This is in a badly damaged community south of San Quitin. There is still a jaw dropping amount of water and mud everywhere. The earth is carved. Debris is scattered. Power poles are laying on the ground. Houses are damaged and full of mud.
1/28/10
Flood pictures
It's hard to keep a pity party going when you see something like this. I am seeing my cramped noisy trailer in a whole new light.
This is in a badly damaged community south of San Quitin. There is still a jaw dropping amount of water and mud everywhere. The earth is carved. Debris is scattered. Power poles are laying on the ground. Houses are damaged and full of mud.
This is in a badly damaged community south of San Quitin. There is still a jaw dropping amount of water and mud everywhere. The earth is carved. Debris is scattered. Power poles are laying on the ground. Houses are damaged and full of mud.
1/27/10
The traffic is moving.
The only highway heading down the Baja Penninsula is now open and traffic is moving...albeit very slowly. It took my husband 3 hours to cross one direction but it gave him time to snap some pictures. :)The Baja Penninsula has been fragmented and cut off for nearly a week. The penninsula depends very heavily on semi trucks for transporting everything. At home we have the railway and more than one highway but here this highway is the main and only artery connecting the cities, towns and businesses of Baja with the rest of the world.
Strange Pictures from Baja
Yesterday three pickup trucks were used to transport supplies accross what's left of the Colonia Vicente Guerrero river. Our supply truck that usually makes a trip down from San Clemente each week has been cut off due to the bridges being down all along the route. Now that the route was cleared further North they were able to make it to the north bank of our river. It was a bit of a scetchy drive for the pickup trucks through the river. The video reminds me of pioneers fording rivers with their covered wagons. Hold on!
They made it back with boxes of donated food and supplies though.
Coincidentally ,the temporary bridge opened last night at about 10pm. The miles and miles of parked semi trucks and stranded drivers all blasted their horns in celebration as the procession of trucks began to work their way across the makeshift bridge. I wish I had a picture of that but I was sounds asleep by then.
Another strange site from Baja Mexico! That is a lemon from the orchard you are looking at. It is about the size of a tea pot and kind of looks like one too.
I'm feeling moderately more rested after an early bedtime last night. Lack of sleep has really caught up with me lately. My little boy insists on waking us all up at 5.30 or 6 am each morning. Since we all live within a few feet from each other , once one of is awake we are all awake. It seems we are all reaching burn out mode lately.
It's not the work here that I've grown weary of. In fact its the exact opposite. I find myself wishing I was working or doing one of the essential tasks or ministries here. I find myself fighting the residual feeling that so many mothers struggle with. The feeling of being profoundly useless on the grander scale. My days are filled with mind numbingly monotonous ,mundane, and often drudgerous tasks of motherhood.
Nagging my kids to do their school work and chores,
sweeping dirt off the trailer floor for the 12th time in a day,
wiping pee off the toilet seat,
washing clothes, hanging clothes,
searching for a missing 3 year old,
piles of dirty dishes,
brushing teeth,brushing hair, and clipping toenails.
screaming tantrums,
discplining the same child for the same offense for the 8th time in one morning.
That is what I am growing weary of.
"open your books and pick up your pencil!"
"get off your head and sit on your bum!"
"get your toe out of your brothers ear!"
"boys...learn to aim or sit down!!"
"stay out of the mud!"
ack!
I think our very cramped living conditions and unusual parenting environment is magnifying normal family challenges and stresses. For the most part we are very flexible ,go with the flo people and have all adjusted very well. The last couple weeks have compounded into a bit of a funk for us though. I know my attitude isn't what it should be and that is being reflected in how my children are behaving and reacting.
That is what I need spiritual strength for. Maintaining inner peace when chaos is constant. Setting the tone and the mood for the whole household. I feel like I need to hit the reset button and start over most days.
I guess its never too late to do that.
They made it back with boxes of donated food and supplies though.
Coincidentally ,the temporary bridge opened last night at about 10pm. The miles and miles of parked semi trucks and stranded drivers all blasted their horns in celebration as the procession of trucks began to work their way across the makeshift bridge. I wish I had a picture of that but I was sounds asleep by then.
Another strange site from Baja Mexico! That is a lemon from the orchard you are looking at. It is about the size of a tea pot and kind of looks like one too.
I'm feeling moderately more rested after an early bedtime last night. Lack of sleep has really caught up with me lately. My little boy insists on waking us all up at 5.30 or 6 am each morning. Since we all live within a few feet from each other , once one of is awake we are all awake. It seems we are all reaching burn out mode lately.
It's not the work here that I've grown weary of. In fact its the exact opposite. I find myself wishing I was working or doing one of the essential tasks or ministries here. I find myself fighting the residual feeling that so many mothers struggle with. The feeling of being profoundly useless on the grander scale. My days are filled with mind numbingly monotonous ,mundane, and often drudgerous tasks of motherhood.
