babies

writing a list of baby items from A-Z

Two Mondays ago was the first baby shower we have done for people we know in Huejotzingo.  It was for the daughter of the neighbor who collects rent on the house where we live. She is the same neighbor we started Bible studies with in November. Monday was a busy day of preparing for the shower for Abraham, my mother-in-law Six, and I.  At about 5, some neighbor ladies showed up, and around a half-hour later, a group of ladies came from our church, Dios es Amor.  Six gave a meditation, we sang a hymn, and then whoever wanted to prayed for the young mother-to-be.  After that, we played some games, and then snacked while various women wrote verses and/or advice for the mom-to-be.  At about 7;30, the baby shower ended.

This coming Monday we have another baby shower for the daughter of the couple who live in front.  This baby will be her second.  Again, we expect a group of ladies from the church, as well as some from the neighborhood.

Speaking of babies, ours are growing up amazingly fast. Abishael speaks a funny mixture of Spanish and English, although he is beginning to take note that there are two different languages.  When he's not too busy playing to notice her, he loves his sister Leilani.  She is becoming more coordinated and now can grab the toys her big brother offers her.  She grins happily at Abishael's antics and loves his attention.

retreat photo booth

Just last weekend, Leilani and I went to the annual ladies' retreat. She was doted on, and I enjoyed the time to catch up with friends I only see at the retreat.  Although I am now basically bilingual, it was also refreshing to worship in English.
 Leaving the retreat center on Sunday afternoon, I felt I was re-entering Mexico after a brief time away.

We're coming up on Easter and are planning how to teach the events of Holy week and Easter Sunday.  As soon as Lent began, different families started hosting the 30 altars representing different manifestations of Christ (Lord of Pardon, Lord of Comfort, etc.).  People visit the altars and participate in the masses there.  The host families provide food, flowers, and much more, spending around $20,000 pesos during the time the altar is at their house.  Our prayer is that we can show that Holy Week is not about out-spending the neighbors but that Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection are the reason we live.