We made a run to SAM's Club this evening to find out how to break our monthly budget. We not only discovered how to do that and do it emphatically, I found a 4 lb bag of Diamond brand mixed nuts...not in a can...in a bag...with the shells still on! Yes! It's a long-lost Christmas tradition in our family to have such nuts available on a table or counter or as they are right now, in a bowl on my lap.
The perennial problem is...how to crack open those stubborn Brazil nuts. I thought I'd heard one could freeze them but I wasn't sure so I did a quick search. Sure enough...aside from boiling them for a few minutes, one can freeze them. Here's the nutcracker tip of the day:
Tip for cracking open Brazil nuts
Step 1 Freeze nuts, especially Brazil nuts, or soak them in water for several hours before cracking.
Step 2 Stand frozen nuts with the point facing up and hit with a hard object, such as a hammer, to crack.
Step 3 Crack soaked nuts with a nutcracker. Place the nut in the grip of the nutcracker so that the seam of the shell is subjected to the direct force.
Step 4 Use minimum force necessary to split the shell when squeezing, in order to avoid crushing the nut kernel inside. Rotate the nut while squeezing so the shell cracks slowly.
Step 5 Extract the kernel from the shell.
Step 6 Allow the kernels of soaked nuts to dry for a few hours after cracking.
Of course, none of this is really all that helpful to me. I have no intention on freezing them. There's something oddly satisfying in burrowing through a Brazil nut with every means possible and a few which should not have been considered possible in the first place.
On a side note (to this side note) my mother was once told that her body was selenium-deficient and that she could buy and take an expensive supplement pill or she could simply eat a Brazil nut every day. She chose the Brazil nut option which seems quite fitting for members of my family. We've rarely met a nut we didn't like. Takes one to know one I guess.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Through the Eyes of a Child
Yesterday we began our celebration of Christmas, the Advent of our Savior and Lord. Jason and Kristin were unable to join us due to a planned visit from some of Jason's relatives from the state of Michoacan. So, we had a time of worship as a family and followed that by pulling out many boxes of decorations, the tree, etc. and setting it all up.
Grandma decided she didn't want to set up her little Christmas tree and wooden nativity so she offered it to Dayton to set up as "his" tree and nativity. It appears the manger still had some animal feed in it...the critters are really moving in there.
This morning Beth noticed that the pewter nativity scene had undergone a change from last night. Dayton loves to play with these things and as you can see, he decided it would be better for the angel to keep the shepherd away from the baby while the magi have their turn (probably a couple years early to the story). Nonetheless, it appears that baby Jesus is well protected.
As you probably know, the magi were not there at the nativity scene...animals were probably not there either...at least not exactly in close proximity. The manger was probably not a wooden box with hay. We don't really know exactly, do we?
Nonetheless, these little scenes are generally much more accurate than the ones we see here in public plazas. These scenes usually contain witnesses to the nativity that include Catholic priests and monks and nuns gazing upon the baby, and devils peering through windows.
Actually, Scripture tells us the angels looked on in wonder at what this all meant, and I do suspect the Devil and his minions were not far away either, looking on with twisted wonder as well. Through the annals of time, it would be just a few short years before the heel of the Messiah would be bruised and the head of the serpent, Satan, and the curse of sin and death would be crushed.
Praise God for Immanuel, God with us, who came and conquered and who will come again and visibly reign.
Grandma decided she didn't want to set up her little Christmas tree and wooden nativity so she offered it to Dayton to set up as "his" tree and nativity. It appears the manger still had some animal feed in it...the critters are really moving in there.
This morning Beth noticed that the pewter nativity scene had undergone a change from last night. Dayton loves to play with these things and as you can see, he decided it would be better for the angel to keep the shepherd away from the baby while the magi have their turn (probably a couple years early to the story). Nonetheless, it appears that baby Jesus is well protected.
As you probably know, the magi were not there at the nativity scene...animals were probably not there either...at least not exactly in close proximity. The manger was probably not a wooden box with hay. We don't really know exactly, do we?
Nonetheless, these little scenes are generally much more accurate than the ones we see here in public plazas. These scenes usually contain witnesses to the nativity that include Catholic priests and monks and nuns gazing upon the baby, and devils peering through windows.
Actually, Scripture tells us the angels looked on in wonder at what this all meant, and I do suspect the Devil and his minions were not far away either, looking on with twisted wonder as well. Through the annals of time, it would be just a few short years before the heel of the Messiah would be bruised and the head of the serpent, Satan, and the curse of sin and death would be crushed.
