine, but there are a thousand shades of belief even here in Mexico.

So without further ado – “The Holy Door”…

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