Portrates

As my previous post implies - my mother, who was here visiting us, has returned to her home in Minnesota. Just before she left she wanted to do something that she'd been waiting for us to do for a long long time.

Formal family portraits.

She even offered to pay.

We had a 10am appointment, which is the "good" part of the day with three small children, and had we been able to keep that appointment - I'm sure I'd have nothing better but some GREAT looking family portraits to show you.

As it is, my life is never so dull.

We got out the door late. Really late, and it is a three hour journey for us to go state side - so at the boarder I call and make a second appointment for 2pm.

We didn't make that one either.

I won't go into details. Anyway, I've pretty much have blocked from my memory why we didn't make it at 2pm. But we finally rolled in at about 3 something. I apologized and would have just thrown in the towel and not have taken portraits that day except that mother was leaving in a couple of days and she . . . well . . . she insisted. She had a valid point that if we didn't do it then, more than likely this would happen on the calendar of manana a.k.a. never.

I'm certain the high school-er at the counter rolled her eyes, smacked her gum and with a sigh said . . .yes, we could still get our pictures done that day . . there was a spot open at about 5pm . .

At about 4:30 the receptionist's apparent BFF introduced herself as our photographer, and with a sigh that belied her statement, said she was ready for us - but we weren't ready, cause I had taken the kids window shopping to pass the time and was just getting back now to nurse and to change them into their clothes. Oh well . . . rush to brush hairs, and slap some make-up on me, get shoes on . . . well, who needs shoes! Go go go . . .

Meanwhile - all you parents out there - you KNOW 4pm is the whine and dine hour, right?

Everybody is tired, baby needs a nursing, and if you recall we're just coming off of more than 3 hours in the car . . . I won't regale you with the chaos that it was with bribes, threats and tears . . .

The result: a photographic documentary of a melt down:

Notice the "If you guys don't smile and ACT HAPPY so help me . . .!!! " look that I've got going on!

Finally with a good does of joker action from dad we got some smiles, but you can just see the tears yet on my son's face.

By the way - guess where I am in this picture of grandma with kids? Laying on my back under my son's stool holding his legs so he doesn't hop down and run off. Lots 'o fun.

And just think, folks, these are the pictures the photographer KEPT! Yes, these are the good ones!

This was worth it, though . . .

*Sniff**Sniff*

We couldn't agree what the problem was.
Soon after I had gotten the car washed, it started to smell.

SMELL!!!

He was apt to blame some kid and an accident or a lost diaper . . . I said it smelled like something died.
I've heard of animals crawling into the mechanics of the car and getting caught . . . 'tis possible . .

We had both forgotten that it wasn't long ago when we had mom in the car.

Mom.

Eccentricities -

Everybody has one or two - or more

My mom would be categorized in the "or more" group -

One of her "things" is to pocket stuff. Crazy "I'll just put this here for now and deal with it in a bit." and then forget about it stuff. Like leftover chicken wrapped up in a napkin in her purse, cold old fries in a coat pocket.

Like raw turkey frank hastily wrapped in plastic in the map pocket of our car stuff.

That was the dead thing I was smelling.

I am thankful that it was my husband who found it - we dropped mom off March 18th, and at least the day before I know we didn't have access to those turkey franks . . . so sometime before then . . . .

So a shout out to my aunties that chauffeur her around -

Check your map pockets . . .

slacker mom unite!

Once again research suggests that slacker moms are doing their kids a favor . . .

(thank you Planet Nomad for the link)

What do you say?

My son - 2 1/2 running around here without pants on cause he's at the point in potty training where he is learning that chonies (underpants) are not diapers - anyway back to the point . . .

Whenever I'm serving the ketchup and it comes out with a *thhbth*

my boy will say "scuse me"

Every.single.time.

Come and visit and I'll show ya.

You've got to meet my new friend. . .

Guinevere's Thoughts on Nothing in Particular is just delightful! I met her at the blogging party, and she wrote a post here that resonates with me and for those who know me . . .
So here's some linky love for Guinevere!
Because trying to sign "time warp continuum" is as thrilling as it sounds.

Live long and Prosper, y'all~

God fills in the gaps

Often - and I do mean often - I feel like I am barely getting by.
You know, that you are doing so many things that you are doing little well.
Well, every since my friend Virginia passed away, my efforts towards the deaf women's retreat have been half hearted.
She was my co-conspirator - ya know?

Enough people wanted the women's deaf retreat to happen that I quite literally trudged on. This time planning with a co-missionary interpreter, Yesenia. She also is a mother to three young boys. So between that mother and this one, I'd say our planning and organization could best be described as "winged".

But you know, God filled in every gap where we missed it . . . . the speaker, Yamile Grey, was a deaf, on-fire, spirited Colombian who really really had a heart for these ladies.
We had 7 women come - so including us (Yamile, Yesenia and myself) we were 11. That is Grrreat, really!

The place right on the ocean was beautiful, and God really anointed the classes.
It was thrown together, but came out beautifully.

One special note, back when Virginia and I were first planning this we had said that if we could get a church to sponsor it we'd like to surprise all the ladies to a fancy dinner since our theme was "Come dine with Me."

After she passed away I was able to get that sponsoring so then my next task was to find a restaurant to take them to. I was blessed to be able to work a deal with what in downtown Ensenada is considered one of the more fancy-er places to eat "El Rey Sol". French/Mexican cuisine and french decor - The women LOVED IT! They said they felt like queens!

They kept taking pictures of the entrees as they came in.

I took a moment and pointed out that this is exactly what Virginia had hoped for them. And although we wish she where here with us, we knew she was at a banquet much finer than this . . .

Yesenia said "Thanks for making us cry, Michelle"

It was a blessed time.

Now for pictures!

There is one picture thrown in here of a close up of me - very non-flattering - it is a shot of an allergic reaction I had to who-knows-what that made my eyes swell up. The picture is actually of me doing better, but you can still see the puffiness . . .
And the baby is mine. The only guy allowed on this trip because he's still nursing.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

But before I go . . .

Today I head out to our deaf women's retreat . . .

But before I do, I just wanted to tell you a bit about a few of the wonderful gals I met at the blogging party . . . which was huge, if you missed it.

This is Modern Mom "about" 2003/2005 New job title: Mom!
Presently: Features researcher, freelance writer; toy & product tester & reviewer.
Previously: TV Producer, Communications liaison, Project Manager, development & marketing. 2001 Candidate for Master’s in Education. 2000 Released original indie album.
1999 BA Communications.
1998 Mrs. Connecticut-America.
1995 New job title: Wife!
1995 Honors graduate, Associates Degree: Sign Language Interpreting/Deaf Studies.
1991 Continental Singer.
1989 Art school.