Praise God for Immanuel, God with us, who came and conquered and who will come again and visibly reign.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
2009 CAMEX Family Conference
We were missing a few families but it was still a great time together in Fortín, Veracruz. We love our CAM Mexico family...and all our other CAMers too. We're so glad we share the same Spirit, joy in Jesus and fellowship through the Father!
While we missed having a real turkey and all the trappings and most of our relatives, we all have much to thank God. It was a blessing to share our thanks with and for each other. May Jesus Christ be praised!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Conference Time!
Every year about this time we have a couple of days of fellowship, spiritual renewal and relaxation. This year marks the third in a row that we've held this in the state of Veracruz in the mountain town of Cordoba at Hotel Fortín de Las Flores. The area is lush and green and sometimes the Volcán Orizaba is visible but often it is obscured by clouds. These photos are from last year and we did get a good photo op one morning before the clouds blossomed around it.
Pray for our 5-6 hour travel there and back (Tuesday and Friday) and also that the missionary body will be encouraged, edified and recharged for ministry all over central Mexico. I think we'll have some turkey on Thursday which would be a nice touch of home for Thanksgiving Day.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Another Reminder
Last year I thought about purchasing a motorcycle as an economical way to get around town and especially for teaching English classes at the community center. After much thought and some investigation, including a test ride on a co-worker's motorcycle, I came to the conclusion that the conditions here are rather dangerous for motorcyclists, given the unpredictable road hazards that present themselves on any and every roadway here, the fact that I discovered that even after just a few minutes' test ride my hips hurt so badly that I had trouble walking for a few days, and finally the unpredictable and poor driving habits of so many auto and truck drivers raise the risks even more so.
I was reminded of this today as I skimmed the online local newspaper and came across this headline photo for the police blotter...a motorcyclist who had a run-in with a car at an intersection (not sure who was at fault but I could easily imagine either one or both!). Either way...it looks terribly painful for the motorcyclist:
I was reminded of this today as I skimmed the online local newspaper and came across this headline photo for the police blotter...a motorcyclist who had a run-in with a car at an intersection (not sure who was at fault but I could easily imagine either one or both!). Either way...it looks terribly painful for the motorcyclist:
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The Sound of Music
We finished watching The Sound of Music with the boys tonight. It took 2 nights to get it all viewed.
Dayton laughed hysterically when he heard "I am 16 going on 17" because that song was in some modern movie he'd seen. He also nearly fell off the couch laughing when Captain Von Trapp was being lectured by Fraulein Maria about his lack of interest in his children and in his haste to cut her off he called her "Captain." Funny...I didn't even remember that line but then again...I hadn't watched this film since my childhood.
Cameron was disappointed that no one got killed because yesterday I said there was a "war part" toward the end (trying to be sure they kept their interest when the romantic scene finally reared its ugly head and there was kissing and singing and more kissing). He also said he recognized some of the songs from somewhere else (he doesn't remember where) and he's glad to know where those songs came from now.
I'd say that overall it was a success...the boys learned something new and musically-based and no one got killed. What more can I ask for?!? (sounds like choir practice...LOL!)
Dayton laughed hysterically when he heard "I am 16 going on 17" because that song was in some modern movie he'd seen. He also nearly fell off the couch laughing when Captain Von Trapp was being lectured by Fraulein Maria about his lack of interest in his children and in his haste to cut her off he called her "Captain." Funny...I didn't even remember that line but then again...I hadn't watched this film since my childhood.
Cameron was disappointed that no one got killed because yesterday I said there was a "war part" toward the end (trying to be sure they kept their interest when the romantic scene finally reared its ugly head and there was kissing and singing and more kissing). He also said he recognized some of the songs from somewhere else (he doesn't remember where) and he's glad to know where those songs came from now.
I'd say that overall it was a success...the boys learned something new and musically-based and no one got killed. What more can I ask for?!? (sounds like choir practice...LOL!)
Stuff We Did
In the past two weeks or so we've done a few interesting things that didn't make the blog, but I did finally download the photos from my camera which reminded me to hang them up here for you to see.
We enjoyed a birthday party for Daniel Colorado who turned 12. Who is Daniel? He's a student in my (Alan's) literature circle, the PE class I help with and also Beth's science class. His sister Bethany is also in those classes and she turned 13 just the week before.
