40 Day Fast: Week 5

Day 29: Well we only have about 4 days left here in our mission in General Cepeda. We were planning on staying until at least September and maybe even until November so that our baby would be born here. God has other plans. We now will try to head back to the Philippines by September and deliver our baby there. Totally different plans, huh? If I've learned anything in my missionary journey is that plans can change at any minute. It may sound crazy but it's all good! We were already supposed to be in the Philippines... in March! For some reason God sent us here to Mexico and it was surely a blessing. We got to know our Mexican FMC brothers and sisters a lot better. One family that we've really gotten close to is Raul and Marta Soto. They are the ones that we donated our Suburban to a few years ago. They have known the Summers for maybe more than 20 years. Marta is our housekeeper for 2 days a week and our cook when any short-term groups come. I hope my grandma doesn't see this: She is a goooood cook! Raul is also very dedicated to serving the community here. He serves as the handyman for the Casa de Misiones and together they have many prayer groups. We had them over for dinner tonight and felt like sharing something with my readers. Raul was asking everything about the U.S. and how they would like to go one day soon. They have met many missionaries through the years and have told almost every one of them that one day they'll get to go and see America. How can they afford to go though? He is dedicated to the mission here but doesn't have a steady paying job. Marta makes 400 pesos a week from working at this house. That's only about $33. Not sure what else they do outside of the house but these awesome missionaries have been asked to go to Louisiana to complete their official training. They need your help. Please consider donating to help them begin their passport process and go to a foreign country. If I was still working in aircraft, I'd be donating everything to help them go. The world needs to hear the way God has worked in their lives...and maybe also taste her cooking :)  I love these guys.


Day 30: Wow! Only 10 days left! Feeling great. I noticed I actually feel hungry on Mondays or Tuesdays. Maybe because what I ate on Sunday is burned off. So amazed how God speaks to us in His Word. Today's reading in the Liturgy of the Hours is from Romans 13:14 "Rather put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the desires of the flesh." Yep, I did a double-take on "no provision". I've failed many times when deciding what I want over what others want...especially my children. "Not now... Maybe later... Why do you want to do that?" are just a few excuses that I use many times. One of the challenges of my missionary life is being "home" more. At my job everything worked off of a master schedule. We had a 3-day rate for parts to ship out. It was the same week in and week out. I liked it. No surprises, no excuses, just get it done. Thinking if I used to do that for valuable airplane parts that aren't mine why not for my greatest treasures that are mine! Still working on it. Pray for me to be a better servant to my family.


Day 31: Another amazing conversation with God! Went up to the chapel and prayed with my whole heart in front of the Most Blessed Sacrament. I asked, "Lord, of all the things you sent us here for, what is it that You wanted me to learn about the most in this mission in Mexico?" I waited a few minutes and flipped open the Bible to 1 Peter 1:6-9 and almost fell out of my chair! I don't know why I'm still surprised whenever God speaks but man it was powerful. His reply: "There is cause for rejoicing here. You may for a time have to suffer the distress of many trials; but this is so that your faith, which is more precious than the passing splendor of fire-tried gold, may by its genuineness lead to praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ appears. Although you have never seen him, you love him, and without seeing you now believe in him, and rejoice with inexpressible joy touched with glory because you are achieving faith's goal, your salvation." 


Day 32: Had our last full day in our mission in Mexico. Boy was it FULL! We woke up and after a quick breakfast for the kiddos, I took Abe, Samuel, Vincent, and Meredith for a hike to one of the mountains near La Paz. Since it rained the day before (praise God!), we were a little cautious on where to park and climb. We all prayed that God would show us the perfect mountain to talk with Him. We found one that had two hills before it and it took us forever to weave around to the base. I finally had to carry Vincent on my shoulders after he kept getting scraped by thorns. Anyway, the kids were very observant of all the creatures. We almost made it to the very top but it got extremely steep and I didn't feel very safe taking Vincent up. One misstep and we would've had a nasty fall. We stopped next to an enormous aloe plant and read God's word. A huge hawk swooped past us checking us out and it was awesome to hear it screech as it went by. The view was more than amazing! We went back home after about two hours. We are always taught that we shouldn't abandon our mission until the very last day. We got home an opened the door to find two ladies waiting for help in getting some prescriptions filled. The pharmacy here is a huge blessing to the mission house as they offer us huge discounts! I helped them out and we prayed over them before they left. Then, Rita and her family came over to cook a going away lunch/dinner. Even though I've been on this fast, I've had to make a few exceptions especially when it is done in our honor. Rita made some delicious enchiladas...now I can quit wondering why they call them enchiladas. These were SPICY! So was the guacamole, the potatoes, and the salsa! Good thing she made kid-friendly food. We have been so blessed to get to know these wonderful new FMC missionaries. Each family has a different way of showing God's love and their testimonies are inspiring. Gonna miss everybody...badly! So, here we are now putting the last few things in suitcases or boxes. We shooting for a 6am departure with the Garza Family. God be with us who are leaving and with those who are staying.   P.S. The sunflowers almost bloomed but there are some squash and cucumbers coming!


