So sweet!!!

Aren't they just the cutest little kids in the world?!?! Hannah and Jacob...
Love them!!!

Passion Mexico City e-mail update :) For those who don't get my e-mails...

Dear family and friends!

Wow... that is what I'm left with!! WOW!! Passion in Mexico City was amazing!! 7,000+ college students from all over Mexico gathered in the Palacio de Deportes to worship the One True God!! Louie Giglio spoke about seeing life in HDTV and not just regular TV... but to live life in HD... as God sees it and not just settle for less. Many students have commented on how they were challenged and desire to live their lives differently. I am placing some comments from Mexican students at the bottom of this e-mail for you to read.

Thank you!!! You guys were all a part of this!!! Thank you for praying!! Thank you for giving!! Thank you for being a part of the Passion Mexico City team!! Without your support, I wouldn't have been able to be a part of this... and then no one would have eaten! I was in charge of all the catering for the 200 volunteers and the 150 staff (Bands/speakers/staff).

To brag on the Mexican students... they brought 6,200 Kilos (THAT'S A LOT) of rice and beans ect ... they brought enough to feed 32,000 kids for 4 meals!! They also raised $15,000 US for Passion in Vancouver!! You see, each city gets a chance to pray for the next city and give so that those in Vancouver could attend for free! Check out the other cities at www.268blog.blogspot.com

Please continue to be a part of praying for the students of Mexico City!! The largest campus in the world is there- UNAM at 300,000 students... that's right, 300,000!!! Pray for the Christians on campus- that they would be bold in sharing their faith to those around them. Imagine- the entire University being on fire for the Lord... how would that change the city? How would that change Mexico? How would that change the world??

Here are some of the letters we received from students who attended Passion in Mexico City:

I went to Passion Mexico City and it was so amazing!, really , really thank you for what you did!,

I can say God really touch my heart that weekend in such a way I've never experienced before!

The Holy Spirit really moved those days upon each one of us!,..

I truly believe God is calling for us to stand and shine por Jesus!,. We are in a Global Crisis! and is sad to see

the most of the people is hopeless :(, God says in Jeremiah "Cursed is the man who trusts in man",.. But the most of these people haven't heard that in Jesus there is HOPE!,...

Mexico is for Christ !!!

I'm still wearing my wristband and praying for the rest of the World Tour cities!,..

I think I will wear it until u come back to Mexico!!!

On past friday I was with some friends and they invited me to a some kind of birthday party,, and I remembered what you told us on Passion,,, to light in the darkness ,, so I thought "allright GOd I'm in this world but I'm not part of it",.. so I went there... and it was so amazing... couple hours after I was sharing the gospel with two of them... I was so amazing!!!.. I saw things in HDTV!. no matter where you are!,. we have the power of God !,.. we can change our campus! our city! our nation!,.. God is there waiting to support us after we take the first step with faith!!!

For the first time I can realize God has a plan in my life to make it count for His Kingdom!, for His Renown!, for His Glory!!

WOW! =)

Mexico City was the greatest and most Christ centered mass event I, my wife and our youth group have ever attended. In fact the reason why I feel that I need to write, and do believe that God made a way for me to write, is that I want to encourage and bless those that have blessed and encouraged us so so much.

Just to let you know, we had a response from the ones who weren’t saved like nothing I have ever seen. They were dancing and jumping around, they loved the messages that were so deep for someone who is mature in God and yet so easy to understand for anyone coming in for the first time. One said that he had learnt more in one day than in his entire life going to a catholic church.

My name is Zaret, I’m from Mexico City and I went to Passion last weekend. I’m really happy for what God gave us those days. I just want to thank you for bringing this ministry to my country. I think Mexico needed to hear that and I believe that every single life there has been touched by the presence of God.

I think you’re one of the craziest dreamers that God has created, and in fact I admire your craziness, ‘cause that’s the kind of people who want to carry out God’s plans, no matter what.

All the conferences were blessing to my soul. I wanted to be part of that generation who stands up for the glory of the Lord, but I didn’t know where to start. And the truth is that I’m not prepared, but I was afraid to tell it to God, and the Saturday night I just said: “God, I’m not prepared, but I want to”. And something happened.

So, believe me, I enjoyed this time with all of you guys, thank you for being so passionate for God, I want to be part of it and now I know where to start. We’re still praying for Vancouver!!

The worship time during each session were just touching. Even though english is not our native language we sang in english. And we poured our hearts before the Lord. We were inspired to go out and shine God's glory which we already have found in the face of Jesus. (Hope we all get to be fruitcakes 4 Jesus!!!!)

Thank you Passion Team for believing in Mexico and only that thank you for investing in us. I know that God's gonna bless you all. I pray that the best is yet to come and hope (and pray) that there's gonna be more Passion Mexico City gatherings ahead. God's faithful to his word and he will bless you for what you did for my country.

Thank you for believing that we can reach our campuses and for inspiring us to do it. My God who sees what's in the secret of our hearts will reward you in such a way that his blessings would just be bigger than your wildest dreams. Thank you so much for having a heart for my people.

Believing that greater things are yet to come and still to be done in Mexico.

Thank you again...
Many blessings to you and your families!!
Hasta the next time...
~Amy

Passion Mexico City... getting there!

Atlanta Airport... time... EARLY! As I was waiting for my plane (that I didn't make it on)- this was the beautiful scene that I saw!

So, I walked accross the airport... to get a better shot.

And finally, to the glass- I love sunsets and sunrises... I know you haven't figured that out by now by reading my blog!

The following are pictures and a few stories that go with Passion in Mexico City. You can check out www.268blog.blogspot.com for more stories! I'll write an update that tells you more specifics later this week... but for now, enjoy the pictures!! It was amazing!!!

The team...

Matt and Mellisa were some of the first people I met with Passion- they came down on a vision trip last year- we met up and it's history from there! haha... they are great!
The girls...
So, we had a Mariachi play for us... this guy wanted his picture with me- then proceded to text it to all his friends... he wrote down my name as 'Emy'- For about a minute I was important in his life- then just like that- he jumped tables and found a new woman! haha... This is Gina- the lady who I have e-mailed a million times!! She was one of the other people that I met last year on their vision trip.
Kathryn danced with my man... haha!
Our shopping team... Pattie and Mambo are both from Mexico City- and Aynsley and I were the gringas who took them everywhere to go shopping!

Shopping days... oh yeah, and a protest!

Oct. 2nd... Well, if you want to learn more... go here : http://obrag.org/?p=1639
Students are marching to remember this terrible day!!
Aynsley and I got to Mexico City on Monday... the actual event started on Friday... what did we do?! This... we bought all the office supplies, all the decorations, all this stuff!! It takes a lot beforehand to get an event ready. We had to take it in and out of our room about 4 times! Thankfully- the little guys at the front desk helped out a lot!!
We did a walk-through of the venue the day before... yes, the day before they were just putting the benches in to put the chairs on! TIM!
My favorite steak in all of Mexico is at an Italian restaurant... go figure!
A typical taxi... we didn't take taxis on this trip! We had drivers... VERY different than my life in Mexico ... but, I enjoyed it!

