Thursday, November 18, 2010
Well, we have been in Mexico about six weeks and it is wonderful to see how the Lord has orchestrated so many of the details right down to the coveted shower seat Rob has always wanted. Our home more than fulfilled the wish list with regards to safety and close proximity to our hosts Victor and Sonia, being right next door.
Our first few weeks were spent getting settled, hooking up gas appliances,and setting our routines with the kids to be available to serve in the afternoons. We start our day at 7:00 with devotions, breakfast, school at 8:30 to be done by noon. At least that is the ideal.
Dinner here is usually around 3:00, so that has taken me some organizing to adjust t0, as it seems so in the middle of the day.
Recently it seems that the ministry work here has just fallen out of the sky. (Smile!) We are currently developing a missions base for people to come and serve. This has required that we design web sites, brochures, mission statements and announcements for it's launch as well as painting, cleaning and decorating the house. Everything has been quite effortless and natural.
Recently we have started visiting the main orphanages we will be working with, plugging in to see the needs to be able to communicate how people might serve. There is much to do and no job too small. Playing and connecting with the kids is often the most needed job as the den parents are spread thin with the taking care of 40 or more kids.
Our main challenge has been the language. It is so frustrating to be able to only communicate in greetings yet at the same time with the kids a smile and hug speak volumes.
We have just returned from our 2,400 kilometer trek south along the Baja to Vizcaino, Tortuga , San Marcos, and San Bruno. The roads (said loosely), were often excessively windy, gravel or narrow, dotted with overturned semi's and blown out tire remnants, yet the vistas at times were breathtaking.
From the Pacific Ocean, vast endless miles of crusty desert, arid mountains, salt beds, and a real desert oasis, to the beautiful Sea of Cortez we were in awe of the diversity of our Creator. The trek is not for the delicate that is for sure. Sleep helped to keep road sickness at bay.
Bathroom breaks as well toughen the spirit as a 4 inch cactus leaves little room for privacy.
I had to laugh as I perched looking at the many holes that dotted my choice spot, wondering what lived in them, while my most vulnerable aspects were exposed. With such vulnerability, I watched fire ants circle near my tender toes, as a desert hare decides to hop past startling me even further.
So glad my camera was in the car! Rob was such a gentleman to hold a blanket screen, which helped protect the innocent.
The roads often held much delight for the kids as they hit the roof when we would land in a sand trap doing about 90k. The best way to describe it is like being in a desert-driving video game. Rob luckily has experience that at the arcade, which assisted his driving.
Arriving in these little towns, there was an overwhelming welcome from the people, expressing their gratitude that we would consider even stopping. The Pastors often weary from the sheer needs, embraced the encouragement like a cold drink on the desert in the midday sun.
They pour everything they have into the people with such heart, us included.
The churches there receive so little for ministry, it is hard to understand how they even operate, seeing it from our western abundance and programs point of view and yet the passion and the heart are great to serve and love the people with the heart of Jesus. They are hungry for fresh teaching and inspiration from the body of Christ. We came to bless, and once again, the blessing really was ours!
In short it was so cool to be able to to participate even with the language barriers. Communication has been the biggest challenge from person to person while being here, as well as from south to the north within our churches and yet the Lord through his spirit is bridging that gap. So cool to watch it.
This journey continues to unfold the Lord's will for us here, as we begin prayerfully each day, centering on Him to see where He leads, not in ourselves but by leaning on Him.
Our meditations on His word rest our eyes on painted sunsets and azul blue seas, drinking in His creation, filling our road weary bodies between our stops. Gloria a Dios echos from town to town as we chorus in.
The coolest experiences so far, have been a collective worship of women, with a conference in Tortuga and in British Columbia happening at the same time in an unplanned cross continent worship, knitting us together in unity. I was left tearful and filled.
There is the awe of creation, as a pod of whales made its way down the Baja coast as if just for us, and stingrays fly out of the Sea of Cortez as we crossed the water to the Isle of San Marcos. Most memorable though, was witnessing a heart rendered to the cross, surrendered to the mercy of Christ, as tears silently fell in Tortuga, and the pleading faces of children searching for food or comfort through the iron bars of our comfortable mission home in Vizcaino and seeing their joy when their hands were filled. Thanks be to God who provides!
There is so much to do and to be thankful for, I am forever changed, broken by his Love for those whose paths we cross.
Our first few weeks were spent getting settled, hooking up gas appliances,and setting our routines with the kids to be available to serve in the afternoons. We start our day at 7:00 with devotions, breakfast, school at 8:30 to be done by noon. At least that is the ideal.
