Maribel's Kids

This is Katie--She totally captured my heart before I even realized who she was. She would just talk, talk, talk to me like I totally understood what she was saying. She hugged me from the start and would do this sweet little kiss on the cheek when we would depart company. She is a total angel. LOVE THIS GIRL!!!!!

Then I learned who she was. She was the granddaughter of Chila. The lady that lived behind the mission house. My friend from years ago, Maribel had lived there. The last time I was there Maribel had gotten married and moved away. I went with someone else to see Chila who told me what had happened to Maribel before we arrived. Boy, was Chila sad when I went to see her. She immediately started to cry and tried to explain by demonstrating, what had happened to Maribel. The pain that was on her face and inside her was hard to witness. Apparently, Maribel's husband stabbed her fourteen times and then decapitated her. Sorry to be so blunt, but that is the reality. Her mother, her children, and those who love Maribel will not see her on this side of heaven and that breaks my heart that this person made that decision for all those people. It honestly makes me angry that he chose that for this children. Seriously, what kinda man is that? I will tell you that the as far as I know the police have not found him and he apparently has one of their other kids with him still. I do not even know the best way to pray for them. I know that the burden of caring for the young children have fallen on this sweet, but little old lady. I would also imagine a fear not knowing where this guy is and not know what has happened to the other little girl. The oldest boy, Juan, from what the area pastor's family told us, has been having a lot of behavior problems. (The pastor's family has been doing a great job of caring for and supporting this family and have kinda taken this oldest child during the day to help Chila.) When we left we asked how we could support and help her since we are so far away. She is worried about being able to cloth the kids. Her husband is unable to work because of a back injury. Imagine not being able to clothe your children. It is Biblical to care for the orphans and I want to take that seriously.

Carlos-Maribel's 2nd boy-11. The whole time I was there I thought there was just a sadness in his eyes (wonder why)

Manuel-Maribel's baby boy-2

Isn't this picture fun!! I just pointed

the camera at him, called his name,

pointed it and he looked up and screamed.

LOVE IT!!!

I was not able to get a picture with the older boy Juan-13.

Mission Trip to Mexico

OK so I know it is a month later, but honestly I have found little time to do this and totally want to give the trip justice to what it meant to me. I am never been accused of being a great or creative author. I hope that as you read you can see my heart.

December 26 we loaded the truck and headed south. I road with Steven and Sherry and road the whole way down there in the backseat with their 3 and 6 year old, Alana and Ethan, in the backseat. Riding with the kids was not nearly as bad as it sounded or that I thought it would be to be honest. They are good kids and their parents are not that bad either. About 7 seven hours into the trip we crossed the border with no problem and then after about 5 more hours were in Musquiz where we were greeted by a wonderful family who had dinner ready and waiting for us when we arrived about 9:00 and it was wonderful!! Then they allowed us to take over their hours to sleep for the night. I am not sure where they went, but when we awoke they had breakfast ready for us. Such hospitality, such humility towards us, such kindness, such grace, so much like Jesus.

After breakfast, we shopped at the local grocery store. We got beans, rice, tortilla mix, eggs, oil, water bottles, cakes for a ladies bible study. Some little kids helped us take out our purchases and then proceeded to help themselves to a thing of our chicken spaghetti when we were not looking. I am sure they needed it more than we did and hope they were able to enjoy it. We then loaded up for last four hours of trip with the Keithlys again. It was truly a beautiful ride into the mountains of Mexico. It was majestic and awe-taking. We then pulled into tiny humble San Miguel. Now remember I had been there several times 10 plus years ago plus. As we pulled in I honestly wanted to cry and did get a little teary eyed because I didn't remember it. I could not find the mission house, the little church, or even the school. This place is not big and I could not remember it. I only remember the mountain in the background with the cross on top of it. I was happy to remember that. I told Sherry I was kinda sad because I could not remember it, and she said not to worry that I would it come back quickly. Maybe the surrounding did not come back quickly, but the love for the people did return fast. We were quickly welcomed by the people who live there and even took over their homes. We stayed in the home of Fele and Pepe and their son Nester and his wife. 6 of the people on our trip stayed in their home. Their hospitality was amazing. Fele cooked for us, Pepe walked with us or drove us around if it was dark, they fellowshipped with us, laughed with us, prayed with, and cared for us like we were family. Funny thing about remembering the place is that when we walked in their house the son Nester, who was a young boy, maybe 10 or 11 the last time I was there said he remembered me from years ago. As the week went on, I heard that several times. Really, people remember me????? Later in the week there was another girl (young lady) who had some of the children that were running around with us. She said she remember chasing me around and following me when she was a little girl and now she see her kids doing the same thing. Then there was Chila. A grandmother who remembered me. She is probably 60, but seriously looks like she could easily be in her 80s. She lives behind the mission house with her grand children. I used to run around with her daughter Maribel when I was a youth. I was able to meet Maribel's children Juan, Carlos, Katie, and Manuel. Because of a sad, painful story I was unable to see Maribel and will not see again this side of heaven. (I will tell that story in another post to come with stories of some of the families.) The week consisted of us helping to produce a nativity scene program with the kids at the local church, giving toys to the kids, giving clothes to the people of the San Miguel, having a ladies Bible study/luncheon, and just hanging out loving on the people.

