Influenza plus an earthquake...

So yesterday morning at about 11:30 am, we had an earthquake hitting 5.8 on the Richter scale. I was sitting in my bedroom on the phone with a friend from the states. At first I thought I had come down with the swine flu and was dizzy but really it was that my chair and everything around me was swaying for 20 seconds. Everyone was fine. I think it just shook people up a little more than they already were.

I hear the news is calling Mexico City the "epicenter" or "ground zero" is a little outlandish. Don't get me wrong, we are on quarantine in our apartments until May 6 but the city is running almost normal. People still are working but just some are wearing masks which people say don't even protect from the flu. I guess it takes a lot to shut down a city of 20+ million. The flu hasn't done it and that earthquake didn't do much either.

Pray for us:
- that our staff would find things to do in their apartments and not get itchy to leave.
- for the baby that was born to our staff couple Ale and Beto. All are fine and at home.
- for continued safety for us as we stick it out in the city.
- for God to use this to reach people.


What a Birthday it was!

In the meantime, we are throwing birthday parties for our friend Lola (who lives in the same building so we didn't break any rules) and watching 24 and reading Twilight. We do a little administrative work every now and then too. :)

Thanks for reading!

Mision Acapulco Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTKHXC1QZ0g

Enjoy this link of pics from Acapulco.

Swine Flu Influenza in Mexico

Have you heard about this? I'm fine but here's what the news is saying.

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/25/swine.flu/index.html?iref=mpstoryview#cnnSTCText

We are taking precautions...hanging out inside, avoiding transportation, public places and practicing hygiene. I will keep you updated from Mexico City.

"Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love." Lamentations 3:32

This week is my late Grandma's birthday. She passed away last year on Mother's day. Her life ending has been a rough spot in my heart the last year. I have learned a ton about the character of God and the way he continues to ask my heart to be willing to go to the hard spots in life and heal. It hasn't been an easy year in a number of areas but I can safe I am grateful. Transformation sometimes comes in the valleys of life.

Today I celebrate my Grandma. She was a great woman. She loved people deeply and she took care of her family.

On Mision Acapulco

I can't say much but Jesus showed up. He annointed registration, ballrooms, programs, testimonies, students to share their faith and lives to be changed.




Above is a picture the night the 200 students went to the beach to release helium filled balloons. The message was that just as balloons were meant to be filled with helium, we were meant to be filled with the Holy Spirit and soar. It was a beautiful night.



I spoke on the last day giving a training on how to launch movements on their campus. It had been a stressful, emotional week but Jesus showed up.



And I lost a bet when we were bowling a couple of days before and I had to twirl baton for the students. A little scary and embarrassing. I guess that is what I get for making a bet with the conference director!

New Hope in New Life

We just celebrated Easter here recently. It was a good day. We went to church, had brunch at teammates apt (someone even made egg casserole!) and then Angie and I were going to walk home. April begins the the rainy season here in Mexico. Just about every afternoon it dumps on us. Here I am standing in my easter white dress and it starts pouring.

I don't usually like rain. I feel like it's inconvenient and just is kind of annoying at times. But this day as we stood under the awning, waiting out the rain or for a taxi--which ever came first, I was so grateful for renewal. That things could be washed away and made new. You see, this has been a hard year for me both personally and in my job. I'm sure that it's nothing that was out of Jesus' hands even for a minute but I am reminded that even though rain is inconvenient, it brings a fresh slate, a clean start, a new flower- hope. I have hope for a fresh start in Mexico and in Jesus.