One week down.... :)

I'm not sure how I can best explain what it's like to adjust to living differently for a number of times over the last full year.  Even though we've lived here for months before, we have been re-adjusting to what life will be like for us over the next year.  Even then, I know that in a few months time, life will be different then it is now.  Now, the mission center is really quiet.  Soon it will be full of people daily.  Looking even closer at our daily life,  we are needing discipline on our schedule that we need to keep!  It's pretty easy to let things slide, as life just tends to happen.  I need to make sure that Cole gets his schooling done both for the Mexican school, as well as for Canada.  On top of that, Cole doesn't like school!  (I should  clarify, it's the work that he'd rather not do).    A few things that have been a great hand up is that we are able to have help with his Spanish homework.  For the his school, just having your homework done for the next day gives you extra marks.

Leah is growing so fast!  Her hands are grasping what she wants to get a hold of, and she's loving her exersaucer.  She is now rolling over, and she rolls over every chance she gets.  Since we have no easy access to a bath tub, Leah has been joining us for her showers.  We are happy to say that she likes them, even though the water isn't really warm. (the water is air temperature).  Today I filled a larger plastic container so that she could sit and enjoy the water for a change.  I'm hoping to take her and the boys to the pool this week, so we can enjoy the heat without all the sticky sweat.

Brian has been busy getting everything  lined up  for the next year.  He's been searching for a Spanish teacher who is around right now to give him a jump start on his lessons.  He currently has his office at Jax Snax for his studies.  Which I'm a little envious of. :).

The kids program has been doing well.  There are new faces in the kitchen and the program has now settled with a core group of kids.  There is about 60 that make this core.  Absalon has been leading the singing, but he has been working on getting a kids worship team together.  He has asked Cole if he would be apart of this group.  Cole is super pumped, he has missed playing his guitar.  We will see how this will unfold.

God bless, and we miss you!
Clarissa

Our travel home

Eight days we drove to reach home in San Carlos, Mexico. I was pleasantly surprised how well we all traveled. (Leah especially.). We first headed to Montana to have a quick visit at the Art & Brenda's home. It was a wonderful surprise to be able to have a chat with Ittzy and Juan as well. We packed our camping gear so we could freely take our time on our way down. We stopped at a KOA'S, and I highly recommend it to anyone. Even if you stay in one of their cabins. I love that almost ever KOA has a pool.
We stopped at the Lava hot springs to check out their natural hot spring hot tubs and also enjoyed their Olympic size pool with slides. When we drove by this pool excitedly exclaimed " this is my favoritest place I've never seen!!.....well kiss my girlfriend!! ?what?! He seems to come up with some odd liners lol. Also they have a train that goes by every 2 hours that blows its whistle at night. ( one of the joys of camping!) We were very ready to make it to Mexico after this. Mason had asked everyday "is this Mexico?" Brian and I were ready to say yes to this daily question. Needless to say, our last 3 days we pushed a little harder.
Sunday when we crossed the border, we were greeted at the visa office with 3 of the popular things Mexico has to offer. Squeegee men, someone else trying to sell us their goods, and another asking for money for their family member that has cancer. Also while going through Hermosillo, a nice reminder of one of their traffic laws. How to make a left turn at the light. ( you turn from the lane second to the left.) But none the less we made it home by 5:30. We managed to get a little settled and make it to the Sunday evening service in Fatima. It doesn't feel like we had left. (besides the mission center being so very quiet). So my day today as been solely nesting in our home. Brian even commented that we could fit 5 in our camper. :)

Hello Family & Friends

Well our time here in Manitoba is quickly coming to an end. We have determined that our departure date will be on August 12. We are very excited to get back down to Mexico and back to somewhat of a normal life again. As we prepare we ask that you please pray that God would provide the remaining amount of support that is needed. We are a bit further away from the mark than I would like to be. Having said that we have also seen God pull off some small miracles so there is no doubt in our mind that we are on the right track. He will provide it in His time, its just time for me to be patient.
We thank you for remembering us in your prayers and ask that you pray for our financials, for our family as we finish up odds and ends and also for us and our families as the time to say good by is just around the corner.

Hope you all have a great weekend!
God Bless
Brian

Why are we surprised?!!

We have to share how God has recently blessed us.  For the last couple of months, Brian and I have been thinking how helpful a trailer would be.  (I have to admit that it has been more Brian than me.)  Brian's goal for the summer was to save enough money to purchase a trailer to pull behind the truck.  Especially with people asking what we have room for to bring back to Mexico.  This is how Brian's day went this last Tuesday.....

 I spent time on Monday visiting and speaking with folks intending to discuss our support level. Each time I had the opportunity to bring up the topic, I found it difficult to go there. I just didn't have peace to bring it up. So I went to bed that night discouraged. Our departure deadline is quickly approaching and our support level was at a stand still. My goal for Monday was to make some good connections and progress with our support but came home empty handed and discouraged. After somewhat of a discouraging day on Monday I found myself hesitant as to how I was gong to plan my day on Tuesday. I had nothing major planned, just breakfast with a friend. Little did I know God had plans for Tuesday that I never saw coming.