How cool is that? Of course my interest was piqued at the reference to sign language, and she quotes the movie "The Princess Bride" to boot . . . .
Since popping over to her party I've found her posts oh-so-funny with a dash of deep thinking and a mix of irony and satire to spice it up . . . a winner in my book.

Then I also met and have since enjoyed Jenni from Our life with 3 Girls she has girls about the same age as my three and so we can sigh in unison. Also, I appreciate that her post are often nice and short - due to the young three at hand - to which I greatly empathise . . .

I want to mention Cheryl from The 29:11 Promise. A mother of three and a pastors wife, and she writes of family and thoughts and things. 'Sides, she's a great comment-er.

Finally I'm going to mention a new blog party-er who's ministry is very similar to what we are doing - My life as JulieMom is about JulieMom and her family. They are missionaries to the deaf in South Africa. Her husband is deaf and she is a (hearing) mother of three girls. Plus she is a hoot. Watch out for her sense of humor, it will hit you blind sighted . . . .

There are many more - about 1500 more to be exact - although I didn't get to meet them all, perhaps I will be slowly mentioning a few more that I've come to like along the way - but I've GOT TO PACK!

OK - so I'm off again for this women's retreat . . .I'll take lot ' o pictures and be back later . . .
Ta ta for now y'all!

Emailed to me by a friend.

How to Get Everything Done When You Have Kids
By Berengaria

The laundry is piling up, the kitty litter reeks, the bills have toppled over onto the floor, you hardly recognize your spouse, your son wants a ride to practice, your daughter needs new dance shoes pronto and the to-do list takes up three-quarters of a yellow legal pad; how did this happen? It’s those kids, eating up all of your precious time again. Isn’t there a way to get it all done? Can’t life become more manageable? Sure it can! Follow these steps to learn how to get everything done when you have kids:

Instructions
Difficulty: Challenging

Step 1:

Children=slave labor; okay, so the toddler will be useless in the cleaning department, but any kid from age three up can be of use picking up toys, doing dishes, loading laundry, wiping surfaces, vacuuming, dusting, feeding and cleaning up after pets. Preschoolers can handle a pooper scooper as well as anyone, and enjoy it more than most.

Step 2:

Stuff extracurriculars; does your kid really need soccer, violin lessons, chess club, band practice, SAT prep or volunteer hours? Surely they can get enough lessons during school hours, along with the other 39 kids in their classroom? B-list colleges cost less anyway, and with all that extra time they’ll have, the house should be spotless. With all the extra time you have, you could take a nap on the couch.

Step 3:

Give away half your belongings; most of us have too much stuff. Stuff robs us of time, energy and brain space while we search for other stuff, rearrange our homes to fit more stuff, and shop for different stuff. When you cross extraneous shopping off the list, time will suddenly surface, your home will feel freer, and you’ll find that hamster you’ve been looking for since May.

Step 4:

Give up your dreams. Sure, pursuing that promotion was exciting, challenging and rewarding, but the long hours were making it impossible to keep the piles down, keep date night with your spouse a regular thing and keep the kids in shoes that fit. While you’re at it, give up regular bathing (a real time stealer), personal grooming, exercise, hobbies and friendships; there’ll be time for you when you’re dead.

Step 5:

Redefine “everything”; yes, bills must be paid—preferably on time, cars must be maintained and filled with gas, humans and animals must be fed on a regular basis and attendance at school and work is a must. Everything else is a choice. How clean does a home need to be? Not very. Do you need to attend every single game your child plays in? Probably not. Does your child need dance shoes tonight? Maybe, but can she borrow some from a friend until you can get to the store? Do you need to supply healthy, well-balanced meals every night, like your sister does? Heck no, that’s what cold cereal is for. Lowering your standards when overloaded can lighten your mood and make “everything” more fun.

Tips & Warnings

• If you’re uncomfortable requiring labor for room and board, bribe your children into good behavior and a healthy work ethic by providing goodies, gold stars, privileges and smiles in return for effort.
  
• If skipping all the after-school activities seems heartless (and unwise), offer choices with location in mind; after-school activities actually at school saves transport, as do activities that allow walking, carpooling or bus riding as travel options.
  
• Think about space before you shop; give birthday presents and holiday gifts that don’t add clutter, or take up the recipient’s already crowded space. Other parents will love you.
  
• Giving away half your belongings seems daunting, but once you begin, it gives you a glow, knowing your unused suits will clothe homeless women or men searching for jobs, your forgotten toys will go to children who can’t afford them, and your cans of corned beef hash will go from the back of your pantry onto someone’s plate.
  
• Look across the table; is your spouse as overwhelmed as you are? Do you feel like you have the world on your shoulders, and he or she feels like going bowling with buddies for the third time this week? Check in with your partner about sharing the load before you’re tempted to go out for beer and cigarettes, and never come back.
  
• Send the children away for a week when everything has piled up and you’re feeling panicked. Isn’t that what grandparents are for? Godparents? Incredibly supportive siblings? Nanny services? Highly paid responsible teenagers? Camp?
  
• Don’t even think about keeping up with the Jones’s; spending effort to maintain lawn standards, buy brand-name clothing, keep a spotless car or entertain lavishly in a manner similar to an unnamed décor/entertaining magazine magnate is silly when you have kids to take care of and bills to pay. Leave that to the retired, the independently wealthy, and the social climbers who will send their children to expensive, exclusive therapists to help them get over their parents’ emotional and physical absence.
  
• Hire help. It could be a housecleaner, an accountant or someone to take care of the dog poop---anyone who can help ease your burden for a modest fee.
  
• Delegate your nemesis to another member of the household; sometimes the laundry is the straw that breaks the camel's back, for others, it is the dishes. Your most hated chore may be a breeze to another family member; discover that member and DELEGATE.
  
• Getting buried in the minutiae of life can keep you from enjoying the life you’ve chosen; reminding yourself of the goals you’ve achieved, the people you love and the effort you put into caring for everyone, even when overwhelmed, may help keep everything in perspective and save your sense of humor.
  
• Never allow unsupervised hours after school if you want your child to reach adulthood without pregnancy, drug use, gaming addiction, juvenile delinquency or social isolation. Maybe that’s what all those piano lessons were really for when you were fifteen…
  
• Don’t set the toddler or young school-age children onto the bills—you’ll end up dissatisfied, more stressed, and repossessed.
  
• Ignore Step 4; dreams are what get us through the day, and what tomorrow can be made of (and bathing is a really good idea). Neglecting yourself helps no one.

Taking a mini-break

Hello everyone!

I had a blast meeting some neat people at the blogging party and I will be writing about them when we get back -
Were going to take a few family days, and then on Wednesday I will be picking up our guest speaker for our deaf women's retreat . . . once she is settled I'll be back on line . .
Until then!
HUGS to you all . . .