Food...

Renatta is from Brazil- I really enjoyed getting to know her! It was confusing for her because she doesn't know Spanish and all her languages were mixing together! (and... that's David Crowder band behind us... and Francis Chan)

All of us at Cafe Tacuba... remember the protest?! Well, this happened to be the day that EVERYONE came into town- all 70 of us made it to Cafe Tacuba (a famous cafe in the middle of Mexico City)... we drove around and around and around... and then finally walked to the cafe! We were the first car to leave the hotel- and the last one to arrive at dinner! TIM- This is Mexico!
Tacos al pastor... yummy! Yes, I always take pictures of my food :)
This is how they cook the meat... all day long!
All the yummy homemade salsas!!

A little behind the scenes look...

We had a team of people that was responsible for putting all this together! We had to take pictures of the final product! This is the green room- so much goes into an event of this size! I had no idea what to expect... it was fun! We rented all the furniture... found the lamps at the wood market... and all the pillows were bought from Wal-mart... we bought ALL of the pillows they had left! (Well, all the good ones)
This is just some of the food... lots and lots of food!!
Louie and his Spanish translator...
Ana and I tried to get a picture of the Passion sign in the back- well, as soon as we took the picture, it went away!! But, we are still here. Ana and I met when I was living in Mexico City. I was sitting next to her parents in church- they introduced us. I got to see Jessica, her sister, and parents also! What a huge blessing their family is!!
We got pictures with all the dressing room signs... I know it's a bit dorky... but, we did it when no one else was around! And now I'm posting them on the web... mmm... oh well!

Amigos...

Ana's friends from church came... this is Daniel... he and his sister both came... we saved them front row seats!
I finally found these girls... this is on day 2! Laura and Kim are Journeygirls who work in Guadalajara... I've traveled with them a number of times... They are headed back to the states in a few weeks :)
Laura and Kim...
So, I was in charge of catering... which is a LONG story for another day... but, these are some of my helpers! They were GREAT!!! I loved getting to know them!! They asked if they could walk back stage with me... so, I let them see the stage- and then we took a picture so they could remember it! However, I don't have any way of getting it to them... so, maybe they will see it on here?!
These guys are GREAT!! They volunteer a lots of Passion events! We loved getting to know them... I look forward to working with you guys again sometime!!

Here we go...

This passion conference was free to all who wanted to come... gratis... not casi gratis... but FREE! That means... Passion has to get support from lots of other places. They allow the students to be a part of the raising support... they take up a collection to help the next city on the World Tour! Mexico City raised about $15,000 US Dollars for Vancuver's Passion that happened about 2 nights after Mexico City!
Ana and I tried to get a picture in front of the band... all you can see is us :) But, David Crowder Band is behind us! Just imagine...
Here you can see them... David Crowder Band...
Kristian Stanfill Band...
This was Chris Tomlin singing... I LOVE this song! I was first introduced to this song this summer in Mazatlan, Mexico with International World Changers. We translated it then in Spanish... and now we were doing it again. You see- Ana is amazing at both English and Spanish- she's from Mexico, yet went to school in the US for 4 years. So, I told them if they needed help with translations... she was the woman for the job! So, the used her... I went to find her and they were trying to translate this song... It was Ana, Oscar, me and then up walks Chris Tomlin himself...We were trying to figure out how to say... "Greater things have yet to be done in this city" Well, "En esta ciudad" just doesn't go... so, I suggested, "En Mexico"... and they loved it! Yeah!! I know, this is silly- crazy- but, I had to take a picture because all 7,000 of us sang it... it was just cool to hear that :) and here is the picture to prove it!!!

Checking out the city...

I love showing off Mexico City... It's one of my favorite citites in the world! I am very aware that not everyone loves it... but, I like to show off it's good parts... great people, yummy food and really cool sites (and sounds!)... Laura and I are here infont of the National Palace... we couldn't go in this time- its home of Diego Riveras' famous murals... it closed like 1 minute before we walked up there!
The Zocalo and the flag... :)
Getting pictures on all 4 corners... in front of the metro...
Kim and Lauren stop for a moment...
Laura and I sit down for a little break... after a week of running to and from places... I think I must have walked a marathon in just a few days... that combined with very little sleep- made me exhausted... and then we chose to walk around the city on our free day :) It was worth it! But, you can see how tired we are from our faces... at least mine... Laura always looks fresh :)

Headed home... flashback to my life in Mexico City!

I was thankful to be flying on a buddy pass... this means I fly standby until a seat is available. Well, when I went to get my seat for my flight from Mexico City to Atlanta... they gave me a normal seat. Then later I hear my name called over the intercom... and I think that I've been bumped. Well, she asked me, "I don't know why you are in coach class?" I laughed and said, "Well, if there's a seat in first class then I'd be happy there."... she was really puzzled that I was in coach. I assured her that I flew coach on the way down and that I most likely was booked on coach b/c it was a buddy pass. She said, "No, you should be in first class... 3B... that's your new seat."... I smiled and said thank you and walked away as fast as I could... I didn't want her to take my first class ticket away! What a HUGE blessing this was... It was such a long week of hard work- and the Lord blessed me with this great surprise! I was treated like a star... I've never sat in first class before- So, I took pictures! Of course, I tried to make sure no one else saw... but, this was the dinner they served! A steak... and it was yummy! Thanks Tom for the buddy pass :)
I love plane window shots... I love to look at the earth from the sky! It amazes me!
I got to go back to my old neighborhood for my last night in Mexico City... so, of course I went to my favorite taco place- Los Arcos. Yummy!! Anyone that came to visit me has been here... This is a picture from this past week...
This was one of my first times eating these tacos about 4 years ago!! Crazy, huh?! The only difference... I learned to drink Horchatta! My favorite drink- it's rice milk... it is a lot better than it sounds!! I just thought I'd add this picture for fun.
This is my old Starbucks that I use to spend a lot of time at... oh, memories!!! I REALLY enjoyed being back in Mexico City!!!

What I've become...

It's happened! I've picked up some of the 'American' things I thought were strange when I first came back from Mexico...

