Life with Emily

Famous People and their Addictions

2012-01-22T21:01:00.003-06:00

Etta James died this past week. Her song "At Last" was what I danced with my husband at our US reception. Here's a picture.

What you can't see in this picture is that I am translating the words to him into Spanish. :) It's our little game we play. The perks of being married to a Mexican Musician.

Anyways, I began to do a little research on Etta's life. I found out that she was a long time drug user. I cannot say that I am surprised by that. You and I both know that people in the spotlight take their stint the Betty Ford.

I am perplexed by it. Again, I considered it when Gabo and I were watching the movie "Walk the Line"--the story of Johnny Cash.

I guess my question is--what is the draw to a substance? They have it all. Money, fame, fans, anything they have ever wanted and more. But they are still so empty that they need to fill the empty moments or reach new highs with drugs.

I am relatively normal. I pay my bills. I work hard for the money. I do my dishes. I have wonderful friends. And normal people in my life have been haunted by addictions.

Whether you are Johnny Cash or John Smith, we all have a giant hole in our heart that can only be filled with Jesus Christ. Nothing else can really do the trick. Although it saddens me, it makes sense that after all that they have, they would turn to drugs, alcohol, extra-marital affairs, etc to look for the empty feeling to disappear.

I remember a couple of years together talking to a fellow staff friend about experiencing Jesus daily. We related our daily walk with the Lord as a drug that we needed. When we didn't have our moment to surrender everything to Him, we were left feeling a little off. I am sure what it feels like after years of abusing drugs. The day you decide to "take a break", things get a little cock-eyed...partly because you are not used to life with IT. That is what I want. I don't want to live life with Him. Life is better with him.

Try Jesus. Get hooked on Him. He will wreck your life.

2011 Wrap-Up

2012-01-19T21:25:00.000-06:00

Coming back to Mexico has been an adjustment but I am thankful for many things. I love my apartment. I love that God has provided for every one of our needs. I am so excited that my husband has work. I am excited for 2012 but I want to recap some of my highlights of 2011.

I got to lead my first summer project in Mexico. We loved the students and our time together and we learned a lot.

By nature, I like to lead projects, conferences, people. Planning a project in Mexico is a different story. It was hard motivating students to raise their support and book bus tickets. I relied on volunteers in the city to help plan our service activities and some people just didn't dropped the ball. Staff had to drop out at the last minute too. But I am so grateful for this opportunity. I made some great memories and some good friends.

My sweet older brother Eric got hitched in San Francisco.

This was actually only the second time that Gabo and Eric saw each other. We had a great time with my family and celebrating our new addition, Cindy. It was cold and rainy. Gabo and I were surprised how much the metros cost in San Francisco. We were really excited to return to Mexico and the metro here.

Some of my favorite white girls married some pretty sweet Mexican men.
--Angie married Pepe on June 11, 2011. I was one of her bridesmaids. As you can see from the picture, I got burned severely by the sun. NOT a highlight of the year but all in all it was a good time.

--Then Caitlin married Victor on November 12, 2011 in Xalapa. Caitlin and I were roommates my first year in Mexico and we became friends with Victor then. Years later they married!

Caitlin and I at her Civil Wedding. I was one of their witnesses.

I turned 30! I love my birthday every year. This year was special as well. Gabo always does a great job making me feel loved. We celebrated with a party with my friends on Friday, November 4 then had lunch with some "special friends" on Saturday my actual birthday and did nothing at night. :)

I look forward to what God has in store for me, for my marriage, for our life and ministry.

BREAK in the States

2012-01-04T09:31:00.001-06:00

Gabo and I have had the privilege of being in the Northern Indiana for the last month. We have had some good times here relaxing, visiting friends and ministry partners and visiting the local stores and restaurants. It's been really fun for family time and for our marriage too.

We had a blast celebrating Gabo's 36th Birthday with my family...

We have loved hanging out with the nieces and nephews...

Going to basketball games and other fun activities....

And we had a great Christmas with my brother and sister-in-law coming in from San Francisco. We made some great memories.

We are still here for a couple more days but are looking forward to our return to Mexico. We miss that place.

What advice would you give?

2011-11-16T10:56:00.001-06:00

On Tuesday nights I have the girls over that have graduated from college but are just starting off in the "real world". It has turned into one of my favorite parts of the week. I always have something prepared but it seems like a topic always comes up that is more pressing than what I have planned.

We talk about budgets, honoring our parents, following our calling, taking a job that isn't our dream job, etc.

Last night, some girls came with a urgent question. They wanted to talk about what to do when they see fraud at their jobs. Let me lay out these cases for you and I honestly want your feedback. Your biblical based feedback.

Case #1: Susie is essentially a warehouse manager. This is the first time in 30 years that there has been someone in her position--weighing materials that are coming in and documenting orders. So you can imagine the "white lies" told by the outside vendors as they bring in their materials. They have been accustomed to telling how much instead of weighing. Well Susie has realized that they exaggerate the material to receive a higher cut and she is sending trucks away.The owner is a supposed christian and some of the vendors are her own family members. There is a very good chance that the owner knows of the white lies and doesn't have a backbone to change it. What should Susie do?

Case #2: Martha is a graphic designer at a small race car company. She is in charge of making posters and logos for the races. She has been working there for 2 years. Martha's boss came to her awhile back with a receipt from car company and asked her to lower the numbers in Photoshop to keep the company in a lower tax bracket. Martha said no. So after awhile the boss asked another person in the office to do it and they are completing it for the company. However, Martha knows its happening and even though she isn't doing it directly, she is in charge of organizing the fraudulent receipts. What should Martha do?

Together last night, we checked out:
1 Kings 3:16 --King Solomon and the two women with one baby
Acts-- Ananias and Saphira
2 Kings 5-- Namaan, Elias and Gheizi

I await your comments. Thanks for helping me do my job.

Update...what? what?

2011-11-14T15:20:00.001-06:00

So let's have a quick multiple choice question...

Why hasn't Emily posted a blog in the last month?

She doesn't like you. So she didn't tell you what is going on.
There is nothing cool to tell you.
Pinky the computer's hard drive crashed for the 3rd time in 3 years...leaving Emily without a computer.
All of the above.

And the answer is.... number 3!

My friend Gaby came over and restored Pinky again. Who knows how long it will last until she goes again so I am taking advantage of it now. So without further ado, here is what you have missed in my life.

we had a October girl's time at the house. It was a massive success...think we'll do one in November too!

We had our fall retreat in the state of Queretaro. We had a great time with students and other staff.

We worked at the Christian Expo in October and showed the movie "Magdalena". Our students in Mexico City loved participating!

I turned 30! And celebrated with a surprise party, chinese food buffet and seeing Footloose with my husband. It was a great time!


My husband Gabriel got his resident visa for the United States. This means that we can live and work in the US without hassle! He had his tourist visa for 10 years before that but we are both working for something more permanent in the other country.

So that is what you missed...in a nutshell. October was extremely busy and it is looking the same with November as well.

Celebrating Independence Day

2011-09-19T22:53:00.002-05:00

Mexico does it well when it comes to celebrating their Independence. Most of the time, it's my favorite time of the year.

This year we celebrated the Sunday before with Gabo's family and then on Thursday the 15th with our friends. I think we are going to need to do something completely different next year cause me hosting their Independence day is a lot of pressure.

Anyways, here are some pics first with the family.

I made a cake to show my love. It was a double win because they love my cakes and I was showing my Mexican Pride. :)

My man with my cake.

Con Ximena...look likes she wants to dig in!


Some of Gabo's siblings and their families.

And then the celebration with our friends. We invited everyone who didn't have plans.

Gabo with Violet

Sweet Lily playing "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" which ended up to be a very controversial game.

There is a small problem at our house...there is no very good phone signal so the phones have to be lined up by the window. Pretty crazy. Reminds me of when I visit my mom's house.

We fell into bed about 3:30am. It was an exhausting night. Next year I might go to a hotel. :)

Presenting the new apartment!

2011-09-19T09:50:00.001-05:00

Moving out of our old apartment was bittersweet. We loved where we lived. We had some great parties, meetings, and conversations there. I fell in love with Gabo in that apartment and learned so much more about the Mexican culture and about Jesus and my relationship with him. I lived there 3 years. 2 with Angie and 1 with Gabo.

This is what our living room looked like the Sunday before we left. We had way more stuff than we thought!

The process to leave with the owner and his beloved secretary (hint: sarcasm) was a little bit unnerving. But overall, the process was pretty seemless giving that we live in one of the largest cities in the world.

Here are some pics of the new apartment.

The cute little dining room.

The cross collection right above the new and improved buffet.

The Kitchen...the plus this time is that it's open and I am not cooking in a closet!


The office. This is still a work in progress.

The living room and the front door.

While Telmex was changing our internet over...

2011-09-18T13:45:00.000-05:00

I spent some time unpacking and getting settled into our new apartment. We love it by the way. Telmex, our local internet/phone company took their sweet time coming over to do a job that literally took 5 minutes. I am officially done complaining about that.

Let me share with you all the story of the mueble (piece of furniture in Spanish). This is a buffet that some STINTers found in the trash of their apt 3 years ago.

This was after Gabo used his brute force to pull out the vertical pieces in the middle that made up a wine rack. We aren't big wine-o's here so we preferred simple shelves in the middle. I got my instructions from www.younghouselove.com and a friendly paint salesman at the local Soriana store.

So first I sanded it.

Then I did a spray on primer.

And that is when Angie and I started to get a little light headed in the house. We opened some windows and turned on the fan.

Then later that night, I started the lovely task of painting the beast in all it's nooks and crannies with black oil paint mixed with a little bit of paint thinner.

Just so you know, that paint was a pain to get off my skin but well worth it in the long run.

So here it looks all finished.

We love it. Although we have no idea who the original owners were, we are glad that it ended up in our house!

God's Blessings on Labor Day

2011-09-06T15:35:00.002-05:00

Yesterday my sister pushed this little nugget out. Well actually Lucy Marie weighs 9 pounds so she is not a little nugget but yesterday was her day. Just like all the grandchildren multiplying in our family, Lucy is special too.

On December 25, 2010, my sister calls me on skype and she says that they have a secret to tell us. They just found out they were pregnant! Gabo and I were ecstatic to be the firsts to know. Amy was thrilled. A couple of weeks later, Amy calls and tells me that she tripped and bounced down the stairs and there was some bleeding and she was going to go to the dr. This was before other family members knew. They found out that there was a placental hemorrhage next to where our little Lucy was growing. The OB-GYN tells her to take it easy and to come back in a few weeks. Which is impossible by the way with an 18 month old in the house. These type of hemorrhages can be dangerous leading to bedrest, miscarriage or premie babies. So we prayed a lot here in Mexico.

On February 14, Amy sends me a text message after leaving her ultrasound. The hemorrhage is gone. It's a miracle...not just shrunk but disappeared. We celebrated God's mercy on Amy's womb.

So yesterday Lucy arrived all 9 pounds of her. I was in Mexico moving apartments without internet.

Here is how they got our couch in our new apartment. Quite the fiasco...(more pictures to come of the new place)

And yesterday, my best friend Suzanne moved too...from Dallas, Texas to Ioannina, Greece.What a great day!

I thank God for many things today...

- Suzanne and Jerry and their heart to serve Jesus and tell college students about His love in Greece

- My sister Amy and my brother-in-law Ryan and my lil' man Rylan--they are a great family to welcome someone new into. Lucy has a great place to come home to even though Rylan thinks she lives at the hospital

- Our new apartment! It's close to a fun market and a park and 3 blocks from my girl Angie
- My mom-Cath's birthday is today!

Quick Trip to South Bend

2011-09-01T19:57:00.002-05:00

Yes, I was in the states for a very short week. I am sorry that I didn't tell you guys. I needed some time to hang out and rest up from the crazy year.

I really only came for one reason...

This one in the orange lunging across the table. My sister (to the left) is about 4 million months pregnant but she decided to teach summer school so I hung out with my lil' man for a couple of days.

Rylan has quite the vocabulary these days. Let me share some of my favorite lines with you.

