Darlene's Diary

Pray for Eleazar

2009-08-06T22:30:00.003-05:00

Pray for Eleazar my Mexican pastor for his health.

Hello from Costa Rica

2009-08-03T23:20:00.001-05:00

Hey I am still alive I forgot I had a blog. I think I am going to change the style a bit. Anyway I have two more weeks in Costa Rica and then I head to Mexico....... YEAH! will update soon.

39 for the first time!

2008-09-23T16:02:00.004-05:00

Well I celebrated my first 39th birthday last Thursday. I had a good day. I started my day heading to a doctors appointment. For the past few months my hands have been going numb. The doctor suggested I take medicine to help with the swelling of the pinched nerve. I then headed to class. My creative Bible study class is held every Thursday. After class I headed to my friend Tammy's house and then met several friends and my sister and her family for dinner. I had a great time. I also had a great weekend with my parents to celebrate my birthday. Next year I will write you about my second 39th birthday.

The call

2008-09-04T22:07:00.003-05:00

The doctor only said he would call if there was something wrong. Well today I got the "Call". I stopped at K-Mart (I had to include that for my coworkers in Mexico where there is no K-Mart) and received the call that the MRI showed I have a herniated disk in my neck. After the doctor told me in medical terms I then asked him to explain what that meant. He told me I would have to go to a neurologist to find out my treatment. For the past few months my hands have been going numb for no reason. I always have had a pain in the neck... No not you Bethany :) so I didn't really think it was a big problem. I will fill you in when I find out more info.

I'm here

2008-08-26T10:29:00.002-05:00

Wow so much time has passed since I last wrote. July and the first part of August were busy busy busy. I attended the ME conference. What a blessing that was. I took the Biblical counseling class. It changed me and some of my thoughts which lead to worry. After the ME conference I attended the VBS program my church had. I was the missionary focus. Right after the VBS I headed to MI to spend some time with my extended family. Soon after I arrived home I spoke at a church who supports me. Then last week I went to Virginia Beach to spend some time with two of my supporters. I had a great time of rest and relaxation. Thanks Janice for the comfortable bed in your guest room. (I have slept in many guests rooms on furlough and by far is Janice's bed the most comfortable!!) I am able to take a short breather however I don't know for how long because I started classes at seminary again this week. After my first class I look forward to my classes, they seem as if they will be a lot of work but rewarding. I haven't forgotten my friends who read my blog.
I will write more later.

My Kids

2008-07-10T20:18:00.002-05:00

I have been in the states for two months. I really miss my kids. So I thought I would share some of the pictures I got of them right before I left Mexico. For those of you in Mexico please give "my Kids" a hug if you see them..

"OLD" friends

2008-06-20T16:36:00.002-05:00

God is good. This past Monday I was able to pick up my friend Suellen from the airport at BWI and take her to Harrisburg PA. We were able to get together for a brief time of fellowship. Suellen and I met when we joined ABWE together in 2000. She was an instant kinder spirit. It helped that she was an "I" too. Those of you who have taken the disk test will understand. Monday we were able to share in each others joys and learn each others sorrows. I do read her emails but I did enjoy hearing how God was working with and through her in her ministry.
As I write this I have also learned that God has allowed one of my good "old" college buddies to also have the opportunity to move to Washington State. Shirlee Mccoy. (You might have read one of her books. One of her new books her character is named "Martha Gabler" imagine that.) Shirlee and I actually met in Thailand before I was a Christian. We became good friends in college. She is one of my spiritual mothers. I will miss her even though I don't spend much time with her, but I know this will give me the opportunity to visit Washington State.
God is good because he allows us to make new friends along our journey, but to also keep the "old" friends too. I am thankful for all the good "new" friends I have in Mexico!! But am thankful for my "old" friends too.

Home assignment

2008-06-12T22:51:00.002-05:00

Well how does it feel to be "home"? I can honestly say I don't feel like I am home. I MISS MEXICO! Several of the changes I have seen while I have gone. Most of my good friends no longer live in Maryland. When I go to church especially Sunday school I don't know anyone. I feel like I am the new kid on the block. I guess I am. It has been good to meet some new people from my home church. It is also exciting to be home and see the changes. There have been many good changes. The church has voted to raise my support 300 dollars more . What a blessing that was. I only have to raise 400 dollars this year, so if you would are reading this and would like to support me let me know. :) Other changes are the gas prices are up to 4 dollars a gallon!!! That is hard on a missionaries salary. The other thing is the price of rent and groceries in this area are sky high.
Pray as I get adjusted to things at "home". When I first got home we had some family problems. Pray because my family needs to be saved.
well going to sign off for now.... just a quick note to let you all know I am alive and doing well.

