Miles to go before we sleep

Bright and early this morning, seven of us (missionaries and nationals) set out in the big red van towards the mountains to attend a pastors' meeting. In fact, it was so bright and early that it really wasn't that bright yet :). The Covenant pastors meet once every two months to discuss plans, ideas, business, etc. As I understood it, we were going to the first Covenant church that was ever started in Oaxaca (currently there are over 20).

Just as we turned north toward the mountains, we noticed that there were people from the church on the side of the road waiting for the bus. Stopping to say hello, we tried to decide if we could give them a lift. There was one seat left, and four of them. Hmmm... four into one? Sure, why not? ;-) And so the journey recommenced, with a tight squeeze in the back seat. At one point I was shoulder to shoulder with the person sitting two people away from me... that's pretty close.

Morning shadows provided us with glorious views of the valley of Oaxaca. We even made it above the clouds. After a 2 hour uphill pull, we stopped at a summit for a bathroom break. The foggy little town was not very active, but it had many signs posted for the more rugged and adventurous tourists. The air held such a chill in it that I was surprised it doesn't snow up there. We had atole (a local hot-beverage) and bread in a restaurant with a wood burning stove at the entrance and wooden tables lining one wall.

Then we piled back into the van for the second leg of our journey, another 1 1/2 hours - downhill this time. When we arrived at the church, we were all a little worn out. But since our day was still just beginning, we tried to summon extra energy as we greeted the many pastors and leaders who too had gathered for the meeting.

As eating is practically mandatory at church functions, we were provided with a generous breakfast - starting with thick chocolate atole and bread, followed by cow intestine soup and massive tortillas. I thought I might get out of eating so much because I couldn't eat the soup with chili in it, but oh no, I would not go without this day. Instead they brought me a bowl of beans and another bowl full of charcoal cooked meat - which, while near impossible to pull apart, turned out to be quite tasty.

An hour later the meetings began. As I took my seat against a side wall, it soon became apparent that my choice of seats was not particularly wise. I, along with others, were basically just sitting on a 2x4 laid across 2 stones. There was a nice plastic lawn chair available right in front of me, but as I had already been sitting on the board for several hours, it became a matter of endurance if I could make it sitting on the board the whole time. Besides, I figured I had a better chance of keeping my sleepy eyes open if I was uncomfortable.

I was beginning to think it impossible, but after 4 hours the meeting did in fact end :). It took nearly another 2 hours to get our crew gathered together and find the owners of the cars that were blocking our way out. Part of what took so long was that an evening worship service had begun.

There were so many people in attendance, it was literally standing room only, with people peering in the windows and sitting outside. Someone told us that this was normal attendance for the church. Impressive in a town of 1,000. We could not stay though, as we wanted to get back to Oaxaca before nightfall. With strategic manuvering around tight corners, we finally got back on the winding roads that led us home, just as dusk began to slowly cloak the mountains in darkness.

The mountain town the church is in.

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In traditional clothing, the women prepared us breakfast over huge wood stoves and fires.

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Our van companions sit down to a breakfast of food and more food.

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Inside the large church, we started with a short worship service.

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Halfway through our meeting out back - here are the others who shared in my lovely choice of seating.

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The Covenant church from the outside.

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May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.
Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us.

God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.

~

Psalm 67:5-7

Lions and tigers...

It started when I rushed to get on a bus. As we pulled away from the stop, I glanced out the window and saw four tigers. Then, on my way home, I was waiting to cross busy traffic when a camel walked by. Finally, this evening as I walked to meet some other teachers at the nearby food court, a llama wouldn't stop staring at me - but, to be fair,

I was probably staring too.

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Although I feel a bit like I'm in Dr. Suess's And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street, never fear, I did not just imagine all these things. Instead, the circus is in town. And when the circus is in town around here, they advertise by driving the exciting animals around the neighborhoods and announcing it on a loud speaker. It's a little distracting to be on your way to church and stop at a light behind a cage of lions - but, it sure makes life interesting around here :).

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The camel that just hopped into its rig.
A camel hopping is a rather humorous sight.

Come fly with me

Today I arrived in Oaxaca, returning from my vacation in Colorado. I really enjoyed my time there and am very thankful to have had it. I should be unpacking now I suppose, but the synchronized swimming on the Olympics drew me in. So I'm taking a "break." :) It is crazy how long those girls stay under water - I find myself making sure I'm breathing as I watch them:).

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Yesterday, when I flew into Houston, I was stunned by the view out my window as we began our descent into the clouds. I could easily imagine myself in an arctic wonderland - seeing cavernous areas in the clouds with overhangs, given depth by the darkness of evening shadows and made brilliant by the setting sun. Cumulus clouds are gorgeous from the air. God sure knew what He was doing. Truly wonderful.

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This morning as we flew over the Gulf of Mexico, I glanced out my window and saw a snow-capped volcano peeking out of some low clouds. Boy, do I wish I was a painter. I also wish my camera had been in my hand, instead of being down below with all the checked bags. Ah well, mental snapshot. :)

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The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.

Psalm 19:1