THAT IT! I'M DONE!

I CAN. NOT. visit ONE MORE blog!

My kids are neglected, my chores are pathetically undone and for PETES SAKE - we need to eat something besides popcorn and the bag of chocolates that my 4 year old found (while she was scrounging around trying to find something to eat for herself)

But - OH MY WORD - did you see all the ladies at the party?

The count was 1443 - when I threw in the towel . . .

How does one go about picking and choosing who to visit? And did you or someone you know visit them all? That deserve a prize!!!!
My spirit is willing but my husband comes home soon and I need to go pick up those chocolate wrappers before he does . . .

Videos I've found linking around this party

Three little words

If you expressed in three words what you were thinking . . . what would it be?

Welcome to the party!

Welcome! My name is Michelle, I grew up mostly in Minnesota. Graduated with a double BA in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology from a way to expensive private college in St.Paul to become a full time missionary in Mexico where I taught at Rancho Sordo Mudo (christian school for the deaf) and met my husband. We've since moved to the neighboring city of Ensenada to work with the deaf ministry here.

Come on in! It's noisy out here with all the traffic, but better once you get in the house.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

My husband does construction and when there is an opportunity he likes to take deaf with him to work on the projects he is involved in.

But this blog mostly is me being a mother, a wife and a friend. I like to keep it light hearted. Humor! I love good humor, even if I have to laugh at myself - or I'd probably go insane.

It may be too late . . .

Some answers for some frequently asked questions:

Yes, there are different sign languages for each country, each ethnicity (I know there is a Mayan Sign Language as well as a Mexican Sign language)

I don't know why we don't all just sign one sign language, but I bet the reason is very similar as to why we don't all speak one language.

No, I don't read braille, and neither do any of my deaf friends.

Well - it's coffee time again - yes, in my Cornningware cup.

There are a lot of people at this party so I'll let you go back to meeting them - but again, thanks for stopping by!

By the way - There are over 1000 people at the party and LOTS of prizes . . . you don't even need to be a blogger! Checka checka !! I do have an American shipping address so I'm in the running for some prizes!

My top 5 are

1. 72 — Webcam Provided by Liz
2. 103 — Pink Brick Box Play Sets Provided by: LEGO
3. A blog makeover by any of these: 24, 45, 67, or 123
4. 70 — Chocolate Provided by: The Chocolistas
5. 142 — Ballerina Barrette Hairclip Holder Provided by: Nissa’s Niceties

Then in no particular order . . .96, 84, 94, 131, 50, 77, 55, 59, 117, 49, 100, 143, 146, 116, 107, 112, 130, 140, 60, and 129.

A bit over stated . . .

*ugh*

I'm sitting for a bit because nothing else is working on me right now.

I did the healthy thing and pulled out a "Pilate's for the soul" . . a shaped by faith DVD.

Really nice, by the way, but for me - with 40 . . .um, OK, 50 extra pounds that I need to shed this first go at it was KILLER!

Half way through the leg lifts which should have been lovely and easy according to the non-sweaty and graceful lady on the screen -but are not! -translated by yours truly to barely discernible awkward flops and jerks - I express to my mother, who is sitting in the comfy faithful brown armchair sorting socks*how I love you brown armchair!* , that I can not lift my leg. I.CAN.NOT.MOVE.IT.one more time!

To which she replies - not joking-at all:

"Oh no, that's not good, if you can't move it you'll become paralyzed!"

Really folks . . .she was concerned for my atrophying legs . . .

I know I'm in bad shape - but pu-leeezzz!

Now, I'm waiting for that "burst of energy after a good workout" . . .

waiting . .

waiting . . .

. . . .

*myth*

Life in the City

We live in the capital of Baja California.
There is wealth right smack dab against poverty here.
This morning, wouldn't you know, I heard a sound that is not all that uncommon. Plus, I happen to really love this sound.
The sound of a rooster crowing.
Right between the rumble of the semi's going down the road, there's the cock-a doodle do.

Or as the roosters sing in Spanish "Ki ki ri ki!"




I think even the rich houses might have some chickens roaming around back too, come to think of it . . .

5 months old

Germs are good for you.

I'm a non-stresser, pretty much non-green and purveyor of all things artificial.


I know *gasp gasps*


I've been told "Do you know what is IN those hot dogs?!?!?"


Who knew they could taste so good?


By the way, AMC movie theaters have my FAVORIT hot dogs - really they do. AMC is my Starbucks of hot dogs. Worth the $4.

I regress . . . Mom-101 wrote about germs and parents - got me thinking about my own parenting style . . . very non-la-mode. Reflected so perfectly in the book:

Confessions of a Slacker Mom by Muffy Mead-Ferro

A laugh out loud look at parenting. Check it out! I am so not getting paid to say this, it's just that good of a book.

Pictures from Virginia's funeral

Carlos and his family: Gaby his sister (hearing), Javier his brother behind her (deaf) their mother (hearing) and Carlos is holding his son 3 year old Jerimias and in front is his daugher, 6 year old Leilani with her friend, my daughter.

It was an amazing turn out of mostly deaf people . . . My uncle Marcos (missionary pastor) spoke at the gravesite and you can just see the interpreter to the far right.


At the memorial service Luke Everett signed in ASL while speaking in Spanish, my uncle interpreted to English while I interpreted to Mexican Sign Language. You can Just see me on the far left side here signing a song that was Virginia's favorit with all the former Rancho Sordo Mudo students that attended that day.

Virginia's favorit song was "Quiero Cantar": let me translate it for you

I want to sing a pretty song

of Him who changed my life,

I want to sing a lovely song

of Him who transformed me

it is my friend Jesus

he is my most faithful friend

He is God

He is King

He is Love

and the Truth

only in Him have I found

that peace that I was looking for

only in Him have I found

happyness

Virginia passed away.

I was preparing dinner for my family, a guest and the two children of Carlos and Virgina who were all over at the time when I got the call from Virginia's mother.

Get Carlos and come to the hospital now, the situation is serious!

I had visited just the previous day and where she had regressed, and was unable to sign to me or keep her eyes focused on me for very long, she did respond to my visit.

Now I find her struggling for breath, completely unresponsive but to pain. Her mothers eyes are red and tear streaked and she tells me that the doctor has told her there is no hope.

I sign the information to Carlos . . . it takes a bit to sink in, then he excuses himself from the room and shuts himself in the bathroom.

"How long?" I ask, "What happened?"

She doesn't know, the doctor is not there and only said that Virginia was dieing and there was no hope.

are we talking days? Weeks? Hours?

