Dec 1
I went to my first ever Mexican (Christian) wedding last
night. It seemed that everyone from the base was invited, even the Spanish
school students. My family and I were at home getting handsome and finishing up
our wedding hair at 4 pm. The wedding was supposed to “start” at 4pm. We left
the house about 4:50, arrived at the Roca Blanca base and waited with the rest
of the wedding quests for about 20 more minutes. The set up was truly
beautiful; so much work was put into it from many volunteers and Bible school
students to make it happen. The whole wedding was outside on the grass right in
front of the beach at sunset. In my opinion, the ceremony was lengthy. Here is
a quick recap. The lovely couple walked down the
aisle with the flower girls of course. Once the couple stood at the alter we
all sang together songs to worship our Lord. Then Duane spoke to the couple and
crowd about marriage and the Gospel for about 30 minutes. Then the couple said
some vows (at this point I honestly was a bit tuned out waiting for the big
kiss) and other traditional Mexican wedding things. Special people were called
up to bless the couple; one married couple that was called up gifted a “lazo”
which was put around the bride and groom. Others from the crowd were then
called up to bless, lay hands, and pray. Then, I barely missed it, the kiss was
as quick as a peck and that was that.
Ok, every wedding that I’ve attended the kiss is one of the
most important parts. The kiss is always the moment we are all waiting and
excited for. So I was there waiting in my seat for that kiss, as if the kiss is
what makes them married. When all I saw was a little peck and not so much
cheering I was confused. It did not stop me from clapping and hollering. When
they finally did kiss I said a big halleluiah.
The in love couple walked back up the aisle and we all
followed them. Everyone scattered to find an empty table. No name tags, no seat
assignment, it is run and plomp down quickly. I closely followed my family to
an open table and seats where we eagerly waited for the barbacoa. What I found while at this wedding was that every
other person seemed to be related to my family either they were a sobrino,
primo, or tio. In the whole night I do not think my smile ever left my face. I
have come to realize that I am living with some amazing people. They are all
wonderful to me and I am grateful for how they treat me like a daughter or
sister, truly a family and with love.
Dec 4
Thanks to the Corbin Clinic and
its entire staff we had the opportunity for the day to go on a “clinic trip” day
trip. It was only this one day, sometimes they go for three days. We drove to Charcol
Redondo which is one of the pueblos located along the coast in order to help
with any medical needs. They knew we were coming and people signed up to get a
checkup. We arrived around 10am, unloaded all the supplies and within 10
minutes it was all set up. The team knew exactly what to do with no confusion
and with total ease. Another man and I were assigned to check weight blood
pressure/pulse, and check the children’s temperature. It all happened so
quickly, they came in two at a time when their name was called. After each
person came to us they had to go out once again to wait for the doctor to call
their name, once their name was called they went inside for all that was needed. Before grabbing their medicine or
vitamins they had an opportunity to pray with hermano Jesus, he was there
specifically to talk and pray with them.
At one point in the day I went over to the dentist area to
check out all that was happening and I ended up holding the flashlight for the
dentist while she pulled out the molar of an older woman. Ok I have never
enjoyed spit, blood, snot etc…well this was, for me, disgusting! Yuck! The
dentist used her tools to dig (and I mean dig) at the tooth and gums. She used
multiple tools in order to get underneath and shove the tooth loose. Let me
tell ya, there was so much blood. I stood there trying not to make faces or at
least not let the patient see the faces I was making. I had to watch the whole thing because I was
holding the light, making sure the light did not move. After much time the
dentist got the tough tooth loose enough to grab the pliers. A few pulls (hard
hard hard pulls) the molar came out when I let out a halleluiah! The hole in
her mouth was deep and her pour gums where the molar was had stretched and was
messy. Then she received a piece of gauze and walked off like it was no biggie.
One tough cookie!
The last few hours of our visit I was assigned to pray.
Intercede for the clinic staff and for whatever else I was lead to pray for. In
that time I had the opportunity to talk and get to know a few of the patients
that had been waiting for their turn all day, I enjoyed that time to get to
know them.
Dec 10
My second session is coming to an end with three weeks
between it and the third. These past few weeks I feel I’ve been stretched a
good amount and I’ve been real with how I feel. God is growing me and making me
uncomfortable but it is so good. No matter what season I am in, I get to praise
Him because whether I feel God or not He is with me and is reigning. The One,
who knows me, knows every detail of my life, good and bad. And His grace is
truly amazing.
Soon I get to celebrate another wedding, the wedding of my
sister and her fiancé. Celebrating Gods goodness and love with family and
friends. Let me say I am STOKED.
Adios
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