Final Thoughts on the Final Week

So instead of having ‘normal’ clase this week, I taught some of the kids English through read-alouds, conversation, and of course—song and dance! Through the classics “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” and the “Hokey Pokey,” the kids at Dulce Refugio will soon be fluent speakers of English! (Well…fluent may be a bit of an exaggeration…. But they were learning, and it was fun!) Singing and dancing is a great way to learn because you’re using your body, your voice, and your mind! Ademas, for those kids who still wanted to practice their reading and writing, I was always available with my books, and got to spend many hours with kids reading, doing math problems, and just looking at books! So many of these kids are so excited about learning, and I pray that they don’t lose that fire!! My heart melted in the best possible way every time a kid would run up to me and plead, “Tara, prestame un libro por favor?” (‘Tara, can I borrow a book please?’) Or, “Tara, me puede hacer matematicas?” (Tara, can I do math?) These are almost always the younger kids however… I still had to search the ENTIRE property every morning to find Juan and Ramiro (highschoolers) for math tutoring! Or, I had to go down to their room and knock, and yell, and knock, and yell, and ask around… and knock, and yell, and wake them up, and beg and plead and bargain…and then they would final join me for math! (My heart goes out to ALL high school teachers and mothers of teenagers!) With all that said, it was a true pleasure to get the chance to be a part of these kids’ education!

Impromptu reading session!Sofia's learning to go from left to right,  one page at a time! Moy's practicing oral reading!

Sarah's a born teacher :)

The little guys LOVED the 6th grade science book because of all the "chido" animals in it!

I love this little face!!

This is a performance by Moy & Jan (pronounced 'Jon') after class one day... as in after only one day of 'hokey pokeying'.

Re-watching this video and looking at these pictures makes me think, “Isn’t mission work supposed to be hard, grueling… tough? Am I really doing what God wants me to be doing? This is too easy, this is too fun…” But Jesus says to follow Him, and that He will give us a full life. And HELLO, I’m working with kids… of course it’s going to be joyful and fun work!

On Thursday, for the last day of clase, I organized some relays and games for the kids to do for candy… even the teenage boys got pretty into it! …So much so that I had to do a ‘steal the bacon’ rematch between two teenage boys to decide who was the rightful winner of the lollipop!!

We played a game where teams of kids had to fill up big bowlswith  holey-bowls... it'got quite competitive!

Ramiro was trying to guard the bowl against Ariana!

Also this past week, Sarah and I were introduced to a guy named Tino who has a ministry in ‘Los Pericos’, a very poor area near the orphanage. Through their ministry, they do a soup kitchen for kids twice a week, and a bible study for the parents, and church services on Wednesday and Sundays. They are in the process of planting other churches in the area—and what they really aim to do is share Christ with people. Los Pericos is one of the poorest areas of town, and through the food ministry, kids are being taught proper hygiene and manners, and they are given a well-balanced meal to eat and produce to bring home to their families twice a week! And more importantly, they are being taught about the Bible. Tino and his family are Americans who have been living and doing ministry in Los Pericos for about fourteen years. It was truly beautiful to be a part of their great work, even if only for one day!

Also this week, Sarah and I got to hang out with our new friend, Valeria, on Thursday night. She’s a beautiful young girl who leads worship every couple weeks at the orphanage, and that’s how we met! She speaks English about as well as I speak Spanish, so our conversations are quite Spanglish! She showed Sarah and me around town, (we finally took the city bus… much more efficient than those in Columbus!) and Sarah and I tried Chascas for the first time! A cup of chasca is corn cut freshly off the cob, put into a cup, and seasoned with LOTS of mayo, some cheese, and ofcourse chili and lime! Honestly…the more I ate it, the more I liked it! It’s a Mexican staple, so I had to try it before I left! Then, we went to a restaurant called ‘Xocholatl’ and enjoyed Mexican hot chocolate and Tamallis. Tamallis are like corn bread with meat cooked inside of it, and wrapped in a corn husk. Are you salivating yet?

So, I guess what I’m saying about Valeria is that it’s really awesome to have a friend in Aguascalientes! She loves Jesus, is a very gifted worship leader, and has a heart for missions. And…as if the orphanage and all the wonderful people there weren’t already enough to make me want to go back… now I have a friend there too!

Our night out on the town!