She doesn't know and the doctor is in surgery but said once he comes out he will come over and talk to us . . .

So by the request of Carlos and Virginia's mom we start calling people . . . family and pastors first.

Carlos specifically asks me to call my uncle Marcos , a missionary pastor, to come . . . and I can barely get the request out . . .

Can you come right now, the doctor is not giving Virginia much hope, Carlos asked for you . . .

He comes, and the wife of the pastor of the hearing church that the deaf congregation belongs to comes, that small room is crowded with people who love Virginia, and crowded with questions. . .
what happened? we don't know
how long? we don't know

we're all praying for Virginia

Then the doctor calls - the nurse informs us, and I take the call so that I can then interpret to Carlos what is going on.

The doctor tells me it is multiple organ failure, she had a third stroke and the brain damage is severe, they've done all they could . . . but she's not going to recover.

HOW LONG?

He can't say for sure . . .

Are we talking weeks? are we talking days? are we talking hours?

Hours, but he can't say how many . . . maybe tonight, maybe in the morning . . . .

OK, I explained to the people in the waiting room what I was just told and then turn to climb the stairs to Virginia's room to tell Carlos . . .

At the door I see the pastor's wife, she doesn't speak to me but it's clear from her red, tear streaked face . . . Virginia had died!

It just happened! They were praying for her, and she passed away . . .

People were still arriving, Carlos' sister, Luke Everett . . . many deaf and we meet them at the door with the same news . . .

Virginia has passed away . . .

Shock
Tears
Shock
Tears
Questions
Questions
Questions

I remained with Carlos until he left to go home. Remember their children where at our house. Carlos plans to tell them, and then take them home . . . but it's 10:30pm and both kids are fast asleep, so we just help load the sleeping angles into their car and I bid them goodnight . . .

We know Virginia is celebrating with her Savior. She is hearing the voice of the one who created her . . . and Virginia who always loved the worship in sign is now SINGING with the angels!!!

Our tears are not for her.

They for us
for her husband
for her daughter
her son
and family

We needed her, we miss her

I miss her

The Gratitude Dance

Virginia Update II

This is a partial e-mail sent by Virginia's sister-in-law, Gaby, who also works at Rancho Sordo Mudo

". . . Doctor Gutierrez, who is in charge of her case tolds us this afternoon that it was not a problem of the kidneys, nor pneumonia like they had told us but that the feeding tube that she had inside her stomache had a leak, a break, that left the food inside her navel cavety and causing causing her pain and later fever and vomiting.

He also said after reading the results and according to the exams that were doing to her, it was not the meningitis that left her like that, that in fact was a sevire stroke that that she had sufered and the problem with the feeding tube had complicated matters and caused her to regress, and cause another stroke. And nothing in her torax. So they will probably open her up tonight to see how everything is. . . . .

FW: Virginia's update 2/8

E-mail from Luke Everett, Director of Rancho Sordo Mudo

Friends,

Last night I found out that Virginia had been sent back to the Gov. Hospital a couple days ago with a high fever and throwing up, and her bed sore was worse. They had not done much at all at the hospital and she was getting worse, so I called a doctor friend and had Virginia transferred to a private hospital this morning.

After many more test this is what he told me; In his opinion and others Virginia never had Meningitis, the test done way back then were never conclusive. From the beginning he thinks it was a stroke and that Virginia just happened to have a fever when she had the stroke. On top of that he thinks she might have had another stroke in these last few days which accounts for her present deteriorating condition. Also the feeding tube into her stomach might have been leaking into her body cavity causing two things to happen, lack of food getting into her system and the infection which caused the high fever.

When I left the hospital they were prepping her for another test to determine if indeed the food tube was leaking and if so she would need surgery to clean her insides up before it went septic and put in a new feeding tube. He is confident they will be able to get her infection, clean her up, start antibiotics, scrub and clean the terrible bed sore, get food into her and get her strong again. He however was not too optimistic about her chances of a full recovery walking and movement wise due to her second stroke. But he also reminded me that he thought the same of Josefina when she had her brain aneurysm and etc, and said, "I know God hears your prayers".

Both Carlos and Virginia's mother (along with the rest of us) immediately felt better having Virginia in a hospital where they are actually doing something instead of guessing and doing nothing. As soon as the ambulance drop Virginia off, the nurses were cleaning her up and prepping her for test and etc. The doctor will call me tonight to give me an update on her condition and if they had to do surgery or not. Please keep praying.

Pray for guidance for the doctors

pray for Virginia's recovery from both the infection and be able to move, walk and etc.( we had to suspend physical therapy till she is strong again)

Pray for Carlos and the children and Virginia's mother.

Pray for funds, a private hospital means private money. The doctor assured me they would charge the minimum and some doctors would take a pay cut, but it still will cost. I am confident God will provide.

Pray for the long road ahead of Carlos and his family.

I went to visit Virginia and talk with Carlos this afternoon, and the doctor used the term "brain embolism" when describing what had happened - I don't know how that differs from a stroke - but I have Carlos and Virginia's kids with me now in my house since we are only blocks away from said hospital.

I agree with Luke - pray, pray, pray!

One funny gal

I get such a kick from my cousin . . . I was spending a mommy break perusing facebook when I read her "interests" . . .

"reading, knitting, cooking, eating, reading while cooking, reading while eating, eating while knitting, reading while knitting, reading while cooking, knitting and eating."

Update on Virginia

For those of you who are praying:

Virginia is not doing well.

I don't know the details, but when I talked to her husband Carlos early this morning he said that he was off to the hospital since she was being moved. And the situation is "poco grave" - a bit serious.

She was placed in the general hospital a couple of days ago with vomiting and a fever.

As I learn details I will let you know.

Goodmorning all!

And thank you all who have said such encouraging things last post and have kept us in your prayers . .

Well, things did fall into place and today the whole family is going back "home" to Mexico. My hubby's surgery went without a hitch and my brother John was able to step in and help out with driving hubby back and forth.

Any time with the brothers is always a treasured time too.

Lets see if this works: click here to hear John speak. I may be a bit biased, but to hear him speak about his ministry with the small children of Mexico is so interesting, and this story will rend your heart . . turn it up, and enjoy!

How the day's fly.

I'm busy trying to get ready to go state side, so I'll be headlining what's been going on.

• My husband's peritoneal tube sprung a leak about two weeks ago, and he needs surgery to change it. Surgery is finally scheduled for Monday.
• Meanwhile he has been on hemodialysis three times a week, so he has been driving up to the states and back . . three times a week so that he could continue to work on the projects he's got going here.
• At the same time his hips started to really really hurt him and after an X-ray and visit with the orthopedic doctor we find that he has an old fracture on the left side but what what hurting him is actually tendinitis of the hips.