I responded to an email that I received over the weekend from I gentleman that I had never met. In the email he asked me if I would mind meeting him sometime during the week to discuss our mission and ministry. I called him up after breakfast and we decided to meet that morning. Although he was a total stranger to me it turned out that he attends our home church. We got to know each other over coffee and it turned out that he and his wife were interested in supporting us with a monthly contribution. Whoohooo! In his words, it wasn't a large contribution but it was the amount that he and his wife felt lead to contribute. I genuinely thanked him and told him that his contribution was perfect. Our coffee meeting continued and as we were about to pack it in he asked me about our travel arrangements and  vehicle. "Do you have enough space to move to Mexico with your family in your pick up?" I went on to tell him that space was a concern as we have acquired more belongings since Leah arrived in the family. On top of that, people had been offering clothing and supplies to donate to the people in Mexico and if we had room they would love to send them along. I have had to turn people down as space was an issue. We got on the topic of towing a trailer to Mexico and I shared with him that my intent was to purchase one if our budget allowed. We talked about prices and quotes that I had received and then he looked at me and said, "Go to PJ Trailers and pick one out!" What!!!!!! Yeah, go pick out the one you want, the color you like and tell the boys at PJ that I will stop by this afternoon with a cheque. Words cannot explain how it feels when God answers your prayers in such a huge way! Long story short, we went to the dealership together to pick out a trailer. As we looked at trailers we look at all the options and ended up picking out a 12' tandem axle enclosed cargo trailer. White in color.

The guys at PJ were really great to deal with. My new friend explained the situation and they happily gave him a deduction on the purchase price of the trailer. On top of that, the manager asked if it would be okay if PJ Trailers would make a $1000.00 donations to our support fund? What???? I was totally shocked! What could I say? 

During our coffee that morning my new friend made a statement that really stuck out to me. He said "Brian, I can't do what you do, its not my calling. But the Lord has given me other strengths and I have to use them the best I can. It's my roll in this ministry to support you". This is so true. None of us have the same purpose or calling. Some are called to missions, some called to business, farming, parenting etc. God has a plan for all of us and its our responsibility to figure out what that is. As Missionaries to Mexico, we play only a roll in this ministry. Each one of our financial and prayer supporters also play a roll we need each other to make the ministry happen. We need each other and together we are called the body of Christ. It has been an absolute privilege to serve in our roll and although it has been a humbling experience we have seen God work in so many cool ways through so many people that have a desire to serve the Lord and help make a difference in a person's life. Our journey has been exciting! Anyone who says that being a Christian is boring has no idea what it really means. What an awesome experience!

As each day goes by, my list of blog items to write about gets longer!!  So I need to get this done, before anything else happens in our lives. :)  

   Our month of July started with our annual camping week with my Thiessen extended family.  We were given great weather, so we had a lot of beach time!  Mason water-skied for his first time!  He proudly informs others that he skied, but when asked if he will go again the answer is "nope".  

   With all the play time, Cole came out with only one black eye. lol  It was a doosy! His biggest concern through it all was if he was going to have a "dented head". lol 

   Leah got her fill of the outside, and we found out that she doesn't always like change.  Also unfamiliar people she's not to fond of; But when it comes to her cousins, she is super happy to see them. 

  

Coming back from our camping we knew our next "season" was about to begin.  We have been working towards getting ourselves back into Mexico since.  We are glad that you have invited us over for supper and an evening with you.  We also have re-located to Morden, in Brian's parents home.  It was time to ween me off my mother!!  (And ween my mom off Leah. lol) Having my parents around to help me out with our kids is something I could easily get used too, especially Leah.  My mom was the first person that Leah saw every morning when I was busy bringing Cole to school.  I am happy that that was something I could give my mom.  

I need to thank everyone that has blessed Leah (and us.)  This little girl has the biggest bag of clothes I have ever seen!!  Also items that I had in mind that I hoped to purchase were given to us.  Thank you!!  May God bless you so much!  Part of the excitement through this as well is being able to pass on these gifts to the family's in Mexico.  

MEXICO NEWS:

  We are pumped to inform you all that Junior and Cecy are engaged!  (Junior is P.Rafael's oldest son, and Cecy is one of the dedicated helpers at the Kids Program.)  They are planning for a November wedding.  We are excited to be there for this event. 

  If you remember Ilse (the blue house was built for her by the youth group, and we were at her wedding this last spring.)  She is expecting and I believe she is due around February.  

God bless!!!

