Day 3

We woke up for a team devotional, and were blessed by starting out our morning with Jesus. Jason prepared devotions for us every day. (Donkey braying at night, fireworks 5am)

The women went to make breakfast. Only women are allowed in the kitchen to cook and clean in their culture. Libna, Amanda, and Krista prepared and cooked all the meals. Men were supposed to stay out of things unless specifically asked, which would be unlikely. Our men seemed to adjust to this cultural difference quite easily :p (We have decided that the will be cooking us a meal sometime now that we are back!)

As soon as we were done with breakfast we went straight to work on our project in the village. In the Mixtec culture, they live from moment to moment and by current conditions. They do not operate the same way western cultures do, especially in the art of advanced planning. Soooo, we did not end up doing the water project at all, but did leave some funds there dedicated to the work of providing water for the animals of the village. They will also be building a water tank as there is not enough water for the general populace.

We ended up painting the medical clinic. Alex found out about this project the morning we arrived in Tlaxiaco and bought paint supplies that morning while we were training. This turned out to be a fun blessing. A few people from the village were there. One was a very sweet and shy lady that turned up for both days of painting. We did not interact all that much the first day, but she hung around and was involved in helping. The next day she stayed the whole day and interacted a little more. When she went by with the processional of people in the street on the second day, she looked over at me and smiled. I ask the Father for her to see new life in Jesus.

We visited one of the two Christian families in the village in the afternoon and were privileged to see the more than 80 year old grandmother weaving grasses together to make beautiful hats. It was such a privilege to spend time with them.

We also went up to visit the site where they plan to build a new water tank. Mario is in charge of the water in the village. This is critical to his acceptance in the community. You must have an occupation that contributes to the general welfare of the community. Mario has lain many meters of pipes to bring more water to the village. There simply isn’t enough as it is. He will be building this water tank in addition to the watering area for animals.

As we were talking, we saw a little girl up in the hills and smiled and waved at her. She smiled shyly and waved back and started to come closer. Alex yelled to her to meet us at Mario’s house for cookies. She came! She was so sweet and precious. We had a great time getting to play with her and sent her off with cookies and an apple, also inviting her to come to the movie that night.

Previously, when Alex had showed a movie, fewer than 50 people came to watch. At 7pm, we rolled up to the basketball court in our two SUV’s and saw about 30+ people in the area. A few people continued to show up and they decided to go ahead with the movie, not knowing if more people would come. They showed “La Esperanza,” which means Hope. It was a moving and beautiful depiction of the plan of creation, the fall, the reason for sin, and God’s plan of salvation for all. It was incredible. Alex asked us to separate ourselves as a group and spend time in talking to the Father as the movie began. Because of the closed nature of the culture, we talked to the Fathered sitting in a group, eyes open, as if we were just chatting to one another. By the end of the night, we estimated that over 150 people had attended. It was awesome to see the story of God told so plainly to people who were lost and hurting and probably hearing the real story of Jesus and the creation for the first time ever in their lives. It was an indescribable experience. The power of God in that place was so evident, even in the gorgeous night sky where so many stars were laid out. We ask the Father that many hearts were touched and that many conversations will follow with the man working in that village. You can ask the Father for understanding in the hearts and minds of the people there since Spanish is really a second language for them, and many do not have more than a 2nd grade education in that language.

After this long and exhausting day, we headed back to Mario’s for a little bit of dinner. The excitement of what we had just witnessed bubbled over and renewed everyone’s spirits. It was a lovely evening and God was more than gracious.