Seen on the highway in Ixtapaluca…
You see some interesting lights on the vehicles around Ixtapaluca. But I think this is a first for me – a garbage truck with headlights… in the back. Got my attention, but it was kind of blinding… 😉
Ixtapaluca
Our Mini Street
Today I spent a good part of the day working on my sermon for Sunday. We don’t exactly have an office – but I worked in this case in our combination office/storage room/laundry room.
So this photo was taken out of one of the room’s windows, which looks out onto our street.
I took this one with my iPod, using the Pro HDR app (thanks for the tip Dennis). It’s a fun little app that can make your very lo res pictures a little better. It also has filters – in this case a filter that makes the street kind of look like a miniature model – fun!
This is part of a project to take (and post) a picture every day for 30 days. Not sure where I’m at – but I’m consistent so far! Click on the photos to see a better version in our photo gallery.
Orientation and Disorientation
Today I went to visit Julian and Malu here in Calgary to continue their information orientation (or is that disorientation?) as new appointees with CAM International of Canada (yes, soon the be Camino Global).
We had a good time – Julian and Malu love the Lord, love His Word, and love Mexican food. So guess what we ended up talking about for a lot of the time? That’s right – the Lord, His Word, and Mexican food. Which does rather lead me to believe that Mexican food will still feature prominently in the new heavens and new earth. 😉
Seriously, do pray for this couple as they start out preparing for ministry in Ixtapaluca. They have been involved in ministry in Mexico before in various ways, and because he is Canadian and she is Mexican they’re used to living in two (or more!) worlds. So we appreciate their experience an insight, and also realize that in many ways this will be another new journey for them.
Malu and Julian were very gracious as I was in a LOT of pain today – the migraine meter hitting a higher point than it has for a while. It’s been a difficult week, and we as a family have been short on sleep (for various reasons – mostly kids up in the night!), so we would appreciate your prayers that we can get some rest and be feeling better.
And tomorrow – we’re off to Innisfail and looking forward to serving in the worship service and seeing old friends and new. 🙂
Just before (podcast)
Just dropping by to touch base one more time before we leave, and to talk about – the rain!
[display_podcast]
Vision Weekend: Day 1
I more or less kept track of what we were doing as the day progressed, so here are my notes from the day. I’ll try to upload some actual photos and video later, but this will give you an idea what’s been happening…
 |
Ice breakers with Tiffany and Melissa.
A time of worship together.
 |
Jeff shares a personal testimony about resting in your position in Christ.
Rod shares about the purpose of the weekend – the Great Commission and the love of the local church.
 |
Jim shares about how Mexico fits in world mission – a strategic country, especially for the Spanish speaking world. And Mexico City – the world’s largest Spanish city and the challenges there.
Robert and several others share about religion and culture in Mexico – beyond the statistics, what do people really believe?
 |
Antonio (a pastor in Mexico City) speaks on the needs of the church – what is the biblical model for the church? What are the needs of the church in Mexico City?
Rod speaks on philosophy of ministry – what are the special opportunities of Mexico City and this part of Mexico City? What are the challenges? Where do we want to go from here? What kinds of people do we need, and what could they do?
Lunch break – some yummy Mexican food, of course!
A trip up to Ixtapaluca’s ancient ruins to get a good view of the surrounding housing developments (what a beautiful day!)…
 |
 |
 |
Going down to Jesús María to see the community centre where English classes are going on. Alyssa is also working on the mural on the water tower, so everyone goes to see it (and perhaps even help paint!).
Then off to reorganize – some heading to downtown Mexico City to see the sights (because you just can’t be so close and not go, if you’ve never been!), and some decide to take it easy and rest up for a big day tomorrow.
Day one of the Vision Weekend has been great! Tomorrow we’ll meet in the building in which the church in Santa Barbara meets, and join a bigger group. First, a little rest (maybe)…
The BIG Weekend is Coming! (video)
(Note: I actually recorded this on the 7th of June 2011, but am posting it a day later)