If you give a kid your camera...

The other day, I was with our administrator and her two kids - waiting outside the movie theater for our friends' movie to get out.  I let her three-year-old snap some shots with my camera and I was amused by the results - hope you like them too :).

 

 

Photo of the Week: Thankful

I'm thankful for many things today - one being that I get to serve alongside this great group of people. The staff is getting together more often, and we were able to host this party on Monday.  I'm also thankful that my roommates were as excited to decorate for Christmas as I was :).

The Wisdom of Solomon - part 1

I can't remember exactly when it was, but it was a pretty early age that I decided I liked that Solomon asked God for wisdom, and I recognized that God liked it too (1 Kings 3, 2 Chron. 1).  So, I decided to do likewise - and have continued asking for wisdom ever since.

There are many moments as the director of the primary school here that I need wisdom.  Sometimes it comes naturally.  Sometimes I need to step back, take some time, think and pray - and clarity eventually comes.  Such was the case last Thursday, when the kids came in from recess and I was told Chucho was outside and didn't want to come in because he was sad.  I said ok, finished what I was doing, and took a look outside.

Chucho was sitting out in the field, in the shade of a large bush.  He is known for having "moments," so I gave it a little time before I went out there.  He indeed was crying.  Not his usual angry crying, but more of a hurt crying.  I asked him what was up.  Here is part of what I gathered from his story:

After a lot of drama with all the kids about where to play soccer, he was off to the side with the ball.  Fernando came up and asked if he could play with him.  Chucho, suspicious of his motives, asked Fernando - do you really want to play with me, or are you just trying to take the ball?  Fernando assured Chucho he wanted to play, Chucho gave in and began to play with him.  Then Fernando took off with the ball.  Harsh.

I talked to some other students who had seen what happened and they said the teacher had told Fernando to take the ball from Chucho, so he did.  Still, seems like a harsh way to get the job done.  So, I spoke with Fernando.  He very pleasantly confirmed that the teacher had asked him to get the ball from Chucho - so that's what he had done.  That just didn't sound right, so the following day I spoke to the teacher.  Here's his story:

There was a disagreement about where to play.  Chucho then hogged the ball to himself and wouldn't let others play with it.  The teacher suggested to Fernando that he go and play with Chucho.  He thinks Fernando might've taken the ball instead of playing with Chucho, but he really wasn't paying attention.

So, I seemed to finally have the story straight, or straighter, at least, but what to do with the boys now.  I just didn't have any good ideas.  After a little while, a thought came to me.  I decided to tell them a story.  Now, I didn't have any great rich-man-steals-poor-man's-sheep story like Samuel, so I decided to give it to them straight up.  Before recess the following day, I pulled them aside together and said:

Yesterday we had a serious problem at recess.  There was a boy who refused to share the ball with others.  There was another boy who pretended to be this boy's friend to take the ball away from him.  Do you see the problem?  What should these boys have done instead?

Chucho smiled mischievously and said the first boy should've shared.  Fernando smiled as well and said the boy shouldn't have taken the ball away by pretending to be his friend.   I drove the point home a bit of how much trust it costs by doing something like that.  I then used my director voice and told them I never want to hear about something like that happening again.  They agreed and scampered off to recess.

Did I do the wise thing?  Should I have done more?  I don't know for sure... But it seemed like peace was restored and I'm hoping for the best.

A quick story of something that happened today.

There were two boys who got in trouble for kicking each other during devotions.  I usually separate them to explain the situation to me, but there wasn't time for that.  Lucas said that Chucho (surprise, surprise) pinned him to the ground as they walked to school. Chucho called him a liar (I put a stop to that right quick - name calling is not productive) and he said that Lucas had been pushing him first.  They got angrier and angrier as they told their stories.

Something didn't seem to add up - they didn't seem that angry when we began talking about this.  So I stopped them and said, "Look, I know boys play rough.  Were you guys really angry with each other? or were you just playing?"  They didn't know how to respond to that.  So, I asked again, "Were you just playing or were you angry?"  They shrugged their shoulders.  I was surprised that they didn't know - seemed kind of odd.  I asked again and suddenly they both had smiles and were joking around about what happened.  Hmmm...

I tried to make it clear that I know that boys play around rough like that, but if it turns into anger, that is when it is not OK.  Understood?  They both happily agreed and entered the school.  I am always thankful when peace is restored.  I didn't dole out any punishments, but at least instead of entering angry with one another, they walked in side-by-side with smiles.  I'm thankful that I was able to deal with the issue in the moment, and I hope I acted in wisdom.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

James 3:17

The Wisdom of Solomon - part 2

 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

1 Corinthians 1:25

 - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I've always liked that Solomon asked God for wisdom, and I wanted to follow suit and ask for wisdom as well.  And I have done that, for many years.  But one thing concerns me, and that's how Solomon could be so wise in his youth and yet turn to idols in his old age.