Me opening the car door to get the nino out.
Rylan: (hands flung out wide) "TA DA" like he just finished a magic trip

Pulling out of the mall parking lot, Rylan was mad we were leaving.
Me: do you want french fries?
Rylan: No
Me: do you want to go get mama?
Rylan: No
Me: do you want to go back to the mall?
Rylan: No
Me: Well what do you want?
Rylan: I want jetskies and sailboats.
Me: You want to go to the lake and see jetskies and sailboats?
Rylan: OK! (asking a clarifying question automatically means that I am asking him to go)

I also had a great time seeing family. Although I didn't take many pictures, it was a really good and relaxing time. I had fun shopping in the states, eating Bruno's Pizza, going to Hacienda and laughing a lot.

However, I severely missed this face.

It's amazing what 8 days in the gringo land can do to my heart. Love my home in Mexico but love the roots in USA.

Hope to see you all the next time around! We are praying to be there at Christmas!

The summer update in pieces...

2011-08-31T17:03:00.000-05:00

I haven't been around that much the last couple of weeks so I want to play catch up with you guys so you can hear a little bit more about my summer.

I lead a summer project at the end of July. If you are new to Campus Crusade land, that means a summer mission opportunity. We hosted the project in Mexico City and it was an overall good time.

I loved our students and the activities that we did and our biblical studies course.

One of my favorite parts was Patty (front right). She became a believer about a year ago here in Mexico City and she was a last minute addition for the project. I actually called her the day we were starting to see if she could fill in where another girl dropped off. She showed up 4 hours later and what a blessing she was!

We got to celebrate her birthday with her as well. We surprised her with a little party and the students serenaded her at midnight.

I think the project experience was a growing experience personally, professionally and definitely for my marriage. Gabo and I are still learning to communicate well and share our feelings clearly.

Another plus is that I found my favorite bread in Mexico. It's seasonal so I usually only eat it in October and the first week of November. It's called Dead Bread.

As you can see, I was pretty stoked about it.

More updates to come!

The Family Fly

2011-07-14T12:39:00.000-05:00

Let me take a minute to procrastinate from all things summer project to share a little story about the life of a white girl being married to a Mexican.

We got married in a civil ceremony on June 17. It was supposed to be for family and very close friends. Well this guys showed up... (back right corner)

I had never seen him before and after the ceremony I saw him talking to my gringa friend Caitlin. And I said to that Gabo, "um who is that man at my civil wedding?"

He replied, "Oh he's a family friend. We refer to him as the gnat cause he always just hangs around."

During the next couple of months "la mosca" (the gnat) called the hubs wanting to be in contact with my friend Caitlin. He liked her and for some reason he thought he had a shot. Gabo always dodged the question not knowing what to do.

A couple of nights ago, our house phone rang at 11:45pm. Gabo ran to get it thinking it might be an emergency. It was the "mosca" calling...he wanted to know about the English speaking Church and how he could go and meet other girls. Gabo spoke firmly to him that he wasn't going to help find his ideal white girl.

Most of all, I was severely grossed out by this man mid-30's having the nerve to call Gabo looking for options for a girlfriend at MIDNIGHT!

I think it's funny and disturbing that people think marrying someone from another culture is a dream come true and it's all roses and pretty rainbows. It's not all the time. People live in a dream world. Bi-cultural marriages are fun but they are a lot of work.

To you the "mosca": you don't know what you would even be getting yourself into. It's not a dream world. And please don't call my house that late again.

Why the Fourth of July means something different to me...

2011-07-05T14:14:00.000-05:00

Two years ago, my friends and I decided to throw a party here in Mexico to celebrate our independence day. I think I have become quite the party planner here because of the nature of how we use get togethers to love people well, say goodbye and include new friends and non-believers in our circle of friends. (Maybe I will share a post on that later...)

So July 4, 2009-theme "4th of July"

Me with Jessica and Katie (we organized the festivities)

When we were inviting friends, Katie told me to send a text message to our friend Gabo. And he showed up.

And we took a picture together and he asked me out on a date. July 4th was the kickoff of our dating relationship.

Then last year--July 4, 2010, we were married. (We move quick huh?) And celebrated with Katie in the US.

So this year, we just celebrated our first year anniversary and we are here in Mexico with lots less Americans around so we decided to take a road trip yesterday to celebrate with some friends in Queretaro, Mexico. It was about 3 hours by bus. Here is a picture of the husband and me at the bus station coming back.

Personally, I am so grateful for this man. He sacrifices so much so that I can still feel like I can be this American girl. There is nothing like eating a burger, some watermelon and cherry coke on the appropriate day of the year while saying the Pledge of Allegiance with 2 other American friends.

Coming home, I was overwhelmed with gratefulness for my husband. Our marriage is full of learning new things about each other and understanding our cultures in the middle of it.

Considering Jesus..

2011-06-26T14:31:00.000-05:00

One of my jobs on staff is going to share on campuses here in Mexico City. I try to go about every week even though that I don't have a team. I look for volunteers or students to go with me.

The part of Evangelism that I love is that it's a conversation. Even though many Christians think of it as a time to impart a sermon, I don't love that. It's a dialogue.

So I was on campus on Tuesday sharing with students. I met Carmen who is studying Sociology and we hit it off right away. We had a great conversation. Carlos began to transition into the Gospel and we talked about her belief of God and what she believes about Jesus.

I began to talk about the claim of Jesus being a Lord, Liar or Lunatic and what she thought about that. Carmen told me she never considered Jesus as Lord but he definitely wasn't a Liar or a Crazy man. She thought of him as a good leader.

A.W. Tozer says, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us."

I began to talk to Carmen that our view of God affects how we see our life. Carmen told me she never considered that before. She had to go to class but she had a lot to think about.

So my question is, what comes to mind when you think about God? How does your life reflect who Jesus really is? And what do you do everyday to tell the world about who Jesus really is?

One year down...millions more to go!

2011-06-20T22:36:00.000-05:00

The hubs and I had a great time in Cancun celebrating our 1 year anniversary and recovering from a couple of crazy weeks in DF. I just want to clarify what kind of vaction-ers we are.

We take naps by the pool

We take a couple of walks on the beach.

We eat good Italian food.

The husband even made me a sandwich!

We truly enjoyed relaxing and marveling in all that we have learned in one year of marriage.

Hotel Hernandez

2011-06-09T06:15:00.000-05:00

So the last couple of weeks, we have had a constant flow of house guests. We've got people sleeping on air mattresses and couches and sometimes we have even given up our bed.

Hosting is interesting. I love having people here. I love hanging with friends that I don't get to see very often and cooking for them. Our friend Katie came back for a few weeks to finish up things here before her move to the states. We've had so many events at the house that sometimes there is no room in the fridge for everything. (Shown below, Katie hard at work organizing the fridge)

I think the hard part is that me and the hubs are not so good at resting. When the friends or family leaves, I do the dishes or wash the sheets for the millionth time. In my eyes, Hotel Hernandez is always worth it. But sometimes it can be exhausting..planning, preparing and still wanting to enjoy the people.

So how did we decide recover from this whirlwind? We are going on vacation next week! That's right my friends. Don't even think about robbing me...I have a hardcore doorman and double bolts on the door. :)

Gabo and I are heading back to Cancun to rest, get some sun and more importantly celebrate our 1 year anniversary. The break is much needed. The equation for recovery for me is:

Emily + lounge chair on the beach = happy coma

These will be our digs for 4 days next week. Pretty rough huh?

Hotel Hernandez closes on Monday. Pray for a restful time of rejuvenation for us.

And that we could literally sleep well. (Check the time stamp on this blog...6:15 am is not a normal "get er done" time in my book)

A divided heart but content spirit

2011-05-31T14:46:00.000-05:00

Well we just finished a whirlwind visit from my dear sister Amy and my nephew Rylan. They came in on Friday morning and left this morning early. The sis and I tend to roll like that...we keep the visits short. Quality over quantity...plus she has 9 days of school left and I have like 14 parties to plan and fun students to hang out with.

Anyway about our time together...

Rylan is just under 2 and enjoyed very much the activities that we did. My sister is just a little bit prego so we didn't run them too ragged...

Along with their beautiful faces, Amy brought us some "happies". This means little treasures from the United States of America. One of those items was a devotional book called "Jesus Calling" in English and Spanish for us both to enjoy. So I was reading it a little bit when she was here. I am on January 3 even though we are almost to June.

Part of the devotional says, "Keep your eyes open and your mind wide open to all that I am doing in your life". "I" meaning Jesus. I typically am pretty aware that Jesus desires to change and free me from my life but it's sometimes easy to fall into a complaining spirit.

The hubs and I dropped off the Kring's at the airport this morning. After much debacle with Aeromexico we parted ways sobbing as usual. It hurts so bad to say goodbye to them...I mean the ugly cries just come out of us. As I was walking to find a cab, I started to complain to Jesus about how my heart feels so divided sometimes (and maybe to Gabo too...). How come some of my favorite people live in different countries? And how come I have to like them so much?

And I thought back to days when my sister and I weren't so close...really when I drove her batty in high school and I thanked God for a restored relationship and a sister to love and laugh with me from a distance and someone who is willing to get her 6 month pregnant self with her 2 year old on a plane to come and visit me (and our husbands that go along with our plans too!).

God is doing many a things in my life. He is longing to give me a thankful and content spirit. A happy heart. He wants me to reminded of great relationships and he wants me to know myself better.

On life and blogs...and a couple of rings.

2011-05-26T23:10:00.001-05:00

Lately, I have come across some funny blogs. I mean I am laughing out loud here at my desk in Mexico. And I personally think that I am funny and have funny experiences in my life. I want to make more of an effort to be more proactive in letting you in on my life well our life here in Mexico.

Let me be real with you and let you into my life a little bit.

First off, on April 20, 2010, Gabo gave me an engagement ring. Our engagement story is not the traditional story of a boy down on one knee and a girl completely surprised. Gabo and I well we sometimes do things different. And personally, the whole process between about December 28, 2009 and just about June 3, 2010 was testing of faith and the assurance of marriage for us = not the most enjoyable time of Emily's life. Gabo and I talked with my parents before we came back from Christmas and began shortly after that planning a wedding. On April 20, we went to our favorite park after a week of hard conversations, he gave me a ring. It is beautiful and I loved it and I still do. When he put it on my finger, I was completely happy and content. See picture below. :)

He mentioned to me at that time that because of our financial situation at the time, it was a smaller than he wanted. And he said to me that his intention was to upgrade later. Now ladies all of us like beautiful things but I have never been a fan of the "upgrade mentality" and I certainly wasn't going to hope for something when I am happy.

So we got married on June 19 and we had a great time at the wedding.

And we have had a great first year of marriage. I have learned a lot and well Gabo has almost lost his ring twice... but we've still got them.

I think jewelry is a funny thing. Girls wait for this ring for their whole lives. And they think that somehow it signifies that if they have a bigger diamond that they have a worth higher or that their soon-to-be-husband will maybe want this whole marriage thing to work. But I have never done a statistical study seeing how much a man has paid for the engagement ring in contrast to how long a marriage lasts. I just wanted something on that left finger, a ring pop, even to just tell the world that Emily is officially off the market.

So on Tuesday, the hubs called me and asked to take me to dinner at one of our favorite Italian restaurants. We are a missionary and a musician so I questioned how this man was going to invite me there. But I trust him and accepted the date. To make a long story short, the love of my life has been sneaking around and saving his pesos and bought the upgrade. I had NO idea.

I am surprised. I am grateful for a man that wants his woman to feel like a princess. My mom jokes that it must me a nice life to have a new ring every anniversary. I assured her that this beauty is the last one.

Rings are rings. Love is love. And I am grateful for the way that God is faithful and good to me.

Eric's big day

2011-04-12T19:22:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, Gabo and I went to San Francisco to celebrate Eric and Cindy's wedding with the family. We had a great time.

We got some time to do some sightseeing with the fam...

And ride the cable car

Gabo played the music in the wedding

And we made some fun memories with Brady and Carly (my niece and nephew)

We are grateful for sweet memories with our families. We don't get to see those that live in the states very often so we have to take advantage of our time.

Oh Volaris Airlines...

