la manzanilla en la mañana

the air is fresh and crisp as people awake to the beauty of la manzanilla. the array of birds work as a team, enticing everyone with their melodies to rise up and face the day. the smell of gasoline is thick and heavy as a majority of the guys load into the back of trucks to head to nearby towns and resorts to do construction work. the ocean is still and peaceful as it gets its morning workout, quietly crawling back and forth along the sandy shore. women can be seen outside their houses sweeping and watering the dirt roads attempting to rid any lose dirt or unwanted creatures burrowed beneath the debris. the horn of the water truck echoes throughout the town as it begins to make its daily rounds, offering clean water to the people of the community. not to be outdone, the gas truck recording bellows continuously, notifying the people of its whereabouts. mothers take their children to school in hopes of a good education and possibly a better future. at times kids can be heard singing or happily playing in the school yard. the day is ordinary and routine to most, but there is still a distinct charm about it. a sweetness lingers in the air.

during my daily trek to the elementary school i try to breathe it all in and savor every moment, smell, view. its impossible of course. i don’t want to forget a single detail of what each morning presents. refreshing and uplifting, the dawn symbolizes the newness that is offered to all.

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lam 3:22-23

Día de los Muertos

There are no classes today, as it is a holiday in Mexico. Literally translated it means “day of the dead”. This day has been part of the Mexican culture and tradition for over 500 years. From what I understand, today the Mexican people honor their deceased loved ones – family and friends. They create beautiful altars with candles, pictures, and marigold flowers. They also decorate gravesites and bring items such as food, alcohol, and toys as gifts for the ones that have passed. While I am sure there is a significant difference in my beliefs from theirs - as far as life, death, and eternity - it is beautiful how they celebrate the lives of those that are no longer here.

The school held various events and activities depicting the background and traditions of this special day. The teachers and students invited me to today’s festivities to learn more about their culture. Below are a few photos...

The Meat Market

If a visit to the local carnicería doesn’t make you want to become a vegetarian, I don’t know what will. Various types of animal flesh (aka – meat) can be seen hanging on metal hooks as you pass by. The sound of meat AND bone being cut serves as background music while waiting in line. What might typically be a huge distraction, had no power over me this morning. My mouth-watering while I patiently waited my turn, I had one thing on my mind – carnitas de chicharrones.

The meat guy (can't believe I don't even know his name) undoubtedly must have thought he had a stalker as I would make a visit to the little “tienda” everyday to request this delicious meat. His response each time was a heartbreaking "no" suggesting I come back a different time/day. However a few days ago he said to come back Friday at 9:30 am. And that is exactly what I did.

Finally my turn to be helped, I put in my request. He even nodded that they had them. Success!! Or so I thought. He took the juicy meat out of the pan and wrapped it. Then he dumped the crunchy leftovers on a piece of paper and handed it to me? Hmm…I must have said the name wrong. So I tried again and even pointed to the meat that I wanted. Not so much. He was saving it for someone else. Everyone in line chuckled and said I needed to get there earlier. How had I missed out on this? I came when he told me to?

More than frustrated, I paid 15 pesos for the hard crunchy somethings, rounded the corner and started sobbing. Realizing I was crying over something so small and petty only made me weep more. Thank goodness I had my phone on me. I called my sister for comfort, as she has lived in many different countries and can relate to the daily frustrations. Poor girl thought something serious had happened.

Days like these make me want to pack everything up and catch the next flight out of here. Not because they are sold-out of the meat that I want, but because I am reminded just how far I am from home, comfort, and conveniences.

Then there are times when a mere smile on a child’s face makes me want to stay forever. Or when 5th graders want to spout off every English word in their vocabulary to show just how much they have learned. These kids are precious to me and have become like my very own. I have found its the simple pleasures here that are able to soothe my soul and remind me of the ultimate goal.

I am grateful for the opportunity to teach in a place where education is not highly valued. Reflecting on how I even got here and am able to work for "free" is a clear reminder of His faithfulness in my life.

"He who calls you is faithful..." 1 Thes 5:24

Book Review: Religion Saves + Nine Other Misconceptions

"Religion Saves" was an appealing read. In it Mark Driscoll, founding pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, attempts to address common misconceptions people have in regards to religion, the Bible, and cultural issues. Driscoll's in-depth analysis had my brain churning over the topics discussed.