OK, all this has been complicated by our vehicles which are reduced by one since our 4-runner (the work car) clutch isn't working. This has forced me at times to climb half way up the mountain of which we are at the foot of, with my three kids in tow, to take my daughter to school and back. I still am hurting.

So today we go state side, baby has a doctor's appointment on Saturday, and a missions meeting. We'll drive back Saturday evening and I interpret worship on Sunday in Ensenada, then Sunday night we are back up state side to prep my hubby for surgery.

His surgery is in the pre-sun morning hours. I'll drive him to and back from the hospital, then Tuesday morning I will drive him to his pre-sun hemodialisis session and back again from the clinic and then I come home to Ensenada with the kids, while hubby stays state side to recover. At some point we will be going back up to get him, but that is not worked out yet.

Are you dizzy yet?

So now my challenge is, before I pack for everyone, I need to see if I can farm my kids out to their uncles or somehow arrange for them to be with someone while I am driving my hubby to and fro from the different hospitals and clinics.

It is times like that I am so grateful for the people that open their homes to us in San Diego where we can make a second home state side. What a blessing!

Virginia update

An e-mail received from Luke Everett 1/31/08

Dear friends,

Yesterday we took Virginia to a neurologist and had a two brain scans done. He discovered that during Virginia's meningitis episode she had a stroke. Which count for the paralysis of her left side and some of her other symptoms. He was positive that through much therapy she should be
able to recover, but to be patient, it could be a year or so.

At this point she needs to start eating food through her mouth (She still has a feeding tube going into her stomach), he said to get her eating and eating right. He was able to answer any other questions for us, finally he said, "just ask Luke anything, because he went through the same thing with his wife Josefina".

So in a sense it was a good consult, we found out a lot and came away better informed how to help her. He prescribe some pain medicine she can take before they start therapy so it won't hurt so much.

So prayer needs now are:

• Her bed sore will heal. It cause her much pain.
  
• Someone that could come and help them for a while as a home nurse. Three
  of my staff go in once a week on different days to help for a few hours.
  But it would be nice if they had someone full time for any amount of time
  would help.
  
• That the physical therapy will continue to help and not hurt so much.
  I am sure finances are always a need.
  
• Pray for Carlos as he adapts to a whole new way of life for a while, as
  he juggles the children, his preaching duties and his wife.
  

Thank you for your prayers.

Love because of Jesus,
Luke Everett
Director
Rancho Sordo Mudo
http://www.ranchosordomudo.org/

I am From

I am from the thunder storms and the lilacs.

The nectar from each small blossom is sweet.

From the green house in the city. A Pandora’s box

I am from lefse and quesadillas,

bad spellers and the gifted,

from Showalter and Alvarado.

Sticks and stones my break your bones,

but words can wound much deeper.

And bones heal.

I am from Christmas shoe boxes with toothpaste, mittens and Rose Art™ crayons.

From the Marie Sandvik center and the frowning old lady with the whistle around her neck.

I am from the HUGE snow piles on the outskirts of K-marts parking lots.

With John and Paul,

and I try to keep their hands warm by blowing on them while we wait for the bus.

I am from those that march to their own drummer.

I am from Conviction and Commitment; “Go into all the world” and the Great Commission.

I'm from Minnesota? California? Mexico?

I am from the North and the South.

(This poem is an inspired idea from here)

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

Virginia update 1/19/08

This is an e mail that was sent by Luke Everett Director of Rancho Sordo Mudo (where I worked for 8 years, and met my husband) Oh, and BTW, they have an upcoming documentary coming out about this place.

Dear Friends,

Virginia . . . had to go back to the hospital because of bed sores for
a few days.
We hope the bed sores will get better. Some good buddies were able to
get a real nice hospital bed with a pressure relief mattress, 2 nice wheels
chairs, and other needed items. She is still being fed through a stomach tube.

The biggest concern with her now is her immobility, at this time she
is almost like in a frozen position and can only move one hand, her eyes do
not move much either so you have to stand right in front of her to
sign. She responses with yes and no signs, but communication is very limited.
She needs a lot of physical therapy. She needs someone to come and
help care for her for a month or two. We were blessed that when Josefina got home from her brain surgery 5 years ago that God sent a young lady to help us
for 2 months and she was a big blessing. I am hoping the same will happen
to Virginia. She needs constant care and someone to help get her
moving. Carlos is doing his best caring for their 2 young children and
working with the deaf in Ensenada and helping his wife. I was able to get
a local physical therapist to go to their home 3 times a week and work with
Virginia.

Hopefully Carlos and Virginia's mother will be able to learn from the
therapist and keep working with her. I could not stress hard enough to
Carlos and his mother in law the importance of getting Virginia moving
again. She has been bedridden for over 6 weeks and her muscles
are atrophying. I am praying and hoping the therapist will be able to
help. Please pray with us, pray for Virginias recovery and mobility, it
hurts her when they try to move her arms and legs. Pray that God will send
someone to stay and help them for a month or two. Thank you for
praying.

Early this morning

Two year old crawls into my bed . . .

"mommy?"

"Yes?"

"Hold me slooooowly."

I walked by my daughter's bedroom.

"Moooooom?"

I peek my head in "Yes?"

"I was just wondering."

"What were you just wondering?"

"Would you get me a dawly"

"A doll? Sure."

"Thanks, mom. Goodnight"

For your counting pleasure.

Mexican Sign Language

I'm at the Suarez House.

Visiting Virginia . . . in her home!

As the Lord leads I arrive right when two men from Calvary Chapel Ensenada, the hearing church that our deaf congregation is a part of, showed up so I spend the first part of my visit interpreting.

It is amazing how the hearing portion of the church has surrounded and supported us them. These men are asking what can the congregation do - people will be sent over to give Virginia's mother (who has been mother keeping a diligent watch and care over her) a break. What supplies are needed? They'll see about getting them. There are three doctors from the congregation who are going to stop by and see about physical therapy and other needs . . . Hallelujah!

Virginia is doing better. But a long way to go. Her mother tells me that her bed sores are shrinking. It hurts her to move, but she bears it well.

When I got to walk into her small sunny her-mother-has-been-here-squeaky-clean room I see Virginia resting on her left side. She is dressed in a long sleeve colorful cotton shirt, and her hair is lovingly pulled back and in a braid.

Virginia is sleeping, her mouth loosely hanging open. But when we come I and touch her shoulder she wakes. One eye seems a bit lazy, and they don't find me right away - but when they do lock on to my face Virginia breaks into a huge smile and her body starts shaking. Is she laughing? Is she just really excited to see me?

All I know is that I almost start to cry.

