Gardens, GOOOAAALS, and God's Goodness

There is something deeply spiritual about preparing soil. Jesus often used gardens, seeds, and harvests to teach us about God's Kingdom. Before anything can grow, the ground must first be softened. As the intense summer rains continue over the ranch, I was reminded that God softens our hearts the same way so new life can take root. Sometimes the work is muddy, exhausting, and unseen—but it is holy work.

Field preparation and planting have been our primary focus. Thanks to the rains, we added seven new square-foot gardens—another half acre to the 20 acres already under cultivation. We're also experimenting with a new diet for our female goats, including beets, carrots, zucchini, and clover, to give them the best nutrition for healthy kids.  The rainy season has also brought colorful insects, giant toads, and plenty of surprises. 

It was pomegranate season, but the squirrels beat us to almost the entire harvest! They only wanted the skins, leaving the seeds behind. We harvested only about ten pomegranates from three trees. Creation has a way of reminding us that we don't control every harvest, but every day is still a gift.

Summer also means Community Health Promoter trainings across Puebla. Before one of our soap-making classes, we introduced a simple hand-washing ritual inspired by Jesus washing the disciples' feet. For a few quiet minutes, we washed and massaged the hands of each woman—hands that prepare meals, care for children, work fields, and serve their communities. Before teaching a practical skill, we wanted each woman to experience what it feels like to be served and reminded that she is a beloved daughter of God. It became one of the most meaningful moments of the month.

We're also experimenting with goat-milk soaps and teaching women how to make them for their own families, as gifts, or even as a source of supplemental income. (My favorite is still the honey oatmeal!)

We attended our first Annual Conference of the Methodist Church in Mexico, where we shared information about GYTTE, sold ranch products, and introduced a new Young Adult Spiritual Retreat coming this fall.

Somewhere between ministry and grant writing, we also became enthusiastic Mexico soccer fans during the World Cup. GOOOOOOAL!

We also learned more about one of God's remarkable gifts growing right in our backyard—the moringa tree. Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and medicinal properties, moringa has become one of the most valuable natural health resources our Community Health Promoters share with their communities.

Finally, we took time for something missionaries sometimes forget to make room for—Sabbath.

During a vacation in Oaxaca we watched dolphins leap through the Pacific, relaxed in a traditional temazcal, explored Monte Albán, wandered through mountain cloud forests, and immersed ourselves in the incredible culture, food, and artistry of Oaxaca.

Rest isn't stepping away from God's work; it's remembering that the world keeps turning because God—not us—is in charge.

You may notice there aren't as many vacation photos as we hoped. A single grain of sand lodged itself in my phone charger and rendered it useless until someone carefully removed it. It reminded me that the smallest things often have the greatest impact. Jesus compared faith to a mustard seed because God delights in using what seems small to accomplish extraordinary things.

Thank you for praying, encouraging, and walking alongside us. Together we continue planting seeds—in gardens, in villages, and in people's lives—trusting that, in God's timing, there will be a harvest.