Where do I begin?

Wow. So much has happened, and I have gotten behind. I'll start from tonight and begin to go backwards for a few posts.

Tonight, Kim and I were walking to get some coffee for the morning when we came upon our first Posada. It is a tradition that goes back to Spain I was told. For centuries the neighbors have gathered for 9 evenngs before Christmas to share ponche (a lovely drink made from a number of different fruits and sugar cane), sweets and to have the children break Piñatas. The nine evenings are to remember the journey of Mary and Joseph as they went from house to house looking for a place for Mary to give birth. So, for nine evenings our neighbors are gathering to sing, be together, share candy and Ponche. Needless to say, we didn't get coffee. We were snagged by the Dentista who is organizing the neighborhood. Tomorrow Kim and I are to make the Ponche and buy the little cookie and candy bags that everyone gets. Another neighbor will provide the Piñatas.

Last night was really cool. We took the bus down to the General Hospital and met some folks from the church. We met in the Sala de Esperanza, waiting room in the emergency department. It was full of people, inside and out and we were to give out scarfs (bufonda) and tracts and we were going to share Christ and pray with people. There were two groups there when we arrived, Christians, who had brought coffee and sandwiches for people who were waiting for loved ones to be treated, or who were at the hospital because of relatives who were admited. The gospel was preached in the waiting room and outside on the sidewalk. We were left to find people to talk and pray with and to share Christ with. It was somewhat caotic as you might imagine. Kim found a lady and began to share Christ with her. I found two fellows to chat with and to pray with. It was an absolute delight to carry the love of Christ to those precious people.
We walked part way home until we could catch a bus. It was a night to remember. Since we will not have family to spend Christmas with, we are thinking to go back to the hospital to share and pray with people. Perhaps we can take some treats.

A couple of weeks ago Gary preached his first Sunday morning in Spanish. By God's grace it went well, or so the folks said. They appreciated the message.

We continue to study and attend school this week. On Saturday we will attend our first wedding in Mexico. Next week is Christmas. We are missing our kids and family. Love to all.

I will try to catch up some more items in the next day or two. Appreciate all who pray.