Mexico

29 August 2005

The Pan de Vida Team

Yesterday I took a drive down to University Drive Alliance Church to hear a presentation by their Mexico team. Here’s the story – a few days after our team left Pan de Vida, the orphanage near Querétaro, they arrived. A team of 26, they were able to complete a large amount of construction, and also run a vacation Bible school for the kids (about 80-100 of them). The picture above is of the boys’ dorm at the orphanage.

Now, I have to admit, it was absolutely a joy and a delight to hear about what God had done, and to see pictures of what they had accomplished. I was able to talk to a few of the team members, and I wish I could have talked to more. (Actually, if any of you are reading this, please give me a call and we’ll go out for a manzana. Oh yes, I know where to get them. I have connections…) It sounds like it was a great team – ready to serve, excited to see what God would do.

Of course it was wonderful to hear about Mexico and see the pictures, but also painful. Painful because I had to leave it behind, and I’m not there now! But in the mean time, it’s always great to hear from someone who’s been there.

Recently some black top was put down in the loading zone behind our local grocery store. Our living room window faces that direction, and on Saturday night I was watching while a group of skateboarders took advantage of the new surface. This may be a rare event, because I imagine the owners won’t want the back of their store to become a local hangout. However, I was tempted to go out and watch, since I do love skateboarding. But, the dishes were important too, so I kept drying them.

I got thinking about how great opportunities like this come up every day. Opportunities to get together with people who have a common interest. That’s really a big part of church planting, and missions in general.

I was reminded of this again last night, when someone was sharing. They were talking about one
guy on the team who loved skateboarding so much he had dragged his board all the way to Mexico. Everyone thought it was pretty crazy. But then they saw this guy giving rides to the kids in Mexico, and they saw the joy on the kids’ faces, and they realized it was all worthwhile.

What do you enjoy doing? A hobby, a passion, a sport? It just may be that God can use that in ways you never imagined. It’s great to see people connecting with other cultures in creative ways. When they see the joy and love that Jesus can bring through it all, they’re changed and excited and ready for more. What a great God we serve!

5 August 2005

Yes, I had Jarritos

Jim Food, Just for fun, Mexico 3

Back in early July I wrote this blog about bubble tea and the Mexican soft drink, Jarritos. I was responding to a blog over at Mexico Movies praising the soft drink, but I had never had it.

Well, I don’t feel quite so bad now. Jarritos was amazingly hard to find. The first time I saw it is was warm, so I decided to wait until I could find a cold one. Finally, about 2 weeks into my trip I got one at a grocery store, cold and everything. But, I guess I’m just not an orange refresco kind of guy. So I stand by my original comment on Dennis’ blog entry – it’s Coke or manzana for me! And by the way, there are some wonderful manzana (apple) varieties now. And I’m afraid the new Sour Apple Crush from Cadbury just doesn’t compare.

Yet another reason why I should move to Mexico. 😎

11 July 2005

Here in Querétaro

Jim Mexico, Ministry glimpses 0

Here we are, at the Smith’s home in Querétaro! Just wanted to drop by and let you know that our trip has gone very well. Probably a couple of the easiest border crossings ever for me. We’re all very tired, but we’re no longer food-deprived, because Lori Smith has served us a delicious meal.

So we have a lot to praise the Lord for! Now, my luggage has actually not yet arrived, but I have high hopes that I’ll see it sometime tomorrow. 😎 Everyone else has everything that belongs to them. And I’m fine for the time being.

It sure is good to be back in Mexico. I’ve been away too long! The whole team is looking forward to a great time here. We had a beautiful drive from the airport, and got to see some of the countryside, as well as lots of city. It’s a beautiful country. Talk to you later!

6 July 2005

Spanish word of the day

Jim Just for fun, Mexico 0

Learning Spanish? There are a number of sites online that provide a “Spanish word of the day”. One of these is DonQuijote.com, which provides a word of the day as seen below:

Learn Spanish with don Quijote

StudySpanish.com does the same thing:

4 July 2005

International beverages

Jim Food, Just for fun, Mexico 0

Today I had bubble tea. It’s a drink that originated in Taiwan over 20 years ago, also called pearl tea, QQ drinks or boba drink. Bubble tea is generally sweet iced tea with milk and large tapioca balls. It was actually pretty good, although a little sweet for me. I realize it’s an odd beverage choice when I’m about to leave for Mexico, but hey, I’m an international guy.

In my defense, I was just watching Dennis’ blog about the Mexican soft drink Jarritos, and I told him I’d have to try it. I’ve probably had it, but for some reason I can’t remember. I was always more of a Coke or manzana guy.

Speaking of Mexico again, remember those butterflies we were talking about in the last blog? Well, we were hanging out outside yesterday and God sent us one to photograph for you (alas, no, I didn’t take the picture you saw in the last blog entry). I like to call this butterfly Susana. I’ve uploaded some photos of Susana for you in our photo gallery. Check it out! You can also see photos of our holiday from last week.

2 July 2005

Visitors from Mexico

Jim Computers and internet, Just for fun, Mexico 1

There have been visitors from Mexico in our neighbourhood lately. Hundreds – thousands – it’s the painted lady butterfly.

If you stand outside you can see them flying by by the dozens. It’s likely that heavy rainfall in desert areas of Mexico has brought on this major migration – the biggest one in years.

The painted lady butterfly can be found all over the world. They’ll be laying their eggs and then after the first frost they’ll head back down where they came from. In actual fact, they won’t even be the same butterflies – they only live a few weeks. A new generation will use their God-given navigational skills to find their way.

You may notice that we have a butterfly of our own here at CottrillCompass.com – up in the top right hand corner. The monarch butterfly is another species that makes the amazing migration from Mexico to Canada and back. It’s a reminder of the guidance of God. If God can guide these little butterflies on their mission back and forth, of course He can guide us. As our website verse reminds us – the Lord directs our steps, and our flights. At only 8 days before my next visit to Mexico, it’s a good reminder.

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