A month later

2008-05-19T08:49:00.002-05:00

As I look at my last blog I realize it has been about a month since I last wrote. I made it to Maryland without any problems okay the first day I ran a red light and the second day I got a written warning. I have been busy. I thought the first few days "home" would be restful. It took my Mexican parents, Israel and Paloa five days to go from Mexico to Maryland. A very long trip and with the gas prices a very expensive trip. We all had a good visit. Right after my "parents" left I went to the Edge Seminars hosted by ABWE. Also great classes. Thursday afternoon I headed to a missions conference at my home church. I presented my ministry in several classes and then at night was able to go out on evangelism. Friday we saw a great new movie still in production about tribal villages hearing the gospel. Saturday we had an international dinner. Sunday morning I was able to speak in a class, and then later in the evening service. Today and tomorrow I get to present in the classes at the Christian School. Going to write more later about the missions conference... Thanks all for your prayers.

Eight days and a wake-up

2008-04-19T20:00:00.002-05:00

Eight days and a wake up. We used to say this when we were little and living in Turkey. It would indicate how much time we had left before we returned to the states. Well I have eight days and a wake up before I leave MEXICO. (we never counted the day we left it was our wake up.) It has been hard!!! I have been packing for the last two days. The good thing is I can keep my furniture in the same house because Bethany is going to continue to rent. Pray as I say goodbye to my Mexican friends. Last weekend I went on a church retreat. I told myself I would not cry, but I ended up crying. Even the deacon of our church was crying. This week I will be having many going away parties. I will be leaving April 28th in the morning. Hope to see my friends in Maryland soon.

Good News

2008-04-01T18:54:00.003-06:00

Today I woke up and thought it would be an ordinary day. I started off my day with an ABWE business meeting. Around noon our meeting finished and I was set to start my daily activities. When I got home from my meeting I had a message on my answering machine from a special friend I have been seeing for the last six months. We have been getting serious these last three months. I was not expecitng to hear from him today, however he asked me if I was avalible to have lunch together. I wasn't expecting anything special, but during lunch he got down on one knee and proposed. Of course my answer was YES!!! He is planning to come home with me in April so he can meet all my friends and family. I called my family and they were excited to hear the good news. I am including the picture I got of him today.

April Fool's!!!

Happy Easter

2008-03-20T14:47:00.002-06:00

I can't believe how fast time goes. This weekend is Easter Sunday. Wow! We plan to have several events for the church this weekend. Tomorrow at kids club more kids will come than usual. Several of the teens wanted to have a sleep over at my house. (The problem is they were all teen boys.) I told them no but maybe we could go to the swim park on Saturday morning. This Saturday night we are having an evangelistic outreach in Los Olivos. A concert for teens and young adults. Pray many people will come. Also Easter Sunday we are having a special breakfast and then church service. Right after church service we will be heading to Veracruz Mexico for a pastoral retreat, Monday - Wednesday. We plan on driving back to Mexico City Friday afternoon. Pray for safety as we drive. Also pray we can plan the year for the church to honor God.

Hope you all have a great Easter Sunday!

Daily Life

2008-03-13T12:31:00.003-06:00

Stress is the condition that results when person-environment transactions lead the individual to perceive a discrepancy, whether real or not, between the demands of a situation and the resources of the person's biological, psychological or social systems.

I am sure none of us have felt that way!! Lately I feel like I am living in a bubble of stress. First financially after my operation. Okay that was not a planed expense. I hopefully will get reimbursed for that SOON, but I have to wait until the claim goes through.
The second stress is the fact in less than a month I will be leaving Mexico. I don't have my visa for the next year and need my new visa before I leave in April. I also will have trouble packing because the doctor told me I couldn't lift anything over 10 pounds for the next six weeks. Furthermore I feel bad because Bethany is doing all the housework and I can't do much to help her. I am tyring to live stress free because I know God has a plan and purpose for everything, but as they say easier said than done. Pray that I can feel God's presence in this stressful time, and not cause more health problems. My blood pressure has been through the roof this last week. (even after taking my medicine) Which than causes me more stress and the cycle continues.......