Nagging my kids to do their school work and chores,
sweeping dirt off the trailer floor for the 12th time in a day,
wiping pee off the toilet seat,
washing clothes, hanging clothes,
searching for a missing 3 year old,
piles of dirty dishes,
brushing teeth,brushing hair, and clipping toenails.
screaming tantrums,
discplining the same child for the same offense for the 8th time in one morning.
That is what I am growing weary of.
"open your books and pick up your pencil!"
"get off your head and sit on your bum!"
"get your toe out of your brothers ear!"
"boys...learn to aim or sit down!!"
"stay out of the mud!"
ack!
I think our very cramped living conditions and unusual parenting environment is magnifying normal family challenges and stresses. For the most part we are very flexible ,go with the flo people and have all adjusted very well. The last couple weeks have compounded into a bit of a funk for us though. I know my attitude isn't what it should be and that is being reflected in how my children are behaving and reacting.
That is what I need spiritual strength for. Maintaining inner peace when chaos is constant. Setting the tone and the mood for the whole household. I feel like I need to hit the reset button and start over most days.
I guess its never too late to do that.
1/26/10
Running on empty
It appears my attachment didn't really work. It brought me to the Mars Hill website but to the wrong video. I'll try to find it again. oops.
*******************************************************************************
Why is it that when I insist on running on empty spiritually when I have everything I need to fill myself to overflowing? I have the word of God sitting next to me ready to minister to my soul and fill my mind with words of hope and promise. I have the ear and heart of the all loving God, waiting for me to turn to Him. I have the Spirit of God living and breathing life in and through me. Why then does my Bible sit on the table and my prayers go unsaid? My ears fail to really listen and my mind does not rest in His faithfulness?
I find so often that the spirit is willing but the flesh is so week. I'm tired, I'm sleep deprived, I'm lazy, ,I'm distracted, I'm busy....
but I'm running on empty.
Spiritually, physically, and consequently emotionally too.
I can hear the engine sputtering as the tank warns that it needs to be refilled.
I continue to push forward with the gage getting lower and lower. I pass by chance after chance to stop and refill. One more thing to do. One more mile to go. One more thing to worry about...one more burden to carry.
The load is getting heavier and my shoulders are getting wearier. Why do I insist on lugging it around when my Lord tells me this?
"Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light"
Matthew 11:28
A yoke is the big heavy harness that is attached to the necks of animals as they labour in the fields. As an ox pulls a plow it is yoked together with another.
Lord, thankyou for reminding me that I do not labour alone. You are my yoke mate. In fact, the yoke belongs to you. You walk beside me shouldering the burden and gently teaching me with each step. With you the yoke is made easy and the burden becomes light.
Rest. That sounds good.
Update on the flooding here in Baja:
The supply truck has finally been able to make it down to the river at Colonia Vicente Guerrero and the food and supplies are right now being shuttled through whats left of the river by a couple pick up trucks. A blessing when there are this many mouths to feed. Thank God for safe travel from Tijuana and we are trusting Him for safe crossing of the trucks as they face some extreme "off-roading" conditions.
More rain is forcasted but hopefully not 8 inches this time. I think its just calling for some light showers.
A group of staff took a van out to an impoverished nearby community. In the van they carried big pots of soup and blankets. Last weeks flooding has been hard on those living in poverty already. It is cold here right now and those looming dark clouds offer little reassurance for a comfortable night for the people sleeping in the dirt under a shelter of cardboard.
Right now there are semi trucks lined up sitting on the highway two lanes thick all the way south to San Quintin. I should know how far that is but I don't...I think its about 40 km. Its quite the site.
Update on my parents in Haiti:
I just got a very breif email from my mom. They arrived back in Haiti last week and today my Dad was venturing to Port au Prince with some Haitian friends. I am trying not to worry but rather pray and trust them to the Lord.
My sweet hearted sister -in -law sent me this attachment. Her pastor in Seattle recently returned from a brief tour of Port au Prince. I have to admit it doesn't put my mind at ease knowing my parents are there but it does give me a huge amount of respect for our Haitian brothers and sisters. If they spoke spanish I would hollar out a big ANIMO to them. Keep moving on, be encouraged, your brothers and sisters in Christ from all over the world are praying for you!
Check out the stories from Haiti by Pastor Marks at Mars Hill church Seattle. Don't miss the last part. A photo slideshow with "It is well with my soul" playing.
*******************************************************************************
Why is it that when I insist on running on empty spiritually when I have everything I need to fill myself to overflowing? I have the word of God sitting next to me ready to minister to my soul and fill my mind with words of hope and promise. I have the ear and heart of the all loving God, waiting for me to turn to Him. I have the Spirit of God living and breathing life in and through me. Why then does my Bible sit on the table and my prayers go unsaid? My ears fail to really listen and my mind does not rest in His faithfulness?
I find so often that the spirit is willing but the flesh is so week. I'm tired, I'm sleep deprived, I'm lazy, ,I'm distracted, I'm busy....
but I'm running on empty.
Spiritually, physically, and consequently emotionally too.
