Enjoying God's Creations

Here is a view from our back patio of the many people it takes to harvest the tiny chile peppers (chile gueros) grown around here. Crop after crop, people work in the fields year-round. This summer the heat has been so intense, and it is hard to imagine how they can work all day under such a hot sun! Little rain and the heat have resulted in some local fires, as well, but I think they have them under control.

As fall approaches, it has been really beautiful here and we are feeling more at home in this little town. We have shared more time with friends and been invited to some fiestas. (If you are ever invited to a Mexican party, don't hesitate, but go with an empty stomach because there will be much food!)

One of the things we do down here is care for the lodge that we rent out to groups, which we call the "Mission." Lately I have been working with the plants a lot and have found much joy is watching them grow. How miraculous the earth is! Hopefully soon I will share some photos of our roses, bougainvilleas, and birds of paradise. I get excited over the smallest little flower.

If you are interested, recent photos can be seen on our Photo Blog at www.photoblog.com/nicandclaire. I have posted quite a few new pictures of the kids and our life in Mexico. We are having a blast using our skills and hobbies as relationships grow down here. Nic is busy with his favorite things: making music, making good food, and fixing bikes. I have felt blessed to pick up some of my old hobbies too: sewing, some jewelry-making, gardening, and I've enjoyed working with the kids on homework, especially homework on the computer as they are just starting to explore the internet.

Saying Goodbye

We haven't written in a while partly because we were on vacation with my family and partly because we have sad news to share. The life of a missionary is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring, uplifting, and exciting. It is easy to romanticize this life: moving to a foreign land, following God's call, making new friends and seeing people come to know God. This life is all of that but it also brings challenges and difficulties. It also brings goodbyes.

As an orphanage in Mexico, we know that there is always a chance that the at-risk kids in our home (those who do have at least one parent but come from an at-risk situation) could be taken out at any time. In August, we had to say goodbye to Jose, Blanca, and Enrique, three siblings whose mother chose to put them into different situations. Blanca is with an aunt, Enrique is back with his mother, and Jose is with his two older brothers in a Christian home dedicated to the discipleship of young men.

The door is always open for these kids to return. We pray for them and will do what we can to stay in contact and support them in any way. I know there is still much prayer needed for the house parents as they have said goodbye to three children that were as close to them as their own. There is an emptiness in the house felt by all the children, the parents, and us. Please pray for Jose, Blanca, and Enrique in their new homes. God is good and we can trust His plan for all of our lives!