Their parents, Enrique and Blanca, are Mexican missionaries from Puebla to the remote areas around Camp Koinonia. They have seen the fingerprints of God in remarkable ways in their ministry up there and through many trials and even persecution, they have remained faithful in their witness and their discipleship of over 10 "campesinos" (country folk) who have come to faith in Christ through their efforts. It's a blessing to know them and to enjoy their family.
Our T2 teammates, Brock and Heather Hower, are next door neighbors to the Colorado family and during the little party, they enjoyed a chilly ride on their 4-wheeler. The picture is blurry but that's pretty much what it's like to ride a 4-wheeler. Yes, there's at least 5 of them on there too...wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't more hidden behind Heather!
Beth also shared her life's testimony with our team recently using the "Post-It Not Method." Basically, you put your life's highlights on different colored post-it notes with each of the three colors representing a positive experience, a negative experience and a so-so experience. I learned a few things about my lovely wife and was relieved that meeting me was on the positive color! Whew! I was a little nervous leading up to that one...ha-ha!
We enjoyed a birthday party for Daniel Colorado who turned 12. Who is Daniel? He's a student in my (Alan's) literature circle, the PE class I help with and also Beth's science class. His sister Bethany is also in those classes and she turned 13 just the week before.
Their parents, Enrique and Blanca, are Mexican missionaries from Puebla to the remote areas around Camp Koinonia. They have seen the fingerprints of God in remarkable ways in their ministry up there and through many trials and even persecution, they have remained faithful in their witness and their discipleship of over 10 "campesinos" (country folk) who have come to faith in Christ through their efforts. It's a blessing to know them and to enjoy their family.
Our T2 teammates, Brock and Heather Hower, are next door neighbors to the Colorado family and during the little party, they enjoyed a chilly ride on their 4-wheeler. The picture is blurry but that's pretty much what it's like to ride a 4-wheeler. Yes, there's at least 5 of them on there too...wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't more hidden behind Heather!
Beth also shared her life's testimony with our team recently using the "Post-It Not Method." Basically, you put your life's highlights on different colored post-it notes with each of the three colors representing a positive experience, a negative experience and a so-so experience. I learned a few things about my lovely wife and was relieved that meeting me was on the positive color! Whew! I was a little nervous leading up to that one...ha-ha!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Food for Thought
We find that life can get spiritually dry at times. We spend a lot of our time in ministry activities doing what you'd expect missionaries to do...ministering to others. It takes some extra effort to find spiritual refreshment for ourselves. Often that's a challenge because often there's no other outlet or I should say "inlet" other than ourselves, our Bible and the Holy Spirit. One would think that should be enough, right? Is it enough for you?
Well...that's a tough one to answer. My head says that should be enough but my experience says otherwise. Faulty experience on top of my faulty head, no doubt. It's for this reason that many of us enjoy attending conferences and seminars and special speakers, etc. We really don't get that kind of opportunity very often. I have never met any of the "high profile" American speakers down here. I suppose they don't speak Spanish and wouldn't think to come down here to speak in my living room.
When we're in the U.S. where we have a chance to receive some good preaching input, generally I am the one doing the speaking so that pretty much nixes the "good preaching input" idea. Preaching is a bit of a stretch for me but I generally enjoy it at least as a teacher who likes having a classroom to address. However, that doesn't really fit the description of receiving spiritual input and food from someone else! So...the springs of refreshment are generally few and far between all year round...most every year.
Once a year we have a conference here with a special speaker who usually comes from afar and this is usually quite refreshing. Conference is next week and we're looking forward to that for reason of spiritual refreshment along with the "food, fun & fellowship" that generally rounds out the common fare of Conference for our enjoyment.
Today I happened upon a source of some great messages on iTunes University (on iTunes). These are free and I greedily consumed three consecutive messages by one of my favorites, Ravi Zacharias. He gave these messages at Seattle Pacific University chapel sessions during the 1983-1984 school year. That doesn't sound to me as dated as it really is now, but in typical Ravi Z. fashion, his timeless content never fails to provoke some serious thinking.
