ok here are a few pictures of our recent trip to Mexico. I didn't take many pictures this time as the camera ran out of battery power and I kept forgetting to charge them overnight. We had a good trip and visited 3 mission churches as well as "Maranatha" in Tamazunchale. This first picture is of "Nueva Esperanza" church in Jalpa. We have worked on this building the last few trips. This time they had their dedication service (5 hours long!!) while we were there, which was a tremendous blessing to be part of. Here they are making last minute preparations
Here everyone is waiting outside of the church for the celebration to begin. In the lower is Pastor Candido's wife, Niko and oldest daughter Raquel.Calixto and I were asked to cut the ribbon to the sanctuary...what an honor! The little girl holding the plate was supposed to catch the cut ribbon but, it fell to the ground instead. As it did I heard the Pastor gasp behind me!
The Pastor of Jalpa and his wife are standing to the left of Pastor Candido at the podium. (At this church some of the ladies still wear head coverings.)
Here is my Mariachi husband!! Earlier in the week the mariachi band called Calixto up to sing a song with them but this time they had a full outfit for him to wear!! Muy Guapo!!
Here is Jack preparing his testimony before the service with the help of Santos. Santos is such a sweet boy, he always hangs out with us when we come.
Here we are pouring the roof on the church in Petlapixca. I am in the empty bucket line...of course!! We began pouring at 4:30pm, we left at 10:30pm in order to get back to Tamazunchale. The Mexican people and LeTourneau students worked for another hour after we left to complete the project. It was a very long day! Everyone's hands were cut and blistered with concrete imbedded in the cuts...quite painful. My dad and Jack were able to make about 20 pews for this site as well. (Sorry, I meant to post a pic of the church)
Here is the church at Manantial. This church acquired this building from another church but, it is too small and not structurally sound. The pastor here, Juan Bautista (aka John the Baptist) is the oldest pastor of the mission sites. We have not done work here yet but, they are praying that we can come to build a new building next to this one.

We spent time hearing the Pastor's testimony and heart for this church. He is a very humble man, not formally trained but knew the people needed someone to step up to Pastor this flock. I think he has been there for over 20 years now! He shared the needs of the church and we spent time praying for him. We then walked from home to home inviting people to church and praying for any needs they may have. That was a wonderful, humbling experience.
While there it happened to be Raquel's birthday. She is Pastor Candido's oldest daughter. It is tradition to bend down to take a bite out of your cake as you do everyone tries to push your face into it. These guys really got into it!! Her son, Jose Arim, didn't like it at all and began crying! It is always fun to celebrate birthdays while there.