2011-03-21T15:46:00.000-05:00

How I love thee..Let me count the ways.

The hubs and I recently traveled to San Francisco to take part in the celebration of my brother's nuptials. We flew Volaris and fell in love. Here are some of the reasons.

1. They gave us a great deal on our tickets. We had cheaper tickets than anyone flying from the states. That was something to holler about cause that meant we could spend more.

2. The Santa Fe terminal (20 minutes from our house) was the documentation station and counts as your 3 hours before thing for international flights.

3. We never saw our bags from Santa Fe until we landed in Oakland. That was beautiful for us.

4. Volaris has a on time gurantee or your flight is free and boy did they do that well!

5. The flight attendants have cute uniforms.

6. They serve one of Gabo's favorite snacks on board.

7. Their customer service is great...surpassing any expectation that we ever have for a Mexican company.

8. They have a free shuttle to take you to the Toluca airport.

We are definitely going to be hanging out with Volaris in the future. Especially cause we found out that they fly to Midway...watch out our midwestern friends, here we come!

Doing the RIGHT thing

2011-02-25T10:52:00.000-06:00

A couple of weeks ago Gabo and I went with our friends Angie and Pepe to visit some other friends in Queretaro, Mexico. We were needing a break from the city and Monday was a holiday so we decided to take advantage of it.

We spent the afternoon in the centro with our friends and Pepe and Angie had plans to have coffee with some people. So Gabo and I were going to drive Angie's car to Applebees for a beloved American experience. :) It was more for me than for him but he is an amazing husband.

Gabo was driving, I was navigating and the next thing we know is that a cop is pulling us over. Supposedly Gabo had run a red light. We were in Angie's car with Kansas plates on a Sunday night in another city-Monday's the holiday. The cops immediately ask Gabo to step out of the car (wanting a bribe instead of giving him an infraction). I start to get nervous and freaked out. SIDENOTE--I hate how in this country you can get out of anything by paying the person off. We are not fans of that because we believe it doesn't honor God. We want to do what the system says because honoring the law means honoring God. But back to the story. The police then tell Gabo that they have to tow the car because it's foreign and he broke the law in a city that isn't his own. This is a lie...not a real law. (We called the lawyer to check) However, these men had the power to take the car meaning we would be waiting until Tuesday to get the car out cause no one works on the holiday and we would all miss work on Tuesday. So the police were forcing us essentially to either pay the bride or be stuck in Queretaro until Tuesday for a law that doesn't even exist. So we paid the bride to get out of it.

I was so stinking angry after wards. We want to respect the law but the law enforcers make up their own rules to get what they want.

What would you do?

What My Mama Taught Me...

2011-01-06T09:10:00.000-06:00

Lately, I have been reflecting on how I grew up with the standards and I guess you could say the moral compass...that I have now. My mom had some sayings growing up that she kind of instilled into us. Now, in all fairness, not all the things she said stuck or even made sense or were valid. ha ha.

For example, she told me once that those kids that go para-sailing at the beaches just couldn't land without breaking their legs. I was about 20 when she told me this on the way to Cancun with a school trip and I knew her plan was to scare me into not going para-sailing. So I responded sarcastically, "yea and with all those kids and their broken legs, how do those guys stay in business?" Anyways, I went para-sailing that trip. It was one of the most horrific experiences of my life not because I broke my legs either. Some day I will share that with you. I waited about 5 years to tell her as well. :)

But I grew up with at least 3 things that she said to me that have impacted how I do my adult life.

Don't Burn Bridges

This has particularly hit home the last couple of days. We have some friends that just kind of played dirty with another friend. They weren't respectful, loving or thoughtful about anyone else but themselves. They are all believers...involved in the same community. I just thought as I watched the whole thing unfold "man...they are burning some bridges". And my mama used to also say "don't do anything in relationships that can't be reversed." And I truly believe that with time trust can be built again but it will never be the same.

Think about when a bridge burns. What it looks like and the charred pieces of wood. You can't cross it...you have to start all over with a new bridge in a new location.

There is a girl here who has had a hard life and has been living with Angie for the last 6 months. She lived with Angie and I last year for awhile too and then fled to go back to her old life on the street. When she came back in June, Angie told her if she left again without saying goodbye she could no longer be her roommate. She didn't say goodbye this December. She just didn't come home. She burned a really sweet bridge that was taking her on the path of healing, education and eventually getting her 3 year old daughter back.

Always leave a place looking better than when you arrived

My mom mostly said this when I went to other people's house to babysit or for a sleepover. I think she lived with a fear that her 4 kids might be a nuisance to others. But she said to me specifically when I would babysit to pick up the toys, do the dishes...even if they weren't mine, etc. I think this taught me to be a blessing to others and a good house guest. So even as an adult, I am at someone's house doing the dishes in the middle of the party. I want to help, relieve a little burden and be a good friend.

A situation happened a couple of weeks ago where someone didn't think through their departure very well and I was left picking up the pieces. Probably about 2 hours of cleaning. And I thought....didn't their mama teach them this? I was miffed at first. Cause I thought this was a cardinal rule.

Now, I don't want us to go to extremes in this. Our worth in who we are is not based on if people think we are good houseguests or if we "serve" well. But we should learn to think about others needs. I mean read the first couple verses of Phil. 2. That kind of puts us in our place. Jesus served. I should pick up my mess too.

Don't the the sun go down on your anger

Now this rule was particularly funny growing up. I would be mad at my sister and I would storm into my room change into my pajamas and think, "Forget it. I am done with this for the night". And then came Cath to tell me that I needed to go talk to her. My mom has always been a little uncomfortable when her kids aren't getting along. I think this was her way of easing her own sanity is by forcing us to make up.

But it has been interesting being married. Sometimes, I want to resolve it and sometimes I just want to go to bed crying cause I feel so hurt, misunderstood, etc. Sometimes I want to sleep on the couch instead of being next to him. My way of resolving conflict isn't exactly the way that Gabo does it either. I am always ready for a good, lively discussion and he is more of a timid, quiet person.

But the sun has gone down on my anger. And I don't sleep that well. I wake up feeling yucky and like trying to sleep was a waste anyways.

So those are some things that I feel have more weight now than when I was 10. What did your mama tell you?

Christmas 2010

2011-01-02T09:19:00.000-06:00

Instead of spending 1,200 USD on plane tickets this year, we decided to hang out in Mexico City. It had been an adventurous week leading up to our break so we were looking forward to getting some things done but laying low as well. We spent some really good time with Gabo's family too.

We got my friend's car fixed. That is an adventure for those who don't know Mexico and their systems and a whole separate post which I promise this next week...without pictures because I don't want one single memory of the ugliness of Greenie the Cavalier.

Gabo helped me decorate sugar cookies for the first time in his life. It was really fun! I think it might start a tradition :)

Then we celebrated Christmas Eve at his dad's house. There were 20 of us in all! The party started at 10 and we got home at 2am. A little different than my celebrations in the states.

This is us with Gabo's Dad.

On Christmas morning. Mexico missed the memo about having the ingredients to make "Monkey Bread" a tradition from my family. So I made egg casserole instead.

Have I told you that I have this incredible, talented musician husband? Last year, a movie came out here in Mexico that Gabo composed all the music. I made him a picture collage to remember us going to see the movie and seeing his name printed on the sign and all that jazz. It was pretty incredible.

Then we went on the Turibus! You know I love it but this was Gabo's first time...cause he is really not a tourist. :) It was a special route to see all the Christmas lights. We had a blast even though it was really chilly.

Confessions from Emily

2010-12-21T11:29:00.000-06:00

I got into a car accident a week ago.

It was a mess. I mean the accident wasn't that bad but I am a foreigner in Mexico...

- in a friend's car

- with problems with insurance

- on the way to pick my husband up from the airport

- in rush hour traffic

It was a mess.

I think what I experienced most is shame that I had an accident. If you know me well I have a complex of wanting people to not have to extend grace to me. I mean perfection is a long way off but I just want to be in a place where I am just neutral. So every time I saw the junked up car out my window, I was reminded that I screwed up.

Luckily yesterday we took it to the place to get fixed. I told Gabo it was taking away my guilt and shame by moving it out.

But I am not perfect. And I won't ever be and I am probably going to have more car accidents in my lifetime and I make mistakes daily. But sitting in my guilt and shame doesn't make anything better or teach me to rely on God.

Hopefully everything works out at the mechanic and the repairs are minimal.

Lots of Celebrating

2010-12-06T17:57:00.000-06:00

The fall and the beginning of December are shaping up to be quite the celebrating time for the Hernadez family.

We celebrated my 29th birthday on November 5, 2010

Then we celebrated Thanksgiving with about 20 friends. This was my 4th Thanksgiving here in Mexico.

Then we set up our first Christmas tree. Don't you love it?

Just a couple of days ago, we went to Cuernavaca to celebrate with Pao and Tim and their wedding. This was our first wedding since our own. It was a fun day with lots of adventures!

And today we celebrate Gabo's 35th birthday. What a blessing he is to me and to many others.

The culture of Fighting for Freedom

2010-12-02T13:28:00.000-06:00

Lately, I have come to the stark reality of a part of the US culture that not everyone shares.

Mexicans have not fought for freedom or rights in the last 100 years. That's right in 1910 was the Revolution. We just celebrated it on November 20. Now I am not an expert on the history of Mexico but what I understand that just 100 years ago there was about 150 rich families that controlled everything and everyone in all of Mexico. Well there was a revolt and a revolution and that is how Mexico was changed from not being ruled by the rich and now supposedly it is more equal (I wouldn't bet my life on it) but at least 150 families are not controlling a country. We have "new" issues here like corruption of government and drug cartels, etc. But Mexico is only 200 years old.

Here is the crazy thing, the majority of the people in the country have no idea what it's like to fight for freedom or the defense of others.

I found this last month when a new friend asked me about the Army and the soldiers in the states. We honor the men and women that fight for our country. We miss them when they are gone and we understand what it's like to live in a world where our dads, brothers, sons may not make it home. It gives us pride but it gives us a worldview completely different from other countries.

We sing songs about it. We write stories about it. We even have shows about the lives of Army Wives. It is who we are. And I think it has made us less passive and more patriotic. Yes, there are many Americans that are in disagreement as to how much we get involved in the affairs of other countries but as a whole we are united to support our troops.

That is what makes these pictures precious to us.

Cause these people are real to us.

Think about how our lives would be different if we left this part out of our cultural makeup.

On the first day of my 29th year....

2010-11-06T10:11:00.000-05:00

I want to remember all that God has done the last 365 days of my life.

The biggest one is that I don't think a year ago that I truly believed that I would be a married woman in this moment. I mean, I knew my time would come where Jesus would bring a man into my life but it still last year at this time was still just a dream. Gabo and I celebrated a million times with my friends and even though we were talking at marriage at this point, I didn't think it was a reality yet. Gabo has become my best friend and so much more in the last couple of months. I have learned so much about myself through him. I am grateful for the hard moments in marriage and love even more the great days.

I gained an entire Mexican family and that has been crazy and fun. They rarely plan things and all the nieces and nephews love me. Gabo is one of the youngest of 6 so his nieces and nephews are like 16-22.I am still learning a lot but the good news is that my father-in-law loves me. :)

I have become more of an adult. Most of that has come with the marriage...we bought furniture finally last week and I have my very own kitchen aid mixer. It's like I am becoming a real lady (that's for you Kellie Dahl..after all these years).And then for my birthday, Gabo bought me this set of glasses with a matching pitcher. I LOVE IT.

I have grown in knowing Jesus more. Right now I am going through a study with Beth Moore on the fruit of the Spirit. I am learning I am not so much a bearer of some of those guys. I feel like Jesus is speaking over me more and more asking me to love people like I say I love him. He is asking me to put my words into action but to his people. It is really challenging.

I have missed my family more. This one has been strange. I am pretty used to living away from my family but I guess it's just part of adjusting. Plus those guys are pretty incredible.

I love this time of my life. I enjoy the challenge and where God has us. I am thankful.

Who do you want your life to resemble?

2010-10-18T16:28:00.000-05:00

Yesterday in church we sang a song that I don't necessarily agree with all of the words. Or well maybe I should say, I don't know if it truly is the desire of our heart.