After listening to Ravi's "Is There Not A Cause," "Is There Not a Cost," and "Is There Not a Correspondence," I stumbled across another chapel sermon from 1997-1998 entitled "Cultural Confrontation: Wrestling with Rebellious Stories" and delivered by a Jewish rabbi and author, Chaim Potok. It may seem unusual for a Christian college to host an unbelieving Jewish man to give a chapel message. While his "tradition" is not in agreement with Christianity in the areas that are most important, he has a grasp of humanity that is not to be overlooked. My father-in-law used one of Potok's books as required reading at Moody Bible Institute for much the same reason I suspect. Potok has some deep understanding of world view and of how people really interact with what we truly believe in our heart of hearts. I can appreciate that.
So, this evening (now night since I was pleasantly interrupted for the past two hours by a refreshing phone call from a very good friend from the U.S. who keeps up with my spiritual accountability without telling me that's what he's doing...and is always a blessing to chat with), I wanted to share a funny story Potok told about when he published his third book, My Name is Asher Lev.
Potok went to Miami, FL for the formal publication of that book (which would have been around 1972) and after some formalities and a brief ceremony at a local bookstore, he went to the beach. Later his mother appeared and told him that people had heard he was around somewhere and were wanting him to autograph his book but not to worry...she signed them for him!
Since he was not yet a famous author this surprised him and he didn't really believe his mother was telling the truth. He figured that she just wanted him to feel good about his career choice as a story writer since it was not accepted by anyone in his family or those associated with his religious traditions. It amused him that she would make this up but knew she meant well.
Years went by and he happened to mention this story about his mother signing books for him and after the lecture a little old lady came up to him with a copy of My Name is Asher Lev. She opened it up and there it was signed, "Molly Potok (mother of the author, Chaim Potok)." He was astounded to find that the story was true! The lady then asked him if he would sign underneath his mother's signature as follows: "Chaim Potok (son of Molly Potok, the mother of Chaim Potok)."
In case you didn't think names and relationships aren't all that important.
Sincerely,
Alan McManus (son of the father and mother of Alan McManus)
Well...that's a tough one to answer. My head says that should be enough but my experience says otherwise. Faulty experience on top of my faulty head, no doubt. It's for this reason that many of us enjoy attending conferences and seminars and special speakers, etc. We really don't get that kind of opportunity very often. I have never met any of the "high profile" American speakers down here. I suppose they don't speak Spanish and wouldn't think to come down here to speak in my living room.
When we're in the U.S. where we have a chance to receive some good preaching input, generally I am the one doing the speaking so that pretty much nixes the "good preaching input" idea. Preaching is a bit of a stretch for me but I generally enjoy it at least as a teacher who likes having a classroom to address. However, that doesn't really fit the description of receiving spiritual input and food from someone else! So...the springs of refreshment are generally few and far between all year round...most every year.
Once a year we have a conference here with a special speaker who usually comes from afar and this is usually quite refreshing. Conference is next week and we're looking forward to that for reason of spiritual refreshment along with the "food, fun & fellowship" that generally rounds out the common fare of Conference for our enjoyment.
Today I happened upon a source of some great messages on iTunes University (on iTunes). These are free and I greedily consumed three consecutive messages by one of my favorites, Ravi Zacharias. He gave these messages at Seattle Pacific University chapel sessions during the 1983-1984 school year. That doesn't sound to me as dated as it really is now, but in typical Ravi Z. fashion, his timeless content never fails to provoke some serious thinking.
After listening to Ravi's "Is There Not A Cause," "Is There Not a Cost," and "Is There Not a Correspondence," I stumbled across another chapel sermon from 1997-1998 entitled "Cultural Confrontation: Wrestling with Rebellious Stories" and delivered by a Jewish rabbi and author, Chaim Potok. It may seem unusual for a Christian college to host an unbelieving Jewish man to give a chapel message. While his "tradition" is not in agreement with Christianity in the areas that are most important, he has a grasp of humanity that is not to be overlooked. My father-in-law used one of Potok's books as required reading at Moody Bible Institute for much the same reason I suspect. Potok has some deep understanding of world view and of how people really interact with what we truly believe in our heart of hearts. I can appreciate that.
So, this evening (now night since I was pleasantly interrupted for the past two hours by a refreshing phone call from a very good friend from the U.S. who keeps up with my spiritual accountability without telling me that's what he's doing...and is always a blessing to chat with), I wanted to share a funny story Potok told about when he published his third book, My Name is Asher Lev.
Potok went to Miami, FL for the formal publication of that book (which would have been around 1972) and after some formalities and a brief ceremony at a local bookstore, he went to the beach. Later his mother appeared and told him that people had heard he was around somewhere and were wanting him to autograph his book but not to worry...she signed them for him!