Clarissa

A new Season

It is great to be back into my familiar culture. I know that God doesn't make mistakes but sometime I wonder if I wasn't born in the wrong country. I just feel that I belong here, that people "get" me and that my personality just fits into this culture more than it does at home. No offense to any of you, its me that is the wacko, I mean, how many people want to call a small poverty stricken community home? Funny, of all the places I've seen and visited, from east to west and north to south, Fatima is the community I dream to be a part of.
While I am down here in Mexico for this visit, it is my top priority to make sure I spend time all alone with the Lord. I'm trusting that  this will be a time that God will speak to me and show me what His plans are for the coming year. It has been on my heart that God has big plans in store for this year. I have dreams and desires of what that might be but I am really trusting that God would confirm them in a significant way. Please pray for me particularly next week as take time to process the upcoming year in Mexico.
It is also time to get my support in order. It is this season that I find myself feeling extremely stressed. I hate it, I often have to try to get my head around the idea of people supporting me but then I stop and think of the lives that have changed over the last year. If I didn't swallow my pride and humility someone else would have had to I guess. From the responses I get in talking to people, not to many line up for the opportunity. Its funny though because it is through the experience of raising support God has affirmed to us that this calling is real and that He wants us in Mexico. Please pray that the support would come through and that God would lay it on the hearts of those He chooses to support this ministry. I have had a few verbal confirmations of support but as far as I know no one has confirmed with the church. If you are a current supporter I ask that you please contact the church office and make them aware if you are planning to continue supporting us or if you have chosen to stop. This will be very helpful for me in making the decision as to when we leave. Right now I'm assuming I have a clean slate. Also pray for me,  I have a crazy skin condition that breaks out when I am under stress. Once again this past week my skin is breaking out in a blistery rash on my hands and feet. I find it really frustrating and very painful if it gets out of control. It makes it really tough to walk and my hands are in constant burning pain. After the rash begins to clear my skin dries up and starts to peal off. The whole process can last up to a month or two if I catch it and treat it right away. Its not pleasant.  I'm glad that I am in Mexico because the only drug that controls it is Prednione which I can buy over the counter here. (if your a doctor close your ears, i know all about it, had the speech numerous times) I can never get into see a specialist before it dries up and none of the doctors I have seen can figure it out. So right now I try to control my stress levels and hope it doesn't happen.
Time is slipping  away faster than I can keep track. There are so many of you that I want to get in touch with personally and yet its almost time to go back. I would still love to try and connect with any of you that have questions about our ministry in Mexico. Please feel free to contact us. Reality is that we are going to be gone soon so please don't wait. Call or email us! In the same breath please don't assume that we don't have time for you. Call or email us and we will do our best to work out a time.  
I ask that you remember Clarissa, Cole, Mason and Leah as I'm gone. I've got an amazing wife! She is so very supportive to me and what we feel we are called to be a part of. It takes a special woman to follow a guy through the adventure we have been on. I love you Babe! Thanks.

God bless all of you

Brian

And there was 5....

First evening "home" :)

It has been way too long, but it's always better late than never!!  We are proud to announce the safe arrival of Leah Dulce. :)  She was born late on May 5. What I find so interesting about this date, is that in Mexico I always told my friends that May 5 was the date I thought was accurate.  (My due date was April 28.)  Leah has been growing a lot!!  At 2 weeks old she had reached 9lb. 3oz.  (Her birth weight was 8lb. 6oz.) When up, she is an alert little girl.  She loves to listen to who ever is talking to her.  Cole and Mason have been great with her.  Cole wants to hold her all the time, and Mason is trying to figure out when she is going to crawl, eat food and play. Patience my son!!  A couple of days ago, our boys wanted to play with her while she was laying on the floor.  Sure!!  Next thing Brian knew, one was pushing big trucks by her, and the other was bouncing a basket ball by her head!!  

Our favorite pass time.  The boys love spending time with their cousins.

  When the boys and I had arrived in April, I looked into putting him into school for the last 2 months.  We have been driving him to and from school ever since. :)  Cole has been loving the time he is spending with his school friends.  And already he is sick of school!!  He's been counting down to when it's done. lol  We have been able to get him assessed in his schooling.  Mexico schooling has been pretty good, although we will be needing to do extra work in the Language arts department.  It's kinda what I thought since I had let him focus on learning Spanish with out any English study.  So this next year will include some home studying.   As Cole was in school, I ended up learning how to crochet. :)  I am loving it.  During my last month of pregnancy I needed something to do while I was sitting.  I have finally finished my first afghan, and I'm looking forward to more projects to do. :)  Even Cole has taken an interest.  He's hoping for his first lesson tonight.  

Together at last. :)

  Brian has found work to keep him busy.  Wayne has been kind to meet that need. :)  Brian has hoped to mow lawns, and he is doing lots of that!!  (He is also loving it!!)  Brian is leaving for Mexico this Sunday for a period of 2 weeks.  He will be reconnecting with the program and making sure that everything is working smoothly, but also looking at what this next year will bring.  We plan on going back for another year. (A full one this time!) We would like to leave in middle of July but everything will have to come together in order for that to happen. We as a family are ready to go back, and venture through what God has in-store for us.  :)