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. 

40 Day Fast: Week 3

Cool Bikers

Day 15: Started the day by thinking of and thanking all of our benefactors. Your help in our ministry is crucial. Without you we couldn't be going out to meet as many people as we have. Today, we had a slow day at our door ministry. It was a busy weekend as the fair and festivities for Saint Anthony's Feast concluded. I will not miss the loud music, rides, or the daily smells of funnel cakes, pizza, and BBQ pouring in from our open top patio. Nap time for the kids came and cut into our time for our usual Monday home visits. I came home from changing the oil and spark plugs in the van. (Compact engines aren't always nice.) We also had invited the Garza Family to our house for dinner instead of having Mari slave over dinner for us as she has been since we arrived in April. I was convinced to share in the meal as I was the one that suggested that Mari take a break. Believe me it was tougher to eat that meal than it was to go without for 6 days! I wasn't going to let it bother me though. I still served a small amount but then realized something. I tasted the food and it was good but I was feeling full. This is way different than before. Before it was "eat everything, don't waste anything". I was also blessed when I heard Tonio ask me how the fast was going. He then told me that once he gets to his new mission post that he will start a fast as well. Praying for Tonio to hear God's will. After our guests left, I quickly remembered about a lady that had come to our door on Sunday asking for an extension cord. She needed it long enough to borrow electricity from a neighbor uphill. We went to the hardware store but they were closed because of the closing festivities of the fair. I checked it out today and they had one 30 meters long. Stacie and I headed to their house. We were about 15 meters short. Thankfully, the lady uphill had another 30 meter long one in her house that she wasn't using. We had to splice it all up and tape it with the sun starting to set. Meanwhile, Stacie was at the house asking the family if they had eaten. It had been two days since this family with 4 children had eaten. After many wiring attempts, we finally got it hooked up. We then swung by the house to pick up a food pack and my Bible. The family was very thankful and we thanked God for making our paths cross. God is good!

Ramon, Angelica and their children

Day 16: Continued making plans for our return to the States in early July. Time is winding down but we have to keep going strong with our ministry. Hard to balance the housekeeping, ministry, and our mission schedule as time flies by. We had our weekly team meeting with the Mexican FMC missionaries. We read/reflect on Matthew 4: 18-22. Jesus calls four fisherman. We were all impressed that Jesus' simple words to "come, follow me" were powerful enough to convince the men to drop everything and do it. It is easy for us to see how it ends for each of them in their walk with the Lord. I commented how it was hard to see that Jesus would want to use us for His mission. I mean how many times have we read or heard that He is calling us? Every day. I also said that the more we heard His calling to serve Him in missions the easier it was to say "Yes!". The call became so strong and so real every time we read Scripture. It is right there in black and white. Written so many years ago but so real and needed in this present day. We do know how it will end for us. Not the details but the big picture. We will be with Him in His glorious presence...forever!

Not me

Day 17: Surprised that I am writing number 17 and not having passed out by now. God's grace is with me in this walk. At the beginning of this fast I was thinking of how long it really is. Days 3-5 were probably the toughest. I am just now feeling a little of the grumblings. Still nothing that makes me want to go in and knock over everyone along my path to raid the fridge. Got curious about Jesus' temptation in the desert. Opened to Luke 4: 1-13. The very first words jumped out. "Jesus returned from the Jordan full of the Holy Spirit and was led by the Spirit into the desert, where He was tempted by the Devil for forty days." I, too, was led by the Spirit, after the Pentecost trip that we hosted, to go on this fast. I, too, am being tempted. The Devil really comes at you stronger when you're trying to listen to God's will. Distractions, distractions, distractions. Pray for me to keep going and keep listening...to God.


Day 18: This is our normal day for home visits in La Colonia. God's timing is perfect. Our day was other than normal. We had been thinking about going to Saltillo soon for things we needed. With our first home visit, Dona Marciana asked if we could take her to see her daughter after her cancer surgery. We agreed. Next, we stopped by to see Francisca and Chemo who also needed to go so that they could look for work. Great! Our last visit is with a single mom with 5 children. She needed to go to Saltillo to be present at court because her ex-husband was trying to get custody of her baby son. A perfect 3 for 3 of our home visits got a ride into the big city. We usually visit another in the area but we were afraid they were going to want to go too :P Just kidding. Still a full day tomorrow. Your will be done not mine.