~ I now only carry a credit card... too many people looked at me like I was crazy when I pulled out my cash!
~ I don't find it strange that everyone doesn't want to kiss me on the cheek when I meet them!
~ I use my cell phone everywhere (No, I don't have a blackberry or a blue tooth)
~ I drink water from the faucet without thinking about it!
~ I place toilet paper in the toilet- without even thinking about it.
~ I go through the drive-thru and eat in the car
~ I pump my own gas (when I can find some!) without having to read the directions!
~ I found out that shaving cream really only cost a little over a dollar... NOT $8 like it did in Mexico!
~ I still think about clothing costs in pesos- I translate the US dollar amount and see how much it is in Pesos to see if it's a good deal- for some reason?!
~ I'm use to people not always saying good-bye... and I even leave without saying good-bye.
~ I still haven't gotten use to central AC and heat... I miss opening the windows and using a gas heater.
~ I'm starting to get my English vocab back... and use big words like- catalyst :)
~ I've tried to stop being so blunt and sarcastic... something I picked up from my Mexican friends... something that not all people appreciate here :)
~ I still get overwhelmed when I go into the frozen food section... are we really that busy that we can cook a meal?!?
~ I still think that I can only accomplish one thing in a day- Example... I needed passport pictures the other day- I planned my entire day around it... and well, it took all of 5 minutes to get them done! If I were in Mexico... it could have easily have taken me half a day! When will I learn that life doesn't take as long here??
~ I still try to take time for people and not get so caught up in doing that I don't have time for people. I really don't like when people talk about how busy they are... however, I've found myself saying this a couple of times.
~ I love singing praise songs in English with lots of people!

Okay... I think that's enough for now... I think it's time for me to go back to Mexico... maybe the more I go back and forth in between the two cultures the easier it will be!

I'll let you know :)

Passion Mexico City!!

Well, it's almost here... Passion Conference in Mexico City Oct. 3-4!!! I leave in less than a week to head down to start working on-site with the Passion team. You can go here:

http://www.268generation.com/worldtour/promote3/

To see a video on why Passion is doing this whole world tour thing...

I want you all to be involved in this great journey that started over a year ago...

Around this time last year, the Passion Team came down to Mexico City to check out what God is doing in Mexico among college students. Since I worked with College students, I was invited to come alongside of them to help bring Passion to Mexico. After choosing the great city of Mexico City... there was much more planning that went into this... much which I did not have a part of.

Recently, I was asked to be a part of their volunteer core team. What exactly does that mean?! Well, I answered many e-mails in Spanish... I helped translate things... helped us think about how to make this conference more 'mexican' and not so 'american'. .. I have been working with the caterer to feed over 400 people...

There is so much that goes into these types of conferences... Much more than I ever imagined. In the end, it does not matter if the bands get their boxed lunches... or if the centerpieces use apples instead of limes... if we have the right kind of lamps... all those things will pass... what matters is this: Mexican students seeing God's heart for all people to come to know Him... seeing that it is their responsibility to make disciples of all nations... that they will worship God fully with all that they are now and forevermore!! All that we are doing is so that God would be glorified. The University Students of the world are the next generation of leaders... Imagine- if all 18,000 students that are coming to Passion in Mexico City would live their lives passionately in love with God... how would that change the world???

Please pray for these students as they are preparing to come to this conference...

Pray for us as there sure will be some complications in getting this conference together...

Pray for God to work in a mighty way!!

I will try to keep you all updated throughout the week ahead... I'm not sure what kind of internet access I will have in Mexico.

Thank you to all of you who have prayerfully and financially provided a way for me to be able to serve in this way... I'm excited... Let's get this fiesta started!!!!

"Take My Hand" by Kry

On my way to work today I heard this song on the radio. I loved it and needed to know who sang it... I called into the radio station and really didn't expect anyone to answer- however, she did after it rang once... and I asked her who sang it and what song it was... well, when the song was over- I heard our conversation on the radio... It's official- I'm a radio star, haha-jk!

I wanted to share this with you all... It's "Take My Hand" by Kry:

I know there are times
your dreams turn to dust
you wonder as you cry
why it has to hurt so much
give Me all your sadness
someday you will know the reason why
with a child-like heart
simply put your hope in Me

Chorus:
take My hand and walk where I lead
keep your eyes on Me alone
don't you say why were the old days' better
just because you're scared of the unknown
take My hand and walk

don't live in the past
cause yesterday's gone
wishing memories would last
you're afraid to carry on
you don't know what's comin'
but you know the one who holds tomorrow
I will be your guide
take you through the night
if you keep your eyes on Me

take My hand and walk where I lead
keep your eyes on me alone
don't you say why were the old days better
just because you're scared of the unknown
take My hand and walk where I lead
you will never be alone
faith is to be sure of what you hope for
and the evidence of things unseen
so take My hand and walk

just like a child
holding daddy's hand
don't let go of mine
you know you can't stand on your own

Questions ...

Tonight I was at Gathering (the weekly BCM Meeting)... and I had many thoughts... I seem to think a lot when I sit for a long period of time- So, I will share a little of my thoughts tonight...

~ When did all of these songs come out?? And what are they about?? Does it mean I'm getting old that I like Hymns better than some of the repetitious songs?

~ What would a lost person think if they came into the room? Would they feel welcomed among all the busyness going on? What about all the singing- what would they think of people holding their hands up singing at the top of their lungs with their eyes shut... would they understand that there is an almighty God who loves them and desires to have a relationship with them?

~ Is my happiness really important to God? Or is it Joy? Isn't it about Him? Why do we listen and not question what people teach us?

~ It's already September!!! Wow, where does the time go?!

~ Am I living my life intentionally everyday?

~ I'm surrounded by all Christians... when am I not around Christians on a consistent basis? When am I ever around anyone on a consistent basis?

~ What am I doing next in my life? How is God going to use me ... how do I figure this out? Where do I move to? What do I do?

~ What is normal? And why are we all trying to be normal?

Well, I don't have all the answers to all these questions... Prayer is an answer to some... Well, that's all I have for tonight... It's passed my bedtime :) I will write again soon- maybe a more thought provoking post... I think I spend so much time on my computer working that I don't want to get on it again for fun. Or- that could just be an excuse!

University of Georgia...

Well, It's official... I am a UGA fan! It kind of came as default- I don't think you can live in Athens and not be a UGA fan. I do like red and black a lot more than I liked the UT orange- so, I can handle living here :)

This past week was my first official week working with the BCM here at UGA. We had a leadership retreat up at Tocca Falls M-W. It was a little surreal for me to be there- I went to Impact camp at this retreat center when I was in middle and high school! I loved getting to know the leadership- about 60 students. I loved being able to see their vision and their love for God. I got to hear about their summer mission trips and to hear how it has changed them.

What will I be doing here?? I've gotten that question a lot! I'm not a campus minister... yet, I have an office at the BCM and I'm at all the activities... I'm not a 'real Journeyman' because I'm in the States... So this is what I will be doing...

I haven't come up with a 'title' for it yet... but, I mobilize students for missions. What does that mean?? I get to know students who have an interest in missions... and I hear their hearts and see what God is doing with their lives. I help them take that to the next level- be it local missions... summer missions... longer term missions... seminary... or whatever that might be. I help educate students on the opportunities that are out there for them to serve. I will have a different region of the week- and 'highlight' what God is doing in each region of the world. So, really... anything to do with missions... I'm there. I'm not an expert- but, I can find answers... or find the right person to ask.