This trip was different than past ones for me though. I think I had always gone thinking that our group was able to do really nice things for people, it was good to give them things, it was good to bring smiles to their faces, it was good to run around and play with the kids. Never before, though, did I really think lasting relationships were possible for a number of reasons. We live 18 hours apart, we do not speak the same language, our lives are completely different.... How do I relate? I left though knowing and believing that relationships are possible, if not just a simply necessity of mission work. Gosh, just the fact that people remember me after ten years, there must have been some type of relationship there. Our mission cannot be strictly humanitarian, the main reason to go is to bring people to acknowledge His glory and if showing humanitarian work is a by-product that's great, but the main purpose must be Christ glorified. The main complete reason to go to San Miguel and return in the future is to build up the saints for Mexico, to team with Pepe to disciple people in San Miguel and other little villages he ministers to.

I told people there that I would be returning in March. I want to build those relationships. God has called me to do that. He has called us to minister to Maribel's children, the orphans of San Miguel, He has called us to walk along side the ministers of San Miguel and live life with them even if we are 18 hours apart.

I will return in March. The hope is that we will build a new, SAFE, playground/plaza for the children and families of San Miguel. I know most who read this have never been, but we need people to partner with us. First, of course, partner with us in prayer. Pray for the people in San Miguel, pray for people to go with us, pray for safety and strong tires, pray that we remember God's glory and His name being know is the reason that we go. Second, we need monetarily help. If you go to the website on the side (keithlyfamilymissions.com) you can donate if you would feel led to do so.

I am also planning on returning this summer for 3 weeks. I am praying for wisdom on how to conduct some VBS with the kids while I am there even with the language barrier. Some ideas of been popping into my head, but please help me pray for wisdom and that adventure.

Thanks so much for praying and reading. I will be adding picture SOON!! PROMISE

Death Row Doggy

Since I have not gotten pictures from the trip downloaded yet, I am going to tell a quick story about my trip. First of all to let you know I had a wonderful time. I can not wait to go back. If I could have, I would have stayed there longer. But, anyways back to death row doggy. Sherry and her family stayed at a families house while the rest of us stayed at another house. Now to preface this story our friend Brent, who will tell you how much he enjoys eating, said that if he did not get enough to eat, there would be a chicken missing. Sherry reminded him how the chickens are such a vital part of the people existence and eating one would be taking away one of their food supplies. Well, one morning when I walked over to where Sherry was staying one of her kids let me know that the black dog was tied up. Sherry then told me that dog was probably not going to be here our next trip, in fact it would probably be gone as soon as we left. That night the dog had killed two of the families chickens. It is said that as soon as a dog gets a taste of chicken it needs that taste again. The sweet family wanted to wait until we had left so the kids with us did not get upset. So the black doggy may not be alive any longer, it should not have eaten the chicken. In Mexico you can get the death penalty for killing chickens!!

Leaving the USA

So we are packed up. Clothes are sorted, toys are ready to go, space heaters are going as well. Brent has made his famous chili and even Mandy is providing her chicken spaghetti. No hair dryer coming, makeup, or even nice clothes. I am not even leaving with the expectation of a good hot shower for 6 days. BUT I am so excited. Going on a mission trip to Mexico with a goal to love on His people. We will deliver used clothes, used toys, do a ladies luncheon, minister to the men, and do a little VBS. Nope none of us really speak Spanish, but God always provides and we can certainly love on the people without a common language. I have been on these trips many times in the past, to the same place, but it has been at least 10 years since I have gone. One of the things I love most about being there is how simple life is. I am so ready to be away from TV, cell phones, computers, and a lot of people. I want to be able to go and reflect on things. I am desiring to be still for a while and get to know God some more.

A little while ago someone suggested that I go on a mission trip. !!! (Great idea Nesa) I reconnected with people from The Village who I had done the trips with and they were beginning planning and was hesitant at first, but quickly got on board. I am little sad that I will not see Erica during her first Christmas. (Oh and I will not see her parents Russell or Jeanette either:)

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and I ask that you pray for us this week. That God would increase in Mexico and that the trip would not be about us and what we are doing but the total focus would be on Him and bringing Christ the glory. Pray that we would be protected both physically and spiritually. Pray for good tires, and excellent gas mileage. Pray totally for God's will in all that we do.

Our Verse for the Week

Ephesians 4:1-2

Therefore I urge you bothers to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle baring with one another in love.

LET'S Go: Sherry, Stephen, Tamara, Brent, Ashely, Hunter, Tony, Lolly, and the kids:

Alana (6), Ethan (3), Austin(7)

Plans are to be back December 31. I will try and update when we return.

