Holy Mole! Let’s Taco ’Bout our Mission in Mexico!

 We were humbled and honored to participate in this year's Advent reflection of "where do you see God?" Check out our story here:   https://umcmission.org/story/walking-in-ixtepec?fbclid=IwY2xjawORYcRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFFWEZVWlZadVNSTzR6cEpZc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsjA6Thge_1wMaHzkahDXBwTSD2t3SPgnNZzN9FuYvhJNvaDuI9WhoyrNk2F_aem_CayRmNl8HXBegvRzSZxDVg

  As we enter this season of thanksgiving, our hearts at Give Ye Them To Eat (GYTTE) are overflowing with gratitude. This November, one of our greatest blessings was welcoming a seven-member mission team from Pennsylvania and Maryland who joined us for nine unforgettable days of service, learning, and spiritual growth through the AWARE Program.   Led by dedicated volunteer Marian Hartman, who has been participating in mission trips since the 1990s, this team brough a lot of heart and soul! Here is a highlight video:   Their journey began in Puebla, where they explored the beauty and culture of southern Mexico—two days of eco-tourism filled with new sights, sounds, and tastes. From discovering how many ways a humble corn tortilla can be transformed into a meal, to learning about Mexico’s five indigenous tribes, to enjoying traditional dancing and parades—each moment was a reminder of the richness of God’s creation and the beauty of diversity. The remaining seven d...

Here is our November Global Missionary Newsletter.     https://drive.google.com/file/d/16lMDSluIf7WC3txO_LQqituKHaqvDy96/view?usp=sharing

The Day of the Dead festivities have been in full swing throughout October and culminated last week.   And we tried to take in all the culture; I not going to lie, I was having FOMO!   It was a kaleidoscope of color and faith — heartwarming, vibrant, and full of life. Cempasúchil (marigolds) formed golden pathways along streets, doorways, and markets, said to guide souls home. I couldn’t help but think how God, too, lines our paths with beauty and memory, reminding us that love never dies. One of my favorite pictures was from our drive out to the ranch with the farmers in the fields with the beautiful backdrop of Popo. We joined thousands of people for the Puebla Parade — and it was every bit the joyful chaos you’d imagine! The crowd was so thick it reminded me of New Year’s Eve in New Orleans during the 80s, when my family literally floated away from each other in a sea of humanity. Thankfully, Pat and I held on...

As always, it has been a busy few weeks here in Mexico.   While the seasons are changing in the US, we are enjoying a wonderful 70-degree, year-round temperature in Puebla. It also appears that the rainy season is finished. We don’t really have fall, but it is a bit cooler in the mornings.   We notice people wearing turtlenecks and puffer jackets while we are in t-shirts!  (In case anyone wonders if I miss the snow--heck no!!!!!) I finally got my phone and financial situation at the bank worked out. It only took an investment (pun intended) of about five hours from my very patient co-workers! After wrestling with the bank (and losing the match), I withdrew the money and will default on the mysterious “investment” they’d signed me up for. When all was said and done, I lost about $400 — which I’m counting as tuition for a crash course in International Banking 101. The bright side? My ATM card is back in my wallet, my money is in a US bank, and my soul feels li...