Since he was not yet a famous author this surprised him and he didn't really believe his mother was telling the truth. He figured that she just wanted him to feel good about his career choice as a story writer since it was not accepted by anyone in his family or those associated with his religious traditions. It amused him that she would make this up but knew she meant well.
Years went by and he happened to mention this story about his mother signing books for him and after the lecture a little old lady came up to him with a copy of My Name is Asher Lev. She opened it up and there it was signed, "Molly Potok (mother of the author, Chaim Potok)." He was astounded to find that the story was true! The lady then asked him if he would sign underneath his mother's signature as follows: "Chaim Potok (son of Molly Potok, the mother of Chaim Potok)."
In case you didn't think names and relationships aren't all that important.
Sincerely,
Alan McManus (son of the father and mother of Alan McManus)
Monday, November 16, 2009
Revisionist 6th Grade History
Overheard in Cameron's history lesson today:
"The Pilgrims would have starved to death if it hadn't been for Squanto who...showed them how to get to Wal-Mart."
(Yeah...I know, I know...there were no Wal-Marts back then just Piggly-Wigglys.)
"The Pilgrims would have starved to death if it hadn't been for Squanto who...showed them how to get to Wal-Mart."
(Yeah...I know, I know...there were no Wal-Marts back then just Piggly-Wigglys.)
Friday, November 13, 2009
Great News!
You might remember a couple we worked with for a couple years in the local church as we helped the youth ministry there. Juan and Carmen have been good friends and Beth tutored their two high school kids all of last year (in math) and some this year as needed.
They've been through some very tough times with Juan having lost his job at PPG (Pittsburgh Paint and Glass Co.) here in San Juan two years ago. He had high hopes for a couple of opportunities that fell through. One of them was in Mexico City with the electric company there. I recall him mentioning this over a year ago about how if he paid some money he could get in line for a job there because he has a relative or two working for this same company. At the time I thought that this sounded about right for Mexico. A month or so ago the president of Mexico (Calderon) abruptly and apparently without warning shut down this "company" that provides electrical service for much, if not all, of the Mexico City area. The organization had 55,000 employees but apparently over half of them didn't even work and yet all received nice salaries and benefits. It was a racket of Mexico City-sized proportions. Needless to say, he never did work there and even if he had, he'd be out on the street now anyway.
Carmen called today to tell us that Juan is now working at a plastics company in Silao, Guanajuato. The company makes plastic parts for vehicles and Juan is going to be a supervisor of an aspect of quality control. He was involved in QC work for PPG so has some applicable training and experience in this area.
Carmen was very excited about this and so are we. They've really struggled to make it and Juan has been struggling with a bit of depression or at least discouragement from the lack of progress in finding a job and not being able to care for his family as he would like. He's in a 4 month trial period and we're praying this will become a permanent job for him.
Silao is about 30 minutes from León where they will probably move to should this become permanent. We'll miss them if they move but knowing some of their struggles here with schooling and church and work...this might be just the ideal time and place for them over there. León is a drive of about 2 1/2 hours from here.
We hope to have them over for a nice dinner sometime in December when they're able to come on a weekend.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Birthday Gift for Jesus?
Last year our family decided to save up so we could buy a "birthday gift for Jesus." At Christmas-time we used our boys' savings and our own to buy food baskets to share with some unsaved families we know who also don't have much money for themselves. It was a great experience and I'm sure we'll enjoy giving again this year.
If you and and/or your family would like some ideas for giving at this time of year, please consider the many projects sponsored through CAM International throughout Latin America. The gifts are monetary but funds are translated into very real and tangible items used in ministries of all kinds. There are dozens and dozens of projects, and you may find a particular need that touches your heart.
We were in the U.S. and traveling during the time that these projects were submitted. At the time we couldn't think of anything to submit even though we knew there must be items we could use in our ministry here. We do have some special needs in our ministry and we'd be happy to share those with you if you're interested. Send us an email if you'd like to know more. I may even post a list here on the blog.
Thanks...and we hope you'll take some time to visit the Christmas at CAM website for many opportunities that will "touch the world, one life at a time."
http://www.christmasatcam.org/
If you and and/or your family would like some ideas for giving at this time of year, please consider the many projects sponsored through CAM International throughout Latin America. The gifts are monetary but funds are translated into very real and tangible items used in ministries of all kinds. There are dozens and dozens of projects, and you may find a particular need that touches your heart.