Dinner here is usually around 3:00, so that has taken me some organizing to adjust t0, as it seems so in the middle of the day.
Recently it seems that the ministry work here has just fallen out of the sky. (Smile!) We are currently developing a missions base for people to come and serve. This has required that we design web sites, brochures, mission statements and announcements for it's launch as well as painting, cleaning and decorating the house. Everything has been quite effortless and natural.
Recently we have started visiting the main orphanages we will be working with, plugging in to see the needs to be able to communicate how people might serve. There is much to do and no job too small. Playing and connecting with the kids is often the most needed job as the den parents are spread thin with the taking care of 40 or more kids.
Our main challenge has been the language. It is so frustrating to be able to only communicate in greetings yet at the same time with the kids a smile and hug speak volumes.
We have just returned from our 2,400 kilometer trek south along the Baja to Vizcaino, Tortuga , San Marcos, and San Bruno. The roads (said loosely), were often excessively windy, gravel or narrow, dotted with overturned semi's and blown out tire remnants, yet the vistas at times were breathtaking.
From the Pacific Ocean, vast endless miles of crusty desert, arid mountains, salt beds, and a real desert oasis, to the beautiful Sea of Cortez we were in awe of the diversity of our Creator. The trek is not for the delicate that is for sure. Sleep helped to keep road sickness at bay.
Bathroom breaks as well toughen the spirit as a 4 inch cactus leaves little room for privacy.
I had to laugh as I perched looking at the many holes that dotted my choice spot, wondering what lived in them, while my most vulnerable aspects were exposed. With such vulnerability, I watched fire ants circle near my tender toes, as a desert hare decides to hop past startling me even further.
So glad my camera was in the car! Rob was such a gentleman to hold a blanket screen, which helped protect the innocent.
The roads often held much delight for the kids as they hit the roof when we would land in a sand trap doing about 90k. The best way to describe it is like being in a desert-driving video game. Rob luckily has experience that at the arcade, which assisted his driving.
Arriving in these little towns, there was an overwhelming welcome from the people, expressing their gratitude that we would consider even stopping. The Pastors often weary from the sheer needs, embraced the encouragement like a cold drink on the desert in the midday sun.
They pour everything they have into the people with such heart, us included.
The churches there receive so little for ministry, it is hard to understand how they even operate, seeing it from our western abundance and programs point of view and yet the passion and the heart are great to serve and love the people with the heart of Jesus. They are hungry for fresh teaching and inspiration from the body of Christ. We came to bless, and once again, the blessing really was ours!
In short it was so cool to be able to to participate even with the language barriers. Communication has been the biggest challenge from person to person while being here, as well as from south to the north within our churches and yet the Lord through his spirit is bridging that gap. So cool to watch it.
This journey continues to unfold the Lord's will for us here, as we begin prayerfully each day, centering on Him to see where He leads, not in ourselves but by leaning on Him.
Our meditations on His word rest our eyes on painted sunsets and azul blue seas, drinking in His creation, filling our road weary bodies between our stops. Gloria a Dios echos from town to town as we chorus in.
The coolest experiences so far, have been a collective worship of women, with a conference in Tortuga and in British Columbia happening at the same time in an unplanned cross continent worship, knitting us together in unity. I was left tearful and filled.
There is the awe of creation, as a pod of whales made its way down the Baja coast as if just for us, and stingrays fly out of the Sea of Cortez as we crossed the water to the Isle of San Marcos. Most memorable though, was witnessing a heart rendered to the cross, surrendered to the mercy of Christ, as tears silently fell in Tortuga, and the pleading faces of children searching for food or comfort through the iron bars of our comfortable mission home in Vizcaino and seeing their joy when their hands were filled. Thanks be to God who provides!
There is so much to do and to be thankful for, I am forever changed, broken by his Love for those whose paths we cross.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Well we have been here two weeks and slowly things are beginning to settle into routine. We have all put ourselves on a new schedule of study to start no later than 8:00 so all of us can be done by noon. This is all of us. Rob is doing online studies while I navigate through the homeschool with the boys. Rob starts an hour earlier so that he can free up the computer.
This weekend Rob is teaching at a little church across from La Posada for an afternoon service. We are currently going to alternate between Calvary Chapel Semilla, a church started through Victor and Sonia, and Calvary Chapel Rosarito, where the services are in both English and Spanish. Hopefully we will get a grasp of the language better that way.