Her right hand is cupped and all in all I'm reminded of someone who has suffered a stroke. Her left side not moving at all.

She is able to sign to us just a bit . . . "yes" (in Mexican Sing Language "yes" is just a movement of the pinky) and some letters.

With effort we see that she is making the letters "M" and "A" . . . my sign name.

I sign to her the plans of the church, I explain the men visitors, and then my own visit.
She smiles, she shakes . . . .

I sign to her . . . "I think you have lots to say in your head, but can't get out to your hands"

She signs "yes"

Later I bring in my soon-to-be 4 month old and hold him in her gaze.

Big Smile
Big Shakes

and she moves with a lot of effort . . . .struggling to bring her two fingers to her chin . . . doesn't quite reach her chin . . but I know what she is signing . . .

She is signing "cute"

Virginia

It looks like the hospital is going to reliese her home Thursday or Friday!

There she can be cared for and surrounded by those she loves!!!!
This is so good!

How my day was made.

I'm in the kitchen doing something domestic . . . I forget what . . .. when my 4 year old comes in, wraps her arms around my legs and says:

"Mom, I'm so prowd of you!"

:-)

News

Update on Virginia:

Her husband when he went to see her she looked at him . . .

I mean LOOKED at him!!!

and with a bit of effort she did this:

Can you see it???

It's the "I love you" sign!!!!

Oh, we are far from "recovered" but it is a small step forward!!!!

Carlos told me this, and passed the picture on to me earlier today.

Then, just now he stopped by with his kids and asked if I could watch them 'cause he just got a text message from a friend that has been his contact with the hospital . . the text said that Virginia is going in for surgery.

That's all the text said- so you, me, and Carlos (at that time) all know the same thing.

Let me sum it up this way . . .

Praise God for the prayers he has answered today, and keep praying for Virginia and this surgery and for the bed sores she's developing.

Oh, and pray for me right now with this house full of 5 kids ages 6 and under. *sigh* I was already tired, but good thing is that I was making spaghetti!

Bob Marley - I Can See Clearly Now

This is one of my "all time faves" and I'm in the mood for it cause it has been raining all day today. Not a common occurance here.

My thankful list

Reasons it is good to be in Mexico when a mother of three kids under 5 years old:

(it all revolves around not having to pile kids in and out of the car)

1. I don't have to ever pump my own gas - all the gas stations have attendants that do that for you, and for a 2 peso tip they will even wash your windshield for you.
2. A 2 peso tip will get your groceries loaded into the car for you, help with lifting thing, the 5 gallon drinking water jugs carried for you and other such heavy lifting.
3. a drive through "caja"as they are called to pay my phone bill, my water bill and soon - my electric bill. (yes, I can pay my phone bill on line, but haven't mastered the water and electric on line yet . . )
4. There is a drive through coffee shop and
5. drive through ice cream/pastries shop!!!

The kids get a cone after our errand running and I get a small individual size Oreo cheesecake . . . . YUM!

Ok, so I only did that once, but on that day, it was a GOOD day!

Virginia

Update on my dear friend Virginia.

She got a feeding tub put in her nose today.

She's not out of the woods yet.

And I am working on the deaf women's retreat. I should be working with her and every moment, every decision that I'm making, and all the planning makes me miss her more.

She would be so glad to hear how well things are falling into place.

We have a guest speaker coming. Her name is Yamile Grey.

There is a good possibility that we will be having the retreat here!

Now to raise funds for a surprise for the ladies at the end of it, and air fare for our guest speaker. . .

Virginia needs to be a part of this.

Keep praying!

Some linky love

I was reading Planet Nomad and oh, let me quote her here:

"How on earth did I get a daughter who likes to sew, to knit, to crochet,
to make things? I absolutely hate doing crafts. The mere thought of scrap
booking makes me break out in hives. (Seriously, they’re not zits) I’ve learned to knit at least 5 different times, I add and drop stitches with wild abandon and have huge gaping holes in my handicrafts. Why on earth would someone want to do stuff like that when they could be reading?

Do you know where crafts come from? Satan. I’m not making that up. I’m
going to quote an actual verse here, from Genesis. “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast.” Yep. THAT serpent, the one that tempted Eve. So I feel quite justified in my feelings"

I laugh because I am a non-crafty person myself. Not that I'd break
into hives. But I'd rather be reading too . . .

But really almost anytime I enjoy reading Planet Nomad. Go take a peek.

The visit with Virginia.

It really hurt to visit with Virginia. She is such a friend to me, and seeing her in the hospital bed, drooling from the side of her mouth, unresponsive . . . . I miss her, and I miss her comments, her company, her opinions.

Visiting hours yesterday were from 4pm to 6pm.

Previously, after church yesterday I invited Carlos and Virginia's kids over to play with us so the plan was for me to meet Carlos at the hospital at 4pm with the kids, and I'd be able to go visit Virginia.

There were 14 people (mostly deaf) who were waiting to visit Virginia.

They only let one person go at a time. We had to wear a mask. The place smelled of sicknesses, and her room was all colorless white and beige. She is alone in the room with it's too bright white lights, and it feels cold. The too-worn-thin hospital gown was slipping off one shoulder, and her lips had sores on them. Her hair needed washing and her hands smelled sweaty.

I only had moments, but after touching and rubbing her feet through the very thin sheet that half covered her, I took her hand and tried to sign into her hand.

They say that sometimes people in comas still hear what's going on. Well . . then, couldn't she be able to feel and understand that I'm trying to communicate with her???

Her eyes would open and close slowly but they looked around blindly.

I want to go back on a day when so many are not waiting for me to get their turn to see her. I want to go and wash the sweat from her hands and cover them in fragrant lotion. I want to spritz her with some sweet smelling body spray like the kind I know she loves. And perhaps bring a scented candle, not to light, I doubt they'd allow that, but let her room be fragrant.

I want to try to sign into her hand some more, even if it is to pour out my heart to her. I know she will be so upset to not know that our mutual friends Mario and Rita are expecting again! This will be their third baby . . . Virginia must know!

I want my friend back.

I'm back!

there is a moment in the mothers morning where she realizes that the little ones just are not going to let her sleep for a moment more

I really, really, wanted an hour more before we start getting ready for church, but . . . forget it! And so, with the kids having their very healthy and slaved over breakfast of toast and apples I have a moment to catch up with you all.

Oh man, but where do I begin? . . . .I think I'm gonna need coffee first . . .. hold one second . ..

*sigh* aaaaaahhhhhh

You know, the saying "When it rains, it pours." Well it has been hurricane season here.

First my computer dies, right when I needed it most! Then Virginia falls into a coma and is hospitalized. But no sooner did that happen then my own husband gets admitted to the hospital for pneumonia and my baby is diagnosed with RSV and pneumonia as well. Oh, and a "by the way" I have a cough that won't go away, but not nearly as urgent as all the above.