I'm so excited about this semester. This semester will complete my 4th year with the IMB- and after December... I don't know what's next?! I'm trying to live where I am now... and not to live in the past or too much in the future.

Thanks for keeping in touch!

Moving in...

I just moved to Athens, GA to work with the BCM here at UGA. I moved into a house that no one has lived in in a long time... so, I've been in the process of cleaning and organizing. I do love the house! Today I focused on the Kitchen... Yes, it did take the whole day! I took everything out and found out what I might use... I cleaned out all the old expired food... and cleaned up old bugs... and then washed all the dishes! Oh, it was a fun day... Well, during the day- I saw a HUGE bee in my bedroom... It was HUGE... How do you kill a HUGE bee?!?!?! I didn't know... so, I just went in the Kitchen... and then in the Kitchen I saw a wasp- I tried to kill it with the cleaner that I was using to clean the kitchen... I sprayed it and sprayed it and sprayed it some more... It didn't die! So, what else to do?! I went in the other room and hoped that it died... Well, as I was cooking dinner- I found the wasp again... this time, I'd done some research on how to kill a wasp. I found some RAID (I know it's for ants and bees... but I hoped it'd work for wasps!) and I sprayed it... and sprayed it... and sprayed it some more... and YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

It died!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.... Can you find it?!

I had to get a new fork to eat dinner... but, at least he was dead!!! Success... NOW, If I could find that HUGE bee and kill it too..... That will be tomorrow :)

Graceland...

These are the official airplanes that Elvis flew on!! We didn't go inside them... But, we did go in and watch a movie about them!

This pool is at the Heartbreak Hotel... Yep, it's a heart-shape... would expect anything less for a hotel right accross the street from Graceland and $140 a night?!?! We talked to a lot of the staff and they had some great stories... people are crazy about Elvis... we just walked around and laughed! Yet, we too were there...

Adios Graceland... Hasta next time...

La Casa de ELVIS!!!

That's right... I went to visit Elivis... You know he lives, right?!

Christy wanted to capture my face as I peered around the corner and saw the mansion for the very first time!! WOW... mmm, It was amazing... haha!

Christy and I at the wall in front of the mansion... We didn't go into the mansion because it costs about 20 dollars... and well, we just decided that we'd rather see it from the outside!

I saw the ghost of Elvis at the gates...

More memphis...

These are the famous ducks... I don't remember the name of the hotel- but, this is a tradition that started many years ago... these ducks are trained to march off the elevator in the mornings and to go into the fountain. They sit in the fountain all day long... then in the late afternoon, they march back onto the elevator and go back to bed... it's famous in Memphis- so, of course we had to do it!

Can you see them marching?! We didn't have very good seats... :)

I'm not too sure who was more excited about the tickets?!!??

Beele street during the day... it's a lot calmer!

:)

The group...

Anthony got to 'drive' the 'train'.... our driver went to grab some dinner... so, he sat in the seat for a quick picture!

Uganda girls...

I forgot what this street is called... Beele street?! It's the famous party street... We just drove by it; we did have a 7 year old with us... This was right before we drove right into the ghetto... that's right- we were lost on the back roads of Memphis! The sign said the highway was this way- so, I took the 'tourist' map and well... those roads weren't on it b/c as a tourist you should probably not go down those roads!! Christy just kept driving... and driving... and following my directions... and then we saw the highway... however, we couldn't get on it!! Eventually we made it out... safely :)

Memphis...

Who knew that Memphis was pretty?! No offense, but, when you hear that it has the highest crime rate in the US... do you really expect much?! I wasn't... but, I was in for a surprise. Chirsty was driving to Memphis to meet her missionary friend from Uganda who just recently became the foster mom of one of her former students... I was helping her with IWC stuff... so, why not go?!

We rode the little tram thing along the river and then along Main street... at sunset... Of course you knew I would take a million pictures of it!

Very pretty :)

Here he is... Anthony- one of the cutest kids in the world... He has a special heart- and is one of the greatest gentlemen at the young age of 7! He opened doors for us all the time... he held them open for strangers... said excuse me if he walked into someone... I was impressed by his manners.

Wedding fun...

Beautiful flowers...

Dancing...

Cake...

And the cutest little boy... what else does a wedding need?!?!

Ginny's Wedding :)

The beautiful bride!! Ginny got married to Mark a few weeks ago- their wedding was in Knoxville at this beautiful 'bed and breakfast' place... Congratulations!!!

The missionaries represent! We were all at training together... it's amazing how those short (well, at the time seemed like a really long time!) 7 weeks can form such strong friendships! From Left-Right: Christy, Greg, Ginny, Carmel, Me and Justin.

Carmel and I caught up for most of the reception... did I mention that the food was really yummy :)

Christy and I just returned from the crazy Mexican adventure... and Carmel and I worked as J3's together.
Good friends- fun times!

Happy 4th of July!!!!

Christy and I took the kids down to watch Mom in the Peachtree Roadrace in Atlanta... We took Marta from my house. The kids were looking for the train...

Here she comes... Mom does this every year- I wanted to do it this year with her, but, I couldn't get a number! Maybe next year...

Hannah was there to congratulate grammy!!

Christy and I felt like we had run the race because we walked about a long way to just figure out where to watch the race! We took Marta... then had a plan- but, our map was wrong!! We just followed the crowds of people pushing two strollers... I told her we should have at least put on running clothes- then people might think we had run the race! We do look a little odd among all the numbers... It was a great morning! Next year- we're all running it :)

Hanging out at Centenial Park...

Hannah wanted to go play in the fountains... and then she didn't ... and then she did... and then she didn't... so, Christy took her and tried to not get wet, haha!

We all got wet anyways... It started pouring down rain for about 20 minutes!! Someone said we looked like wet rats... :)

Trying to get dry!

The girls!!

A little Birthday fun...

We celebrated Jacob's 1st birthday NOT on his birthday... Thanks sister for breaking the 'rules'!!! He did have a family party on his real birthday- however, I was in Mexico on his birthday and asked that it be postponed... and I'm so glad it was! Last year I was in Mazatlan as well for his birthday... maybe I'll make it an annual trip- haha! I loved being able to celebrate it!!! We played in the pool in the afternoon and then came home for a cookout on the grill and cupcakes! I love being with my family!

Soaking up the sun...

Mom with her two grandkids...

My grandpa also was enjoying the pool!

Mis sobrinos...

Isn't he adorable?!?! We swam together all afternoon...

