We were able to go back to Monterrey this past weekend, and it was a good time. Yes, it had only been a month since we left, so we went back some trepidation. The thoughts swirling in my mind were, “What if I get there and realize that we made a huge mistake in leaving?!” and “What if I get there and see all the needs that remain—will I want to stay??”
We left Friday morning and made our way across the border without incident. The drive across the “desert” was beautiful’—rains from some weeks ago had turned the dry and dusty land into a beautiful green carpet with desert flowers. We found a lot more cars on the highway than we had seen in months—the government seems to have re-instilled a sense of security for travel on that highway. Of course, that was a good thing as we had worried some about that part of our trip. The many cars and trucks gave us sense of calm.
Upon arriving in Monterrey (MTY), we made our way first to the City Club Soriana (a grocery store) to grab some gorditas at Doña Totas…a long time favorite food of ours in Mexico…similar to the arepas of Venezuela. After lunch, we started getting the kiddos to their various places, to where they would stay for the weekend—first, we dropped Andrew at Pastor Oscar’s house. Then, Megan, Jeanne and I ran by Instituto Laurens to drop off yet more books for the developing reading program there (thank you Keogh Family, Woodland UMC and Buford 1st UMC for the latest shipments of books!) Of course, Ms. Andrea (the English coordinator) was thrilled to have more books. She is now purchasing carpets for the reading areas so the children can read in comfort.
After the Laurens stop, we made our way to the Home Depot (yes, Home Depot has made it to Mexico!) to buy some large, industrial fans for the classrooms at the John Wesley Methodist Seminary (el Seminario Metodista Juan Wesley). Some additional funds came in AFTER the copier was already purchased for the office, so we determined to use those funds to better the life and learning environment at the seminary. When the students start classes in August, they will find some large, quieter, industrial sized fans in the classrooms making those 100ºF+ temps much more bearable. Thank you to ALL who have given towards the copier…and beyond!
The books delivered, the fans purchased and delivered (we got to see Itzeel and Panchita in the office at the seminary,) we got Megan to her stop—Pastor Sergio’s house where Megan would stay with his daughter, Loyda…and then Jeanne and I went to Juan Manuel and Claudia’s house where we would spend the weekend. They graciously gave us a room in their home…and we so enjoyed seeing these friends of ours. They are missionaries from Honduras, so we got to enjoy some absolutely DELICIOUS Honduran coffee…prepared their traditional way. Fantastic! Still, even better than the coffee was the fun we had sitting and talking with them, seeing their four precious children.
That afternoon, I met one of my former students from the Teachers’ College, Ale, and turned over to her some computer software that will allow her blind brother to use the computer by using only his voice! She was thrilled to receive the software…and so happy to see us.
Friday evening, we were able to be with our “old” discipleship group for a time of sharing, prayer, and fellowship together. Saturday, we took Andrew for his dental appointment (we have yet to get a dentist on the US side, and it still costs less to drive there, see the dentist and drive back than it does to pay a single dental visit on this side!)
Saturday afternoon, we got to go for coffee with my friend, Adil, a teacher friend from Morocco that I met when I was teaching at UDEM. He, his Mexican wife and young daughter shared together with us almost an hour-and-a-half! We agreed—at their insistence—to stay with them next time we visit Monterrey. Then, after, we went back to Juan Manuel’s where we watched their children and sent the two of them off to dinner to celebrate their anniversary. That was a lot of fun!
Sunday morning, we were back at our church in Monterrey—La Iglesia Gran Comisión. It was wonderful to see everyone…and everybody was so welcoming and glad to see us. We sang together, heard the Word, and fellowshipped as long as we could after. Finally, we had to pack it up and head back to McAllen.
On the drive back home, I reflected on those questions I had swirling in my mind before…and I came to some conclusions: we had a fruitful ministry in Monterrey, we impacted many lives…but, we did leave at the right time, we did understand the call correctly. We are back home in McAllen, thankful that we can visit from time to time with our dear friends in Monterrey…and they with us here. We pray for peace in that land…and for a positive impact on the part of the Church. And, we move forward as we discern what God would have us do with our lives on this side…in this context. God is good…all the time.
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