Coming to Olinalá

Dear Marie,
Oh how we are looking forward to your arrival on Wednesday! Isaiah has learned how to read in Spanish and has three books he wants to read to you. Micah wants to build tunnels for his trains with you using the wooden blocks Opa made for him.
And you will be here in time to celebrate birthdays! (Martin Nov. 7th and Liz Nov. 9th)
On Tuesday I (Liz) visited a few women in Zacango, where you will be spending most of your time giving sewing classes. I wanted to make sure everyone still had this activity on their schedule. I must say that I returned to Olinala quite disappointed for a number of reasons, and somewhat anxious about how this is going to turn out. But as I drove home the surrounding mountains reminded me of when Jesus told the deciples something like “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can move mountains.”
The next morning, our co-worker Enrique received a call from a local government organization asking if we knew of a sewing group that could use funding because they had enough money to fund one more group. He quickly went to Zacango, talked with the women (who were thrilled!), turned in the necessary documents, and by 8pm in the evening we received word that the group was awarded a $30,000MX grant for 5 new sewing machines!
And then I checked my email, and there were three emails with contact information for people who might be potential buyers or who can at least help us find a market for the sewing items. Oh, and did I mention, a donation to repair the sewing room and buy a few chairs also came in recently? Once again, I have seen the hand of God at work. See you soon!

Prayer request: For the “New Hope” Sewing Group in Zacango, Aunt Marie, and us, as we are embarking on another adventure.

Dia De los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos

We celebrated Day of the Dead this year, and even tried to make our own alter for Oma, Martin's mom. Preparations began during the last week of October. We helped make homemade candles, others made "tlechalies" special "Day of the Dead" cookies, and string garlands of marigold flowers. We also helped prepare food to place on the alter and for us to eat.
Picture 1: Making candles
Picture 2: Making candles
Picture 3: Making tamales (Malena and Liz)
Picture 4: Getting ready to skin the goat