I love my aunt Amy :)

Hahaha... this picture makes me laugh so hard... It's such a typical scene! Hannah trying to be so loving... yet, Jacob not wanting to be held. "It's okay Jacob... It's okay... " Don't worry- we were close by- he wasn't in any danger :)

My sweet Hannah!! I love that she actually remembers me now... I spent the night at my sister's house last night- I had told her the night before that she should come wake me up and let her mom sleep in the morning (as a joke!) and well... at 8am she knocks at the door! I was sure Christy put her up to this... but, she comes and says- "It's already 8 Amy... It's already 8!" We 'slept' (haha-yeah right) and tickeled... and told stories until 8:45 when Christy comes in clearly straight out of bed! I've loved living close to them... only one more month!!! :(

Celebrate good times, come on!!

Renee and I catch up while waiting for cake...

Grandpa and Hannah read books while they patiently waited on cake.... When will we eat cake??? That was the question of the night... the answer was... when we sing!!!

Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday dear Jacob... Happy Birthday to you!!!!!

Grammy and her grandson :)

Mis primos...

My cousins came along to help celebrate!!!... This is Philip and Hannah hanging out...

Stephen showing off his tounge....

And sweet little Timothy :)

And of course the proud parents... Renee and Jason! I'm glad to live close to you all again!!! :)

Jacob's First Birthday ...

Mmmm.... how do I eat this mom???

Look... I can paint with it!!!

Wow, and it even tastes good too!!!

I know I'm good-looking!!

MAZATLAN... IWC 2008

The following take place in Mazatlan Mexico between the dates of June 11-July 2nd...

I wrote these in backwards order... so, right now- it's 2am and I'm really tired... so, I have nothing left to say but, ENJOY! And... maybe I'll post more pictures when I get more from other people!

And here is Christy at the grocery store... cool, huh?? The cart stays in place... it won't roll down! Unless you get a defected cart... of course, I'm not speaking from experience!

VBS/Movie Night

Each night we had either a VBS or a Movie night... We played with the kids in the park and then taught them the salvation story...

I think that over 30 people were saved total... all these names were given to the pastors so that they can be followed up on by the churches!

We also showed a skit before the movie... we showed, 'Facing the Giants'- because the Mexican pastors knew that the people knew the story of Jesus... they needed to know what it mean to have a relationship with Christ!! Having a personal relationship with God is something that isn't taught very much in the Catholic church.

Gospel Saturation...

This is the team that I got to work with my first week there- they were a wonderful group!! Did I mention that we handed out over 9,000 gospels in just 8 days?!?! (Notice the dog on the roof... Another reason to love a Mexican rooftop!)

Waiting for more gospels...

More sun over the ocean... :)

How do you feed 70 people?!?! Many, many, many, many trips to Sam's club... this was just one of many trips... can you find the ham?!? Since we didn't have a car, we took a bus to Sam's club and then we took one of the truck taxi's back to the hotel!

Worship...

These guys took care of our worship in the afternoons... each afternoon we would have a worship service. This probably was the best time of the day- when we could all come together and worship together... remembering that we were all there for the same purpose and goal. To hear these students' hearts for the Lord... to hear their prayers for the Mexican people gave me a new excitement and desire to see God explode throughout Mexico... and the world!

La clase de espanol... con Josue! Each day we learned a new song with Josue- en Espanol of course! This time it was 'Habia un sapo, sapo, sapo.... '

Each morning before we went out, we met together to discuss the days work and pray together.

Rico's was quite rico! It was the little coffee shop down the road from the hotel... it was so nice to have coffee delivered to you in the mornings :) gracias amigos!!!! I took this picture just kind of playing around with my camera... but, I kind of like it!

Gospel Saturation...

Each morning we would go to a different area and pass out gospels with an invitation to come to our nightly event... this helps the missionaries reach the goal of each house in Mexico having a copy of the Gospel... and also it helps the churches to be able to get to know their neighbors!

How beautiful are the feet...

"Tengo un regalo para usted... es gratis!"

Hanging out with some kids on the street while taking a water and re-apply sunscreen break!

Riding the Taxi's

Each time we decided to travel with around 70 people... we had to hire these little taxi men to take us! We loved riding the taxi's... and here's why...

mmmmm...

mmm... how many boys did you try to kiss?? Haha... jk Christy :)

What's going on here???
Disclaimer... Christy and I really are friends... right, amiga??? :)

We had lo mejor equipo!!

IWC was something new to me- I'd never even done a World Changer's trip before this... I had no idea what I was to do on this trip as the office manager except do anything Christy asked me to do! Haha... and that's what I did! Christy was our Program Coordinator... David was our Ministry Coordinator... Lucas was our Worship leader ... and I was the office person. We made a great... no an amazing team! I would work with any of these people in a heartbeat!

Josue was our Mexican expert... being that He's Mexican :) And Sheri and her husband, Jack, were our IMB Missionaries. Josue liked to fall asleep in the sun and then we liked to hit the Pinata over his head! Josue... did you know that we did this??

Gracias de las Iglesias...

All of the churches that we worked with for these two weeks, came together for a meeting. It was great to see the churches working together for a common purpose/goal!

This is the pastor washing Jack and Sheri's feet... The pastor of the host church washed the other pastor's feet... it was a sweet reminder of Christ's love.

When we walked out of the church service, this is what we saw...

Christy says it'd be better without the powerlines... however, I think they add to it!

Clouds...

I couldn't pick my favorite...

One night at sunset this is what the clouds looked like...

In person, of course, it looked a million times more amazing... but, this gives a little idea of the awe inspiring nights!

Have I mentioned that I love the sunset at the beach??? haha ;)

Crazy Cliff Diver!

We actually had to plan out our last day in Mazatlan... so much to do- so little time! Watching the cliff diver was at 11:30... he almost through off our plan when he didn't dive till 12:10!

Here he goes.... going ...

going...

GONE! Okay, so, the only thing that I found quite interesting about this was that the force of the water was so great that if this guy got pushed the wrong way- he could have been smacked into the rocks! He hasn't died yet.... So, were we really watching him dive off the cliff?? Or, survive the waters??

Vacation time in Mazatlan...

The taxi's here are old VW's converted into golf-cart looking taxis... riding alongside the ocean in an open air car...

I love the roofs of Mexican houses...they are flat and great for sitting on!

Here you can see the 'Plumonia'- the golf-cart looking thing... that is a taxi. Then the red truck- which is another taxi... and then the trolley... public transportation is very common! I miss just being able to hop on a bus and go wherever I need to go.

Again... sunset :)

Mazatlan...

We ate dinner at this great hotel on our last night in Mazatlan... you could see all of old Mazatlan. We ate dinner and then sat on the roof where the pool is and watched the sunset. It was beautiful!!

This is the boardwalk along the ocean in old Mazatlan... it is full of runners/skaters at night and in the morning. If I came back, I would stay in this hotel and go running everyday... :)

When all the teams left... Christy and I enjoyed a little vacation time! We got pedicures (a gift from the missionaries we worked with) and henna tatoos... haha, it looks more like a sharpie marker, doesn't it?!?! They say it will last 10-12 days... we will see!