We were in the U.S. and traveling during the time that these projects were submitted. At the time we couldn't think of anything to submit even though we knew there must be items we could use in our ministry here. We do have some special needs in our ministry and we'd be happy to share those with you if you're interested. Send us an email if you'd like to know more. I may even post a list here on the blog.
Thanks...and we hope you'll take some time to visit the Christmas at CAM website for many opportunities that will "touch the world, one life at a time."
http://www.christmasatcam.org/
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Homecoming
Beth's mother who shares our home and has an apartment upstairs returned home late last night. She had been in the U.S. for two missions conferences and to visit the Allem family who have 9 of her 18 grandchildren. She was gone about a month.
Her plane leaving Greensboro, NC yesterday morning had mechanical problems so she she was delayed by about 7 hours. I picked her up from the bus station in Querétaro late and arrived home after 1 a.m. and got to bed a 2 a.m. I was dead to the world until about 10 a.m. I guess I need my 8 hours of sleep. Even so...coffee and eggs were a welcome breakfast to help me ease off the headache. I guess I'm getting too old for these late nights!
Kristin is here for Bible study and lunch. She did say that Jason is now working 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays thru Thursdays. What a tough schedule. Pray for them!
Her plane leaving Greensboro, NC yesterday morning had mechanical problems so she she was delayed by about 7 hours. I picked her up from the bus station in Querétaro late and arrived home after 1 a.m. and got to bed a 2 a.m. I was dead to the world until about 10 a.m. I guess I need my 8 hours of sleep. Even so...coffee and eggs were a welcome breakfast to help me ease off the headache. I guess I'm getting too old for these late nights!
Kristin is here for Bible study and lunch. She did say that Jason is now working 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays thru Thursdays. What a tough schedule. Pray for them!
Monday, November 09, 2009
Routine is Happening
I'm sorry the blog has been rather dead the past few weeks. Basically, I blame routine. That's not to say routine is unwelcome nor a bad thing. Routine just doesn't seem terribly interesting for blog posts.
So, I could report that we're still having Bible studies with Jason and Kristin, tutoring one or more math students each week, teaching our co-op classes science, literature, and physical education, and hosting Sunday morning worship and fellowship in our home. I just don't think it makes for an interesting blog to mention that every, single week!
However, there have been a few non-routine items I can mention, so here's one of the more interesting ones to share today.
Last week, Jason took on some overtime at work. For him this is a big deal because his American textile employer has not offered overtime all year until now. This was an optional opportunity, but he jumped at the chance to take it. Keep in mind that in Mexico, a legal work week is 48 hours (not 40 as in the U.S.). So, overtime means working more than 48 hours in a week.
He told me a week ago that he would be working 12 hours a day Monday-Thursday (7 a.m. to 7 p.m....that's a full 48 hours) and then his normal 8 hour shifts on Friday and Saturday for 64 hours total. Yesterday, he mentioned he wasn't getting home until 8:30 p.m. instead of 7:30 p.m. so I think he could be working 13 hours a day for a total of 68 hours. That's a pretty full week for a factory worker I would think.
What's hard to understand is that the last time he worked OT, his paycheck was about $20 less than during a normal week! Isn't that crazy?!? They told him it was to cover the increase in taxes. What in the world?!? I suspect that this wouldn't be the case every time but that's incomprehensible, especially for someone who makes just a few hundred dollars a month (in pesos of course).
Kristin mentioned to Beth recently that they want to buy a new mattress for Christmas. Their old mattress is killing their backs and the springs have been popping and poking through. They just snip them off to make it tolerable. Yikes!
I assumed that the OT work from now to their 2 week Christmas break would pay for their mattress, but yesterday they said that when the plant shuts down for those 2 weeks at Christmas, they don't pay the employees! So, by working all of this OT time over 6 weeks, Jason is basically trying to cover the loss of those 2 weeks of upcoming pay!
Welcome to the world of work in Mexico. Most people can never get ahead. And working full-time in a factory like this is considered a GOOD job by a lot of people here.
Unfortunately, due to all these hours, Jason has very little time with his family during the week, and while he's been able to keep up with our chapter a day Bible readings, he hasn't been able to write out our assignments. I told him the main thing was to stay consistent with the reading even if he couldn't get the writing done. No problem.
