Mexico Adventure

And so we leave. This land of deserts and mountain, of canyons and palms. Where Tarahumara women wear brightly flouncing skirts and sit quietly selling their wares. Where wind whips dust on the great wide open into tall swirling dust devils. Where tortillas are warm and soft and you can buy chips and coke on every corner. This land of enormous arching blue skies with nary a cloud. Of waves crashing on a sandy beach and cold ceviche in a tall bowl. Of wide smiles and Google Translate conversations. Of winding twisting roads in and out of tall mountains. Where Catholic women rise early to journey to the tiny shrines and pay tributes to idols that will never answer. Where we feel our God speak in the deep of the canyons, the height of the mountains, the wide expanse of the ocean. So we leave, but with warmth, for we know He doesn’t just live here, but everywhere. We leave with sun-bleached hair and brown arms. Chapped feet and sparkling eyes. And while we leave, we know that our hearts w...

we had a laid back day. Sort of. In the morning, Kelvin Masts came over to Kendall’s to see us and sat for a while just catching up on each other’s lives. Kelvin has some health issues that Mae it hard for him to get his thoughts out very well. He shakes quite badly also. Anyway after they left Merv, Joel, cherith, Nicco and i set out for Cuahatemoc. The dentist that Merv had an appointment with had called earlier and changed it to this evening. We did some shopping... bought a few pieces of fabric and also a few more souvenirs and things. Had to buy a duffle bag so we can get it all home! Merv got his crown put on his tooth. Was about $1000 less than having it done at home. Didn’t get back to Kendall’s till 8:30 or so and they were eating pizza around the fire outside. We joined them for ice cream and cookies and coffee. And more good visiting! While we were gone, Andrew and Kendall’s boy were planning on going hiking up the mountain behind their house. Kendall had dropped them off at...

Wednesday. Barrancas de Cobre We didn’t get going very early on Wednesday. We stopped in Creel, got some good American coffee. We got back on the road for the Canyon about 11 or so. Driving this little winding road, Dad suddenly spots a dirt road heading up the mountain with a sign advertising a look out. Well, let’s go, of course! It doesn’t matter how terribly little and bumpy this footpath of a road seems. Then suddenly theres a block in the middle of the road. No room to go around it. Straight up the mountain on one side and straight down on the other side. So the yellow livered of us bailed out and Dad began to back up down the mountain. And no, it wasn’t another vehicle we saw coming around the corner. So he backed up a ways into a little dip in the mountain, let the electrical vehicle pass. The man told us he would open the block and we could come the rest of the way up. So we piled back in and up we went. Winding and twisting until we came to the outlook on the top. Sev...

After breakfast we headed out to have church in Ojos Azules. On the way, we picked up Nicador and his wife at a gas station and Kendalls picked up another sister somewhere. It felt like a long way over there. A very bumpy washboardy road. And much much dust. THis country is very thirsty, waiting for the rainy season which is just about here. There we have church in the house of a brother and sister, Samuel and Maryana. He is somewhat handicapped. Something with some herniated discs in his back. Anyway after the chairs were arranged around in the kitchen, and the rice was cooking, and it seemed all were ready, we proceeded with having Sunday School. This discussion was a little more like we are used to having. More every day application of the lesson, rather than deep lengthy thoughts. After SS, our children sang a song, and then Merv left a few thoughts and some others added a few also. When the service was over, the lady of the house proceeded to make us all enchiladas. Muy Ricas ench...

After gathering everything (we think!) from all corners of our house in SJ, we piled in and went over to tell Angelica bye. For some reason, it was very hard for me to just pull away and leave her there. But God knows where she is and won’t leave her by herself. She gave me a tortilla towel she embroidered. I had so wanted to get her a little gift and never found what I wanted. So maybe I can get something and leave it with Kendall’s. And when they go next, they can take it to her. We made the journey to Los Jugueyes. Stopped at La Tena and visited with Rubens and with Jacobos. Then ate a late lunch at Los Arcos. Thought it was the pizzeria we stopped at but found out that this one doesn’t serve pizza. So we ate discada again.  We also tried to find Kelvin Masts but they weren’t home. Got their number so maybe we can see them yet before we leave.  Got to Kendall’s and around 6 the other missionaries from the area came for a hamburger fry. Grant and Grace Toews, John and Anna N...

okay this is a bit backwards in time here... WE had a very relaxing morning. Lazy. Then packed some things for a lunch and started out for Cusarare Falls. Its past Creel aways. Again mountain driving. Stopped in Creel cause we have service there and merv needed to make some business calls. We others sat in the plaza and bought some postcards and brochures... then on our way to the falls. Went off the main road where the sign told us to.. Paid our fare and then Merv and the three oldest took off hiking the trail to get to the falls. I was to take the sub and Erika and nicholas and find the way there by the road. I tried to follow the directions  we were given but soon realized that i was not where i wanted to be. So back i went to the Tarahumara man and his son who were at the gate, and the boy came with me to show me the way. i had turned the wrong way when i got back to the main road! whatever! Anyway we bumped and lurched our way along the river and through the river and alongs...