Sunsets on the beach- I think this could be my favorite thing to do on vacation... to watch the sunset! We spent all 3 of our 'vacation nights' watching the sunset at around 8pm! I have a million pictures... I'm sure you want to see them all!

TIM... This Is Mexico

How many missionaries does it take to fill up a van with gas??? I'm here in Mazatlan and we needed some gas in the van... so, we drive up to the Pemex like normal- and the little man that pumps the gas for you (because there is no self-serve gas here!) is so friendly (or drunk...) and is talking our heads off while he is pumping our gas. 880 pesos later (about 88 US Dollars) Jack pulls our his credit card to pay for it. Well, little man tells Jack that they don't take credit cards! Haha... okay, well, Jack gets gas at this particular gas station all the time... and always uses a credit card. So, he proceeds to tell little man that and that little man needs to check again because he knows that he can use a credit card. Well, little man then tells us that on Sundays- you can only use a credit card during certain hours! Haha... oh, and of course this wasn't one of the hours you could use a credit card! I'm pretty sure all he had to do was go grab the little machine out of the store... but, he didn't do that. So, we all look at eachother and know that we have to pay cash for this! We all had very little cash on us... someone had 200... I had 350... we pulled 100 in change... and then the rest out of our left over IWC cash... it took us seriously about 10 minutes to find change to pay for our gas! So... the answer to the question... it takes 4 missionaries to fill up a van with gas!! And of course a little man to not accept credit cards :) This is why I love Meixco... TIM :)

Pictures...

So... My computer seriously needs to be cleaned off... so, I'm not putting any more pictures on it until I can take some off!! That makes me sad... or it will make me back up all my pictures as soon as I get back to the States :)

If you would like to see some pictures and hear some stories from the last two weeks of my life... You can look at my friend's blogspot

http://www.christyinkampala.blogspot.com/

She was the project coordinator for the trip... and she has actually updated her blog!!

Okay... that's all for now :)

A few thoughts from the ocean ...

I love being at the beach... If I could count the number of beaches that I've visted in the past year- I'm afraid that it would be well over 20! (of course they've all been for work... mmm... working at the beach- there's nothing better... except, of course, vacation at the beach!) I love the beach!! I love it in the early morning... and at sunset... I love it at night... I love to sit in the shade and watch the waves roll in. It reminds me of God's love... the waves never end- they are always there... even when it seems that it's not... it is. We were joking around saying that sometimes His love is tough just like the Pacific! The Pacific ocean is so rough that it gas claimed keys, sunglasses, hats and yes, even bathing suits! Sometimes God's love is tough.

My niece is three and a half. I love her dearly! Something my sister and brother-in-law have always tried to teach her is first time obedience. It's something I tried to teach my students when I was teaching in Mexico City. I think it's something that we all struggle with! Why does someone else have to tell me what to do? Don't I know how to do it better? Aren't I the exeption to the rule? We struggle with this our entire lives with any authority. It blows my mind when I do it with God... doesn't he know best always? When will I learn this? Being obedient is easy in somethings... in others, it's a bit more difficult. I not only want to become obedient always... but, obedient the first time... no questions asked!

Mmm... so, some boys from our group just walked through the lobby... he got stung by a jellyfish... and I asked him if he put anything on it... he laughed and said yes... I peed on it...mmm... somethings you just don't want to know! Especially after he just stuck his arm in my face!!

Back to blogging again...

Well, it's been awhile since I've felt like my life is 'normal'... and I guess my life will never be 'normal' again. What is that anyways?? I'm in Mexico again for three weeks... What a huge blessing it's been to be in Mexico several times since I've left living here. I miss my life here so much- there are so many things that will always be a part of who I am... I'm thankful for those. But, there are also so many things about the US that are who I am too... and finding the mixture of the two is important. I haven't been blogging a lot the last few months... so, I'm really not sure who all still reads this... I've not wanted to be the one who posts all her rants and raves online so anyone who searches for 'fun dip' will find her blog- as they've done in the past. All that to say... I'd like to write more on this- so, if my internet cooperates... You should find more posts. So, let me know if you are reading... you can comment... please comment! haha :) That is called begging...

We had carne asada tonight... mmm... before Mexico I only ate the red meat from McDonalds hamburger... I know, random! It's probably not even really red meat! But, now, I'm proud to say that I've grown to love meat... really any kind in any form... except for canned meat-that still grosses me out and I think that anything that has a longer shelf life than I do should not be eaten ever!!

We are doing gospel saturation and VBS these weeks.... I'm tired... so, I'm headed to bed!

Until next time,
Amy

Do you ever...

just want to pinch yourself and say.... 'is this really my life??' That's how I'm feeling this morning... Just thought I'd share!

So, I lost my Bible... I left it at a school I spoke at. I was sad b/c I love my Bible... it was all marked and everything! I just bought a new one yesterday. So, I've started on the journey of 'breaking it in'. I'm kind of excited to start reading it without verses marked and seeing what the Lord has to teach me all anew!

Happy weekend! I'm in Nashville visiting Jess! I love living close to friends... what a great blessing!!!

Life In Atlanta...

Well, it's been a busy month. It feels like a lot more than just 4 weeks have passed in January! I had a chance to go to Florida with my two best friends for New Years. Then I started my new job by going to the BCM Spring Conference for a weekend. Then it was a week on the job... then a week in Richmond for training! Then I was at the Student Center a couple of days- then off to Athens for a day... then North Carolina for a weekend International Student Ski Retreat... then it was off to Truett McConnell for a couple of days... and then back in the office for this week! I was suppose to be in Chicago a few weekends ago- but the snow made us cancel the trip! Then last weekend was our Summer Mission's Interview Weekend! Whew!! It's been busy!!!


I'm thankful to be kind of 'back to normal' this week and next week. This month will be a little less hectic... then next month I'll be in Mexico for 3 weeks!!! I'm super excited to go back and visit my friends and eat yummy Mexican food!!! :) I will be in Cancun with Mercer University on a Mission trip there for about 10 days. Then I will get to go visit my students and friends in Mexico City and Puebla. Then I will be headed up to Monterrey for our annual Mexican Student Retreat. I'm so thankful that I will be able to be a part of this this year! I'm excited to see what God is going to do... the theme is, "Don't Waste Your Life".

Meeting with students and sharing my life with them is my life now. It's been a huge adjustment for me to going from my main focus was non-believers... to now my focus being on those who are mature in their relationship with God. I've been blessed with some wonderful people to work with!

Slowly I'm adjusting back to American Culture. My days still are not controlled by time- but, by events. I'm trying to not offend anyone by being late to things! I'm trying my hardest to always be on time!