My adventure this weekend

2008-03-03T21:36:00.002-06:00

Friday night after work my coworkers and I went out to eat at a taco stand "King-Kong" before our meeting with the other leaders of the church. We arrived at the taco stand around 7 Pm. Susi and I decided we wanted to share a platter. Alambre meat with cheese, a very greasy meal. We also ordered onions on the side.yummmmm.... After dinner we went to our meeting and it lasted until 10:30 PM. I arrived home around 11:00Pm and got ready for bed. Bethany came home about 12:00 and we chatted for a little bit. She was planning to help a friend in the morning and she had to leave at 3:00 AM.

Around 2:00Pm in the morning I woke up with nausea and felt bad. I went to the bathroom but nothing came our on either end. I wanted to throw up because I thought that would make me feel better however nothing came at first... Then it hit... I was in the bathroom several times throwing up. As Bethany left she asked if I needed help I told her no I was all right. I thought I would throw up and then go back to bed and rest. I tried to lay in bed but I could not sleep. My left side of my stomach was hurting. Around 5 am I thought I would call my neighbors who are also missionaries because I felt so bad. I decided to wait until 7am. My neighbor Zina took me to the clinic down the road from our house. I thought it was something I ate the night before. We arrived and I was examined by the clinic doctor and his diagnostics was that my appendix need to be taken out. It was hard to make a decision because I felt so bad. He wanted to admit me to the hospital right away. Zina suggested I go to see the doctor who treated her husband for stomach problems. So we left the clinic and headed to the hospital. The doctor in the clinic told me not to wait to go right away. We we arrived at the hospital in Santa Fe ,the rich part of Mexico, the emergency room took me right away. They hooked me up to an IV and then two young guys came in. They were wearing jeans and causal shirts. One was the emergency room doctor and the other was the resident. I thought maybe I was on a C.S.I show or something.. They took several test and then with the results told me I need to have surgery.. By that time my friend's doctor the specialist had arrived.
So as they say that is the rest of the story I was released from the hospital Sunday afternoon because I had the surgery laparoscopically.
Several funny thing happened in the process... One was when I was having the ultra sound done there were eight people in the room and about all eight people took turns. I was laying in my bed during the ultra sound thinking... They can't find any thing maybe I just have GAS... I thought I was making a big deal out of nothing.
The other funny thing is you know you have surgery in Mexico when one of your doctors comes into the room the next day after your surgery and proceeds to greet you with a kiss. The typical greeting in Mexico between a man and women. OK the kiss is on the cheek for those of you wondering...
Now comes the recovery part.
Thanks for praying all of you who knew and thanks for praying for my recovery. Tonight as I write this I feel much better then even this morning. I hope to get pictures. I didn't bring my camera along when I went to the emergency room. But Bethany took a picture on her cell phone.

ISB mini renuion.....

2008-02-28T17:52:00.004-06:00

Wow it is amazing how God works. This past Monday we had an ABWE gathering at Nelson's house. While there we were able to share and pray with his daughter in law, Sara Morales. (Keep praying because for her because she is still in the healing process). I know it will take a long time. It was neat however after lunch we started talking. I knew she had gone to the same high school I did. That is a miracle in its self because we both attended the International School in Bangkok. Better known as ISB. (Sara was a missionary kid... and I lets just say not SAVED YET.) She graduated two years ahead of my class in 85 and I in 87. However she worked at the school in 86. My first year I attended and she worked with several teachers I had. She also helped with track and field a sport I was involved in in high school. I don't remember her nor she me, but it took God 21 years later to cross our paths again... WOW

By the way for those of you who know we happened to be wearing the ISB colors... Go Panthers....

FOOT SCRUB

2008-02-18T00:12:00.004-06:00

Sometimes Bethany and I like to have a foot scrub....Tonight was one of those nights. I don't really need to say much. I think the picutres speak for themselves. I only thought this happened in the movies. Guess not.

Valentines Day

2008-02-17T23:53:00.003-06:00

Happy late Valentines Day,

I love the way Mexico celebrates Valentines Day. It is not just a day to celebrate romantic LOVE, but to also celebrate friendship. Here they call it Día de amor y amistad. This Valentines day fell on my day off Thursday, so two of my single Mexican friends and Bethany went to the park. We cooked out and then piged out on beef steak and tortillas... YUMMMMM.. then came home and watched a dvd. It was a good time. Bethany and I also made small cup cake hearts for our neighbors and gave them out. Pray for our neighbors as we continue to build a realtionship with them. Hope you all were able to celebrate valentines day with your love ones too.

The Burn

2008-02-11T19:21:00.000-06:00

Here are the pictures I promised yesterday. It does not show the everything but you can see how close it got to the houses and the big tree we saved....