Lastly, saying goodbye is always tough… but this isn’t my ‘goodbye’ to Aguascalientes, or to Dulce Refugio and all of the kids and volunteers there, it’s my ‘see you later’. “No es mi ‘adios’, es mi ‘hasta luego’!” I know that at least a few of the kids are praying for me to get a job, some money, and some free time so that I can return pronto!(If you want to join in those prayers as well... please… feel free!) We shall see, only God truly knows!

Anywho, to all who have been reading, “Espero que te vayas bien!”  Thank you for sharing in this journey with me. If you have been to Dulce Refugio in the past, I hope these blogs have encouraged you to want to return soon! If you’ve never been… I hope the same for you as well! Living vicariously through my blogs is one thing… but a firsthand experience is always far more fulfilling! But if I can’t convince you to come, I hope I can convince you to pray for Dulce Refugio and the city of Aguascalientes. Pray that God continues to strengthen the missionaries, that He continues to meet the needs of the kids, and that He continues to provide for the construction of the new dorm being built. Pray all these things so that more kids can be rescued from the streets and from abusive families…that these kids can be brought to a loving home, a Sweet Refuge, not only at Dulce Refugio, but also in the arms of God who loves them.

Dios te bendiga!!

Cristo Roto (Broken Christ)

Friday, we went to ‘Cristo Roto’ (Broken Christ) which is a statue of a broken Christ. The statue is purposefully broken, and it’s quite a tourist attraction in the largely Roman Catholic state of Aguascalientes. Basically, the purpose behind the statue can be summed up in a plaque that is at the foot of the statue. (I’ll loosely translate it into English below.)

"Leave Me Broken

I want you to see me broken. Remember that many of your brothers are like me, broken, beaten, indigent, oppressed, sick, mutilated… Without arms, because they don’t have possibilities or a way to work; without feet, because their paths have been blocked; without a cross, because their honor has been taken from them, both their honor and their prestige.

All forget them and turn their backs to them, although they are like me… A broken Christ."

Interesting, eh? It’s appealing because this statue and story reminds us that we must remember and recognize that Christ was broken for us, he was human like us, he suffered like us—no matter what we go through, He has been there. One of the most unique things about Christ is that He as uniquely human—so He can sympathize with us—but He was and is also God,  and He alone has the power to carry us through any trials and sufferings in life!

What really struck up conversation with Sarah, Dulce, Aaron and I is the fact that (at least in this depiction) Christ is left broken… and He’s saying “leave me broken.” But if Christ is left broken, what about His resurrection and power? In the Mexican Roman Catholic Church, this is kind of how many people see Christ—without much power. There is a heavy focus on Mary and the Saints, and less on Christ and what He did for us. This leaves Christ out as the focus point of the religion. People go to Mary and to the Saints to pray on their behalf… instead of first turning to Jesus. If you look at their depiction (whether a statue or a painting) of both Christ and the Virgin Mary side-by-side—you‘ll see Mary beautiful, colorful, and glowing, and Christ will be dying on the cross. Seeing these two depictions side-by-side… which would ‘any random passerby’ or any ‘casual observer’ render more powerful? What a travesty that a whole culture of people are being led to believe that ‘Jesus is the way… but He needs help’. He doesn’t need help! He’s God for goodness sake! ...I’m sure I could go on more about this, but to sum up—Yes! We have to remember that Christ was broken and suffering; He died for our sins. AND, He rose again!! He rose so that those who believe inHim can be redeemed, can have new life, can live in His glorious power! So, yes, recognize that Jesus was broken… but please, I beg of you, don’t leave Him that way!

A Wonderful Last Mexican Weekend!

What a weekend for the books! Friday night, Sarah and I went with the kids to rehearse for the big Aniversario party on Sunday. It was a wonderful time to spend with the kids, help out, and see all of their hard work pay off! On the way there, we crammed 29 people in a 15 passenger van! (…And that’s just the beginning of the weekend!)

Saturday afternoon, Sarah and I got the chance to go to Erin’s house to bake for the Aniversario! (Along with Fani and Pilar, a few of the older girls here.) It was so wonderful to hang out, help out, and talk about “girl stuff” on a Saturday afternoon. Thank you Erin for welcoming us into your home! Then, after many promises, Sarah and I went to the Brothers Equipo soccer game! (The older boys here have a soccer team!) I’m not quite sure how many people we fit into the 15 passenger van that day… but I can say this- it was a stinky ride on the way back!! Ps, they won! VAMOS BROTHERS! 