Well, I know this post is a little random. But MANY of you have told me that I need to post something!!! So... I do want to keep blogging... but, I WANT TO KNOW WHO READS THIS?!?!?! SOOOO, PLEASE LET ME KNOW BY LEAVING A COMMENT!!!!!! That way I will feel more compelled to write because I will know people are reading it!

Thanks friends!
I will keep you updated... and will write some more interesting things later and of course post my favorite... pictures later! :)
Have a Very happy Wednesday!!!
Love, Amy

A Mexican 'Twas the night before Christmas...

I found this my first Christmas in Mexico- I love it and want to share it with you all again this year!

Mexican Version of The Night Before Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas y por toda la casa,
Not a creature was stirring-Caramba! Que pasa?
Los niños were tucked away in their camas,
Some in long underwear, some in pijamas,
While hanging the medias with mucho ciudado
In hopes that old Santa would feel obligado
To bring all children, both buenos y malos,
A nice batch of dulces y otros regalos.

Outside in the yard there arose such a grito
That I jumped to my pies like a frightened cabrito.
I ran to the window and looked out afuera,
And who in the world do you think that it era?
Saint Nick in a sleigh and a big red sombrero
Came dashing along like a crazy bombero.
And pulling his sleigh instead of venados
Were eight little burros approaching volados.

I watched as they came and this quaint little hombre
Was shouting and whistling and calling by nombre:
"Ay Pancho, ay Pepe, ay Cuco, ay Berto,
Ay Chato, ay Chopo, Macuco, y Nieto!"
Then standing erect with his hands on his pecho
He flew to the top of our very own techo.
With his round little belly like a bowl of jalea,
He struggled to squeeze down our old chiminea,
Then huffing and puffing at last in our sala,
With soot smeared all over his real suit de gala,
He filled all the medias with lovely regalos-
For none of the niños had been very malos.
Then chuckling aloud, seeming muy contento,
He turned like a flash and was gone como viento.
And I heard him exclaim, and this is verdad,

Merry Christmas to all, y Feliz Navidad!

Saludos de Atlanta :)

It's been almost 6 weeks since I stepped on US soil! It's been a whirlwind of events- and hasn't stopped yet! What a great blessing it has been to be back with my family to celebrate Thanksgiving, my birthday, Hannah's Birthday and Christmas! And to just live life close to them- I'm not visiting this time... this is home now.

When I was flying back to Atlanta from Mexico- I had a layover in Texas. The cutest little boy sat next to me... and he talked my ear off! When we were getting off the plane he asked me where I lived... I naturally said, Mexico... then got off the plane and realized that I don't live in Mexico anymore- I live in Atlanta! What a strange feeling!! It should feel normal... I did live here for 23 years before I moved overseas!

One of the strangest things is going to the store and not knowing what I like... for exaple the kind of cheese I like... I mean, I've lived here for 23 years and Mexico for only 3 years... shouldn't I remember?! After trying many kinds... Mild Cheddar is what I like :)

~ There are so many game shows on TV... and all of them you can win a million dollars.
~ If you have trouble sleeping, you must be depressed- according to TV commercials.
~ You can find almost anything in 100 Calorie packs.
~ Anti-bacterial no water soap is everywhere.
~ Soap is all foamy?! And there is hot water in public bathrooms! (that was my first observation in the airport... I washed my hands for a long time and I'm pretty sure those around me thought I was pretty stranges!)
~ Starbucks reminds me of Mexico.
~ People in stores want to help you with everything! Waitresses are so friendly!
~ I still use cash and hold up everyone in line... oops! Everyone else uses a credit card to pay for things even a drink at Chick-fil-a!
~ "Homemade food" includes a can or box of something... Oh, how I miss Mexican food!!
~ You can Fast Forward and watch TV on demand.
~ Being picky is acceptable and almost expected.
~ When church is over... it's over- everyone is gone in less than 10 minutes!
~ Movies cost $10?! I'm use to brand new movie theaters that cost about $3!
~ I can actually go to the store and buy what I want when I want it... I can pay bills without standing in line... and if I have a problem with something- it just takes a phone call to get it straightened out! You mean I don't have to go to 3 different offices??
~ 'Traffic' lasts for only a couple of hours and not all day long!
~ There are so many different cultures- many different languages everywhere I look! I find myself always listening into Spanish conversations.
~ It's FREEZING here!!

Well, those are some of my observations for now...

I miss Mexico- I miss the people- I miss the food- I miss the weather! All the things about Mexico that I love so much! However, I know without a doubt that I am where God wants me right now. And I wouldn't want to be anywhere else except here!

I'm still here...

Well friends... I am still alive!! Sorry for the lack of photos... but, here are some from my family's Thanksgiving. When I get my other pictures up, I'll post some more. I'm doing well in the US- I've been here for a little bit over a month. It's gone by fast! I've already made a few contacts for my new position that I will officially start in January. Thanks for checking in! I don't know who actually checks this... However, I do get comments from people every now and then that tell me to 'UPDATE'!! So... I'm here for you my faithful reader :)


Hannah and Christy cooking together... Hannah loves to cook!
Jason and Aunt Leslie... talking about something good :)
Aunt Leila and me hanging out on the steps...
The food spread! Yummy!Mi hermano y yo at the airport :( He was leaving...

Us at the Coca-cola factory... I learned so much about coke!
Jason and Hannah with the Olympic torch from 1996 Olympics... David got to run with the torch!!

Jessica and me at Thanksgiving... Jess is part of the family!
Making 'White Trash'... it's not white yet... but it is in the end!
Uncle Jason and Jacob just hanging out!

David and Christy picnicing at a park in downtown Atlanta.
Christy and I relaxing...
Here comes Santa Clause... Yeah, it was HOT this day!! Poor Santa!
Jason and I... Mom want's a picture... pose quick!
Okay... here's a better one!

Many of my family playing Nertz... a long time family tradition! And one of my favorite games!!
Jason and Jacob loved to hang out!
Jason, Hannah and me at the aquarium...
Look at the shark!!
Mom and Hannah...

Lots and Lots of pictures!!!

Hi Friends!!
So, I've been really bad at uploading pictures to my blog!!! I've been posting pictures on Facebook... So, I've copied the address where you can go see my albums! Each one tells you what it is... and describes it! Please take your time and look through them! The first four albums are from a recent trip I took to the Yucatan... it was a work trip and we took a couple of days of vacation. Most of the pictures are from the vacation because how fun are pictures of meetings?!? So, enjoy! And let me know if you can see them...
I'm headed back to the States on Monday!!!
Love you all,
Amy

Pictures from Cancun...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=64776&l=3cbd4&id=520060370

Pictures from Playa del Carmen...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=65392&l=0387f&id=520060370

Pictures from Chetumal...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=65728&l=0baf7&id=520060370

Pictures from Merida...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=66367&l=62f81&id=520060370

Puebla vs. Cruz Azul Futbol!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=60330&l=aa242&id=520060370

A Visit to Veracruz...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=59318&l=81d76&id=520060370

Evangelical activity...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=57432&l=db513&id=520060370

Jason Comes to Mexico...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=57417&l=4dca8&id=520060370

Exodo Concert...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=54683&l=3df6e&id=520060370

The Volcanoes...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=66670&l=faf55&id=520060370

November 2007 Update

Dear Family and Friends,

Yes, I'm still alive! I've sat down to write this update a million times; but, I think subconsciously I have never wanted to write it, knowing it was my last update from Mexico . So, here goes....