Lost Blog Now found....

2008-02-10T20:12:00.000-06:00

I added a Christmas blog I thought I lost. Scroll down to read what happend before Christmas.

Missionary or Firefighter?????

2008-02-10T19:53:00.000-06:00

Wow what a night... This I think can only happen in Mexico. Tonight Bethany and I were having dinner with Zina and her boys and we smelled something that was burning. Zina informed us sometimes people burn the fields next to our house. Sure enough when we went outside the field next to Bethany's and my house was on fire. Drew and I watched my neighbor pour buckets of water on the field. I didn't think it was that bad; however after a few minutes I realized we needed to help him with the buckets of water. So Zina, Drew, Bethany, and I came with our buckets. Our neighbor wanted to throw water on a huge tree in the field, because he was afraid it would catch fire. However when we went to put water on the tree we couldn't get near the tree because the flames and smoke were too bad. We were afraid because if the flames or sparks got too near the homes they could catch the gas tanks on fire. Big problems because all the houses in Mexico have their gas tanks on top of their houses. One of the neighbor ladies called the fire department two times but they never sent anyone to help. So now the fire is out and all is save and sound. Zina then told us to keep our doors closed because now the RATS will be looking for a new home and they ususally seek the houses near by. I will send pictures when the blog is not acting up.

From Mexico to China

2008-02-02T13:22:00.000-06:00

I often wonder if God would ever call me to another country like China to minisiter for Him. I don't know if I could learn another language....

February 7th is the Chinese New Year. I decided to use this opportunity to have the children in kids club learn and pray for the Chrisitans and the church in China. The first two picutres are the children making a sign to remind them to pray for the Chinese. It says... Jesus loves you. The last picture is of Blanca holding up her finished sign with a Chinese umbrella.

Pray God might use one of the kids to go as a missionary in the future.

The Joys of City Life

2008-01-24T20:33:00.000-06:00

Ah.... Sometimes I don't feel like a real missionary because I live in a large city. I read my friend Suellen's blog, missionary in the Gambia, and think of the drastic difference it is to minister in the city.

I am going to focus on one of the pleasures it is to work and live in the city. Last night after work I with three other girls went to the center of the city to see the Lion King. The good thing it was in English, so it was a nice treat just to sit and veg and enjoy the costumes and scenery. At first I thought we would have some trouble because a major storm blew in last night. Tree limbs were flying everywhere. Luckily none hit our car. When we were near the theater (in the very very rich side of town) we saw one tree had blown over and had landed on two parked cars. We made it to the theater with no problems. It was a nice treat to go to a Broadway play for less than 12 dollars.

Even though sometimes living in the biggest city in the world can be stressful, it does have its advantages!

2008-01-24T20:29:00.000-06:00

Small World

2008-01-12T09:43:00.000-06:00

Just a quick note. Sometimes it amazes me how small the world can seem even living in the largest city of the world. (Mexico City has over 30 million people) My car has been in the shop since Christmas, to get a few repairs.... SO I have been taking public transportation. I do like the fact I can still get around without my car, however it does take longer on a bus. Well the other day I left to catch my bus and when I got on there were two Church members from Nelson's church. It feels like a small little city when you see someone you know..

Hope you have a good day. Going to jovenes, Youth group, and we are going to start to study the book, The Stranger On the Road to Emmaus.

Happy New Year

2008-01-06T19:11:00.000-06:00

Evelia and Juan Carlos one of her sons...

Okay this wish is a little late, but I hope you all look forward to the new year. I was able to spend Christmas and New Years with my parents in Pennsylvania. I had many days of relaxation. Sorry I did not call some of you in Maryland. I think I was in hibernating mood.

I arrived back in Mexico on Friday Jan. 4th in the middle of the afternoon. I was home for a good ten minutes when I had to leave again to help a friend. My friend and her three young children came to spend the night until Sunday morning. Please pray for my friend Evelia, and her children. She is going through a very difficult time right now. Friday night when Evelia was crying and asking questions... I thought I am not qualified to help. Pray for me as I along with others try to help Evelia in her time of need. She and her children need to be coverd with prayer.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-18T09:58:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas.

I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I will be heading home "Maryland" today and then later up to PA. to visit with my parents. These past few weeks have been a blast, but busy. I felt I saw myself coming and going at the same time. The week after our ladies fellowship a friend of mine called and told me her husband had left her for another women. I invited her to stay with my.. Bethany and I went to pick her up and she stayed with us for two nights... plus her three children. We had a good time to encourage her, however after those two night I was exhausted. (My friend's name is Evelia keep praying for her she is having a difficult time.)

