So Far So Good!

Greetings to all! We made it safe and sound. Sunday, we went to church at UNIFAM. The first song they were playing during worship was "Open the eyes of my heart, Lord" (they were singing in Spanish, of course, but we were singing along in English). After a good lunch at the Oasis, we went through Plan A, Plan B, Plan C and now we are on Plan C-1. That´s okay - we remember that we are called to be flexible and PIBE.

Sunday afternoon, we went to the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadelupe. It was a very eye-opening experience for us all, as Catholicism is quite different here in Mexico. We observed all those around us with no smiles on their faces, placing their hope and trust not in Jesus, but on golden trinkets and statues. There were many shops even inside the Basilica - the vendors were selling everything imaginable. Then, on the outside, there were people lighting candles that they purchased in the shops, lighting them for a prayer, only for them to be removed an hour later by the maintenance man( we watched as he dumped them in the trash).

On Monday, we started work on the kids center. There is so much that needs to be done. In the past three days, we washed down the walls (they were coated with soot and grease from cars since this was previously a garage), we´ve textured them, patched many spots on the ceiling (we´re getting really good at stucco-ing), and as we speak now, our team is laying rebar for a new concrete floor (the old one is quite crooked), and building a cabinet for tool storage. We have also built workbenches to be used by the streetkids, so they can do crafts and art and sell it to make a decent living. We also took Paty to Walmart and helped her pick out some stuff for the kitchen (all she had was a couple of spoons and a pot to cook with). She cooks meals for the street kids. She is such a sweet lady, and she reaches out to all those who come in the center with love, and treats them as her own children.

We brought with us about 450 pounds of clothes for the center, and it´s a good thing we brought mostly young men´s clothes because they were almost totally out. We have completely restocked the shelves. Thanks to all who contributed!

Our team leader, Mark, sent Steve on several "scavenger hunts" to Home Depot. Jose warned us that it would be different, but we did not believe him.

Tomorrow afternoon, Andrew wants to take us to where the streetkids live. I imagine that, too will be an eye-opening experience.

Friday afternoon, we should go to the pyramids and shopping.

In the course of this week, we have also been introduced and have worked with the missionaries that work here at the center and go to the seminary. We have been able to spend time with them, and even teach them some Oklahoma words, like "fixin to" and "all y´all". We even learned a new word "whichadidcha".

One more thing before we get back to work (Vicki and I snuck out to come post this), we covet your prayers for continued health for the team members, and also for safe travel. You wouldn´t believe Mexico City traffic - imagine Dallas Rush Hour times a zillion! We are not kidding - it may only be 10 miles to get where you´re going, but it will take you an hour to get there.

Ester Lawson, one of the missionaries we met (and rode with - yes, we ARE still alive), told us that it takes about 4 hours just to drive from one side of Mexico City to the other.

Well, we better get back to the jobsite - Marco is probably looking for us as we speak. Until we post again, thanks so much for your continued prayers and support!

In His Service,

Vicki and Aylisa

Countdown to June 2!

Our team from 1st United Methodist Church, Ardmore, OK will leave June 2 for a one-week mission to Mexico City. We will be working on the S.O.S. Drop-In Center in downtown Mexico City. S.O.S. stands for Save Our Streetkids. There are 31 million people living in Mexico City. Approximately 250,000 of this population are kids living on the streets-under the streets - and in the sewers.

Our task is to continue renovation already in progress on the Drop-In Center. This is a place where the kids can come in off the street, eat a hot meal, get a shower and clean clothes. This is also a place where they can hear the Good News-that Christ died for them, and that God cares for them - and that He wants a relationship with them. Therefore, our purpose is to share Christ with these kids in a way that makes a Christian difference in their world.

Please pray for our team, consisting of 10 missioners - and for the kids we will minister to. Also, please pray for the Agnews, a missionary couple currently serving at the Drop-In Center, and for Jose Banales, our OMS International missionary who will accompany us on this trip.

God bless you!