Right now, I am in a city called Merida , in the Yucatan Peninsula . I'm here traveling to several different cities in search of student leaders to start discipleship and evangelism on their campus. I've been here for almost two weeks. We've met with pastors, prayed for campuses, talked to students, taught 'talleres' (workshops), explained material, taught how to lead a Bible study with only your Bible and enjoyed this beautiful part of the country! I will be here for another week before returning to Puebla. Please pray for this trip- for the students we will/have come in contact with... that they would capture the vision for reaching students on their campus!!

I will return to Puebla on Friday, November 9th! It's been hard being away knowing that it's my last few weeks in Mexico . However, I'm excited that the CEB is running with National leaders- they are evangelizing, discipling, praying, worshiping and fellowshipping just fine without me! Over the past couple of months I've seen a huge growth in the leadership! We had an evangelical activity a month ago. We've been intentionally getting to know the students that come to the CEB everyday. We invited them to a night of food, fun and fellowship! There were over 20 there in attendance (that is a lot for us!) and 11 were non-Christians... 9 of them accepted Christ!! All of them except 2 are now being discipled! Please pray for them as they learn and grow and share! Pray for the 2 who haven't yet committed to going further with their decision.

Saying that, I will be in Puebla until November 12th, when I fly out on my one-way ticket to Atlanta ! It's a lot of mixed feelings I feel! I'm so excited to live close to my family, my church family and not be the only gringa (American) around! It's sad to leave all that I've known for the past 3 years. There are friends who I'm leaving who don't know Christ yet. This might be the hardest part about leaving. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would be working in their lives and for salvation for them! Pray for these new student leaders, that they would be a huge influence in their lives. I'm not sure when I'll see them all again. The Lord has blessed me with some amazing friendships here in Mexico . Letting those go- or go into a different stage of friendship- will be hard. Please pray that I would be able to say good-bye well. Praise the Lord for the friendships/opportunities he's allowed me to have over the past three years!

I will be moving back to the Atlanta area. There is a new program with the IMB called J3... I will be working with them for the next year. I will be living close to the Georgia State University Campus- working in conjunction with the GA Baptist Convention to mobilize students in Missions. This will include: discipleship, Bible studies, conferences, workshops all about missions... showing students what opportunities they have- exploring their call to missions. I'm excited about this new position... having had the experiences that I have, I'm excited to be able to share those with others and help capacitate them for their future.

So, I believe that is all for now! I will write one more update when I'm back in the States. I'll be going to debriefing Nov. 14th-18th (anyone else going??). And I will start my new position in January. I look forward to meeting with you all soon!!!

Dios Les Bendiga!!
~amy

Haciendo Players y Amigos!!!

So, somehow we decided to make t-shirts! I'm not sure how it all happened... but, Abdiel has a band- Exodo http://www.myspace.com/exodoband It's a Christian Rock Band... they will play at the Zocalo in Cuernavaca. Alejandra and I made t-shirts that say- Yo Amo Exodo... and Abdiel is going to wear one that says, "I LOVE ATLANTA!" I'll take pictures... no worries!




I was walking to the CEB this morning and the Volcanoe was so pretty!! So much snow on top of it!!! Check out the view I have from ANYWHERE I go in my city :) I LOVE IT!! God's creation is amazing!!!

MIES Reunion de Directores... Morelia Mexico

Abdiel and Emmanuel squeezed in the back seat of the car...for 6 hours!!!
Don was our fearless driver!

Alejandra and I... always having a good time!

Edith taking shotgun!

What does a Wal-Mart in Mexico look like?! Now you know :)

We celebrated the Independence Day of Mexico- and this was all the stuff they were selling so you too could dress up like a Mexican- VIVA MEXICO!!!

The first afternoon we got there really early... so we took a combi ride to Wal-Mart and to see some of downtown...

We got rained on... but, it didn't ruin our time! We went to Sandborns to tomar some cafe and play a littl Nerts... We got in trouble for playing cards... so, I taught them some mind games- that they eventually taught just about everyone at the meeting!

We ate dinner at this place where this mural was on the wall- this is a painting of all the famous Mexican people... well, not all of them- but a lot of them!

Josh looks a little evil in this picture! But, he was taking it to make sure to get a picture making an entrance out of the WC with his new novia- Guadalupe!

The Cathedral at night... Notice the red and green lights in the towers!

Again...

Yep, we had meetings... Lots of meetings... It was great to hear from the other MIES groups and to see how the Lord is working in each city.

Emmanuel and Abdiel hanging out at the meetings!

These are three of our summer missionaries- they will go to India next year!! It's so exciting to see Mexico sending out missionaries! Please pray for these three as they are in this journey to serve the Lord!

This is where the president of the city stood and yelled for the GRITO!! "VIVAAAAAA"

This little boy was so cute... I couldn't resist but take a picture of him!

The boys after being sprayed by a cheap imitation of shaving cream!

Laura and me...

FiReWoRkS!!

MORE Fireworks!

The Journeymen... Josh, Laura, Nolan and me - I think this was all of our first time to see the GRITO LIVE!! The first time I saw it on TV in Mexico City- and I thought I was watching Mexico City... and it ended up being the Guadalajara Zocalo-haha! And the second one... We had this meeting last year- and well, we arrived late after the grito... this year we ran and made it in time!!!!

Mas Fuegos Artificiales....

Emmanuel, Viennay and me... just hanging out!

The J-man team... I think this was probably our last shot all together! These are probably some of the best people you will meet!

Our IMB Team- minus the Young Family! Oh, sad times... I will miss them a lot! Someone asked me if I really were going to miss them... YEEESSS!

The guys with Don and Edith! TOXICO!!

Some of the chavos at the meeting...

Our Puebla team... Abdiel, Vienney, Me, Alejandra and Emmanuel! I am so excited that Abdiel and Emmanuel were able to go on this trip!! They both said how they felt like God was pulling them in a closer relationship with Him and how they both desire to go on summer missions!!! And they are pumped about sharing Christ with those who come into the CEB!! Alejandra and I were so excited to see this answer to prayer!!! These guys will take over while Alejandra is overseas and when I leave!!! The Lord is good!!!