The pastor who does prison ministry with the home here also expressed the same concern one morning in devotions.  He is 72 years old, and yet he still sees the danger of what happened to Solomon and hopes that he remains true to his God.  I'm only 30, I've likely got a long way to go to remain faithful to my God.  

It is my heart's desire to grow closer and closer to God as the days go by, but I also acknowledge the possibility of losing my way at some point.  If Solomon in all his brilliant wisdom let something come between him and God, who am I to say that that will never happen to me?

I hope and pray that it doesn't.  I will continue to seek Him and move forward in trust that the Lord will help me keep my heart faithful.

 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

...for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

2 Timothy 1:12 (NKJV)

Photo of the Week: Sunshine

With the time change, the sun has already risen by the time I'm walking to school.  Though I don't see as many sunrises nowadays, the world around me still is quite beautiful.  In the background of this picture you can see the playground and the new school under construction.  All the walls are up now.  It's exciting to watch it slowly come together!

Global Leadership Summit

Global Leadership Summit - sounds like a historic event, eh?  It was pretty impressive.  Willow Creek has been holding these conferences for years now, developing leaders in businesses, churches, ministries, etc.  They have great speakers and then make DVDs translated into languages from all over the world.  This year four of us from the home were blessed to be able to attend and we were encouraged and challenged to be better leaders.

First some photos:

The four of us who attended from the home.

View of Puebla, Mexico from atop our hotel.

The caravan that waited to break down until we arrived.  Miracle.

Torre Fuerte church were the summit was hosted.

And, here are some things I took away from the conference. (Keep in mind, this was a conference originally in English, translated to Spanish, which I'm now translating back to English to the best of my abilities...):

The most important thing to God is people.  People are more important than visions.
Everyone wins when a leader improves.
Humble yourself.  Ask for help.
(Bill Hybels)

People can forget what you said and what you did, but they won't forget how you made them feel.

(Tyler Perry - quoting Maya Angelou)

Invest in the community you're in - the world is not going to form distinct Christians, it is the work of the church to do that. 

(Don Flow)

Are you living the great work God has prepared you for and for you? 

(Allen Catherine Kagina)

Leaders should involve themselves in the community.  See it as your church.  Don't be afraid to do that. 

(Wilfredo de Jesus)

If you don't have crucial conversations, it will affect you. Be honest with love and respect.

(Joseph Grenny)

Every organization has the potential to do more than what they're doing.  Leadership is to find the potential in others. 

True leadership requires faith - faith in others that they'll use their potential for a positive change.  Faith gives us the gift of humility, a servant's heart, humility, empathy, and optimism. 

(Carly Fiorina)

 People don't follow what you say, they follow what you do. 

(Patrick Lencioni)

What is you great goal?  What is at the top of the staircase you're climbing?

(Bryan Loritts)

You don't have to know how to climb the whole mountain, just take the next step.
Life is short + God is great = Take the next step

The final step will be the step that takes us into the arms of Jesus. Don't quit out of adversity or exhaustion.  There is no plan B. Plan A is to make it to the arms of Jesus.  Don't give up.  Don't stop walking in the confidence that Christ is enough. Ask people to accompany you on the adventure. 

(Louie Giglio)

Right of Way

  On Friday. I climbed into the caravan with three other women from the home here and we headed to Puebla for a conference on leadership.  It was a 6 hour drive north.  I've been there several times before, when I was living/working in Mexico with Covenant World Mission.  I enjoyed my previous visits - the people I met, the places we went and the comfort of a Holiday Inn during our stays.  I looked forward to those things again on this trip.

   However, upon reaching Puebla, we were all rather shocked by something.  It happened when we needed to make our first major turn in the city.  No one would let us in.  The cars inching towards us wouldn't pause at all to give us the chance to make our turn.  Dozens of cars went by, no one interested in giving us a chance to get in front of them.

   We were all rather taken aback to find that over and over again, people refused to let us merge.  Three of the four of us in the car were Americans, but we are so used to living in the Oaxacan culture, that the Puebla driving culture seemed harsh and abrasive.  In Oaxaca, there are even many signs that say "Uno por uno. Es mas facil."  Meaning, "One at a time. It's easier."  And people do that, mostly ;).