Random Act that is Totally Cool, You Should Try It

Last weekend I was returning from celebrating my grandfather's 90th birthday. (Imagine walking this earth for 90 years, I cannot even fathom.) Back to the story, I was in line at chick-fil-a, ordering one of my favorites chicken nuggets, when I pulled up to pay and the nice lady at the window said the lady in front of me had paid for my order and asked her to wish me a Merry Christmas. I was kinda dumbfounded, prepared to pay, but not having to, able to drive away from the window without paying. After I drive away, I was kinda mad a myself because I thought I missed an opportunity to return the favor to the person behind me. I was excited though, becuase I couldn't to actually do it myself to someone. It was funny how a little $5 meal blessed my life, made me smile, left me a little shocked, and gave me a story of kindness to tell people. The next day I went back through Chick-fil-a for breakfast and returned the favor. Do it for someone, bless someone with a simple, tiny act of kindness, remind people about the kindness that is still out there.

A Change

I guess I just feel like I am in a really strange place in my life.  No, I am not trying to get all psychological and I do not feel like my life is flashing before my eyes and that my life is in the last stages.  I do not feel that way at all.  But I just really am ready for something different in my life.  Sometimes, I really wish that I would look at a map, throw a dart, and just move to that place.  No matter where it was.  The fact of the matter is though, I am a big CHICKEN.  This summer had great possibility doing some different things.  I really thought that I was going to buy a house this summer.  (you can read previous post to figure out that fiasco) That would have been real different.  I wanted to paint walls, unpack ALL my boxes and hang stuff on the walls, PAY someone to do my yard, be proud of an accomplishment I had done. (instead I am living in a spot that I seriously in the least dislike)  I wanted to do something I never really believed I could or would do on my own.  But that did not work out.  I decided to wait and do it in a few months.  That really does look doubtful now.  There was a fews DAYS and I do emphasis DAYS that it looked like I could be in on the brink of a relationship with this guy that seemed really great, but that fell through, totally my fault.  Took the advice of others, should not have.  (Thanks _____ and ________!!!) I will leave the blanks to protect the guilty.  Just kidding!!! In the end I totally am the one who screwed up.  I just am sad that I basically was a big scaredy cat about the whole thing and wish I could go back and give it another shot.  I sound really selfish and kinda babyish, and extremely whiney, but I just start to think when is some favor going to shine down on me.  I look around and see people who from the outside looking in have charmed lives.  When will something even remotely exciting happen in my life.  I just go to work (which I do LOVE my job, I am so thankful for a job that I generally love going to) come home, go to church here and there, back to work, back home, ect, ect.  I am just really desiring a change, something different.   I get this conflict in my heart of totally believing that there is a God that thinks that I am AWESOME, who chose me to be me, all my weirdness in all, all my scaredness, every part of me.  Who cares about the exact place I am in in my life and orchestrated that for me to be in my perfect place.  A God that is in control of my life, a God that I trust, and seek.  Then at the same time honestly wondering if he as forgotten about me and wondering if my little life is significant enough for him to even be concerned about.  I heard someone say at church last night I choose __(fear)_____ over Faith. What am I choosing over faith?  

God- I know that you love me and care about every single part of me.  I envision you rolling your eyes at everything I just typed.  I think that my silliness can help with your sense of humor.  I need restoration in my soul though God.  I need you to restore my heart.  Help me to smile, laugh, and enjoy where you have me in my life.  Help to love others, and see you in everything around.  Thanks for a job where I can be reminded of you in children and help me to remember that everything is YOURS.   I am just tired right now and need to be refreshed also.  Help me to choose faith over whatever I may choose beforehand.  

Friday Night

I wish I had more exciting tale to tell. I wish I could think of some funny stuff to write about what I did, but it just wasn't that funny. I will say that I actually had a pretty good time and it did not seem as bad as I thought it would be. I was nervous as heck going into, I honestly did some emotional/nervous eating beforehand. Needless to say I was extremely thankful that this even was being held at my friends wine store, Divine Wine of Plano. Another friend who was helping said she would "keep my glass full." That was sure done, but I did not have as much as I would have thought. So what was it? Have you done a decent job of inferring? If you are any good, you are correct and I went speed dating. I went on 10 dates in one night. Six minutes each. I was not nearly as bad as I thought, I actually kinda enjoyed it. I laughed, ROLLED MY EYES A LOT (with my eyelids closed), answered the question a lot what do I like to do in my spare time. That is not as easy of a question as it sounds. I do not want to sound like I am the most boring person on Earth. Maybe I need to work on the answer. (If you know what I like to do in my spare time, can you please help) ANYWAYS...... I am sure I kept you all in great anticipation, and I am sorry if it is not as exciting as I made it sound like it could have been. That's it, there you go, my exciting adventure Friday night!!