I opted to read a chapter at a time, allowing myself to download and process all that Driscoll presented in the jam-packed pages. Each chapter is full of scripture references and straightfoward explanation of topics ranging from birth control, grace, and the emerging church.

"Religion Saves" oozes with authenticity, as it is apparent Driscoll put much time, thought, and preparation into each misconception presented. Using humor and his own personal experiences, it was easy to relate to the author on many of the issues being discussed.

One topic that Driscoll addresses is predestination and Romans 9. Admittedly, an issue that has kept me up many-a-nights tossing and turning. While I can't say I have fully arrived at understanding why some are elect and others are not, I feel much more educated and knowledgeable about the subject and my faith. I applaud Driscoll for his comprehensive explanation of a subject that is too commonly danced around.

This book is not for the faint of heart, as it is thorough and intense at times. However, it is a book that I highly recommend to anyone that desires to understand their faith more completely or that wants to sort out any misconceptions they may be believing.


About the Author:
Mark Driscoll is the founding pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, one of the fastest-growing churches in America. He is president of the Acts 29 Church Planting Network and is the author of several books, including Vintage Jesus.

Pastor Mark preaches on Sunday, trains pastors, and writes curriculum. Mark is married to his high school sweetheart, Grace, and they enjoy raising their three sons and two daughters. More about Mark here!


To learn more about LitFUSE Publicity or to find out what others have to say about the book click here.

Place In My Heart

I am heading back to the US for the summer. Knowing my departure date would quickly show its face, the last few weeks I have tried to appreciate all the simple pleasures La Manzanilla has to offer. Is this even possible?

I can't fully comprehend the marvelous display of colors as the sun sets over the ocean. How do I explain to the kids that I miss them already? That I love them more than I even realize? That I truly am returning in just a few short months? I want to soak in all the warmth from the golden sun and capture the sound of the waves breaking on the beach so that I can replay it constantly while I am away. How do I thank all the kind and compassionate people here for the huge impact they have made in my life? For welcoming me into their hearts, homes, and community?

I don't know how to articulate all that I am feeling to the extraordinary people of this charming town, but I do know La Manzanilla already holds a special place in my heart.

Daddy

My sister and I lived with my dad after my parent's divorce. I was in kindergarten. Or first grade? That detail I can't seem to remember. What I do remember is how great a man my dad was...and still is.

Loving, kind, giving, compassionate. These are all qualities that he displayed on a daily basis. He took us all over the nation to experience different churches and attend various camps. I always heard him praying for our family after we went to bed. He taught me to fear the Lord.

He has unbelievable stories from serving in the Vietnam War as a Marine. Stories that prove there is indeed a God, and He was protecting my dad.

Selfless on all accounts, he is a true example of giving until it hurts. He even took some time to live among the homeless. To gain perspective and appreciate life more.

He worked hard to provide for my sister and I. To give us everything our heart's desired. I think this is why I have such a hard time taking "no" for an answer. *grin*

Since we were both cheerleaders, he had to attend the occasional parent meetings, which consisted entirely of moms. Poor guy had to suffer through discussions about bows, skirts, and spirit fingers. Ha! "Gymnastics Chauffer" could also be listed as one of his occupations, as he toted me and my friends to class each week to a nearby town.

I could go on forever listing many different names to describe my dad. But to this day, my sister and I still only call him by one name - "daddy".

Happy Father's Day Daddy!!!

Waiting

On Monday and Thursday nights I teach English to the adults in La Manzanilla. Many times I show up and there are no students. And so I wait. Hoping that someone will come. With everything in me I want to help. This is such a great opportunity for the people here to learn a new language, improve their communication skills, and develop both personally and professionally.

Lately the attendance has been, well...non-existent. Many people stop me on the street and tell me they will be there. But no one shows. The classes are free and are held in the evening so that more adults are able to attend. It seems everyone is busy or tired by the end of the day. Going to class to learn English is a sacrifice and takes alot of dedication.

The other night as I was waiting, I started to wonder how many times I do this to my sweet Saviour. How many times do I keep Him waiting when His heart's desire is to help me? To teach me. To take my burdens and lighten my load. His love is free and available anytime. Mentally I make notes of when I will schedule in time with Him. But I get tired. Busy. Lazy. More times than I would like to admit, I choose other things to occupy my time and thoughts. I couldn't stop picturing Him...waiting...for me. To come and sit. To listen. To learn.

Oh Lord, forgive me for putting other things before You. Make my heart's desire You, rather than the things of this world.