   As we entered Puebla, we didn't really understand what was going on or how to respond. I think we were even kind of experiencing some culture shock.  Oddly, not as Americans living in Mexico, but as "Oaxacans" traveling to the big city.  It was a very interesting, and rather unpleasant experience.

   And thankfully that was the extent of it.  People we encountered in person were very nice.  The parking attendants at the hotel kindly pointed out that our caravan was leaking major fluid.  The ladies at the church kindly located the correct people to help us.  The men in charge of the parking at the church kindly fixed our car well enough for it to be safe to travel home in.

  As we arrived back in Oaxaca Saturday night, I began to ponder what had happened with the driving etiquette.  Were Poblanos just in too much of a rush in life?  Did their generally wealthier lifestyles make them more anxious to get where they needed to be and less accommodating towards others?  Are Oaxacans just more considerate than their neighbors to the not-so-distant-north?  It could certainly just be a cultural difference - akin to the difference between New York City and New Orleans.  But another thought occurred to me...

  Maybe all these endless blockades in Oaxaca have produced at least one good thing - a patience and ability to deal with interruptions in life.  Not that people in Oaxaca don't get frustrated or upset, not that they're always cordial and never honk their horn at anyone (horns are actually used quite frequently here).  However, when you come across a blockade and traffic needs to merge, you usually don't have to wait for more than 3 cars to go by before someone lets you in.  In that way, Oaxacans are quite kind and generous.  

And perhaps, in that way, I can be thankful for that part of all these protests and blockades.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

In everything give thanks; 
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

Photo of the Week: Good morning

Any bird-lovers out there know what this is?  We have these brilliant yellow and red birds here, and usually they are too quick for me to catch a photo of them.  But this one was singing and singing away its morning song.  Good morning to you too. :)

Health Care

   So, I think several people already know this, but a couple weeks ago I got bit in the face by a dog.  The dog had just had surgery, was in pain and drugged up, and I was trying to help it go in the right direction.  It didn't want my help, so - bite to the face.  I don't think either of us was at fault - just an unfortunate situation.

   I really had hoped to never have need of health care while here in Oaxaca.  I'm not a huge fan of going to the doctor's, and doing it in a foreign country was even less appealing to me.  However, this forced me to get over that fear, so in a way, I'm thankful for it.  And, I thought I'd share a little of my experience here.

   Right after I was bitten, I cleaned up my face as well as I could on my own.  The dog was not rabid, so it was kind of debatable whether or not I should go to the doctor.  In the end, I decided to go though.  My friend, the director of the children's home, drove me there.  I wasn't quite sure where we were going, and when we pulled into the gas station parking lot, I really didn't know what was up, but followed along.

   Turned out we were going to the small clinic across the street from the gas station.  There wasn't much of a line - just two women in with the doctor and an older woman with a young girl ahead of us.  The little girl kept staring at me, I couldn't tell if it was because I was injured or just the normal "you're white" staring that you try to get used to here. (The picture to the right is the painting on the wall at the clinic.  Jesus helping the surgeon - that's a good sign, right?  My friend pointed it out to me just as the doctor was digging in my wounds to get them thoroughly cleaned out.)

Corner pharmacy.

  It also turned out it was very good that we went, because the guy there cleaned my face up a lot more.  He also prescribed some medications to keep the wound from getting infected and joined our uncertainty of whether I should try to seek further help or not.  You see, we don't know the dog's complete history, just that to our knowledge it has not been vaccinated.  However, the hospital has not been the most hospitable to people who have gone in the past, so would they even see me?  It was left up to me to make the decision whether or not to seek vaccination.

  After asking a lot of people for advice, I finally decided to go to the Emergency Room the following morning.  It was unlikely they'd even help me because the vaccination place was closed on Saturdays, but our mechanic/maintenance guy at the home said he knew a woman who would help me if they didn't.  The pastor's wife drove me this time.  From what I heard, I expected to have to wait in a crowded waiting room, but while the small hallway was full, it was not as bad as I expected.

Rural Hospital #36.  A reminder that I'm living in a pretty poor part of Mexico.

   We were told by the people waiting there to ring the bell that was between two shut doors.  We did that and then waited a few minutes.  Nothing.  So, the pastor's wife knocked.  This time a doctor came to the door.  He was with a patient, but upon seeing my face, he let me right in.  As the door nearly shut on the pastor's wife, I asked her to please come in with me.  The doctor didn't say much, so she followed me in.  We were told to sit in a little waiting area near the where ambulances come in.  An older man with a cough and a pregnant teenager who did not look like she was doing well were also sitting there.