And so Saturday seemed like a perfect day. However, as Sarah and I were relaxing watching a movie, Jeremy came banging on our door- okay great, we got to meet Walter  (our new Canadian friend who’s here for a couple weeks!) Back to the movie… Chris calls so I stepped out of the room. Normal right? Until I looked at the floor! Almost the entire floor of our apartment was flooded with about an inch of water! Oh my gosh, it was everywhere, AND it was still downpouring outside! So, we went upstairs for help…to no avail. Sarah found a tiny broom, and I found a bath towel (not much help) and we tried to sweep the water out…Let’s just say that after about an hour and a half with not much progress, we pooped out…and went back to the movie. But seeing as the movie was bought here, it was bootlegged, and froze soon thereafter… yet another failure! By that time, we decided to call it a night and hope for a better tomorrow!  (Needless to say, my phone conversation with Chris was “rainchecked”!)

Sarah and her broom against the flood!

So, Sunday morning, Sarah and I spent a few hours ‘emptying our pool’—thanks to Walter for the help! Then time finally came for the Anniversary party! (On the way there, we fit a whopping 32 people in the 15 passenger van!!)HAPPY 10^TH ANNIVERSARY DULCE REFUGIO! The party was held at a beautiful location, and lots of important people were there. In the states, this kind of party would be a huge bore--- but not the case in Mexico! There was a mariachi band, lots of awards, performances by the kids, a few worship songs, and even a legit gourmet meal! I even got to receive an award on behalf of“Orphanos,” an organization from the States. (I was obviously chosen to receive the award of their behalf because I’m one of the few Americans here!) For the kids, they had bouncy houses and clowns and hot dogs… oh yeah, and TONS of candy! Oh my, what a day! And all throughout the party—God was being given the honor and glory for all the work He has done! God’s hand is hard at work here…and it’s easy to see that He loves to use His people to do His good work!

Below are some pics of the festivities, and a short video of one of the songs the kids were performing! (I had to zoom into the front row...cute factor!)

 

All the kids painted "medals" to give to Marce!

Some of the older girls posing with the masks they were given!

Bouncy house! (Unfortunately, I was wearing a dress... so I didn't get to jump!)

 

Our friend Valeria! (She leads worship at the Orphanage sometimes.)

Past the Half-Way Mark

..I can hardly believe I've already been here for 2 1/2 weeks! It seems like just when I'm about to feel 'at home' it'll be time for me to leave! Anywho, now is not the time to think about that, I'm here and glad to be here :).

What's been going on?
Well, Sarah's here! It's been SO NICE to have someone from home around to share experiences with! Also, it's neat to see and hear things from her fresh perspective. To watch her meet these kids for the first time. To hear her amazement at God's hand at work here. It's refreshing! It's also been wonderful to have someone to 'pillow talk' with at night, to eat breakfast with, and to pray with! 

With the Kids:
The kids have had a bit of a break this week as far as classes go! Yesterday, all the kids were working on a special present for Marce, and today they had a goodbye party for the team! (Needless to day, my job's been a bit easier!) The big kids are doing presentations about different countries this week; my group is researching France! (One thing I'm making them research is about where french fries come from..more details to come!) I want this presentation to be really "chido" (cool) because it'll be my last one ;). Also, this Sunday is the BIG 10th ANNIVERSARY PARTY for the orphanage! I'm very excited that I get to go and witness this great event! During the event, the younger kids will be performing a few songs, the older kids will be reading some things, and awards will be given to some organizations that have helped the orphanage along the way. Through it all, God will be given the glory for all His amazing work here!!

Canadians:
The youth team from Canada leaves tomorrow, and things will change a bit! It's been fun having them around. With them, I got the chance to go downtown and to tacos a few times, and I even got to tag along for the trip to Guanajuato! It's been fun getting to show them around and translating for them....I've also started saying "eh" at the end of some of my sentences!

Jesus:
So, what am I learning from and about the Lord here lately? So many things! For one--giving things to God. There are so many things that I have to give to God everyday to actually get through the day--whether I'm here or back home! If I don't... I'd be in a constant state of overload, worry, and stress!(About what you ask... well, I don't have a job or a place to live in the Fall...I stress about my Spanish-speaking skills...whether r not I'm actually useful here...and sometimes I just miss home!) But when I lift up my worries and thoughts and fears--no matter how big or small--all up to the Lord, He makes all things bearable. He lightens my load. He carries me through. And then, I can live a life that's not about me and my life and my dreams and my worries and my 'ness'...it's about Jesus! How liberating that I don't have to live for me! Praise God for who He is!