So in that order lets deal out updates . . .

We celebrate this morning because I now have a working computer thanks to my super bro. It's a "new to us" computer, but better than the one that died and functioning! Woo Hoo!

As for my good friend, ministry co-worker, Virginia, as II have been able to talk to her husband Carlos (the deaf pastor here) he seems amazingly calm and peaceful. It has been prayer! And yesterday I am told that they have taken her off the respirator, she is breathing on her own, she is off a lot of the medications they had her on to stabilize her and she is doing well. Her eyes are open, but unfocused. They were hoping to get her sitting in a wheel chair. I ask about her hands. If she has tried to sign. But no one knows. I hope to go in to see her today . . . . keep praying.

My husband scared me so bad when I first got him home from the hospital. He was SO weak and unable to do anything. It was so unlike him, and before he left the hospital his doctor told him that they found some fluid around his heart so that he had "A little CHF, congestive heart failure" and then his doctor when on vacation.

So seeing my husband weak, and unable to much get out of bed, I thought the "little CHF" was getting "a lot" and didn't know where to turn, since it was Christmas and all . . .
I did what I typically do when I need a reality check, I called my aunt. She has had pneumonia too and said that it took her 4 months to get out of bed and a whole year to fully recover.

*whew*

So his fatige is normal. And he will be taking it easy.
He is feeling better now, and yesterday he helped me with cleaning up the kids room (*grovel thank you! thank you oh hubby of mine! grovel*) and he hopes to be on the field again on Monday. But he insists that he is going to only point fingers and supervise, not do anything physically exacting.

As for the baby, he is taking his meds, getting nebulized every 8 hours and as happy as can be. The doctor says that she has never seen a baby with RSV be so happy. The baby is resting a lot, and drinking lots of mommas milk. He will not be doing anything physically exacting . . . so we are all good.

I finally got an appointment for myself, and am being treated for bronchitis plus my doctor said I have sever allergies. Totally treatable, and I'm feeling better too.

Now it is time for me to get ready to go to church. As I mentally prepare myself to interpret for the worship, I kind of hit a melancholy note, since it is Virginia that loved the signed worship more than anyone. I have to confess, I don't have as much "gana" -as they say here- or much "want to", to sign without her.

It's amazing how we can take comfort in the little things.

Like knowing where the Splenda is kept, and that first cup of coffee that marks a morning . . .

With all that has been going on, we've mostly stayed at friend's houses in the States. But late Friday I drove "home" to Mexico with the kids. They were SO ready to be home.

Every time we got into the car on Friday my daughter would ask "Are we going home now?"

You see, it was Wednesday night that my hubby went into the ER, and was admitted for pneumonia.

So Saturday the kids and I stayed home, and late Saturday night I drove back to the States with the kiddos to pick up hubby from the hospital.

My husband had been so pale for so long that on Sunday (today) when I went to get hubby, and he had his color back I thought he had too much sun or something. It took me a minute to just see that his skin was just a healthy rosy color!

He is still a bit weak and achy, but he is back with the family now.

We really missed him.

And today we are resting at a friends house in San Diego. Tomorrow we go home. You watch and see . . .. I bet my hubby will be out on the field on Tuesday.

News on Virginia - no change really. Keep praying. I'm making plans for the deaf women's retreat and I hate doing this without her. She is the heart of the women's deaf ministry. We need our heart back!

I'm tired folks. Real tired. But we carry on, don't we?

For all ye students of Spanish or speakers of Spanglish.

T'was the night before Christmas and all through la casa

Not a creature was stirring, only the masa.

Mama making tamales con mucho cuidado

In hopes old Santa would feel obligado

To bring all the hijos, both buenos y malos

A nice batch of dulces and other regalos

Mis hermanos and I went to sleep in our camas

Some in calsones, some in piyamas

Cuando out in the yard I heard un gran grito

That I jumped to my feet like a frightened cabrito

And who in the world do you think que era?

El mero mero with his venados estaban afuera

Santa Claus in a sleigh with a big sombrero

Came dashing along like a little bombero

I watched as they came, and this little fat hombre

Was shouting and whistling, and calling by nombre

"Ay PEPE, AY JESSE, AY CUCA, AY BETO

AY PANCHO, AY CHATO, CHUY Y NETO!"

Then standing straight up, with his hands on his pecho,

He flew to the top of our very own techo

With his round little belly like a bowl of jalea

He struggled to squeeze down our old chimenea

Then huffing and puffing, and a little cansado

He picked up a bag that looked so pesado

He filled all the stockings with lovely regalos

For none of the hijos had been very malos

Then chuckling aloud, seeming very contento

He turned like a flash and was gone like the viento

As I heard him exclaim and this is verdad,

"MERRY CHRISTMAS A TODOS! FELIZ NAVIDAD!"

More prayer needs

This post is being typed by a friend. Michelle (and family) had gone stateside a few days ago to visit with their family etc... And before they were able to return home to Mexico her husband (who as many of you know is on dialysis) was complaining of pain in his ribs. He thought it was from coughing but it hurt so bad that he went to the hospital ER. He ended up being admitted and was found to have pnemonia. But not only that, her youngest, their baby boy, also has pnemonia. Michelle and kids have gone back home to Mexico and the baby is taking medication. Her husband is still in the hospital stateside the last that I heard.

Please be praying for them.
Be praying for Michelle...for God to give her the rest and strength when she needs it.
For the kiddos and the home to be covered in peace....that passes understanding.
For the deaf ministry, because it is being hit so hard right now. That the Lord will turn EVERYTHING aroung for His glory and purpose.

Update on Virginia

Virginia is still in coma and her family is only allowed to visit her for 5 minutes at a time.
This is to protect others and Virginia as well.
We are waiting to hear the results of the test to find out which kind of Meningitis she has, either bacterial or viral. From what we understand, bacterial meningitis is the more severe and life threatening. They are treating her for this until they get the results back. It should take about three days.
Thank you for your continued prayers!

Urgent prayer requset for Virginia

This is an urgent prayer request that is being posted by a friend of Michelle (via my computer since hers is still not working).
A dear friend of ours, Virginia Suarez (deaf pastors' wife) had been sick for a few days and on Sunday morning she passed out and has only woken up once since. She is still in a coma at this time. The Doctors say that she is dehydrated and that her sodium and potasium levels are very low. They had originally diagnosed her with diabetes but they just rediagnosed her with menengitis. As you can imagine this has really shaken up their family. Her husband's mother is visiting for the holidays and is able to be the mediator at the hospital and make sure she is getting the best care. She will be having a neurologist come and check Virginia in the morning and if she is not getting proper care she will be asking for her to get a transfer to a better hospital.
We covet your prayers for her.
1.For her to wake from coma and for the doctors to effectivly treat the correct problem.
2. That she would be getting the best possible care.
3. For the family, her husband Carlos and the two kids. For their peace and comfort during this time.
4. For their financial situation. They do not have any insurance and do not have the resources to handle a situation like this.