So we decided yesterday to just go over our Bible readings on Sundays when they're here for worship, fellowship, and lunch. We always have them join us for our Sunday meal which is a great way to deepen our fellowship and further our discipleship of them as a couple. It also helps them a little bit with their tight food budget. It's great to be able to share some with them.
There you have it...our little piece of news picked out of the middle of the routine. Hope it was worth your time to read it. Thanks for dropping by!
So, I could report that we're still having Bible studies with Jason and Kristin, tutoring one or more math students each week, teaching our co-op classes science, literature, and physical education, and hosting Sunday morning worship and fellowship in our home. I just don't think it makes for an interesting blog to mention that every, single week!
However, there have been a few non-routine items I can mention, so here's one of the more interesting ones to share today.
Last week, Jason took on some overtime at work. For him this is a big deal because his American textile employer has not offered overtime all year until now. This was an optional opportunity, but he jumped at the chance to take it. Keep in mind that in Mexico, a legal work week is 48 hours (not 40 as in the U.S.). So, overtime means working more than 48 hours in a week.
He told me a week ago that he would be working 12 hours a day Monday-Thursday (7 a.m. to 7 p.m....that's a full 48 hours) and then his normal 8 hour shifts on Friday and Saturday for 64 hours total. Yesterday, he mentioned he wasn't getting home until 8:30 p.m. instead of 7:30 p.m. so I think he could be working 13 hours a day for a total of 68 hours. That's a pretty full week for a factory worker I would think.
What's hard to understand is that the last time he worked OT, his paycheck was about $20 less than during a normal week! Isn't that crazy?!? They told him it was to cover the increase in taxes. What in the world?!? I suspect that this wouldn't be the case every time but that's incomprehensible, especially for someone who makes just a few hundred dollars a month (in pesos of course).
Kristin mentioned to Beth recently that they want to buy a new mattress for Christmas. Their old mattress is killing their backs and the springs have been popping and poking through. They just snip them off to make it tolerable. Yikes!
I assumed that the OT work from now to their 2 week Christmas break would pay for their mattress, but yesterday they said that when the plant shuts down for those 2 weeks at Christmas, they don't pay the employees! So, by working all of this OT time over 6 weeks, Jason is basically trying to cover the loss of those 2 weeks of upcoming pay!
Welcome to the world of work in Mexico. Most people can never get ahead. And working full-time in a factory like this is considered a GOOD job by a lot of people here.
Unfortunately, due to all these hours, Jason has very little time with his family during the week, and while he's been able to keep up with our chapter a day Bible readings, he hasn't been able to write out our assignments. I told him the main thing was to stay consistent with the reading even if he couldn't get the writing done. No problem.
So we decided yesterday to just go over our Bible readings on Sundays when they're here for worship, fellowship, and lunch. We always have them join us for our Sunday meal which is a great way to deepen our fellowship and further our discipleship of them as a couple. It also helps them a little bit with their tight food budget. It's great to be able to share some with them.
There you have it...our little piece of news picked out of the middle of the routine. Hope it was worth your time to read it. Thanks for dropping by!
Thursday, November 05, 2009
"A Few Thoughts From Fort Hood"
We were blessed to visit our good friends and supporters at Fort Hood, TX for a night in both July and in September at both ends of our home assignment travel. I doubt anyone has not heard the news of the tragic fatal shooting that took place there today at Fort Hood.
Captain Mark Olson is a good friend from my high school and youth group and later from my alma mater, Bryan College. He is an active member of the U.S. Army serving both God and country as a chaplain. Captain Olson has served a term in Iraq and just this summer returned from a year of service there.
In the aftermath of the killings there today, he was responsible to make some of the notifications of death to families who suffered the loss of their beloved soldiers. With his permission, I'd like to share with you what he had to say in a note he posted tonight on Facebook:
Thanks everyone for your prayers and concern. Today, many American Heroes lost their lives in a place where their lives should have been the safest. We are all shocked, and in so many ways, our world is rocked. But.... we are America, and we will drive on. Let me be very clear... what happened here today was a tragedy, but the man who committed these crimes is a coward! What he did was not the result of "Combat Stress" or "Battle Fatigue" but a terrible act of cowardice. CNN is rambling on and on about this being the result of our military forces being tired and broken. WE ARE NOT BROKEN! NOR WILL WE BE BROKEN! Believe me when I tell you that the young men (and old ones too) and women who make up our armed forces are as committed as ever to finishing this fight and to keeping America safe from future acts of cowardice. Please keep us in your prayers tonight as we wrestle with the reality of what happened here today. Tomorrow, our Soldiers will take the day off to minister to the wounded and other survivors, but Monday, we will drive on once again. - Captain Mark Olson
Captain Mark Olson is a good friend from my high school and youth group and later from my alma mater, Bryan College. He is an active member of the U.S. Army serving both God and country as a chaplain. Captain Olson has served a term in Iraq and just this summer returned from a year of service there.