In English it says this:

I want to be like you

My desire is to live like you

With all of my soul, my desire Lord

is to live like you.

My friend Carlos, spoke at our student retreat last weekend. He taught on God being Lord in our lives. One of the questions he asked us was to name a character of the Bible that we wanted our life to look like. It was a trick question but here were some of the responses.

Paul and Carlos responded with asking the student if they wanted to be beaten, flogged, incarcerated and imprisoned?

Another student said Esther. Carlos spoke on the frankness of Esther's life. Orphaned, plucked from her village, forced to participate in a year long beauty competition, won the favor of the King and was only called upon when the King wanted her and on top of all of that, had to risk her life to save her people.

We could continue this game with tons of people talked about in the Bible. Moses (I don't want that kind of responsibility and then never see the promised land), Mary-the mother of Jesus (try explaining to your parents these days that you are a pregnant virgin), Peter, or anyone else.

But I was thinking about the song yesterday. Do I really want to live like Jesus lived? Homeless? Vagabond? Despised by his hometown? Am I really going to shout out in church...Lord, let me be homeless! No, absolutely not. I don't want to live like Jesus but I want my character to reflect it and maybe it is the kind of thing where God decides to take away some cool things in my life to make me resemble him more.

Ultimately, we as Believers are following a God and reading a book that says: "to follow me and to be like me, it isn't going to be a cake walk". And how quickly I forget that. I just want it to be easy. But character transformation does not come when I am comfortable. That is for sure.

Student Retreat

2010-10-12T14:17:00.000-05:00

We got back from our student retreat on Sunday evening. It went well but I am exhausted still! We went to the state of Morelos and at night it got a little chilly. We really did enjoy the time with students from 3 different cities.

Here is a group picture right before everyone left (I am taking the picture so don't look too hard for me).

Also, one of the students, Ivan, made a video. It's about 7 minutes long but it shows what we did and what the time was like. Enjoy!

Vida Estudiantil at Kikoten

Calling all High School Christian Girls

2010-10-07T22:45:00.001-05:00

You know what I am talking about when I say worship band. You think...cute drummer. It was always a hit for me when I was a teenager and I went to summer camp, a youth rally, whatever and I was enthralled with the guys in the band. I always thought it would even be fun to date one. They just seemed so talented and hot. WOW. I thought what passion they must have for the Lord to serve. I bought in to the groupie mentality.

And then my cousin John was in the band one year at summer camp. I was cool by association. It was kind of a big deal.

And then I met a pianist in Mexico. And we dated and fell in love. Then I married him. I am the official groupie for life.

So High School Christian girls, here are some things you should know about being a musician's wife (because clearly now I am an expert):

- sound checks start really early in the morning

- he tells me when singers, instruments, etc are out of tune and says "HELP"...hilarious

- just because he sounds great up front doesn't mean he wakes up like that. Gabo who studied 9 years in a Music Conversatory and has taught for 15 years still studies every piece of music for hours before even going to a rehearsal.

- he woos my mom with personal concerts

- even little kids are drawn to musicians

- traveling is a beast...plan to pack in one suitcase so he can carry all of his stuff. (it really is worse if he is a drummer. think of the cymbals and that big fat bass drum)

- in general, Musicians are dreamers, visionaries and have tons of ideas. They don't always love making solid plans
- he can hear a song i love once on the radio and play it by ear for me

So ladies checking out the band....live in reality. They are a whole different animal in good and bad ways. Plus be careful, you don't want be lusting after your brother. That is just ugly.

From the journey,

The Value

2010-10-04T16:16:00.001-05:00

I have this ring that my mom gave me when I was in high school. It was the promise ring that my dad gave my mom when they were in college. They divorced when I was young and I wear the ring every day to remind me of their love that they once had and that my sibs and I were on purpose.

When I lived in Colorado, the ring broke. The band cracked and I was devastated. I took it to a jewelry repair store in the mall to see what they could do. The man asked me what kind of material it was and I didn't know what to respond. I didn't know what the ring was made out of. So he examined it and told me it was white gold. Now I don't think Don Bastine was a cheapskate back in the day but I just figured it was silver. The value of the ring that I had worn for like 10 years had changed in an instant.

I think we don't understand truly the value we have in Christ. It's like someone walking around orphaned and then they realize that Daddy Warbucks wants to take them in. Jesus came to set the captives free. He gave us value and purpose. We are not silver rose rings passed down from our parents but white gold. And the crown that we wear on our heads signifies our value that we are chosen, redeemed and rescued.

Do you know your value today?

Rant #2: Addictions

2010-09-23T14:14:00.000-05:00

So I have been frustrated lately. I have watched people struggle with a substance or something having a hold on their life for all of mine really. In different ages, I deal with it in different ways. Addictions affect everyone.

Being a lover of pop culture, I have taken note that my girl Lindsay Lohan lately has had another dirty drop (that is what they call it in the police bus...) and it looks like she might be marching her little tordi back to jail. I mean, did she think that cocaine wasn't going to show up? Did she think she was immune to justice?

I don't know Lindsay personally but there are plenty I do know. I think that we use substances, sex, reputation, etc to make us feel different. The Bible in Ephesians talks about not being drunk on whine but being filled with the Spirit. In fact it is a command... BE FILLED. And my girl Beth Moore described it as that we feel different when we are empowered by the Spirit just like when you are drunk you are little out of your element as well. I think we just look for other thinks to make us feel different. But the buzz always wears off.

I have seen the addiction train come to a screechy halt in front of my face this week. A couple of weeks ago I heard about a 17 year old girl who lived under a bridge with a bunch of people and she just happened to be 5 months pregnant. Now, unborn babies pull a heart string with Mrs. Hernandez. I felt compelled to see her. So I went to where she was living with some friends to see what she was going to do. Old girl does NOT LOOK 5 months pregnant and she has no plan. Me and Lolis went back this week to find her. It was a day that she could leave the facility so she leaves with some friends and immediately starts using Activo (an inhalant that is like paint thinner that people put on kleenex and sniff through their mouths). I watched her eyes gloss over and I looked at her stomach and thought of that baby...it broke my heart.

I realized that I can't help people that don't want to help themselves. And honestly, addicts make me angry. Please, be more selfish. You think only about yourselves and the temporary high that you need to feel. You want to be in a pit without hope and no direction because you will choose a drug over knowing people and truly loving yourself.

I am not cut out for street kid ministry. It sucks. I am so grateful that God calls others there but it is not my calling.

If you are struggling with an addiction, please get help. You are ruining your relationships, you have made your priority something that cannot bring you satisfaction. You are missing a life that you were made to live.

The Joys of Mexican Independence

2010-09-22T14:38:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Mexico's 200th Birthday with friends on September 15, 2010. We ate good food and danced. I won the contest for dressing the most patriotic. The title "Miss Bicentennial" is quite an honor.

Gabo and I at the Noche Mexicana

I am putting in some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Friends dancing

More dancing

Oh the joys of life in Mexico

2010-09-13T15:10:00.000-05:00

I have been particularly content these days in Mexico. Work is off to a good start, I am enjoying my friends, marriage and the city. I think we are in a good routine.

As some of you know, the hubs and I dated only a year before we tied the knot. So much of our life these days is still just getting to know each other and our differences and our similarities. In some major ways, Gabo and I are alike. We love Jesus, we love our friends, we pretty much need a break from life about the same time. We like the same kind of movies, we like simplicity, etc.

There are some things that I have learned about this man in the last 3 months that were not previously known...let me share them with you.

This guy is a little bit more cautious than I would ever have known. Yesterday he simply said that risks with safety just weren't worth it. I don't think he will be going skydiving anytime soon. He wouldn't even let the nephew do anything alone this summer for fear of him getting hurt under his care.

Gabo is a clean person. He likes personal hygiene and well I don't. This morning he jumps out of bed and goes right into shower. This is normal. I wait until the very last minute so maybe I don't have to do it. For example this morning at 9:22am, staff meeting starting at 10:00am, I am standing in the hall with my towel...
Emily: "Gabo, do you ever not want to shower?"
Gabo: "No never. I love showers."
Emily: "Really? Never?"
Gabo: "We are different in this. I see showers as a reward. You see them as a punishment."

I laughed out loud. It is so true!

And that is my life these days.

Thoughts on fads, time and new things.

2010-08-27T12:25:00.000-05:00

I have some confessions to make. I often am easily swayed by pop culture. I like Justin Bieber. I mean have you seen this kid? He's cute and talented. People say he is just a fad. When I was in the states this summer, Gabo and I watched an E! special on him. His voice coach was talking about how his voice is going through the change but they believe that he has great pitch and will make it through the change and have a career afterwards. I am rooting for him. In fact, I have made a bet with my friend Abraham here in Mexico that people will still know him in 2015.

All that to say, I think we mostly focus on what is popular or cool now. We are impatient and we don't usually want to take time to see if something is going to last or not. So if it's Justin or an IPAD or the newest car, why do we become so obsessed with the newest thing?

Gabo and I have talked a lot lately about how there is nothing "new" we need to know about God. Everything that has been taught that is valid was written in the good book long ago. If someone has a new idea, chances are it's not from Jesus. We don't need new ideas. We need to know the old ones well.

The book of Nehemiah is showing up EVERYWHERE in my life these days. I think God wants to teach me something about this guy. First of all, this guy was committed to rebuilding the walls. Do you know that in total the process took 12 years? Building movements and mobilizing projects TAKE TIME.

I too have bought into the "the quicker, the better" philosophy in ministry. I believe God can do anything don't get me wrong but ministry takes time and patience. I have really wrestled with the idea that I don't know if I have done anything life changing in 3 years here in Mexico. But it's only been 3 years.

Time...it always gets you. I don't know where we will be working in a year or where we will live in 5 years. But I know that time is precious and I need to use my time wisely. More than that, I need to trust Jesus with my time.

The Bible talks extensively about being renewed but in Christ. If we don't experience renewal, we become bogged down with cynicism, we lose our imagination or the idea to dream. These things are part of using our time wisely. If I am cynical and just want to make it through the day, I am wasting my life. I am learning it's a fine balance of the two. I tend to be "over analytical" and think it is all up to me.

I am not sure where I will end up or what will be popular on that day but I want to continue to not lose heart as I am given one more day. And I hope that Justin still has a voice in 2015 so I can win a bet. :)

Hello Transition. My name is Emily.

2010-08-21T17:20:00.000-05:00

So we are back and settled in after the staff conference. It was a good time in Cholula. God has done a number on our hearts and I believe that the staff in Mexico are more united than I have ever experienced. It was fun to see how Jesus is faithful to change us.

It was Gabo's first staff conference and I think he enjoyed it. He helped with the music and that blessed people immensely. I love his attitude to jump in and get to know people.

So we are getting ready to start ministry this week here in the City. I don't know what it will look like. All the faces on my team are familiar, which is a huge plus. There are just less of them. I pray that we enjoy each other and the students. I pray that we change the culture of what it looks like to be Christians here in the city. I desire deep community and students living out what God has done in their lives. Honestly, I am a little dissatisfied in that in my own personal ministry. So I am excited to try new things and risk more.

The new married stage has it's challenges in any world but here where we both have weird schedules, just adds more fun. Gabo and I have been married for 2 months but we don't know yet what it's like to live a "normal week" with each other. We'll see how it goes.

The other area of uncertainty is what God has for us in the future. Where will we be? Where will we work? What is our jobs to go with our sweet calling? How the next year plays out will be interesting and life changing I believe.

I am grateful to have friends, teammates, and family to walk with me.

Rant #1: living a 1D life instead of 3D

2010-08-12T18:32:00.000-05:00

Caution, you could be offended.

So I spend about 5 weeks with my family in Indiana/Michigan. It was a good time spent. Gabo and I took care of my lil' man Rylan and spent a lot of time just chilling. In those times chilling, we frequented facebook. I use facebook these days but not so long ago my friend Charity had to start a petition to get me on there. I tend to be a private person. I want to tell people things when it's my time so you can imagine when i log onto facebook and hear that someone got engaged or whatever the latest news is. Nevertheless, I know that when I sign up, I willingly participate in the craziness.