Day 33: The final day of our mission in General Cepeda. We left the house to meet at the Garza's at 6am. Man, I'm gonna miss this house. We only stayed here for 3 months but a lot of memories were made here. The most memorable is this fast that I'm keeping track of here. God's really showing me my true self and what He expects from me. The garden in the back courtyard was just giving off fruit but we're not always here to see the fruits of our labor. Praying for all of the people here in G.C. and all over Mexico. The day started off with us leaving right on time from the Garza's as we hopped on the highway for Allende. The 5-hour trip was pretty uneventful but the scenery was filled with humongous mountains and just enough clouds to keep us cool for most of the trip. We arrived at the Garza's new mission post in time to unload their van and straighten up just a little. We decided to treat them to lunch as a little homecoming celebration. We prayed together after the meal and then felt like the Lord was telling us to keep going on our travels. We said our goodbyes to the family and left there feeling like they were well taken care of with all the new happy faces of the people they were going to serve. Praying for the Garza Family and their mission to be successful. We continued on the road and ended up in Piedras Negras where we tried to turn in our vehicle permit so that we could get our deposit refunded. It turns out that the office hours had changed and instead of being open 24 hours, they were now noly open til 4pm. It was 315pm! The lady helping us told us that she couldn't refund us the money because we paid with our bank card so that we were going to have to drive more than 1 hour back to Allende or to Laredo where we had originally entered. We decided that since we were going to surprise my mom and drive by Laredo anyway that we'd go ahead and cross now and get the refund as we headed south. We were welcomed to Texas with 109 degree weather (and no A/C in the van) and drove forever  until we finally got to Laredo and crossed back into Mexico. Got the refund and everything was going fine until we saw the crossing back to the U.S. It was a Friday night, last day of school, beginning of vacation time, and it all added up to a LONG line of traffic. We didn't cross until about almost 10pm! We planned on arriving at my mom's at 6pm and drove up at 2am!!! We learned a lot


Day 34: Woke up today just in time to check out of the hotel at noon. I was beat after being awake for more than 20 hours yesterday. Went to my mom's to have a botana platter...mmm! This is fajita meat, guacamole, nachos, quesadillas, rice, beans, etc. After the good lunch, we went to surprise my brother at Bass Pro Shop. Sneaked up behind him and said some random thing and got him ;) I don't know why I like to surprise people but I don't like surprises myself. Such a good blessing to be with family! Especially my brother. Love him a ton. No better friend than a good brother. Full day full of awesomeness.


Day 35: The fifth week of the fast is complete and it was probably the toughest. Not because I wanted to eat but because I had to eat. So many people wanted to throw a going away feast for us. Couldn't sit there and not participate in the celebration. Enjoyed all of the company and community in General. Time to move on. Today we went to Mass before hitting the road again. Got some breakfast and headed towards Louisiana before deciding to pull off onto the exit towards Corpus Christi to see my dad. It was good to see him also. Didn't get to stay as long as we had wanted to but we knew we had to get going before it got too late for us in Louisiana. This trip kind of reminded me of the fast that I'm on. It started off slow and it seemed like it was never going to end. Now here I am at the end of it and on the home stretch. God is good!