In the aftermath of the killings there today, he was responsible to make some of the notifications of death to families who suffered the loss of their beloved soldiers. With his permission, I'd like to share with you what he had to say in a note he posted tonight on Facebook:
Thanks everyone for your prayers and concern. Today, many American Heroes lost their lives in a place where their lives should have been the safest. We are all shocked, and in so many ways, our world is rocked. But.... we are America, and we will drive on. Let me be very clear... what happened here today was a tragedy, but the man who committed these crimes is a coward! What he did was not the result of "Combat Stress" or "Battle Fatigue" but a terrible act of cowardice. CNN is rambling on and on about this being the result of our military forces being tired and broken. WE ARE NOT BROKEN! NOR WILL WE BE BROKEN! Believe me when I tell you that the young men (and old ones too) and women who make up our armed forces are as committed as ever to finishing this fight and to keeping America safe from future acts of cowardice. Please keep us in your prayers tonight as we wrestle with the reality of what happened here today. Tomorrow, our Soldiers will take the day off to minister to the wounded and other survivors, but Monday, we will drive on once again. - Captain Mark Olson
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
A Birthday and a Pumpkin
I turned 43 this past Monday. On Sunday after our morning home worship time with Jason, Kristin and Justin, we celebrated with an "imported" birthday cake. That's Justin on the left and Dayton on the right and Jason over Dayton.On Monday we thought maybe we'd go out to lunch at a favorite place but remembered that since my birthday is a national and religious holiday here (Day of the Dead...ironic isn't it?!), that most places, including our favorite restaurant, were closed. Oh well...we had leftovers instead (ironic isn't it?!). That's OK...we'd already eaten at Applebee's the week before and I had gone out with a fellow missionary too so...I think I was treated enough already!
One of my favorite cakes that we learned how to make from one of my sister-in-laws years ago was our special treat for the day. About half the ingredients aren't available here so we brought them back with us from our recent home assignment.
It's a yellow cake, with vanilla pudding, crushed pineapple (Beth used the juice in the cake batter) and topped with a layer of Cool-Whip (ok...Wal-Mart brand). The whipped non-dairy topping is itself topped with pecan halves and shredded coconut. It's served cold from the fridge and is best after about 4 days to let the moisture permeate the cake. I think today is day four...and there's maybe one more bite left!
Since I downloaded Kristin's photos onto my computer so she could send some pictures to her family in the States, I figured I might as well share Justin's Halloween pictures. I'm not sure where they found this costume but he makes a cute pumpkin. He didn't want to wear the tights (he's only 3 years old and conscientious about wearing tights?!?), but if you want candy you gotta do what you gotta do, right?Believe it or not, Mexican culture has discovered "Trick or Treating." I remember this being a highlight of the year as a kid...but I distinctly remember carrying a small brown paper bag. I see that in the spirit selflessness so as to make sure all the neighbors get some candy too, we're now using 1 gallon buckets! LOL! Oh well...it matched the costume so that was the point I'm sure.
What's really funny to us is that most kids here who do this don't know how to say "Trick or Treat!" They say, "Queremos Al-o-wean" (phonetic pronunciation)...or "We want Halloween!" It's worth giving out some candy to the neighbor kids just to hear them say that! We try hard to keep a straight face and not laugh too hard!
Of course, it isn't so much that they're embracing American culture but that it's a great opportunity to get free candy from neighbors who feel obligated to give it out. Seriously...they come around two straight nights since October 31 is Halloween and November 1/2 is Day of the Dead. The kids make out like bandits! Man...I should have grown up down here!
If you're wondering, Latin America usually puts the day of the month, then the month and then the year when posting the date. So, the above photos aren't stamped January 11, 2009 as we would normally view that, but November 1, 2009. Just in case someone wonders why these photos appear to be dated so many months ago!
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