I can hear the engine sputtering as the tank warns that it needs to be refilled.
I continue to push forward with the gage getting lower and lower. I pass by chance after chance to stop and refill. One more thing to do. One more mile to go. One more thing to worry about...one more burden to carry.
The load is getting heavier and my shoulders are getting wearier. Why do I insist on lugging it around when my Lord tells me this?
"Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light"
Matthew 11:28
A yoke is the big heavy harness that is attached to the necks of animals as they labour in the fields. As an ox pulls a plow it is yoked together with another.
Lord, thankyou for reminding me that I do not labour alone. You are my yoke mate. In fact, the yoke belongs to you. You walk beside me shouldering the burden and gently teaching me with each step. With you the yoke is made easy and the burden becomes light.
Rest. That sounds good.
Update on the flooding here in Baja:
The supply truck has finally been able to make it down to the river at Colonia Vicente Guerrero and the food and supplies are right now being shuttled through whats left of the river by a couple pick up trucks. A blessing when there are this many mouths to feed. Thank God for safe travel from Tijuana and we are trusting Him for safe crossing of the trucks as they face some extreme "off-roading" conditions.
More rain is forcasted but hopefully not 8 inches this time. I think its just calling for some light showers.
A group of staff took a van out to an impoverished nearby community. In the van they carried big pots of soup and blankets. Last weeks flooding has been hard on those living in poverty already. It is cold here right now and those looming dark clouds offer little reassurance for a comfortable night for the people sleeping in the dirt under a shelter of cardboard.
Right now there are semi trucks lined up sitting on the highway two lanes thick all the way south to San Quintin. I should know how far that is but I don't...I think its about 40 km. Its quite the site.
Update on my parents in Haiti:
I just got a very breif email from my mom. They arrived back in Haiti last week and today my Dad was venturing to Port au Prince with some Haitian friends. I am trying not to worry but rather pray and trust them to the Lord.
My sweet hearted sister -in -law sent me this attachment. Her pastor in Seattle recently returned from a brief tour of Port au Prince. I have to admit it doesn't put my mind at ease knowing my parents are there but it does give me a huge amount of respect for our Haitian brothers and sisters. If they spoke spanish I would hollar out a big ANIMO to them. Keep moving on, be encouraged, your brothers and sisters in Christ from all over the world are praying for you!
Check out the stories from Haiti by Pastor Marks at Mars Hill church Seattle. Don't miss the last part. A photo slideshow with "It is well with my soul" playing.
1/25/10
The bridge.
The flooding in the San Quintin valley in North Baja has caused some devastation to the farms in the area as well as to all the people who make their meager living working in those fields. They work day to day , hand to mouth. With work being delayed or cancelled they will not have money. There is no such thing as savings accounts or large pantries and deepfreezes full of food to see them through tough times. No work means no food.
Small businesses, shops and taco stands are struggling without supplies and with the roads bringing in customers being cut off.
On Sunday afternoon there were miles of trucks trapped with no way through. Bridges out both to the south and the north. The truckers were all just hanging out waiting. I even saw laundry hung over the window of a truck.
Check out the fancy new median in the center of the highway. Its brand new and not only keeps the highway through town safer but looks great. Curbs and medians are a rare sighting in this part of the world. Is that the right word, "median"?...I'm a hick farm girl.
Some friends and us checking out the water level under the bridge. It has gone down a lot. Work has even begun on building up a road accross the river bed. It will be months before an actual bridge is rebuilt I suspect. We heard by yesterday afternoon some vehicles were able to cross for s stiff tole of $50 (American) per vehicle. The construction of the road is being done by the few industrial machines scrounged in Vicente Guerrero and by private companies who need to recoup their costs....and get a road built. Things should be moving again soon.
You can see the big power line next to the river in the photo below. It came very close to being washed out. That power supplies the whole area and we would have been in big trouble had it ended up in the river. As it was, lots of little power lines, phone lines, and internet was down for a couple days.
Mucho Lodo!
The sun is back.
Everything is out drying. Our shoes, our clothes and our towels.
These towels were recruited as floor mats in our trailer to help contain the water and mud.
I'm still not sure how I will clean these. Lots of washboard scrubbing I suspect.
I little boys dream come true.
Everything is out drying. Our shoes, our clothes and our towels.
These towels were recruited as floor mats in our trailer to help contain the water and mud.
I'm still not sure how I will clean these. Lots of washboard scrubbing I suspect.
I little boys dream come true.
My two boys are VERY happy to be let out of the trailer and back outside to play.
As Yesterday the road behind the mission is still a lake of water. We drove (or rather spun our tires) into it a little ways but then my husband wisely decided to heed my shreaks of warning and backed out. That mud is slick underneath! My idea of a relaxing Sunday afternoon isn't wading with 4 kids through a lake of mud.
In fact I've had quite enough of mud. Thankfully its drying up quickly.
More of our weekend playtime.
Carmela and her bike.
Roman and Alvaro digging little holes to play marbles.
Their house is still standing after all that wind and water.
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