A couple of weeks before the wedding, I decided I was going to fast until after the wedding from social networking. It was sucking my time, I was over knowing more about my friends from a computer than from their mouths. I was sick of fighting gossip. It was good. Not the first fast of this form and will not be the last.

This summer however, Gabo and I took note of more and more comments, updates and such that made us see that people are living more in a relationship with technology than in real life. I am going to break my beef down to two parts...sharing, saying things that you would never say in 3D world and the second being the over spiritualness of Christians.

Lets start with the idea that if I write it, it isn't as scary if I say it. Actually, when it is written down for 5,000,000 people to read it, it carries a little bit more weight. If 24 year old Bobby is writing that he loves his 2 week girlfriend and she is the woman of his dreams after he just broke up with last gf 3 weeks ago, it makes his words not so trustworthy. And he looks pretty silly professing his love to everyone instead of just to her in a park or a coffee shop. I don't love that. It makes me feel like Bobby, Cindy or Jan display their feelings on facebook because they don't have the guts to say it in real life. And somehow they get some validation or some reputation by saying it to everyone. What are we trying to prove with social networking? Are we looking for purpose or worth if someone gives you a "like"? Why can't we just go back to real life? I mean, I live in a foreign country and these things help me stay connected but are we at risk from losing real relationships because we can do a couple of clicks and express all of our emotions? I don't get it. It's scary.

Secondly, let's talk about Christians on social networking. I, being a Christian, should be loving and kind and actually be more sensitive to my kind. However, I think sometimes I struggle with loving the ones that should know better. Don't get me wrong, I work in Christian ministry and we all know that social networking is THE best way to recruit students to come to events, even connecting with students that still don't believe. But more than I see us as Christians using technology to just shouting that God is great.

Friends, Believers...listen to me. By writing "God is love. I love him because he first loved me." or "The Holy Spirit is my best friend", this is not evangelism. This doesn't pull people closer to Jesus. Actually, in my opinion, it makes you look like a religious zealot and that does not help the kingdom come.

Please, get off your blackberry and off the laptop or the IPOD, live life with people that are in 3D. The hurting broken people that would never say it to the world of social networking. That is how we are Jesus.

Thanks for reading.

Learning a lot and liking it.

2010-08-01T07:37:00.000-05:00

So the new hubby and I have been spending some quality time in the Michiana area with my family. We go home to Mexico on Saturday and I am really looking forward to getting into a rhythm of life again. I am in a new chapter of life--not sure what is to come but desperately want to have a positive attitude about it. I want to share some of the highlights.

- I am pretty responsible when it comes to finances. I have lived off the support of others for the last 6 years and never have been in desperate, dyer straights where I couldn't eat. However, I do have debt. I have been working to pay off my college debt since graduating in 2004. Gabo has some debt too and we want to live within our means and plan well. I am a big fan of Dave Ramsey and Gabo read the book before we got married. I guess the question is how do we both live on one budget? We both, getting married later, are used to buying what we want when we want it. If I wanted to go to Taxco (the silver city of Mexico) and blow $100 on silver jewelry, I did it. And Gabo with music things. We are learning and growing in this area. I am completely open to suggestions from all of my 5 readers.

- I see my sin more clearly now with the husband. I heard people say that before but I constantly try to defend and justify my actions when Gabo points out that I did something unloving or disrespectful. We are reading a book called "Love and Respect" and it is challenging us. I guess when it comes down to it...I just want to always be right. :) and I want Gabo to be wrong. Yikes. That is sin and I want to be grieved by it.

- I think in some ways I am grieving my single life. Don't get me wrong, I love waking up next to Gabo and living life with him. But I lived an awesome single life. I had great, fun roommates that we cooked together, shopped together and watched Friends episodes together. I want to transition well but I don't want to be one of those women who forgets how to hang out with the singles because she has a husband at home. Those ladies drive me crazy.

- I want to be healthy. I want to take steps in taking care of my body. I know a girl from when I lived in Colorado that just dropped like a million pounds. She motivates me. I think I can do it. I will just have to start cutting back on DQ blizzards. Praise the Lord Mexico hasn't discovered DQ yet.

- In general, I am learning a lot about friendships. I think in the process of getting married, I have learned the value of a friend. Not just because they did or didn't come to one of my weddings but because the way they handled it. Gabo has been helping me understand that in friendships there are always expectations and in mine I have a very sacrificial attitude. That I will do just about anything to show that I love someone and they are important to me. I want to tell you that 97% of the wedding process, I felt completely LOVED and cherished by my dear friends. I want to focus on the 97 and not the 3%.

Not sure what God has in store for me or us this next year. But I am looking forward to it. Hope you are too!

Just wanted you to know....

2010-07-16T15:47:00.001-05:00

I am a married woman. :)

This one's for you Becca Paschal

2010-05-20T09:05:00.001-05:00

So I recently was at a wedding this past weekend in Dallas and my friend Becca confronted me on not updating my blog. I have some excuses for sure...but still doesn't make things right. So this one is an ode to Becca and why I like her so stinkin' much.

She's funny. I spent the weekend laughing with her.
Becca's the kind of girl that is the life of the party.
She goes with the flow, a team player and a great maid of honor.
She is honest and vulnerable...probably my favorite thing about her.
She is a joy to share an air mattress with even when it deflates in the middle of the night :)

Hats off to you Becca Paschal! You light up my life.

Why 2009 was good to me...

2010-01-03T19:22:00.008-06:00

Just wanted to share with you some highlights of my last year...in no particular order.

On July 9, this guy entered my world. My sister had her first baby and Rylan is my 2nd nephew. He's great along with Brady and Carly.

I learned to follow God's calling and be content where he puts me. I have searched God's heart and know him more and love people better because of 2009.

God gave me one month of my best friend Suzanne being here in Mexico with me. She met my friends, she learned my world and she spoke grace and truth to me. And for that I am completely grateful for the month of June with her.

I learned to love in a new way. A boy popped into my life about April and he and I began dating in July. Gabriel recently came home with me for Christmas to meet my family. We'll see what is in store for us.

I got to travel a little bit.

To Chihuahua...

To Cancun to vacation with my parents and Kathryn...

Multiple trips home to South Bend...

I learned to forgive, to pass the offense and to believe the best in people. SO grateful for 2009.

Let me tell you about my weird Friday...

2009-11-15T09:22:00.003-06:00

Some days in the city are just more extraordinary than others. Friday was one of those days. I would like to recap my adventures to and from campus. I was by myself cause my teammates all had other activities. This university is 2 hours away one way so I have to take a number of forms of public transportation to arrive.

I waited for the metrobus for 15 minutes. That is a little extreme really. After that I switched to the metro. I got a seat quickly which I was excited about seeing that that there were a lot of people standing around. I thought for a minute 'why doesn't anyone want to sit here?' I quickly realized that it was because the man sitting next to me had a strong pungent odor to him. I stayed there and swallowed my pride.

I then switched to a micro (which is like a city bus). I hopped on to find just a few seats left. I plopped down next to a teenage boy who was staring at something in his backpack. I looked over too to see what the fuss was about. Was I surprised to see him viewing the cover of a pornographic video. I was disgusted and insulted instantly. Yes, Mexico is a country literally littered everywhere with naked pictures for everyone to see. But this kid was so young and we are on a bus. My thought was that I should say to this kid 'if you want to ruin your sex life that's fine but do it on your own time'. I began to ponder if this is something the churches talk about here...pornography, infidelity, etc. Then just today I visited a church and the pastor was brutally honest about how we are unfaithful-in sexual relationships, with our bodies, in our relationships with Christ as well. He specifically talked about Pornography being a lie that people believe that will help them in their marriage, etc. I was encouraged.

Back to Friday, I got to campus and found the group I was going to work with. We sat in the lawn of the university where after a bit I began to smell something different. It quickly dawned on me that a group close to us had started smoking weed. Never before on campus had I experienced that.

I headed home after a few hours on campus. When I was almost home I was standing at the back of the micro to get off the bus and I hear a guy say to his friend 'that girl isn't mexican'. Being the sarcastic girl I am spitted back, 'really, was it that obvious?'. He followed up with 'and she speaks Spanish'.

All in all it was a crazy day in the city. I can't believe I wrote about pot and pornography in the same blog. I'm am getting more edgier!

2009-11-09T09:59:00.003-06:00

Some of the students from UNAM want to take advantage of the fact that other universities around the country have 2 weeks off in April. They are asking for students to consider spending their second week doing ministry at UNAM...300,000 college students. Here is the video that they put together to promote the project. All student led. Students reaching students and asking other students to help. How cool is that?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIem0_RnD8c

Started Celebrating a little early...

2009-11-03T16:17:00.005-06:00

As you know, it is that time again when Emily begins to celebrate her birthday.

I happened to be in the States last week and thought it was appropriate for me to have a party there with my family.

Then I followed that up with an Aluminum Foil party on Saturday here in Mexico.

And the craziest thing is, my actual birthday is still two more days away!

If you want to know to know what I've been up to...

2009-10-30T19:15:00.002-05:00

check out my sister's blog. She has done a better job updating than me.

http://amykring.blogspot.com

That's all for now.

Safe and Sound in His arms

2009-10-07T18:21:00.003-05:00

Today Angie and I went to Tepito for a little bit. We had some donations to drop of at a church mission there. Tepito is not the safest part of the city. In fact, even my taxi driver today didn't want to go there. On the way home we saw a car accident that led to a fight in the street. It was a crazy day.

Anyways, I captured this picture. Angie was holding this baby at the church when he started to fuss during the sermon. Before long her arms rocked that baby right to sleep. When we needed to get going, she went to pass the baby off to another girl but he grabbed back on and she sat for a few minutes longer.

Doesn't it feel great to feel safe? I don't mean just physically even though that is a real thing for me here. But I mean emotionally and spiritually. I often refer to my walk with God as knowing he's good but it doesn't always feel safe. I know he will not let me go cause it's not in his character so why do I struggle so much to stay?

May I rest in my Savior's arms like this baby rests in Angie's.

Women that impact me.

2009-09-24T18:09:00.002-05:00

I haven't updated in a while and that isn't because I don't love you all. I just haven't been really inspired and motivated to write anything specific. God has definitely been pointing me more and more towards his character and the amazing ways he gently affirms that he loves me and that he has a higher purpose for me.

I'm doing a Bible Study with some international sisters at a church here in the city. We are studying Esther. I had read it a couple of times leading up to this point but never dissected it the way our girl Beth Moore does it. It's been interesting. Esther has made me question and long to be a woman of character.

Esther's qualities that I admire...
-she was orphaned but was loved by her uncle. She respected him and obeyed her "father" figure
-she was chosen to go to Xerxes' harem for a chance to be queen. she never mentions her nationality and the book specifically says that even though the hundreds of women received beauty treatments, Esther never asked for anything additional. She was simple yet beautiful
- she first won favor with the eunuch hegei and then with the king. that kind of favor is not just in looks...she had charisma and character
- she was wise, obedient, submissive, compliant, listened, independent, humble and cooperative.

I have a lot to grow in. I know it. But I have hope. Jesus is faithful to change me.

And I would also like to share with you about another amazing woman.

I met Sandra about 2 years ago at a Crusade conference in Mexico. She was going to be joining our team here in Mexico City and honestly I just really liked her from the beginning. She was welcoming to the foreigners, genuine and her love for people was evident.

I've watched her do ministry here the last 14 months or so and have just really enjoyed having her here. On Saturday she heads back to Oaxaca where she is from. She will be missed.

A year in review

2009-08-14T14:32:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I had a Day With the Lord. Let me tell you what that means. One of the blessings of being on staff is spending one day a month with Jesus. Yesterday I went to the Latin American Tower-my favorite places here in Mexico City and I was able to process some of the things that God has taught me. If it's ok with you, I want to share them with you.

-A couple of weeks ago my friend John told me that good leaders are defined by what you say no to. I haven't done a good job saying no this year. I have allowed things to creep on my plate and I took responsibility of things that weren't mine. I have learned what matters to me and I'm committed to only doing that.

