Looking Forward and Looking Back

This Saturday, our official summer season begins. Team after team after team. Each week brings something new. Houses, churches, Vacation Bible Schools, distributions, meals, debriefs, new faces, new relationships, more Spanish, shopping trips, church services, youth events. But at the same time each week is repetition. It's an interesting mix.

And I have a mix of feelings right now. Really, I am very excited to start up VBS (Vacation Bible School) again in full swing. At the same time, the summer hangs almost like a dark cloud on the horizon because I know how much hard work it is. Also, as I think about my time in Mexico soon coming to an end, I get that pain in my throat that precedes the tears. I love these people. I love speaking Spanish. I love this weather. It's hard for me to imagine...I don't like to imagine the day when I will no longer see these friends who are so special to me. Meanwhile, I am very excited to return to Las Vegas. Return to friends, family, and my church whom I love so much.

Transition. Something that is very hard to do. Something I need a lot of prayer about. First, transition into the summer. From doind day-to-day living in Mexico to leading teams. And second, trasition back to the States. It's rough for me to think about that right now. But that time will soon be here. And I will be forced to transition.

But no matter where I am and what I'm doing I don't want to forget the things God has shown me here. The relationships I've made. The protection He's given me. The health He's given me. The constant financial provision each month. The churches and houses I've seen built and the people blessed by them. The kids with such sweet faces as they are being loved on by teams. So good. So beautiful.

Man. I'm getting old.

My birthday was on Monday!!!

On Sunday night, Rafa organized a surprise birthday party for me. I had no idea and did not expect it at all. It was my first Mexican fiesta (for me) and it was lots of fun.

They always spell my name wrong here...

Rafa...the fiesta organizer...

My first birthday pinata...

Funny Faces...

Me and Minerva with sticker earrings...Very Fashionable...

Crazy Rick...

I love cake!...

The reason the party was on Sunday was because on Monday, we went to San Diego to get sushi. You can't get quality sushi here in Mexico and I've always wanted to go to this restaurant called Todai. So that's where we went. And I got my sushi fill.

It was a mighty fine birthday here in Mexico.

Church by the shore

This is Jamin...

Jamin (Ha-MEEN) is a new addition to the ministry here in Ensenada. He's a pastor in an area called Salitral which is just a five minute walk from the beach. The college group from Princeton Alliance Church from Princeton, New Jersey was able to build him a church building. There were a few crabs walking around the worksite that the group found on the beach. When I look at pictures of the finished building I smile because it is beautiful and I know it is a gift God has been getting ready for him because Jamin has been praying and hoping in this day for a long time. Jamin has such a kind and vivacious spirit. He always has a gentle smile and encouraging embrace for all who come his way.
The first service held in this new building was packed to the max with about 150 people. There were special guest speakers and a guest worship band that brought the Holy Spirit into that place. After the service, everyone shared a meal of birria (like a stew which is commonly eaten at big celebrations such a weddings and birthdays) and just enjoyed one another.

The guest speaker, Roberto, from Tijuana...

The first service...

Pray for Jamin and the church as they go through the transition with this new building. For the past five months, they have combined with Reynerio's church to get through the winter since they did not have a building. Combining the two churches has been very neat to watch and they have really bonded which will make the split difficult. Pray for wisdom in decisions that need to be made by Jamin and Reynerio and for that bond not to break but to remain strong in love.

Just for Kicks

So as hard as we work, we also know how to play hard.

The Friday before last, we all headed up to the States to pick up a group to kick off the summer season. They didn't arrive in San Diego until Saturday so we caught the Padres vs. Cubs game Friday night just to have some fun together. And afterwards, we went out on the field to watch the fireworks. It was sweet!

Also, a couple months ago, Kourtney and I got the chance to tour a local wine vineyard. It's been around for over 150 years. We got pulled around in a tractor all through the vineyard. And I only understood about half of what our tour guide said because I don't understand wine lingo in Spanish. But it was a beautiful day and we really enjoyed it.

Thank you, Jesus, for friends and fun!