Thank you so very much!
Sorry I could not get the links to work properly, but you can find more information about the Suarez family and their picture on Michelle's ministry blog. http://www.bajacompassion.blogspot.com/

We are experiencing tecnical difficulties

My computer powers up and shuts itself off. Then it won't come on at all.

I admit, it's old.
About 7 years old.

Today I am posting at the Suarez house.
But won't be able to post as I'd like, or anything until my super brother can come and fix my computer.

I am missing you all!

Blessings!

What God has in store

As most of you know, my husband is on peritoneal dialysis. His kidney's failed about 3 years ago. We have praised our Lord for peritoneal dialysis because it allowed us to continue to serve here in Mexico.

But now we need prayers for clear vision, since my hubby's numbers are not so hot (to put it mildly), the doctors threatens that he may need to go back to hemodialysis. That would be 3 times a week and a full days worth of recovery, since it wipes him out. Also, it's painful for my needle-phobe hubby.

Admittedly, Hubby could do a whole lot better if he just took all his meds and ate right, so now he is really really trying, but it is his weak spot-that's for sure- and all my loving nagging wouldn't help one bit.

As it is, the doctors want to see him twice a week to give him shots to boost his red blood cells, since they are particularily low. This makes him animic, which makes him easily tired.

This has the potential to change things

a lot of things

So the prayer request is this: ". . . asking God to fill [us] with the knowledge of his will. . ." Col 1:9

One way to raise funds . . .

So, this is an idea to raise support I haven't thought of . . .

And all that jazz . . .

So, my hubby and I were talking about the job distribution in regard to the dishes.
You see, we don't have a dish washer . . .

Oh, wait, I'm wrong, we do. . . but it is on the porch without a "shell", or outer covering.
We got it for $40! . . .About a year ago.

Meanwhile, while we wait for hubby to install it, we've been washing the dishes by hand.

Lately I've been so busy I've allowed the dishes to pile up for three days, which is ugly business, really . . . but I just haven't had time (hence not blogging much either).

So, in regard to the dishes I asked if he could help, and he said, "I do half of the dishes already!"
"What?"
"Yeah, I put them away."

*bwahahahahahaha*

OK . . *whew* Now I long ago I promised myself that I wouldn't start a blog by apologizing for not writing, so this isn't an apology, but I do find that I have to give myself a break . . .

I have to remind myself that I am still in the newborn stage with the little one just turning 2 months, and that I get a lot more done now than I did with my first newborn.

I have to remind myself that I am still running around interpreting, and doing bible studies for the deaf ladies and trying to correspond with our supporters and such ministry business obligations as required (that don't stop just cause I have a newborn) and thats a lot!

I do think I broke my toe on Saturday, still did interpreting on Sunday, and haven't had time to go to the doctors . . won't have time until maybe next week.

The house is a far cry from "clean" and I am anticipating the arrival of two precious aunts from Minnesota tomorrow for a week stay, and then am hosting a Thanksgiving here on Wednesday, where my two brothers and a significant other are coming.

Still have a cough, as does the hubby, and two of the three kids.

So I here by permit myself NOT to stress the visit.
Not to stress the lack of time to visit my bloggity friends (although I do miss you all like crazy)
I'm giving myself a break!
And if I have to blog while nursing a baby at the breast, so be it.
That's what boppy's are for right?

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

John Branyan: Heavy Metal Music

Hey, mister tamborine man, play a song for me!

An emphasis on missions

This month is full of birthdays, and holiday celebrations and Mes de Missiones . . . a.k.a. missions month . . .

It's the one month a year that my uncle's church gets all dressed up like some foreign place and has missionaries from all over come and motivate the people of Latin America to get up and GO!

There are dances and songs, worship and all sorts of stuff. It's every Saturday and Sunday and hundreds of people attend. Hopefully they all go away challenged to spread the Good News!

The theme this year is H2O, bringing cool waters to a thirsty land. It opened with FIRE! I remember driving up to the church wondering why there was a firetruck out front.

Inside the place is decked out like Africa with thatched walls and dried trees all about the walls along with all sorts of African artifacts . . . .

Ah, and then it started . . . the lights were completely put out and the doors shut. . .

And we saw FIRE!

Both Saturday and Sunday these young men in loin cloths lite their batons and do a "Africa in flames" dance to drumming . . .

It was hard for me to watch as they leaped and tossed those fiery sticks . . they really were close to those DRY thatched huts . . . scary.

Yet that wasn't the highlight of the evenings. Instead it was the speaker that we call Melo, who is a most unassuming bible smuggler who's faith in God to get him through and keep him safe is entirely humbling.

Then he gave his invitation . . anyone feeling like they wanted to join him on his next bible smuggling trip could if they met with four small requirements:

a) they raise a little under $2000 for plane tickets

b) they have the blessing of their pastor and if minors, permission of their parents

c) they be willing to risk 8 years in a middle eastern prison or

d) their life

Not much.

His motto . . . . "Hasta la muerte"

"To the death."

Birthday Pictures!

My 4 year mom-aversary.

Yeah, she's 4 and we threw a party . . . but relatively to the culture of jump houses and pinatas it was pretty low key.

Still it was really fun!

LOTS of sugar all around and friends to boot.

A success!

A birthday video

Just for fun. My deaf friend Virginia is taking the video and the little girl with dark hair is her daughter, great friends with mine. The only voices you hear belong to my family . . . LOL!

Starbuks in Ensenada

Well, in regard to this post, about Starbucks in Ensenada, my friend Virginia and I went, with 5 kids between us, and had a latte.

For a double shot soy latte (my drink of choice) it was 39 pesos . . that's about $3.50 . . . mas o menos.

And the taste was comparable to state side Starbucks, and the decor igual (that means "the same") . . .

I'm happy.

I've been found out!

Delighted I am to have been 'discovered' by my cousin Sandy -
I can't put my finger on it but something really resonates in me with her . . . (YOU, SANDY, ARE A DELIGHT!, did you know that?)
Anyway I am thrilled to find her a new blogger at:
Entropy
Her sense of humor just floors me too . . . Entropy is the name of her dog.
One of the ideas involved in the concept of entropy is that nature tends to go from order to disorder.
Perfect dog name.
So I'm sending some linky love her way, say Hi for me if you stop by.