Early Saturday morning after we dropped Evelia off I went with the youth group to our finial end of the year party. We went to the amusement park. Let's just say I don't feel as young as I thought I was. A few days after celebrating with the youth we had our ABWE Christmas party. It was fun, but Bethany and I were responsible for 4 pies, mash potatoes, and the turkey. So much for being single and only bringing the drinks. Turkeys are expense to buy here. It cost us 440.00 pesos which is about 44 dollars. During the preparation of the pies our lights went out because the light box were our fuses caused a fire. Thank God for answered prayer, because our electrician was able to come right away. About two hours later in Mexico time. He put on a temporary fuse. The next day he came and changed the box. With material and labor the cost was only 30 dollars. Less than our turkey. Then later I was able to celebrate with the kids from kids club. This past Saturday we had a cantata a singing group come to Los Olivos. They presented the gospel message through song. It was exciting because on of the mothers of the children from kids club came forward .

Pictures from the Christmas ladies fellowship

2007-12-06T18:51:00.000-06:00

English students
Making cookies..... Craft time... Thankfully it was a nice day to have it outside. YUMMMMM cookies.....

Zina in the red shirt and Estolia in the plaid

Ladies Christmas Fellowship

2007-12-06T00:17:00.000-06:00

Thanks for your prayers this past Saturday for our ladies Christmas fellowship. The days before the event I thought it would never happen. I was praying for God's blessing and YES He did bless. Bethany and I invited over 5o women to fellowship. On Saturday about 35 to 40 women came. Yes it was a bit tight in our house. We did set up a tent with chairs and a tables outside too. Bethany lead the devotion, the True Gift of Christmas. We had about 10 women who were unsaved attend, the rest were regular church attenders. All went well, cookies and crafts were made. (Although none of the cookies seemed to stay at our house). Everyone seemed to have a good time. I also want to give a special thanks to Zina Allen another ABWE missionary that helped with the big event.

God is in control

2007-11-26T15:27:00.000-06:00

Last week Sofia in the arms of her grandfather, Nelson Morales, today in the arms of the Lord!

Yes we know God is in control, but sometimes it is easier to say the words then to live by them. I say this because last night I received some terrible tragic news. Nelson Morale's baby granddaughter died. Her name was Sofia Nicole. She had just completed a year old on November 2, 2007 and God took her home yesterday November 25. My heart breaks for their family. Pablo (Nelson's son) , Sara, and Alex (Sofia's older brother 4yrs). Please pray for this family because during this time I am sure the parents must be thinking if only we had...... That God would comfort their hearts and for them to know it was an accident. ( Sofia was asleep when they returned home from church so they placed her in her car seat in the bedroom. Later they went to check on her and found she had suffocated from the straps on her car seat. ) I know many parents who do this and their children are fine.

Also pray for Pablo and Sara because they did not have health or live insurance for Sofia. Pray God will supply their financially needs. If you would like to help financially please email me.

I wanted to share this pray request with you all because Nelson and his family are special to me. When I first arrived in Mexico they were the ones that helped me out with everything.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-23T10:37:00.000-06:00

HAPPY BELATED THANKSGIVING

Sorry about the cartoon... but my coworker put it on her blog and I thought it was funny and wanted to share.

I had a great Thanksgiving. Several of us missionaries from different mission boards got together to share a meal. It was a nice time of fellowship and playing games. The best story of the night was when Dave, the missionaries house we were at was telling us about how he got the turkey we ate for dinner. Here is part of the story, and of course it is better to hear it live, well Dave and Joanne thought it would be nice to buy a live turkey from one of their friends that raises turkeys. Dave thought it would help this lady financially and he would also be able to come away with a good turkey. First he picked the turkey he thought was best and then he and the lady had to cut off it's head. The lady took the machete and hacked at the turkeys neck. The first blow did not cut off the turkey's neck so she had to do it again... GROSS. Well after they cut off the head Dave had to hold the neck over a bucket to catch all the blood.. YUCK.... He said the turkey would not stay still and it was flinging all over so he said he was covered in blood. Finally when he got off all the feathers, he realized the turkey was all fat and did not have much meat...

I think I will stick to buying my turkeys at the supper market....

Dark Days in Mexico

2007-11-02T21:41:00.001-06:00

Chocolate skulls to place at the alters. It is "good luck" if someone gives you one with your name on it. It means you will live another year.

