Four More Days in Izcalli

We have officially hit the half way point of our trip. Yesterday we had been here for 21 days and had 21 days to go. We are having a good time, but it is good to know that from now on we will have been here more days than days that are left. We leave for Guadalajara on Sunday, and are getting excited to meet back up with the team and get the chance to see another part of Mexico. We aren't really sure what we'll be doing there yet, but we'll let you know when we find out!
Today was supposed to be the last day of our English classes at the Elementary School, but when we arrived this morning there wasn't a single student there! The teachers planned a teacher conference day and probably decided that yesterday! We are getting used to going with the flow and spent some time with the teachers before we caught a bus back home. We are planning to go back tomorrow or Friday to say goodbye and give out some presents. We had a great time at the school and seeing so many young faces was refreshing and fun for us- we'll miss you Benito Juarez Elementary!

Sunday we went Tepozatlan after church because there is a big market there. It was a great "cultural experience" and we found these super cute gifts that Jessica is obviously still very excited about! Jordan has bought some strange gifts and Jessica is learning to just walk away when he gets captivated by Mexican action figures, etc... Tepozatlan is more like a Puebla and was very beautiful. Alicia and Josh were somewhat (okay, very) disinterested in the souvenir shopping due to the Mexico vs. US soccer game- we were somewhat fearful when we found out US won being that Jessica is VERY Gringo.

We have been somewhat discouraged because one of our English classes keeps getting canceled and we are having a hard time getting a hold of anyone. We are really praying that the relationships we and the Williams have made with them will allow them to get involved with the great things the Williams are doing and are hoping they aren't pushing away for specific reasons. We are trying very hard to respect cultural and spiritual boundaries and simply do whatever we can to love this family.

Jordan just finished Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell and has been raving about it and all the things he's learned while reading it. Jessica has had to shush him a few times because she still wants to read it! It's been great though because it has really encouraged him in the ways he loves people and his perspective of the Bible. He is learning not to just take it at face value but to really search out the meaning of the Bible for him personally. Christianity was never meant to be about religion, but rather a way of life and who we are. Jessica has become attached to a Message Bible she found at the Williams because it is so relevant and easy to follow and has been going through Matthew. She has been praying a lot about wisdom and read today that when we cry out to the Lord for Wisdom and call out for Insight that the Lord will provide generously without finding fault when we ask in confidence (James 1:5-6, and Proverbs 2:1-6). There are so many questions about the next steps and she is excited to search it out.

Being that we are a little over half way done, we are starting to miss home and are becoming more deeply thankful for all of you, and for the things we have. The more places that I (Jessica) go, the more I realize that Wilsonville is the right place for us for this stage of our lives. But also because we are right in the middle I've noticed it being easier to get irritated, worn out, and wanting to be home. God has been faithful in reminding us of purpose and that there is more to learn and do here in Mexico. Please pray for our attitudes and perspectives to stay in check as time continues to pass.

We love you and appreciate your prayers! Enjoy some new photos...

Tepozatlan - This is the Catholic church in Tepozatlan right in the middle of the big market.











La Michoacana - On Saturday Jess and I walked up to a very popular ice cream chain down here and got some of the best ice cream we have ever had. We quickly became with the shop owner Luis and say hello every time we pass.






Jess helped out around the house on Monday and did her fair share of painting. Isn't she cute! Her painting clothes are circa 1989.