-Repaying the debt of love is something I have been learning the last 6 months. I have been very diligent in working off financial debt and comparing that to paying the debt of love--I just haven't worked as hard at that. I want to love like Jesus loves and that is what life comes down to right? Loving?

-I have figured out what I am passionate about...more than just my ministry with a certain missions organization but in life. It doesn't matter where I work. It matters what I do. (more could be coming on this if I get around writing down my ministry philosophy)

-I could stay in Mexico. Because I like who I am better here. No offense to those friends reading from the United States. Something changed in me where I realized that I won't ever be "normal" again in the US but I will never be fully Mexican. I guess I'll be stuck in between for the years to come...or forever.

I think that's all for now. It's been a roller coaster of a year but am so grateful for it.

30th Birthdays done right in Mexico

2009-08-05T11:06:00.004-05:00

My sweet roommate Angie turned 30 years old last week. It was a great time. We started the day off at Passmar, her favorite coffee spot.

Then in the evening we went to see the Sound of Music at a local theater here in Mexico.

And if we didn't think that was enough, she threw herself a traditional "quince anos" celebration but a double one cause she is 30. Enjoy the pics. It was a great weekend too.

A quick trip home to meet a new face

2009-07-24T19:58:00.002-05:00

This is Rylan and I's first encounter.

As you can see, we are off to a great start. He was a champ today as my sister and I dragged him off to Target and Old Navy and to the national baton twirling competition. It was a good time but we are pretty pooped now.

In other news...did you US friends get the memo that they have started using $1 gold coins in the States? Friends. I beg you. This is your job to keep me in the loop as to the new happenings in my homeland. If not I show up looking as an idiot here.

Off to Costa Rica

2009-07-24T19:52:00.002-05:00

If you think about it, can you pray for the 20 staff and students that leave tomorrow for Costa Rica. Students from all over the country will be participating in a 2 week summer project. They will be gone from July 25-Aug 8.

Please Pray:
- for team community and they would work well together
- for the Gospel to go forth in Costa Rica
- that God will use this time for our students in Costa Rica to change Mexico. What I mean by that is that our students will experience Christ and come back changed with a desire to change the country.

Update from Chihuahua

2009-07-20T15:00:00.002-05:00

It's Monday here in Chihuahua and in just one hour I will be sharing with students about how they can be a part of launching movements on their campuses. Today Joram, Barry and I went with 5 students to visit 2 universities here in the city.

I'm excited for the next two days and how God will use us here. Praise God for this amazing church!

Pray for us:
-Joram and I will train the students well
-that I would continue to enjoy my time here
-for continuity in ministry and for us to stay in contact with leaders
-for God to do something remarkable on these university campuses and we can look back years after and say, "Look what God started in 2009"

That's all for now!

Chihuahua here we come...

2009-07-17T07:43:00.004-05:00

And I'm not talking about the dog.

Just about a year ago, my friend Andrea and I were on top of the Latin America Tower in Mexico City filming a video for my supporters. We happened to run into another US sent missionary who is a church planter in the city. As our connection grew, he invited me along with other staff to go to Chihuahua, Mexico. He was in contact with a church there that had been praying for someone to teach them how to reach out to the universities. And since that is an area where I can help, my teammate from Holland, Joram and I are leaving tomorrow morning with the church planter to train the church and college students for 5 days. It will be a quick trip but I am excited for what God will do.

This picture was taken at one of our Monday morning training times. Joram is on the far right.

Here are some specific prayer requests:
- That God will give Joram and I the ability to communicate well in Spanish. The accents up north are a little different I hear.
- For our training times. We are preparing an Evangelism training time, Discipleship and how to Launch Movements on College Campuses
- That we would be a blessing to this church
- For great time with college students (that is why we are going)
- For access to the campus UACH and that we can take the students from the church sharing at the university.

In love with a new man...

2009-07-11T08:58:00.002-05:00

This is my new nephew Rylan Lucas Kring. My sweet sister Amy gave birth on Thursday. I was in the middle of a biblical studies course when I got a text message from my brother. I left the class to call her. I had my priorities. :) Sorry professor.

I have sure enjoyed the pictures and stories so far but I can't wait to get my hands on him on July 23.

What a precious little guy!

On Missions

2009-07-07T19:09:00.002-05:00

If you are reading this, you are probably under some understanding that my full time job is a missionary. I've been doing this for about 5 years after graduation from college when God radically did some things that pointed me directly to Him and I obeyed. Now I live in Mexico as a 27 year old single lady and am having the time of my life doing it.

But the word missions has really hit a nerve with me recently. Yes, I'm a missionary. I'm not special. Every believer has a call on their life to missions. Some people just don't do it as their full time job. Even if I were to leave Mexico tomorrow (Oh Lord, please not yet!) and move back to the states and work at Target, I still am a missionary. It will just look different. Because the things I love and am passionate about will not change. I will still intentionally talk about a God who transformed my life. I will still walk beside younger believing women and invest in them so they have a foundation to know Jesus in a more clear way and I will still help others be more equipped to be "missionaries" as well.

I'm not sure how this affects me or my future. I just know that my hands are open. If this missions organization isn't the best fit for me, I am completely confident that God will show where my next missions assignment is. I just hope that it might still be on Mexican soil.

_________

In other news, I'm currently taking a Christian Life Theology class this week in Spanish. It has been very interesting and challenging due to the language and content. I'm learning a ton, being humbled in my ability and grateful to apply some things from this week.

Is this kid ever coming out?

2009-07-06T19:22:00.002-05:00

My sister's due date was July 3, 2009. She is still pregnant today.

Dear Baby Kring,

Auntie Em is coming home to meet you soon. I would appreciate it if you would work around my busy schedule and be home and ready to see me by July 23.

With love,

Emily :)

Rainy Days in Mexico

2009-07-04T15:09:00.002-05:00

It rains every day in Mexico these days. I often find myself with this outfit on...rolled up jeans and flipflops. I have discovered that I absolutely hate wet socks and shoes so I wear sandals a lot. And my friend Suzanne brought me handy fold up umbrella that fits perfectly in my purse so I can take it anywhere.

I just wanted to share what I'm up to these days and how I look doing it!

2009-06-18T15:13:00.002-05:00

I am so grateful for the month of June for many reasons. I am resting, laughing, and enjoying life. July I will be traveling a lot but until then, I'm enjoying the hot sometimes rainy city.

On another note, Mexican systems such as light companies and banks. I still after almost 2 years don't understand most processes and what hoops that you have to jump through to get what you want. It's been a frustrating day and doesn't look like it's over anytime soon with the light company.

I am learning patience and how to roll with the punches in the Mexican system.

Things I'm Thankful For...

2009-06-16T10:40:00.002-05:00

- my friend Suzanne
- chai tea
- the ability to speak two languages
- laughter with friends
- 2 cookouts in one weekend!
- my new nephew who is coming so soon
- knowing that God has all things in control--finances, team situations, and my future

The Education of Angie Dexter

2009-06-02T12:07:00.004-05:00

Living with Angela Ruth Dexter has been an adventure the last 9 months. I would like to share with you some of the educational things I have learned from her.

The Amazing Work of White Vinegar
Being the sweaters that we are, we often find our shirts with armpits that are yellow. Shortly after moving in, she informed me of the miracle of spraying straight up white vinegar on the pits and letting it soak. Amazingly removes the stains.

Make up Brushes
Angie and our friend Lola are in beauty school to help prostitutes find other jobs. Angie has been learning all kinds of helpful information that is bettering our selves as well. Angie recently taught me the magic of brushes. My eyes are so much more bright and vibrant...watch out Mexican men, these baby blues are getting even hotter.

Zumba
Beto and the Zumba crew made some workout videos a couple of years back. In fact, my dear sister Amy I believe owned them once for 30 days. Angie and I often have some time with Beto early in the morning before taking off for our days.

Mexican Pop Music
I have never met a gringa like her...she sings pop music like everyone else. Last weekend on our way back from Queretero, she made it her mission to pass her knowledge on to me.

Although these things seem somewhat silly, Angie has been a dear friend and roommate. We'll be staying in our apartment for at least the next year-together. I'm so glad that I don't have to move!

Bye Bye Swine Flu

2009-06-01T00:26:00.003-05:00

Yes, these are pigs on the highway in Mexico and I picked the most tasteful of a series of three to share with you.

I enjoyed (for the most part) the quarantine at the beginning of May. Then I snuck home to surprise some family for Mother's day and I honestly don't know where the rest of May went. Hello June!

I'm not sure what normal is but I think I'm in it. I have time to blog, rest, laugh, dance, pray and journal.

I like this. Resting, loving, healing and helping is better than controlling, enabling and making things look pretty even when it's hard inside. It's worth it.

More to come shortly...

Flashback

2009-05-04T19:06:00.003-05:00

So in 2003 I was on a summer project with Campus Crusade for Christ in Myrtle Beach. I had 7 other roommates in a hotel room. One of the roomies at 3am woke me up to tell me she had a stomachache. I promptly told her to take some tums and go back to bed. Not thinking it was anything serious I rolled over and fell back asleep. About a half an hour later, things got a lot of worse. We were in the ER and her appendix were removed by mid-morning with no one really knowing what all had happened.

Well the times of dealing with appendicitis returned last night about 1:00am when my teammate from Holland fell ill. We originally thought he had the swine flu and we took him to the hospital. At about 5:00am we received official word that his appendix was inflamed and would be in surgery by 9:00am. My roommate Angie and I had a sleepless, yet memorable 12 hours at ABC hospital as we hung out with Joram.

From this recent crisis, I learned the value of my sweet family. Man, I missed those guys as I was the stand in family for our friend. Pray that he recovers quickly and is released from the hospital tomorrow.

This is a pic of me about 4:30am with some snacks to keep Angie and I awake.

2009-05-01T10:21:00.002-05:00

The last 24 hours have been difficult in my life. The fun of the quarantine is wearing off. We still have a ton of stuff that we want to do while we are stuck inside but we aren't exactly motivated to do it.

All Restaurants are "Take Out Only". Chili's is usually where we hang out on Thursday nights as US staff women.

And here I am trying to send a couple of faxes at Office Depot. In this picture, I'm rocking a "cubre boca" (a mask). We don't go into stores very often these days.

So we are here in the houses until May 6. If you have any ideas to keep us busy, leave a comment!

Influenza plus an earthquake...

2009-04-28T21:37:00.003-05:00

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

2009-04-26T17:17:00.004-05:00

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

Enjoy this link of pics from Acapulco.

Swine Flu Influenza in Mexico

2009-04-25T23:59:00.004-05:00

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.

2009-04-20T09:30:00.002-05:00

"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

2009-04-14T13:28:00.006-05:00

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

2009-04-14T13:20:00.001-05:00

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.

2009-03-30T09:51:00.003-05:00

I bought a basketball yesterday. I think with all the long hours of working, I have had a high need to be outside doing something active. Yesterday, I caved and Caitlin and I walked to the local Marti (sporting goods store) to buy a ridiculously overpriced basketball. New joy has come to my life with this guy. We went and play at a local court again 3 kids from Chiapas. I can't say that Victor, Caitlin or I dominated at all. The only advantage we had was our height. It was a blast...we laughed so hard and made some new friends.

A new #1 way to relieve some stress? Pick up my basketball walk a few blocks and shoot around for a little bit.

What I love about my life these days

2009-03-27T18:58:00.002-05:00

These days, things are hectic but going well.

Here are some things that are bringing me great joy:
- My friend Caitlin from last year is back for three weeks helping us plan our annual student conference. She's great and fun and makes me laugh all the time.
- My sweet roommate Angie. She has been such a blessing and great friend this year.
- Knowing that that there is joy in sadness and sadness in joy. It's messy but Jesus is somehow good in the middle.
- Listening to my Mexican guy friends singing pop music in the car in falsetto voices. So hilarious.
- Getting long phone messages and emails of random thoughts from my pregnant sister.
- Seeing Jesus move on campuses and in the lives of students and staff...it's just priceless.
- My international Bible Study at church. I love the women and the countries they represent.