  Because dog bites to the face and extremities are apparently very dangerous, the doctor let us in next.  I felt bad about all the people we were passing up along the way, but to be honest I was also thankful the process was going so quickly.  After altering my prescriptions, I was ushered to another place to sit and wait.

   This was a dark hallway, right beside an open area where several people were laying on hospital beds.  Some were hooked up to machines, some were sleeping.  A young doctor made his rounds as I waited.  Soon, I was sent with a nurse to the closed wing of the hospital where vaccinations are given.  Since it was Day of the Dead, we passed an altar in the hallway - the picture on the altar looked like maybe it was for a doctor who had worked there previously.

   I was given a shot to my face (directly into the wound! crazy), posterior, and arm.  I was also told to come back for the rest of the vaccine series.  So, my whole week was kind of thrown off by continued visits to rural hospital #36.

   I went back Tuesday for my second shot, and greeting me at the entrance was a cardboard cutout of an indigenous woman with a sign that said, "This is your hosptial," both in Spanish and in the native language.  If the lack of other white people didn't do it, this made it quite clear I was out of my element here.  It made me chuckle a little - then I went inside and there I saw a woman dressed exactly like the cardboard cut out.  Wow! - that is a super effective marketing tool.

   Thankfully I had already been to the preventative medicine part of the hospital, so I was able to act like I knew what I was doing and go up to the appropriate window.  I sat amongst parents rocking their newborn babies while I waited for my shots.  One interesting thing is that it seemed like more often than not, both parents were there with their little baby.  I thought that was nice.

   I returned Friday for my final shot and was thankful to not have to go back again.  I am also thankful to report that my face seems to be healing very well - and the dog continues to not be rabid.  I'm thankful that the bite was not a worse bite or near my eye.

   I'm glad it was a dog I know and not a dog from the streets.  I'm thankful for friends and coworkers who helped me out in my time of need.  I'm thankful that the first doctor's costs were minimal and the following visits were free.

   I'm even thankful it happened on Halloween, so it didn't seem so weird to have jagged tears in my face.  And, though I still don't want to have to go to the doctor again here, I'm thankful that I now have that experience under my belt.

In everything give thanks; 
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

Bonus Photo of the Week

In case you've noticed my lack of posts lately, I want to apologize for my internet absence this past week.  The internet here has been quite spotty (you may recall my post about being disconnected).  Ironically, just before I could post this yesterday, the internet went out again - so I better make this quick :).

Another beautiful sunrise - God is so good. :)

Photo of the Week: A Good Story

This week I looked up from my "desk" to see one of our sixth grade boys reading Olivia: The Princess :).  I like that our kids so enjoy reading - and that they seem to enjoy almost any book if it has a good story.

Second Chances

Ah, that classic sex-ed class project where the students are given eggs to take care of for a time - to get a very small taste of the demands of parenthood.  Our sixth grade class got their fresh-from-the-farm eggs in August and were very excited.  Their teacher is very engaging and had the kids register their newborns with the government (i.e. they thought of a name for the egg and came to him so he could write it down on a list).  I took pictures, we had high hopes for the future, and it was an exciting time.

Those of you who remember my June post about the garden behind the school might not be surprised to find out though, that the eggs didn't last long.  In fact, half of them didn't even make it for 24 hours.  I could hardly believe it.  Within two days 6 of 7 eggs had broken, and the kids decided to kidnap the last one and smash it.  What?

That sure didn't go as planned.  The teacher decided to give them another chance, so I went to a local corner store and bought more eggs.  I met with the studnets Sunday morning before church to deliver their new babies.  However, before turning them over, I decided to make one thing very clear.

Kidnapping would not be an option.  Some eggs broke because they were not careful, but from what I heard, others broke because they were playing and intentionally took them from each other and broke them.  Not that I think these kids will ever kidnap anyone in the future, but I told them that kidnappers in real life are punished, and those who kill kids even more so - so if I heard anything about them taking each others eggs and breaking them, I would take on the role of the police and there would be consequences. 

Not only that, but I also mentioned that if we were to find a baby unattended, surely we would do something to help take care of that baby until the parents could be found - and I expected them to act accordingly.

I think that, even before my warning, they had begun to realize that this was a more serious assignment than they originally took it to be.  The first eggs lasted only 1-2 days, and I'm happy to report the new eggs all lasted nearly a whole month - to the point when they were getting rather... ripe.

As with the garden, this experiment showed me how some of these kids have been pretty severely damaged in life and don't know how to care for something/someone else properly.  It also reminded me that instead of saying they've failed, it is instead an opportunity to let them try again with further help and instruction.

I'm thankful to serve a God of second chances.