I have attended the once a month ladies bible study and even though it was in Spanish I was able to follow with my English Spanish bible. I could understand more through reading than by listening but it is coming.
I have been asked to share at the Next conference in November. The scriptures are from Psalm 31:10 ~ "her value is far above rubies." I prayed about it and asked the Lord to show me a scripture verse to base my talk on and he gave me, "a wise woman builds up her house."
from Proverbs 14:1.
The Lord gave me this when we were in the process of rebuilding our marriage and now it is even more fitting, as often I have heard my words or tone towards my family and consider the effect.
The tongue is such a beast to harness and gentleness not a trait that I would use to describe myself however one of the fruits of the spirit that begs to be examined against the flesh that holds my bones.
So study begins. Examining my heart before the Word asking Him to show me where I fall short and grateful that He is faithful and amused that He chose that scripture after a huge family move across country.
The boys, well, they are awesome and adjusting well. The only challenge is their loss of freedom as it is not wise to just play outside unless we are there with them. They have made some friends and we have had to instruct them it is not kind to teach wrong words to people and then laugh when they use them wrongly. However the boys they have met have been doing the same in return, but we are to be a witness.
I 'll take the blame for that as that unfortunately is a direct result of my brand of humor, I confess, and continue to pray about.
So other than that this has been a time of setting up home, finding out where to get pure water, configuring our computer to English, acquiring appliances and setting them all up to the gas lines hoping we would survive the first match strike. yay Rob!
One thing I am enjoying is NO TV. What a blessing that is. Every evening is family time. Playing cards, games ,reading, studying or Rob unleashing his ability to tell fantastic stories to the boys. He is so dramatic the boys are mesmerized.
It has been a wonderful time to connect and draw close to each other and the Lord.
This is a visual excerpt from a letter I sent to friend who enjoys a wordy rant so hopefully sharing this will give you a sense of what it is like here:
Every night here is a banquet of fascination and fear as the new sounds test my resolve. As soon as the sun goes down there is a chorus of rabid sounding dogs that begin their nightly hysteria amidst what sounds like a complete lack of mufflers in this country with a burgeoning car rally, coupled with a different fiesta on every corner, in each direction, all playing different tempos of Spanish music.
Weekends bring it all to a different level with a tense crescendo around 3:00 or 4:00 am
A bit unnerving but I am getting used to it.
And right there in a crack of a broken house on a brilliant sunny day this hint of electric fuchsia mingled with incandescent orange Bougainvillea cascading over a sky blue wall stops you in your tracks. Or one dog out of the thousand in varying degrees of dying, that saunters the walk of a happy dog, dare I say, smiling on his way.... to nowhere....yet content as he passes those on a personal suicide mission of lying in the middle of the road oblivious to the car rally about to launch.
Then there are these babies you get to see with coal black eyes the size of saucers anticipating their place in the world with such sweetness it breaks you.
There are some spectacular moments to observe and savor in your spirit just how the Lord manifests his creation in nothing or in what seems little, and yet He does with such precision like the heart surgeon that He is. Continually revealing His majesty in His creation.
It is wonderful to stretch the seeing, past what we come to know as His glory, and see it by the lily that find its way through a join in the concrete to glorify Him as it reaches to the sky, or by a life in humble submission receiving Him as savior this Sunday.
So many moments to be blown away.
I know you would love it and so I try to write as you would hope so that you can SEE it through my words and my heart. Truly beautiful.
Then there are the boys ...the big one too and Jack all just do'in their thing and the cool thing is that, for once, we are all in sync. Like an organism moving together.
So far, although we have accomplished little, we wait in anticipation of where and when His Spirit leads us each day in awe and adoration. This week we are visiting two orphanages that we have been to before. We trust the Lord will show us the needs.
Thank you for the covering of your prayers!
God Bless
The Lees
This weekend Rob is teaching at a little church across from La Posada for an afternoon service. We are currently going to alternate between Calvary Chapel Semilla, a church started through Victor and Sonia, and Calvary Chapel Rosarito, where the services are in both English and Spanish. Hopefully we will get a grasp of the language better that way.
I have attended the once a month ladies bible study and even though it was in Spanish I was able to follow with my English Spanish bible. I could understand more through reading than by listening but it is coming.
I have been asked to share at the Next conference in November. The scriptures are from Psalm 31:10 ~ "her value is far above rubies." I prayed about it and asked the Lord to show me a scripture verse to base my talk on and he gave me, "a wise woman builds up her house."
from Proverbs 14:1.
The Lord gave me this when we were in the process of rebuilding our marriage and now it is even more fitting, as often I have heard my words or tone towards my family and consider the effect.