Also, I'm just joyful and grateful to be here. I thank God everyday that He has given me the privilege to come here and do His work.

That's all for now!! God Bless!
Tara

Mas Fotos :) Some from the orphanage, some from our day trip to Guanajuato :)

 

 

No need for driers in the desert!

My little parrot, Lupita!

Sarah's first Mexican meal--- Fajitas at "El Rey de Tacos"

The actual 10th anniversary of Dulce Refugio was last Thursday... Marce received flowers from the DIF, if you know anything about the history of this place--this is a BIG DEAL!

Sarah and I in Guanajuato!

Slimey Limey Nuts...our appetizer at lunch.

I'm not sure exactly how they were cooked, but they were delicious!

Our delicious Guanajuato lunch!

Sahar and I found a neat museum that was less that 50 cents to enter!

Yes...this is what you think it is...

Photos of La Clase and Other Happenings!

The 2nd graders reading :)

I LOVE it when kids are into books :)

Practicing writing their names and numbers 1-20!

Third graders working on math :)

My hair has been "peinado" a few times this week by the little girlies!

The lunch crew :)

All the dogs were laying the exact same way... I couldn't resist taking this pic!

Some of the teenage girls working on their project presentations :)

The girls fixing up the Canadian's hair!

More math work :)

The kida are practicing a song for the anniversary!

Practicing the motions...

Putting up the roof on the boy's dorm!

...A Lone American on Independence Day....

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

This is my 1st Fourth that I've been out of the country--away from my family and friends...and it's a bit anti-climatic! I heard what sounded like fireworks (?) last night at midnight coming from somewhere around here, but it could've been purely a coincidence! Anywho--Happy 4th Everyone...eat a few hot dogs and play some cornhole for me!

Anyway, the Mission Team from Canada has arrive, so I no longer have an apartment to myself... but I surely don't mind! It's nice to have people my age who speak my (first) language around here... and... SARAH ZORKO COMES TOMORROW NIGHT!!! Yay, I am SO EXCITED for her to finally arrive :)...so in the span of five days, my bathroom has gone from 1 user to 8! AY.

So, my main duties around here have been "guardia"-- playground supervision, "clase"--reading and math class with the elementary kids, and tutoring a few of the teenagers in reading and math, as well as the continued group projects.  I'm truly enjoying being able to be a part of these kids' education... although some of the high school math is proving to be a challenge for me as well... (I've been outsmarted a few times!)

Something I've been thinking about... 

Remember in the New Testament when Paul was in prison, and for a few years, some of the early Christians just took care of him? That's what they did-- day in and day out. They just took care of Paul: giving him food and water...They weren't out 'saving lives' and 'changing the world' per say, but they were just humbly serving a brother in need.  That's what daily life can be like, ya know? We're not always out there on the front lines living adventurously. Sometimes, we're just 'living'. Whether it's just working, or just going to school, or just staying at home taking care of kids... The thing is, none of these things is just living if we are living purposefully. 1 Corinthians 10:31:  "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."  That's it... life is about bringing glory to God. And even though I'm down here having an "adventurous mission trip"... it's still life. It's hanging out with the kids day-in-and-day-out. It's building relationships and trying to bring glory to God through it all.  A big difference I've noticed between my role in ministry down here compared to at New Life, is that I haven't specifically been discipling anyone, or been purposeful about having meaningful conversations. But, teaching and loving these kids in Christ's love IS MINSTRY! Ha... and how I can so easily forget that. Why do we teach?  Why is education so important? In my opinion, education brings opportunity, and it better equips us to do whatever work God has in store for us. Personally, I am MUCH BETTER EQUIPPED to be a teacher because of the education I have received. (Thank you, OSU!) And, I know that this is the work God has called me to. So, what I'm saying is that 'ministry' isn't always going to look like 'ministry'. There are many parts to the one body. We are a community! We all have our roles!... and give God the glory He deserves by doing everything you do for His glory and not your own!

Pfew, sorry if that was a lot, but it's something that I've really been trying to process, and I believe it's an important lesson I will continue to learn! I'm learning A LOT about myself, my Jesus, and the world down here, and I wish I could write it all down, but I'll spare you all for now!

..For some reason, blogger isn't allowing me to upload my most recent pics, but hopefully I'll have them up soon!

HAPPY 4TH EVERYONE!