Sugar skulls. I saw these in the store and two days later when I went back they were sold out.

Below are two samples of how the alters are build for dead relatives. Usually it includes mums, crosses, candles, food the dead would like and candy skulls.

Yes the nights are now dark at 6:00 P.M. It is always an adjustment to the time change. Mexico City changed the clocks back last weekend.

However if you are reading the title of this blog I am not only talking about the darkness in the afternoons, but the Spiritual darkness. Today was the official Día de Meurte or in English the official Day of the Dead. The majority of the have the weekend off so they left to go on vacation, the city is not quite so busy. Many people I saw today were buying mums and food to make their alters. It was sad to see the people spending money on something that is satanic for their dead ancestors. Yesterday they made alters for the children who have died and their families, and today the alters are for the adults. People spend up to a month or two months worth of salary to buy items for the alters. Pray for Mexico. They need to understand the truth.

Hair Cut

2007-10-29T22:08:00.000-06:00

Today I went in the afternoon with Bethany to get my hair cut. Usually I go to a lady in Los Olivos who only charges a dollar to cut my hair. However I decided to go with Bethany to the place she goes to. I am not one who usually worries about a bad hair cut so a new place didn't scare me. Bethany and I walked in together and we sat a different parts of the salon. I told the hairdresser this was my first time in the salon and I had come with my FRIEND. She then replied to me that she thought Bethany was my DAUGHTER. Now I sat in the chair thinking to myself do I really want this lady to cut my hair??? Do I really look that old???? Bethany and I are 13 years apart, so I could be her mother if I had a kid at 13. The hairdresser did a good job with the hair cut. I later told Bethany what she laughed, I still don't know if it was funny.

Suellen thanks for sending Mexico City some nice Gambian hot weather.. it looks like on Thursday it will be in the 70's at least outside will be warmer. It still is cool and cold in the houses and buildings.

No GAS

2007-10-28T20:00:00.000-06:00

Okay Shelly, Bethany, and for the others who know me I am talking about no gas for our house. Yesterday we ran out of gas... which means we couldn't cook a hot dinner when we got home from Los Olivos. It also means we couldn't take a warm shower this morning. Once again it is 40 degrees outside. I was so cold in church my bones were hurting. It was rainy and misty all day the sun didn't come out at all. Usually the gas truck doesn't come around on Sundays hopefully tomorrow morning. I want a hot shower.

Pictures of the Brrrr

2007-10-27T20:56:00.000-05:00

Me in front of our community
Bethany at our front door

Bethany and I leaving for our visit... It doesn't look cold but trust me it is. Today was also kind of neat because of the cold breeze it has cleared the pollution. We have been able to see the two snow capped volcanoes from the south of the city. One can see down town very clearly. This is not I repeat NOT something typical. Usually there is too much smog you can't even see the near mountain ranges. Bethany and I have been playing where's the volcanoes?? As we drive and change directions we have been locating them. Kind of like the game where's Waldo.

BRRRR

2007-10-27T14:21:00.000-05:00

Tuesday a cold front came in... For those of you who think Mexico never gets cold .. WRONG!!!!
It was a cold 40 degrees. Which isn't too bad if you have heat in your house. The houses in Mexico don't have heat and few of them have carpet so it is tile floor and cement which keeps the houses cold. On Tuesday night Bethany and I went to visit a lady Vicky in Los Olivos. She has been having some problems with her marriage and has been depressed. Here are the pictures of Bethany and I leaving to brave the cold. I has a turtle neck shirt, wool sweater, jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves... and I was still cold! I will download the pictures later today or sometime soon because I got to get going didn't realize how late it was getting and I have kid's club.

One of Mexico´s saints

2007-10-18T20:02:00.000-05:00

Yesterday after work I went to the movies with one of my friends. Wednesdays are the day to go because it is two tickets for the price of one. We went to see the movie The Santa Muerte. The Saint of Death for those who don´t speak Spanish. The movie is a Christian movie to combat the major following of the Santa Muerte. In the movie it depicted various types of people who follow this saint and why. It also made it clear that the people who are following this saint are really making a pack with Satan. Also in the film one of the characters presented the Gospel. After the movie my friend and I went to another friends house and later had a prayer time for the cities in Mexico. Many people female, male, children, adults, and even grandparents are following this lie. In Atizapan the town where I work there are two stores dedicated to this "Saint." I was in a regular department store on Tuesday and they too were selling statues of "santa muerte". An old man stood next to me and asked the sales clerk which one he should buy in order for it to help him.