40 Day Fast: Week 4

The smallest coffin I've ever seen

Day 22: Felt great most of the day. Woke up feeling rested. The morning was going along fine. Our missionary brother, Raul, came in with his wife, Marta, and a brand new washer for the Casa de Misiones. The other one was very old. As we hauled off the old one, a group of three young men were waiting at the front door. One looked very sad. He spoke first and asked me if we could help him with something. Since we've been here, it has been very rare that a man comes to the door for help. I could tell that this was very different. He asked for money to help bury his daughter. He would first check to see how much everything was going to cost. Of course, we helped him when he came back but then he had another request. The priest was nowhere to be found as this is his day off. The man and his wife had everything ready for the burial and asked if we could meet them at their chapel, sing some songs, and offer some prayers for their daughter. I told him that we could and that we would go talk to Tonio about playing guitar while he finished gathering the rest of the funds for the burial. Tonio was VERY sick and could not assist so I asked Gallo. We arrived to a packed chapel full of sad relatives. Then came the shock. The casket was tiny. A baby. One and a half months young. I was told the baby spent most of her life in the hospital with kidney and then lung problems. They had taken her to another room to get her totally ready. Stacie and I kept praying for a miracle and that she would rise from her rest. I didn't know it but as I was praying silently I felt an electric charge go through my body right as they were carrying her through the doorway right near me! I just knew something was going to happen. It was tough singing the opening songs and staring at the open casket. I paused many times choking back tears. Ana Julia Abegail looked very sweet in her white dress with a crystal rosary draped over her. We all gathered and prayed what we thought was going to be conclusion. 

Padre Gustavo

Then at the perfect time a priest walks in. I was glad he was able to do the official ceremony for little Ana. I got to sit next to the parents and right in plain view of baby Ana. As Father prayed along, I was drawn to Ana's forehead. Earlier I had made the sign of the cross on her before we prayed. It was VERY visible!! It was still there!! Maybe it's because of the light pressure I put on her forehead or maybe it was there to show us that she belongs to Him...forever.  R.I.P. Ana Julia Abegail Martinez Garza

Pole Beans and cucumbers

Day 23: Today was a little sad. Still thinking about yesterday's funeral. Our missionary brother, Tonio, has been sick since Sunday. We also went to visit one of our favorite chapels, La Trinidad. Not very many came today. A lot of kids came by though with only a couple of ladies. Still had a Bible sharing on the cost of being a follower of Christ. "What does it cost to be a missionary? EVERYTHING!" The sad part of leaving La Trinidad is that we didn't get to tell everyone our goodbyes. Sometimes we are only called to plant the seeds and we may never get to see the fruits of our labor. Praying for the people there to be good soil for the seeds that God spread and to grow in the Faith. Also praying for us to see some of the real fruits or veggies from the literal seeds that I planted here before we leave :)


Day 24: Went to a home visit where the woman of the house is almost blind. Dona Rosa had eye surgery some time ago and came out with her left eye worse than before. Doctors told her that her vision in her left eye is probably gone and that her right eye has a cataract. We prayed with her and felt led to help her with half of the cost of the cataract surgery that she needs. It must be so hard to only see lights and shadows. I think it would be very frustrating. It's not always easy for me to be a missionary. 

Walking by Faith

A lot of times we are asked to walk by faith. "Trust Me." A lot of times we take baby steps trying to figure out God's will and where He's leading us. I stumble, yes, and I sometimes don't want to move. The awesome thing about God is that He never forces me to go on. He is patient and kind. Was feeling a little burned out today. Actually felt pretty hungry and was a bit grumpy. Then one of our friends, Minerva, from a nearby chapel, 2 de Abril, came by to invite us to their rancho's fiesta Mass. It was the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. We were bummed when we arrived as Father Juan was wrapping up the Mass (he had moved up the time in a very short notice). It was still a blessed time visiting with everybody and watching the Danzantes doing their rain dance/prayer to God. Then Minerva starts to wave us down to her house. She served all of us some great Mexican food. SPICY!!! God is good! I immediately felt a surge of energy and praised God for His goodness. Later that evening we all crowded around the computer to sing Praise and Worship songs from Youtube since I am in the "beginner" stage of learning my guitar. Here is a song that we've heard mant times before but man it was powerful tonight. Took the burned out feeling away. Hope it works-- We Must Go

Fiesta Mass of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Day 25: Just flat out shocked at the Supreme Court's decision to keep all parts of Obamacare intact. Now they're saying it is a "tax". Very disturbing news for people of faith. Felt comforted after our morning prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours. Romans 8: 18-21 "The sufferings of the present day are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed in us. Indeed, the whole created world eagerly awaits the revelation of the sons of God. Creation was made subject to futility , not of its own accord but by him who once subjected it; yet not without hope, because the world itself will be freed from its slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God." We must continue to hope in the coming of Christ and be freed from all of these sufferings.