The tongue is such a beast to harness and gentleness not a trait that I would use to describe myself however one of the fruits of the spirit that begs to be examined against the flesh that holds my bones.
So study begins. Examining my heart before the Word asking Him to show me where I fall short and grateful that He is faithful and amused that He chose that scripture after a huge family move across country.
The boys, well, they are awesome and adjusting well. The only challenge is their loss of freedom as it is not wise to just play outside unless we are there with them. They have made some friends and we have had to instruct them it is not kind to teach wrong words to people and then laugh when they use them wrongly. However the boys they have met have been doing the same in return, but we are to be a witness.
I 'll take the blame for that as that unfortunately is a direct result of my brand of humor, I confess, and continue to pray about.
So other than that this has been a time of setting up home, finding out where to get pure water, configuring our computer to English, acquiring appliances and setting them all up to the gas lines hoping we would survive the first match strike. yay Rob!
One thing I am enjoying is NO TV. What a blessing that is. Every evening is family time. Playing cards, games ,reading, studying or Rob unleashing his ability to tell fantastic stories to the boys. He is so dramatic the boys are mesmerized.
It has been a wonderful time to connect and draw close to each other and the Lord.
This is a visual excerpt from a letter I sent to friend who enjoys a wordy rant so hopefully sharing this will give you a sense of what it is like here:
Every night here is a banquet of fascination and fear as the new sounds test my resolve. As soon as the sun goes down there is a chorus of rabid sounding dogs that begin their nightly hysteria amidst what sounds like a complete lack of mufflers in this country with a burgeoning car rally, coupled with a different fiesta on every corner, in each direction, all playing different tempos of Spanish music.
Weekends bring it all to a different level with a tense crescendo around 3:00 or 4:00 am
A bit unnerving but I am getting used to it.
And right there in a crack of a broken house on a brilliant sunny day this hint of electric fuchsia mingled with incandescent orange Bougainvillea cascading over a sky blue wall stops you in your tracks. Or one dog out of the thousand in varying degrees of dying, that saunters the walk of a happy dog, dare I say, smiling on his way.... to nowhere....yet content as he passes those on a personal suicide mission of lying in the middle of the road oblivious to the car rally about to launch.
Then there are these babies you get to see with coal black eyes the size of saucers anticipating their place in the world with such sweetness it breaks you.
There are some spectacular moments to observe and savor in your spirit just how the Lord manifests his creation in nothing or in what seems little, and yet He does with such precision like the heart surgeon that He is. Continually revealing His majesty in His creation.
It is wonderful to stretch the seeing, past what we come to know as His glory, and see it by the lily that find its way through a join in the concrete to glorify Him as it reaches to the sky, or by a life in humble submission receiving Him as savior this Sunday.
So many moments to be blown away.
I know you would love it and so I try to write as you would hope so that you can SEE it through my words and my heart. Truly beautiful.
Then there are the boys ...the big one too and Jack all just do'in their thing and the cool thing is that, for once, we are all in sync. Like an organism moving together.
So far, although we have accomplished little, we wait in anticipation of where and when His Spirit leads us each day in awe and adoration. This week we are visiting two orphanages that we have been to before. We trust the Lord will show us the needs.
Thank you for the covering of your prayers!
God Bless
The Lees
Sunday, October 10, 2010
On our way!
This was written in transit October 1, 2010.
There are those moments that seem to stand still and several of those came flooding to my mind during the 2000 mile trek thus far.
How we first came to Mexico was a gift. We were unlikely to ever go on a missions trip as I thought the money would be better spent to send one representative so more of the funds to go to the people. It is almost funny now that we are sent as agents fro Riverside Calvary Chapel as representatives of the Love of Christ that has been poured into us. Humbling to say the least.
One moment that stands out to me although would speak little to anyone else was a simple look between Rob and I. We were both at this rather poor orphanage in Mexico both holding children when we caught eyes and just knew there was something extraordinary about that moment something between us and God.
Three years later the Lord has lined up all the details with such intimacy and care. The journey so far was not without trial and challenges but laced with specific provision, blessing, mercy and sufficiency to withstand and even conquer. God is good all the time!
Another moment that stood out to me is when my home was crawling with a mice infestation, a broken dryer, a weeks worth of laundry draped all over my back yard and our only transportation a vehicle we lovingly named Lazarus because it has been written off twice as Rob scrambles to unravel banking blunders that rendered us broke...I had a moment of clarity where I saw that we were being trained to for the very people we would serve.