Confession Time

2009-02-21T13:33:00.006-06:00

Hi, my name is Emily. ("Hi Emily")

and I am addicted to work. (APPLAUSE)

I've been learning a little bit about myself the last couple of weeks. Mostly that I take on more than I can handle. That I will do anything to not let things fail and make my life and work look pretty.

So I've been re-checking my priorities. Let me share them with you.

Love
Galatians 5:6b says, "The only thing that matters is faith expressing itself through love." I have realized that sometimes I become so focused on the task at hand that I forget that my job is to love people first and foremost. So I'm switching my priorities so I'm freed up to love people and students more than finishing the next task at hand.

Rest
Now that I can admit my 'issues', I can start learning to rest. So I'm setting up some boundaries. I am going to observe the Sabbath, enjoy my evenings in community, sleep, work out and find valued time with the Lord.

I started that resting and relaxing in Cancun a couple of weeks ago with my friend Kathryn and my parents. It was a great time.

I mean who couldn't relax after looking at this for 4 days?

Christianity these days...

2009-01-30T16:05:00.001-06:00

I don't want to be luke warm...in anything really. I don't want to sit on a fence or confuse people by my words or actions. Especially in my faith.

I went to a student meeting this past weekend. It was great. In just 4 months, students are leading meetings and ministries without a ton of help from staff. It was impressive but I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the way we as Christians tend to separate ourselves from everyone else. We use a different language, take our kids to different schools, listen to a radio station that only plays music that is wholesome and uplifting…the list goes on and on. And honestly as those things were probably put into place to help us Christians grow closer to Jesus, what I really think it has done is make the chasm of us v.s. them a bridge that I wouldn’t even want to cross. I just don’t think we are very approachable. God calls me to live not of the world but I think that Jesus would have gone to a New Kids concert or out to a bar to watch the Pumas play futbol or maybe even have voted for Obama. I think our legalism in trying to boil down our faith in ways that we as humans can micromanage it has made faith something not adventurous and life changing but just one of those things that people “fall into” to supposedly make their lives better. I don’t want to be lukewarm by any means. I just want to be someone that is approachable to understand and know in the context of me knowing Jesus. Is that too much to ask?

Some Random thoughts

2009-01-22T08:31:00.003-06:00

I find myself walking down the street here or on transportation and thinking about something and say to myself, 'I should really "blog" this' and then never get around to it. So I'll just catch you up with some of my thoughts now....

The girls and I went to see Mary & Me last night. Cute movie and well done however it left me feeling like I never want a dog cause they are ton of work and I don't know if I want kids either cause they seem like even more work. I cried a couple of times (a couple of things hit close to my heart) and I laughed out loud.

There has been some rare days in Mexico. Now I don't know exactly what I mean when I say rare but I'll try to explain. I was coming back on a bus to the city on Friday night and I was engrossed in a book (we'll get to that later) and I look up and around and for a minute the book had taken me to another world and I forgot that I lived in a foreign country. It was surreal and weird. I heard the horns honking and rain was falling down as Mexicans scurried around trying to find transport to get them home on a late Friday night. I thought...'what had happened in my life that I really would be living in another country?' and then I thought about how Jesus had radically changed my life and nothing was off limits when that happens. Yesterday was rare too cause I saw a woman carrying a poodle down the street like a baby. That was no small dog either and I saw a grown man relieving himself on the street. I quickly moved past him.

I made a sacrifice yesterday. I threw away a pair of beloved pajama pants. They were purchased from a Wal-Mart in South Bend, IN in July 1999. That was a good summer. I ran around with a crowd that I worked at Target with. It was the closest I have ever gotten to being truly rebellious. Anyways, the pants had been through everything with me and it was starting to show...so much that my roommate called them my wedding pants because strips of fabric just followed behind me when I walked. They were not attractive and probably at least 2 sizes too big. Me and the pants had a private good bye near the dumpster in my building.

I just finished the book "The Shack" last night. This the book that I got lost in when I was riding the bus. It was really good. Makes you think about life and faith in a completely different way. Doesn't mean it's all doctrinally sound but still good. Check out this link to hear more: http://theshackbook.com/

Back Home.

2009-01-08T10:48:00.001-06:00

Back in Mexico

I must admit my time at home was really good but quick. I flew in to Chicago on December 22 with bronchitis and hit the ground running. My sister Amy and I shopped our faces off, I got to see a ton of close friends and supporters of my ministry, spent time with my family for Christmas, and saw Wicked on Broadway. And that was all in 5 days. :) I slept a little while I was home too.

Two sweet friends that lived and worked on the same team with me in Mexico were willing to commit to a road trip from South Bend to Denver, CO. It was such a fun way to catch up.

It was a blast to see friends from Colorado as well. The conference in Denver was great. Jesus worked in my heart and I enjoyed connecting with staff too.

I'm back in Mexico City now. Starting work back today with training some new volunteers in the city. The teams from last semester starts again on Jan 12.

Here are some things you can be praying for:

wisdom, direction and clarity for our long term ministry
that I would set good boundaries and not be a workaholic :)
for sweet time with my friends here in Mexico
that I would connect deeply to the heart of God and experience the Gospel daily

Happenings in the last couple of weeks...

2008-12-11T19:31:00.009-06:00

I've been bad at updating you all on life. So I'll give a quick overview of the last couple of weeks.

We hosted a great Thanksgiving once again for all of our friends...

As you can see, Caitlin couldn't miss another pavo party in Mexico so she came on back.

That weekend, me with some of the staff girls went exploring in Taxco.

And then the following week, we were able to see the "New Kids on the Block" when they came to town. This was by far a highlight of my time here.

(l-r) Sandra, Angie, Me, Kathy and Katie
(l-r) Danny, Donny, Joey, Jordan, Jon

Please note five of them and five of us...this was not a coincidence!

And just last week, I went to my friend Jessica's house for the women's christmas dinner from her church. Here is a picture of Jess and I.
I made it home by 2:00 am. It was a fun party :)

Last Saturday night, we had our final student meeting where at least 50 students showed up. We were not expecting that many...or we would have gotten a bigger place. Not a bad problem to have.

So that has been me the last couple of weeks. I'll be home on the 22nd for a few days to celebrate Christmas for my family. I hope you have fun celebrating Jesus as well!

Lost Items

2008-11-26T12:13:00.003-06:00

The other day I lost my Bible. Now, I don't lose a lot of things and it drives me crazy when I can't find something. I looked all over on Monday morning before needing to leave for a meeting. My dear friend Caitlin is here visiting and she was sleeping in my room when I was searching. I left for the meeting feeling disappointed about not knowing where my favorite brown bible was. I have a couple others but this was the one that has the marks all over it and I feel at home when I read it.

Coming back Monday, it was still on my mind even though I successfully read another Bible. When I finally found it, I literally jumped up with joy and ran in and told my roommate.

It reminds me when the woman loses the coin.

"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neigbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Luke 15:8-10

Have I told you how much I love this woman?

2008-11-22T13:52:00.003-06:00

I've been thinking about how much I like my sister Amy. She's my best friend, my biggest fan and biggest confidant.

Just recently she was awarded "Teacher of the Year" at Kennedy where she teaches. So proud of this lady. Thought you should celebrate with me!

Celebrating my Birthday in Mexico!

2008-11-15T23:19:00.008-06:00

If you have known me longer than ten minutes, you know that I like to celebrate my birth. I turned 27 years old on November 5 and had my third birthday fiesta tonight. I thought I should share some pictures from previous ones.

Experiencing the Mexican mordida tradition. This is when the one celebrating takes a "bite" out of the cake and their friends smash their face in the cake. I got double "mordida'ed" this year.

My roommate Angie as we celebrated in Acapulco at a conference.

And yes, I got yet another version of one of my favorite games called Mall Madness but the girls on my team bought me "Vamos de Compras" the game in Spanish! Here are my friends playing with me. Daniela and I won!

2008-10-27T19:52:00.003-05:00

Last week when visiting the Museum of Anthropology, I was asked to give my feedback of why people should visit Mexico City. Of course I asked the guy to send me the video when they were done.

Let me know what you think. Do you want to come to Mexico City? :)

2008-10-26T21:05:00.003-05:00

Transitions are still a way of life here in Mexico. We are continually saying good-bye and welcoming new people.

Kat who served the last two years with Enfoque Mexico left just a few weeks ago. We gathered to throw her a "despedida" that she had no idea about.

And even though we are just finishing October, we are already planning for new arrivals in January. We have 5 new American staff who will be joining our team.

As we talk about the teams, here are some things that you can be praying for:

- team unity; we have 5 missional teams here in the city and pray that the enemy would not try to divide teams due to conflict or not believing the best in each other.

- Passion Ministries follow up; we are continueing to meet with students who came to Passion Oct 7 and 8. Pray that we would see movements start all over the city.

- balance between rest and work-->that the entire team would embrace both and trust Jesus for ministry.

- Pray for me that my heart would be renewed over and over again and I would desperately chase after God's plan for my days not my own.

Thanks for praying!

Remember this face?

2008-10-06T22:27:00.002-05:00

This is Main. We met a year ago when I went to visit her campus in Pachuca (which is outside of Mexico City). This weekend at Passion, Main came running up to me and says, "Emily do you remember me? I'm Main from Pachuca!" And of course I remember her...going to Pachuca was one of the highlights of my fall semester. I loved the students there and their creativity to share the Gospel with their friends. Main and Javo said that they have a new group of students that want to grow in their faith. So now they are working with the former group and the new group...launching movements in Pachuca.

What a sweet blessing it was to see Main. I can't wait to go back to Pachuca and meet the new students.

That This Generation of Students....

2008-10-05T13:49:00.002-05:00

I hear these words and (once again) it sends my heart beating quickly. Standing at Passion Mexico City this weekend was a sobering for me because sadly I am no longer in "this" generation of students. My generation has passed.

My prayers for this university generation in Mexico is:
- they would not just have an emotional experience with Jesus Christ but that they would know him and would be wrecked to move in the direction of changing the world because of that experience.
- that students would know that faith is more than a list of do's and don't's
- that the universities would be awakened to the glory of Jesus and their peers would be the carriers of that light.

Christy Nockels sang on the tour and Jesus met me in the middle of these words.

Heal my heart and make it clean

Open up my eyes to the things unseen

Show me how to love

Like you have loved me

Break my heart for what breaks yours

Everything I am For Your kingdom's cause

As I walk from earth into eternity

What a sweet refresher of how good Jesus is.

Celebrating another Mexican Independence

2008-09-27T21:28:00.004-05:00

A year ago I spent Mexican Independence Day at Six Flags Mexico City and then went to Centro Coyoacan. It was a great night but this year's Independence topped it.

Some friends came from Puebla, Mexico and we went to the Zocalo this year to celebrate. Covered with bubbles and surrounded by my favorite people, I heard Calderon yell "Viva Mexico!" as the people shouted back "Viva!" And we watched as fireworks exploded into the sky from all directions. After that, we went back and had a dance party. I fell into bed about 3:30 exhausted but thankful for another fun independence.

Here are some pictures...

My new roommate Angie and I in our new apartment before heading out.

The group and I in the Zocalo after being covered in bubbles and enjoying the evening.

Starting Fresh

2008-08-24T12:52:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I think I'm still in school. Because so much changes in my life in the month of August. Working with college students has that effect on me.

We are starting again in ministry. There are new faces...a lot more faces actually plus new apartments, new neighborhoods and a new role. Sometimes change scares me. I like consistency in my life but I love it when I figure out how to make things even work better than before. So here I am starting again. I wanted you to be a part of it with me.

I went to briefing last week to meet up with the new Americans coming on our team. While I was there, I had the opportunity to be the emcee for the week. What a new and fun experience.

2008-08-10T22:33:00.003-05:00

I'm going to be honest. I came back to the States for a conference last night and I have been glued to the television since then watching the Olympics. I have always been a fan. I'm not sure exactly why. I root for the USA but it's not because I am this great patriotic but because these athletes have worked so hard and have given up so much for the pursuit of what I think is the greatest sports competition ever.

I just watched the swimming 4x100 men's relay where they not only won the gold but came back from behind and quieted the talks of a rival team. I was literally screaming with them in my hotel room.