Day 19: Woke up at 6:30am but had a rough night sleeping. The rooms are so dark you can't see your hand in front of your face. I woke up at 3, 415,  and 540am thinking I overslept every time. Finally jumped out of bed and rushed out to get everybody at their home. Our missionary brother here, Gallo, went along, too. Good thing. I didn't know where the courthouse, hospital, or hardware store was. After we took everyone to their places, we went just for a little checkup on the van we're driving. One little squeeky brake turned into all brakes getting replaced, a tie-rod, fuel injectors cleaned, and a new fuel filter! We were there for 6 hours. I kept hearing the word "Patience" again. I was too tired to be impatient. Anyway, the reason I found it a little easier too was because the total bill was coming out to be around $158 for all of that. Seemed like a bargain. Van runs great now in time for our departure two weeks from Friday! Patience is all I have left ;)

Day 20: I forgot to mention earlier that Stacie and the kids didn't get to go with me to Saltillo with the full van the other day. So, today being our FREE day, we all decided to go and spend it there...ALONE! It was a great day to relax and not have others to worry about getting to and fro. I have gotten to know the city a little better and we were able to find everything so quickly. It is a huge relief to me as the driver to know where things are and aren't :) We even got to go into a church where they were just finishing a Mass for some kind of youth program. The priest was hearing Confessions immediately after and that took some pressure off. It seemed like the day went so smoothly after that. We all enjoyed an awesome family day. The kids behaved so well and of course were rewarded with swords, canteens, and other knick-knacks. God was with us blessing us the whole time. Wow! Didn't realize how much time we hadn't had to ourselves! Time well spent.


Day 21:  The third week is complete and I'm going strong into the second half! Especially since Stacie made my favorite dish...enchilada casserole! My tongue said Mmmm but my stomach is saying other things :(  It's weird to taste food today. Went to a rancho for our last Holy Communion Service. We invited Gallo and Rita's family and Dona Marciana (90+ yrs old) and her daughter, Golla(?). Another van-full of people bringing Jesus to the ends of the diocese. It was awesome! We got out and while Gallo strummed the guitar, Stacie and I went door to door inviting people to the Lord's banquet. There was a big group of men gathered outside of a house but we still went up to them and asked them to come. The chapel filled up by the time we headed back. We started the service and I was blessed to see Dona Marciana clapping along to the music. She rarely gets out of her tiny house and she loves to see the different ranchos. I wished we would have thought of inviting more of our home visits to the rancho visits earlier. Plan to do that this week. Anyway, the Lord has been speaking to me a lot in Scripture lately. Today's Mass readings were excellent (as always). The first reading really stood out though. This is the reading I got one night in the Philippines when I couldn't sleep. I tossed and turned all night with my eyes wide open. The final days of our mission in Sagay were coming to an end. Suddenly, I heard a voice say "Isaiah 49:3". I got up quickly and started walking to my Bible but at the same time thinking "What if there isn't even 49 chapters in Isaiah? Maybe that voice was just my imagination." Nope! Isaiah 49:3 "He said to me, 'Israel, you are my servant; because of you, people will praise me."  WOW!!! I couldn't sleep because I was wondering if we were coming home too soon or that I had failed in our mission. God spoke to me that night so clearly and here He is again in our final two weeks in Mexico saying the same thing! The rest of Chapter 49 is good, too, but I won't write it all down here. Look it up. I was also touched by Padre Juan's homily as I read it to the people. I tried with all my might to choke back some tears. He quoted St. John the Baptist in John 3:30- "He must become more important while I become less important." Then He closed with this prayer: "Senor: Que yo disminuya, para que Tu crezcas. Que yo me opaque, para que Tu brilles. Que yo desaparezca, para que Tu te muestres. Que yo me esconda, para que seas Tu Quien luzcas. Amen."
"Lord: That I may decrease, so that You may increase. That I may dull(?), so that You may shine. That I may disappear, so that You may show Yourself. That I may hide so that You can be the one who is sought(?). Amen."  Looking forward to the next 3 weeks :)