Some Journey

A cuu cue e ni de mixtepec

We arrived safely in Santa Cruz Monday evening, but couldn´t find the internet cafe on Tues, and the power has been off most of today. The boys are already talking about next year when they come back. They are loving it. We couldn´t believe how nice the toll road from Oaxaca was, and the road from Tlaxiaco into Mixtepec is paved for a long section, so we made great time. We did find yesterday morning that we have a flat tire on the jeep now, so pray we are able to get it fixed before leaving Friday afternoon.
The boys have played in the creek and wandered all over the village. They have met lots of people, many of whom are kids who spend part of the year in the States, so they speak English. Ethan is speaking more and more Spanish, and has actually been more bold about trying Mixtec than Sam. He was fascinated listening to Lina talk to Nelie this morning. He said she sounds like she is singing when she speaks, which is such a good description of this tonal language.
We have met lots of people who remember with fondness Stephen´s dad, the man who brought the water to the village, whom they call Tamaxi. Everywhere we go people ask Stephen if he is Esteban or Pablo. It amazes me the way they all remember to ask about el angelito Daniel, and Timoteo y Julian as well.
I have learned a great deal about missions, and about evangelism in general, from meeting and listening to the stories these people have to tell. They do not want to be regarded as a project. They want someone who will call them friend and address the needs they see as real, not the needs the rest of the world dictates to them. Universal needs, perhaps. Respect and compassion.
One man stopped us and thanked us for coming to the village and caring enough to learn their language and know their people. I will have so much more to write when I return, but my time is somewhat limited and I´m not sure how great the connection is here right now. I fear I might lose this entry before it posts, so will not spend too much more time.
We will spend tomorrow visiting some more, probably take the kids to meet Alejandro, Samuel´s father. And hopefully get the tire fixed.
Friday morning we will go to market in San Juan before packing up and driving out to Tlaxiaco. We will spend Friday night in Tlaxiaco, then drive to Acapulco Saturday morning.
Those of you who know Ethan will understand the significance of the following: Ethan has not had access to a tv or computer in five days, and I have not once heard the words, "I´m bored". He loves this place. Sam loves these people.
Nelie is feeling a little better, though her stomach is still not quite right. She has enjoyed sharing this with the boys. She had a great visit with Lina today. Lina was her housekeeper and translation helper when they lived here. They both enjoyed each other´s company immensely.
But it has been hard at times, too. Everyone talks about how much they need someone like Tamaxi back here.
Well, I´m going to log off for now. Keep praying for us, and for the rest of our team as they prepare to leave in a few days to meet us in Acapulco.