Catching The Currents

Catching you up on some “currents” happening in our lives:

Maria and I are assistants in an afternoon English class for children on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the park. The class is led by Dave and Willie Koning, a retired Canadian couple who come to Puebla twice a year to help out. The class is filled with precious children like Itzma, Anna and Mario who steal your heart in a moment.

Well, it’s that time of year again. We’ve written about it before in Day of The Dead and Day of the Dead – Round Two. Friday the market was a buzz of activity. Everything pointed to preparation for the return of the spirits. Sales of fruits, vegetables, ceramics, incense, candles and paper tissue banners were brisk. Marigolds which are used for decoration and to mark the path for the spirits’ return flooded the market. Later in the evening our neighbors gathered on the lawn beside our home to build an altar. It’s kind of eerie knowing it’s there and see the candles flickering in the night. I should ask Diana what she thinks about all this. “If you ask me this is not funny to them. I think they are really scared.” Well said, Diana, well said.

On to fun “currents”, our team had a “Get Away” last weekend. I can’t tell you how enjoyable it was to start a camp fire in the evening after a delicious grilled chicken dinner. We sat around the fire soaking up the smoke, enjoying the flames, roasting marshmallows and just unwinding. The biggest hoot of the evening came later when we pulled out of our sleeve some old youth group games like Gooney and the Ancient Number Game. I can’t remember the last time I had such a good hard belly laugh. Saturday was filled with more good stuff. The kids spent most of the day on the trampoline or in the swimming pool making the most of their opportunity.

Today we met with the church at the Africam Safari where Pastor Steve encouraged us that we have an amazing God and He has given us an amazing creation. Frank and Tracy Camacho attend El Puente (the Bridge) and own Africam. Their generosity and hospitality gave us opportunity to spend the day soaking up His great creation while appreciating the wildlife from around the world. Picnicking with friends, petting the animals and hanging out together was all part of the adventure.