Four months of work and challenges could not prepare me for the blessings we would receive. Words pale to describe the outpouring of love and support that rendered me speechless and overwhelmed. Everything from dental work that was timely and needed,financing, tenants, transportation and basic furnishings of our new home as well to to the exact amount of money to pay rent in Mexico covering the holding fees and for the time that we had not yet occupied our suite.
So many blessings but the best remain the Love of friends and family. A hug is such a small gesture for what was given to my family. Salvation, restoration, and eternity. It is hard to fully express gratitude for showing us who Jesus is, how Grace is everything, for loving us with His heart when everything was falling apart. Thank you for sharing the Gospel faithfully since it is where the power is. Acts 1:8 For showing us the abundant life in Him because of Him and now for Him. It is Good news indeed!
It is not our mission but His from a work that many had a hand in and it is an honor to present that same spirit to those that cross our path with grateful hearts.
As we step into the unknown with faith what we do know is that He is in control.
In Christ, The Lees
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Last night we hosted a church barbecue at our place. It was such a beautiful warm day where the pool was more than utilized. Such a mix of emotions as our house is near perfect due to prepping to sell. My garden has matured to where it is just lovely and yet there is a longing to be back in Mexico that overrides the material. When we bought our house we knew it was because the Lord had orchestrated it as the bank would not approve us for the cost of a house. We were introduced to a mortgage broker in our church at the time and he was able to more than double the amount the bank would support and that allowed us to purchase our home. We dedicated it to the Lord promising that it was His to be available for His work.
Seven years later a for sale sign in the front I am watching a gentle spirited woman be baptized in our pool surrounded by some very precious hearts so dear to me. It was almost too much for me to take in. A truly beautiful moment to share as this woman has suffered for so long with such grace and yet a complete surrender and adoration to the Lord that is convicting and awe inspiring.
Shortly after that then one by one people kept filing in to join in the barbecue that followed. So many surreal moments kids screaming with delight trying to make the biggest splash, (CJ always wins) people chatting and laughing with ease , eating food that make an Italian wedding look modest, all the while seeing precious friends maneuver in my kitchen as if it were their own while heartfelt worship serenaded it all.
I had been experiencing some doubt about Mexico wondering if it we made it up. Today was like a giant hug from God revealing His blessings to us and reminding us to trust Him. Many times during the day tears fell because of the love, the silent goodbyes, and the realization of His incredible and complete provision for us.
The day ended...sounds kind of hokey..with us all relaxing gazing at the stars followed by a prayer over our home, our church, and the work the Lord wants to accomplish with such sweet gratitude.
Seven years later a for sale sign in the front I am watching a gentle spirited woman be baptized in our pool surrounded by some very precious hearts so dear to me. It was almost too much for me to take in. A truly beautiful moment to share as this woman has suffered for so long with such grace and yet a complete surrender and adoration to the Lord that is convicting and awe inspiring.
Shortly after that then one by one people kept filing in to join in the barbecue that followed. So many surreal moments kids screaming with delight trying to make the biggest splash, (CJ always wins) people chatting and laughing with ease , eating food that make an Italian wedding look modest, all the while seeing precious friends maneuver in my kitchen as if it were their own while heartfelt worship serenaded it all.
I had been experiencing some doubt about Mexico wondering if it we made it up. Today was like a giant hug from God revealing His blessings to us and reminding us to trust Him. Many times during the day tears fell because of the love, the silent goodbyes, and the realization of His incredible and complete provision for us.
The day ended...sounds kind of hokey..with us all relaxing gazing at the stars followed by a prayer over our home, our church, and the work the Lord wants to accomplish with such sweet gratitude.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
It has been an amazing time at Calvary Chapel Langley. We are so blessed to be able to sit under the solid teaching of our beloved Pastor and friend Brent. There is so much to be thankful for. Thankful to his serving example for his commitment to the Word of God that has changed us immeasurably and introduced us to a relationship with theloving merciful compassionate Jesus. Thank you Lord for directing our steps that lead us here.
As well brought us a supportive church family full of love, humor, wisdom, patience and just enough nuttyiness for us to blend.
It is a very exciting time walking by faith to see where the Lord will lead us. In short Mexico broke our hearts and stole them at the same time. Each day was a revelation of the larger picture of how we participate in the redemption story alive today as we connect others to Him. What an honor and a blessing.
It is out of the fullness in our hearts by the work that He accomplished on the cross that we are compelled to consider the costs to follow Him. There is no other option.
We are incredibly blessed!
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