Hola from San Carlos
Weather Report
Hurricane Greg just passed through the “East Pacific” (G – named storm # 7) and so far
we’ve only had 5 thunder storms here. One had it all – it blew in with a gust that rocked
the trailer & then gave me an amazing late night light show & just enough water to make
the trees happy. But September is on the way!
In the News
I’m never sure what you hear of Mexico, but I have to assume that if it makes Canadian
news, it’s not good. The state of Chihuahua is known for drug cartel action. But I have to
tell you that my trip to Chihuahua reinforced for me that while the news is probably true, it
only reports incidents. Violence is not ever-present & just like in Canada, one needs to be
wise & aware but not paranoid.
Time to
Connect
August
2011
Learning Times
Spanish, culture, travel tips, life lessons – I’ve learned so much this month!
I remember when the word “groovy” became uncool. So, I’m thinking I’m probably uncool
using the term “que padre” which I learned years ago. So, I’ve learned what seems to be
the latest “that’s cool” phrase “Que Chido”
I’ve also learned:
 “Bici” is like bike, short for bicicleta
 “Posole” is not only the soup but the corn nuts that are plentiful in the soup
 Chi’huas is not a type of taco but a restaurant in - you guessed it - Chihuahua.
 Pancho Villa was both loved & hated & my friend Caleb looks like him!
 Taking photos at the military checkpoints is a no-no!
 Duplication is for copiers not experiences.
 Thunder cracks & rain are a bit more noticeable in my trailer than in my basement
suite in Surrey.
And I’ve learned that what we see as a need isn’t always seen with the same intensity by
others. I spent a stormy afternoon in the home of Luz Elena. What an adventure! You
see, the tin roof seam isn’t sealed & yes, it leaked water – by the buckets full - & what they
didn’t catch hit the dirt floor! As the floor turned to mud & Juan Carlos dumped the buckets
only to have them fill again, I couldn’t help but wonder what will happen during a hurricane
or more intense storm. But as we talked about fixing the roof, I discovered that Carmelita
& I were more concerned than they were. Hmm?
Let Me Introduce you to...
...Victoria – The Carasco family stayed in our Casa de Descansa in July & in that short
week we became fast friends & I was invited to stay
with them in Chihuahua. Their faith in Jesus & love
of others is inspiring &I love that we could laugh
together & that we did - often! They live on a ranch
just outside of Chihuahua City & have been
pastor/missionaries, involved in leading several Bible
Studies & seminars, including weekends in La
Concha, 3 hours away. Vicki is a 9 yr old princess
with a bit of big brother influence to toughen her up.
She loves shoes, the beach & dogs & learned how to
use all my craft tools in minutes! Vicki & her parents will soon be moving to La Concha to
start a church, leaving behind her 2 big brothers to
complete prepa & university. While she’s excited
about this move now, I know it will also come with
challenges for her & her family. Will you pray with
me for Vicki, Caleb, Rosario, Caly & Oto?
Photos: picasaweb.google.com/heathermex
Blog: www.heathermex.blogspot.com
*Phoenix
*Tucson
*San Carlos/Guaymas
*Mazatlan
Contact info: Heather Rix
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address:
441 N. Grand Avenue, Suite#7
PMB 456
Nogales, AZ 85621
Phone: 011-52-622-100-4641
Skype: heathermex
Website with links to blog & photos
http://www.mgfhq.org/miss/pages/Rix.php
Experiencing the Moments
We have been talking about the “Trip to Chihuahua” for months & while the numbers had dwindled &
the initial plan of going by train had been nixed, the time was now upon us & we were excited about the
week ahead. The PLAN – meet with Emanuel church at 4 AM, pack up the vans & leave, drive 12 hrs
to Chihuahua City, arrive early, stay overnight & the kids are on their way the 3 hrs to
camp early Tues. REALITY – no brakes in our van so we will travel together in their
“new” van, left late, no AC, van troubles, overnight in Hermosillo, still van troubles, rent
a van, left late, arrived in Chihuahua late & at camp ½ way through the week. Often we
don’t really know why God changes our plans, but how comforting to know that He’s in
control. As we trusted God, we were able to enjoy our little adventure together & come
home encouraged. Check my blog for the details of this crazy adventure!
It sometimes overwhelms me how welcome I am made to feel here in Mexico.
My 3 days in Chihuahua City reminded me of the “mi casa es su casa”
spirit. So, memories of my time with Pastor Lalo & Ruth & the Berea church,
David & Angie’s family, & Caleb & Rosario’s family & Bible study groups are
like a warm hug. I got to be a tourist for an afternoon, but the highlight was being a part of the
Carasco family – breakfast with mom & dad, feeding the sheep, meeting their Bible Study
groups, making cards together. We had a craft night with the ladies & I shared my
Photos: picasaweb.google.com/heathermex
testimony/ my story with the group. I lost count how many times I was asked when I would
Blog: www.heathermex.blogspot.com
come back!
Meltdown – that’s what it felt like. After returning from Chihuahua, I had a particularly challenging day. It started with no water (again), a
sore back & no internet connection (again). I proceeded to try to get the internet problem resolved with Telmex & suddenly I was completely
convinced that I would never be fluent in Spanish & every encounter put me in or close to tears. Meltdown at the time but after prayer &
encouragement, it became motivation for finding new opportunities to continue learning. Thanks for praying for my language acquisition.
Mid-August & the AC isn’t installed yet. Our hot week of classes at the Centro Educativo Cristiano was
busy from morning to evening. The weeklong seminar including meals was offered to pastors & Christian
leaders with teaching in Spiritual warfare, leadership & family/marriage plus a chance to meet others in
leadership. For me, this also included opportunity to listen to Spanish for hours! It was also my joy to open
the Casa de Descansa (House of Rest) to 2 couples & a family during the week of classes.
“Take these 20 different scraps of paper, ribbon, string, jewels, etc & make a card – no cutting & use
every piece.” That was the challenge I gave our youth. The lesson –unity. God put us together & we need
to include everyone (even those that seem difficult to find a place for) to complete the purpose He has for our group.
One other joy for our little church this month was meeting Aurora. This young lady is from the state of Mexico & is a
missionary in Kenya. You see this church is just starting to learn they can & need to be involved in missions (not just
receiving) & so meeting someone we are supporting makes it all so much more real & personal.
Coming Soon
Planning for the fall has begun & it seems I’m included in several areas - kids club, ladies group, Sunday School. I love
to plan! Or maybe it’s that I like having a plan. Most Mexicans live in the moment, which I respect & often enjoy. But I’m finding Pastor David
& Angie to have a good balance of planning & moving ahead. Here’s what’s up:
 I’m part of the planning team for our youth group, helping the youth sponsors & leaders give some structure, unity, meaning to their
Sat nights.
 I’m starting to write a kids ministries resource book (in Spanish, if you can believe that!) Right now it includes ideas for craft & verselearning times. Angie’s hoping we can do a workshop for the kids ministry leaders as well.
 I’ve added lots of photos to Picasa (check it out) but this month hope to write another blog or 2 & work on my website.
Until next time
Heather
Gracias
I’m really thankful that while life sometimes seems complicated, being a Christian is simply believing,
then living what we believe. I’m thankful that Jesus is not only my Savior but also my friend – a loving,
caring, merciful friend. I’m thankful for the encouragement of others – in 2 languages! Speaking of
languages, I’m thankful for this beautiful language that is becoming a part of me, for learning times &
for those times that God just gives me the words & understanding necessary for the circumstance.