If you google... Santa Muerte.... you can also get some photos and other information. Sometimes to see photos and read more information helps people to pray.
Pray because we know the Bible tells us we are fighting a spiritual battle... and to see the warfare sometimes is a bit scary.

Conference In Cancun

2007-10-08T12:34:00.000-05:00

First picutre: Bruce Mcdonald. Second: Mexico City team. Third: Cancun sunrise. Forth: Hotel from the beach side. Fith: Me on a swing.

It has been a week since the conference in Cancun... I think I could minister in Cancun!!!

Our Mexico ABWE missionaries left Saturday September 22 to arrive in a cool rainy Cancun. I was a bit disappointed because our first day there was to be a free day. A day I thought we could go swimming or just relax on the beach. But God had other plans, we arrived and then three of us single ladies went downtown to finish some last minute "things" that needed to be done before the conference. The Conference started on Sunday morning. I was feeling a bit under the weather... We had some dynamic speakers and God used them to challenge us in different ways. The first picture is of Bruce Mcdonald an ABWE missionary who used to work with profesional athletes, but now has a misnistry encouranging leaders missionaries and pastors. We were also introduced to new methods of discipleship and evangelism. The main speaker was presenting on how to witness to Roman Catholics. The conference ended on Thursday afternoon. It was a bit disappointing for it to end, but when it ended the weather was perfect. Thursday some ladies who live on the Caribbean islands and us went to the mall to do some shopping. We had Friday and all day Saturday free to do what we wanted. Friday Bethany and I went snorkeling, and Saturday to the market and just hung out at the pool. Late Saturday night we left to come back to Mexico.... We arrived home around 12:30 at night... Back to reality.......

Birthday!!!!!

2007-09-20T22:49:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday September 18th, I celebrated my 38th birthday!!! Boy time flies when you are having fun. I got up and my roommate Bethany made my favorite breakfast french toast... yummmm.... then we Bethany, Carol (one of my ABWE directors) and I went to change our tickets. Those of you who don't know next week or I should say on Saturday the ABWE team of Mexico is hosting the biannual conference in Cancun. Yes we will be working. After changing our tickets we headed to a friend of mines house out in the country. It was a joy to spend time with her and her kids. Then we came home had a special Birthday dinner made by Carol. She even made birthday pudding.. Pudding is not something we can get here in Mexico she brought it from the States. Later we celebrated with the rest of the team with cake and ice-cream.

The last picture is of me using the birthday gift Bethany got me... a foot soak.

Last note: You know your getting old when your mother calls you for your birthday and wishing you a happy 39th birthday and you are only on your 38th birthday...

Viva Mexico

2007-09-15T15:29:00.000-05:00

Today is Mexico independence day.... El grito. Mexicans at midnight will yell the grito scream VIVA MEXICO!!! The roads are lined with Red, white, and green, lights and decorations. As I write this blog my neighbors have started their party maybe about 50 people cooking out. Tonight our church in Los Olivos is heading to the mother church to have a noche Mexicana. This will be a time of games, fun, and of course food. This Independence day will also be special because our directors are here from PA. ABWE.

This blog is dedicated to RICH DAVIS.... my ABWE director.. see I really do blog....

DAY OFF

2007-08-30T13:46:00.000-05:00

Usually it is nice to have a day off in the middle of the week. I enjoy my day off as Thursday. Today is a day when rest is needed. Yesterday started with a phone call from a friend who told me another friend of mine, her mother was in the hospital. At 9 A.M. I went to prayer meeting at our sponsoring church and right after at 12 we had a pastor leaders meeting which lasted until 3. I left and then went to ministry kid's club. While there my helper told me this might be her last week helping. Really she has only helped a week. Then it was off to visit my friends mother in the hospital. I went with Carlos our pastor. We arrived about 6:15P.M. What a cultural shock it is to go into a public hospital in Mexico. I felt like we were in a cattle call, people were standing everywhere. I also thought what a blessing it is to have good health care. This hospital was like nothing I had ever seen..... maybe like 50 years ago in the States. My friends mother was stabilized when we left. By the time I got home yesterday it was 11:00 P.M. ... but as many of you know you can't just fall asleep after a day like that.
Thanks for your prayers for this last Saturday... The jovenes really enjoyed the ministry day.