San Antonio de las Cabras

Day 26: Went to our last rancho- San Antonio de las Cabras. My daughter, Meredith went to ring the bell and the rope busted after a few rings. All the homes had their doors shut and it looked as if no one was there. It always seemed like a scene out of a western ghost town to me but their chapel was one of my favorites. They have a picture hanging on the wall of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle-- my hometown of San Juan, Texas!!! Anyway, right as we were about to go door-to-door to invite, the three usual ladies started walking up towards the chapel. Our topic for the day was to celebrate Sts. Peter and Paul. I have always loved St. Peter. Reading the New Testament Peter seems to have done things the way that I would have. I feel for him when he is rebuked for striking and cutting off the soldier's ear. I would've probably thought that I was doing the right thing, too, by being brave and protecting the King of kings. Then I feel for him when he says that he would NEVER deny Christ then does it soon after...3 times in a row!!! How many times have I done that?! But the thing that impresses me most is that he repents and receives the Holy Spirit to become the leader of Jesus' Church with boldness! Well, I'm not there yet but I want it! St. Paul is a great example, too. Here is a guy doing all the wrong things to persecute the Church. Unlike St. Peter, he is educated, rich, and powerful...with things of this world. Then, our Lord appears to him in a blinding Light asking him to quit his ways. Bam! He has a conversion of heart and the Holy Spirit again guides another to become a leader for the way the truth and the life. Both men leave what they've always known to follow Jesus bringing thousands of others to the Church. That's what I want! This fast has shown me in different ways how I must put off the old ways. Ephesians 4:23-24 "Your inmost being must be renewed, and you must put on the new man."


Day 27: Probably our last Saltillo day. Moved Stacie's doctor's appointment from Tuesday so that we can have 4 solid days of cleaning and arranging the mission house next week. 

Baby Alvarez! Boy or girl???

Was in awe of how much detail is shown on today's sonograms. The others looked like black and white shadows that could only be interpreted by the doc. Amazing that a tiny child is in the womb! A soul is waiting to be born into this family. How innocent this creation is all nestled in the comfort of his/her momma's belly! I was thinking that it is no wonder that the minute we are born into this world we look for comforts. Everything is different. Sounds, sights, temperature change. When we get older, it stays the same. We are always looking for the best. For some things that is good but not for all things. Does it really matter if we get "the best seat in the house"? The best, stylish clothes, the most delicious food, or the promotion at the office? Thinking of the second half of our Lord's answer to which is the great commandment. In Matthew 22:39, He says, "...You shall love your neighbor as yourself." If we love ourselves that much to have the best of things, then we would offer them to our neighbor to show God that we love Him more. Not always the easiest thing to offer a total stranger a seat on a bus and opt for standing for the whole ride. Not always the easiest thing to trade a messed up order of your favorite food so that another can enjoy their meal. It's not always the easiest thing to turn the other cheek. Click to hear one of my favorite Rich Mullins songs- Hard to be like Jesus(?)  

The Garza Family and Tonio's parents

Day 28: Sundays are awesome! Ever since we started attending the Tridentine Mass in Houston, I've realized the importance of keeping this day holy. We've been extremely blessed letting go of the day to day experiences to just relax and meditate on God's goodness. Always Mass first, then family on Sundays. I used to work on Sundays earlier in my aircraft career to make "double time" on the overtime pay. Not worth it. Today, the Garza Family had their send-off at the end of Mass. They are going on their first solo mission to Allende. We will follow them and spend a day or two with them before my family crosses back into the States. The large gathering afterwards to say goodbyes blessed me. Here is a family leaving everything they've known to go and preach the Gospel in a foreign city. There was many tears from family and friends. I told Tonio that all these people there shows how much work they did here and how it will be in Allende when they leave there. God bless all those who say "YES!" to His call to serve Him in missions. God bless the Garza's in their new mission.