I just wish they would have put baton twirling in it a long time ago. That is way more than a sport than clay shooting.

I wish they all could be California girls...

2008-07-25T11:08:00.003-05:00

We just had a really sweet group from San Diego come down and spend a week doing ministry with us for two weeks. They came through a college group at a church. I love watching groups come and believe God for big things, move in faith and have extreme flexibility.

I had such a sweet time getting to know the group of 11. These are the girls and I above when we went to the state of Mexico to serve in a local church. (L-R) Summer, Crystal, Me, Diane and Jenni.

Safe travels today friends!

2008-07-19T13:18:00.005-05:00

My dear friend Andrea left Mexico City today. She and I have been on STINT (a Short Term International trip) for the last year. I never thought that I would find such sweet community with her.

I'm so honored to be a part of her life. We've gotten to grow together this year. I've watched her struggle through hard things and she has sat beside me as I grew with Jesus.

I often talk about how God uses people in my life to change and mold me. Andrea has definetely been one of those persons.

Her ministry and life has left an impact in the lives of college students. Andrea made her life count this year in Mexico. In the process, she too has been changed. It's funny how those things work.

Even though today is bittersweet, I eagerly anticipate the next group that comes to Mexico City. Not only our we engaged in a mission and vision that is much grander than ourselves but we participate in this vision with people from all different backgrounds and stories.

Good-Byes

2008-07-13T11:55:00.004-05:00

I'm not so good at good-byes. I have said a lot this summer. Some to people that I won't see this side of heaven and others for a while.

I spent 5 weeks with some pretty cool people in Florida going to cultural training. We had some really fun times and built some sweet community but we are all following God's call to take the gospel to the nations so the chances of me of running into my new sweet friends is highly unlikely.

That's the funny thing about community. We live life in a way that's real and vulnerable and with purpose and I think that is what makes good-byes so hard. I don't want those things to end. I remember being on a summer missions opportunity for 10 weeks one summer and having a hard time choosing to even show up to say goodbye to my best friends of the summer. I just thought it would be easier to just leave.

My friend Betsy wrote a song about how she hates goodbyes too. Here are some of my favorite words of it.

If I could have anything, I'd have control

cause I don't like change and I hate to let go

hate watching cars drive away

with not enough reason to stay

On the same path still but now I feel lost.

When I said hello I did not know the cost

but I know it now, I feel it now.

Tell me you'll see me tomorrow

that way I don't have to cry.

If we keep pretending it's not really ending

I hate the word "good-bye".

Yes, it's hard but I totally believe that it's worth it. I've said "adios" to some cool people in my life and I'm looking forward to much more "hellos".

I arrived back in Mexico yesterday. It's strange that Mexico is home. I missed it and my house and the food. It's good to be home.

2008-06-22T19:28:00.002-05:00

I was feeling suffocated yesterday. We are living in these condos kind of in the boonies in Kissimmee, FL. Not really the boonies but we don't have enough cars to go wherever I want. So it makes Americans feel trapped when they can't do what they want to do. So I freaked out yesterday morning and my friend and I decided to figure out the Lynx bus system that goes all over Kissimmee and Orlando area.

We waited for our first bus for an hour...in the heat of Florida. I think I sweated off 2 pounds. Then we got on the bus and took a big loop because we got on the one going east instead of west. We met some great people including some latin men that my friend winked at and Tony a cook at Chili's who rides the bus because he got a DUI. Tony was extremely helpful telling us that the mall we were going to wasn't so stellar. So we switched buses and went to Barnes and Noble.

It's hard to describe the freedom that I felt when I got on the bus. I think mostly because I didn't have to rely on anyone or be back at a certain time. I could be me--slightly neurotic at times with my sweet friend. We spent some really good time with Jesus in a coffee shop and began the trip back.

Riding the Lynx bus around Orlando area was probably one of the funnest days here. Just wanted to share what a typical Saturday is like here in Florida.

On the Move...

2008-06-16T16:32:00.003-05:00

I'm in Orlando, FL again for cross cultural training before going back to Mexico in July. Training has been interesting and I'm learning some new things as well.

My mom and sister came to visit last week. Here is a picture of me with them and my dear friend. She and I interned in Colorado before I left for Mexico. It's been really fun spending the summer with her.

2008-06-06T16:35:00.002-05:00

I'm terrified of spiders. I'm not afraid of a lot of things but spiders is at the top of the list. I become pretty hysterical when they are around me too. One of the only times my sweet timid stepfather raised his voice at me was when he thought I was yelling "FIRE!!!" from the basement instead of "SPIDER!!!"

I have had my run-ins with these pests since coming home to good ole Indiana too. I was driving down the street and a nice jumping spider wanted to get out of the car. I later after a small anxiety attack on the street successfully killed that mutant. That evening I felt it was appropriate to bug bomb my ford explorer to rid my friend of all his little eggs.

But the kicker of the car spiders came on Tuesday when I was driving my mom's car down the Indiana toll road. A spider of greater size decided to make his presence known as I drov 75 mph down the highway. I calmly pulled over, put the car in park, flashers on and annihalated that creature.

I'm not sure why I'm so afraid of spiders or why God feels it's necessary for me to continually be greeted with my enemies in small confined places while I'm operating automobiles. Nonetheless, it has brought thrill back into my driving ability.

**please note if you are my state farm agent reading this, it's all made up. I didn't stop my car on any busy highways or put myself in danger while driving :)**

LASIK

2008-06-02T12:46:00.002-05:00

I had LASIK eye surgery last week. They numbed my eyes up and wrote with a surgical marker on where they were going to cut. It was a pretty cool experience. Here is me before sugery. A shout out to Melissa Pierce for the rad pictures!
The night after the surgery I was awake most of the night just thinking. I didn't have any pain in my eyes but I had a headache. My sister was with me at the hotel and of course I woke her up mainly because I was bored. It reminded me of when I was young. We used to go visit my dad (my parent's divorced) and I would stay up all night. I just couldn't sleep. I remember just talking to my sister Amy so she would have to stay awake with me. I hated to be alone in a house and neighborhood that was unfamiliar to me and she was my safe haven. So here were were about 12 years later and the story was the same but we were in a hotel in Dayton, OH. How grateful I am for a sister that will stay awake all night with her brat sister when she can't sleep.

2008-05-27T11:23:00.004-05:00

I've been on a lot of planes lately. I like to people watch while in transit to different places. Everyone is talking on their phones or emailing someone for work or something...I'm not really sure. On Thursday I began to think that all of these people have different agendas, different jobs and unique passions that fuel them to keep going. For instance my brother Ryan loves art. He's passionate about it. It takes him places that I will never go- sculpture classes, art shows with wine, cheese and crackers that include a bunch of other artists that are passionate about art too. I don't fit in there at all but I love to visit it. And my cousin Kim is working on an initiative in Indianapolis to make the city more accesible by walking so that the people of Indiana are healthy. How unique and fun! Yesterday I was on some more planes. I sat next to this woman who is a web designer for Samsung. She talked about how she wants to help Samsung be the biggest selling cell phone company in the US and man is she passionate about cell phones. It was almost silly to me.

Then on the next flight I sat next to this couple that works for a flavor/ingredient inventing company and they were testing new kinds of gum. They had a doctorate and masters in food science. Their main purpose was to help food taste better! Who knew that was actually a job where people studied and were excited about it?

That made me start to think about my job and my passion. I'm so thankful that my job gets to line up directly with what I'm passionate about. I sometimes think that my passion is more important than others..because it has an eternal purpose. But even someone that works at Samsung or a Gum tasting company can still be eternally minded and love coworkers and customers that way that Jesus does. Just some thoughts that I wanted to share.

2008-05-10T08:29:00.003-05:00

I am at home in South Bend now and it's not necessarily what I expected to say the least.

I'm learning to wait. God is teaching me that He is in control of my life and schedule and my coming and going. I hate it. It comes into fruition watching the dying process. I don't want to be morbid but most days I don't think it can get worse and then it does.

This has led me to think a lot about heaven. How does one cross from life to death? Can my grandma "see the light"? Is she waiting for someone else to come and say good-bye? I have a lot of questions and the Bible doesn't exactly answer them. I just know that there is a God who loves us and his ways don't always make sense to us.

Grandma and I at Thanksgiving 2006

I remember many summers ago I was in Myrtle Beach and when I was stressed a friend would whisper in my ear a verse that has to be my focus today.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" Jesus speaking in John 14:27

2008-04-24T10:14:00.003-05:00

Michelle and Becky headed back to the States last week to transition to new things in ministry. Our house is quiet and feels empty. The nature of our jobs in ministry calls for lots of transition and goodbyes. I don't think I'll ever get used to it. Their time here was fruitful and great.

Next week, I will be transitioning back to the States for the summer. I'm bummed about leaving Mexico already but excited about my summer.

2008-04-16T12:04:00.000-05:00

2008-04-16T10:30:00.002-05:00

O tested soul, perhaps the Lord is sending you through this trial to develop your gifts. You have some gifts that would never have been discovered if not for trials. Do you no know that your faith never appears as great in the warm summer weather as it does during a cold winter? Your love is all too often like a firefly, showing very little light except when surrounded by darkness. And hope is like the stars--unseen in the sunshine of prosperity and only discovered durning a nigh tof adversity. Afflictions are often the dark settings God uses to mount the jewels of His childrens's gifts, causing them to shine even brighter.

Wasn't it just a short time ago that on your knees you prayed, "Lord, I seem to have no faith. Please show me that I do"? Wasn't your prayer, even though you may not have realized it at the time, actually asking for trials? For how can you know if you have faith, until your faith is exercised? You can depend upon the fact that God often sends trials so our gifts may be discovered and so we may be certain of their existence. And there is more than just discovering our gifts--we experience real growth in grace as nanother result of our trials being sanctified by Him.

God trains His soldiers not in tents of ease and luxury but by causing them to endure lengthy marches and difficult service. He makes them wade acroos streams, swim through rivers, climb mountains, and walk many tiring miles with heavy backpacks.

Dear Christian, could this not account for the troubles you are now experiencing? Could this not be the reason He is dealing with you?

--Charles Spurgeon

Last week on vacation my sister and I received word that my Grandma was in the hospital with pneumonia. She has battled Alzheimer's for 10 years now. We rushed home to be there with my mom and family. She's back in the nursing home now and stable but not better. I'm learning about grief, mourning, closure and the order of those things when someone isn't actually gone. My life is really confused right now but I did ask for trials and a deeper faith just a few weeks ago. This was my devotional yesterday. It spoke right to my soul. Thanks for reading.

Peru!

2008-04-01T18:27:00.003-05:00

I got back last week from going to a women's conference in Lima, Peru. I had a blast with staff from Mexico. I heard from women all over Central and South America and how we as women can walk with Jesus through anything.

We even got a chance to take a picture with the wife of the president of Campus Crusade for Christ. Here is Judy Douglass to the right of me.

Overall, it was a great experience. But I'm so glad to be back in Mexico City. There's no place like home!

2008-03-19T23:25:00.004-05:00

Things have been busy here. We finished off last week with a spring break week of 65 staff and students from all over the US. Here is my group for week 2 below. We laughed a ton together and saw the Lord show up as well. All seven of us were able to get on a very private university. Katie, Jenny and I met a girl named Gaby who gave us a name of a guy who is a Believer on campus. The next day we met Pablo outside of the entrance of the university. As I began to share in Spanish about our vision for reaching every college university and student in Mexico City, he began to text his friend Yanneth to have her come meet us as well. Yanneth promptly appeared outside as well. Their excitement grew as I shared how God has already began to start movements on other campuses. Pablo mentioned that he had numerous friends on other campuses that would be interested as well. Also, Pablo has already emailed me to connect when I get back from traveling.

After our party on Friday, our staff and I were on our way to Acapulco to host a Mexican Student conference on the beach. Students were trained in sharing their faith and launching movements and they even shared with each other how they saw the Lord reach students on their campus.

I even had a few moments to cool off in the pool.

Tomorrow, I'm off to Lima, Peru for seven days with staff women from Mexico. We will be going for a women's conference. So this year, I will be celebrating Easter in South America. I'm really excited about this opportunity.