Their off

2007-08-25T11:04:00.000-05:00

Several of us headed to the airport last night to wish Eleazar and Susi a final farewell. Okay it was not adios it was only a hasta luego. Adios in Spanish has the connotation that you will never see the person again. Hasta luego means until later... They will be in Germany for four months, finishing up what needs to be done with their mission board. Anytime I go to the airport it makes me homesick. I wanted to jump on a plane and head out too. I always find it is harder to be the one who stays then the one who leaves.
This past week was a bit crazy weather wise. Hurricane DEAN hit Mexico twice. We got some of the effects on Wednesday. It started to rain about 10:00 in the morning and didn't stop until sometime late at night.... Any time it rains and rains hard here in Mexico the roads become rivers. It made driving a mess on Wednesday!!! Next time I think I will buy one of those cars that turns into a boat too.
Today we have a special activity with the young people. Pray many new young people will come out.

Opps

2007-08-16T13:49:00.000-05:00

The blog below this one should read the 16th not the 9th. Sorry this blog stuff is new

STRESS

2007-08-09T00:52:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I went to get my car worked on. The check engine light has come on and I want to know if there is a major problem or not. I don't want to be driving around town and break down. It is stressful enough in the States, but much more stressful in Mexico. My roommate asked her Mexican father if he could help us out. We arrived at his house at 8:30 in the morning. We wanted to get an early start. When we got to the mechanic we waited for over an hour for him to arrive. During our wait we ate tamales... When the mechanic arrived he said he could not help us.... We then went home and ate breakfast again. About an hour later we went and had my tires and alignment done. The great thing about that was the price 180 pesos which is less than 20 dollars. Where is the states can you get your tires rotated, new shocks, and alignment for less then 20 dollars?

We then went to a mechanic for electrical service, he sent us to another mechanic... When we arrived the mechanic told us he could not do the work because he was so backlogged. Maybe another day. All in all we went to 8 different places for parts or service, and I still don't know why my check service engine light is on. We finished the day at 2:00 and then I headed off to work... without ever knowing why my check engine light is on.... It was a typical Mexican morning hurry up and wait... and wait... and wait....:)

When I arrived at work three of the faithful kids who come to kid's club told me this would be their last week. How sad. Next Monday they start school and they have their school session in the afternoon. I told them to come when they have vacation times.

Today I get to go get my passport, which came in a week. Last week I went to the American Embassy to get it renewed. The delivery service came yesterday and left me a note which said I have to come and get my passport. It sound easy, but... we will see. I guess it is much faster to get your passport in a different country. In one week I have my new passport. WOW that was fast.

Birthdays

2007-08-06T13:09:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday... Or as they say in México Feliz Cumpleaños. On Saturday the 4th my mom completed 70 years. On Sunday the 5th my name sake Darlenecita completed two years. Just a weekend of birthday celebrations.

Life around town in Mexico

2007-08-04T00:09:00.000-05:00

Brains!!! My friends love brain tacos. I can honestly say I haven't tried them yet. Don't think I will try them any time soon. One of my friends Letty her favorite taco meat is eye. Another meat I am NOT going to rush out and eat..

Living life in a big city can become interesting. Yesterday I went downtown to get my visa. Por fin!!! Only 3 weeks late. Three weeks of riding the buses. I am very thankful Mexico City has great public transportation. It is easy to get around when you can't drive. However yesterday when I was on the bus the weirdest thing happened to me. I was sitting in the back with several other people when this older lady boarded the bus and sat next to me. She must have been in her 60's or maybe even 70's. Nothing odd about that... HOWEVER about 10 minutes into the bus ride she started to slump over. I grabbed her because I thought she was going to fall out of the seat onto the floor. I kept asking her if she was okay, but she did not respond or sit back up. I was rubbing her back to try to get a response. I really thought she was having a stroke or was dying. I looked to the young man next to me for help. Maybe this older women didn't understand me. He must have had the same face I was wearing... I don't know what we are going to do. He then started to ask her if she was okay. Again there was no response. A few minutes later she sat up and then looked at me with this blank stare like she didn't know where she was or what had happened. Again I asked her if she was okay. She still did not respond. I though maybe she can't hear. When she sat up from her slump she put her arms in my lap and proceeded to rest until she felt better. I didn't know what to do. The only thing I did was pray for her when I got off the bus. I sure hope she is alright.

Ministry is going well Eleazar and Susi got married on the 15th of July. It was a nice wedding. My helper who is helping with kid's club and Bible club hasn't been with me for the past two weeks. I have been on my own in ministry but God is providing great opportunities with the kids.