Top Ten July 22

10. It is Saturday night and I am finally up and at it again. I have had a bad back all week. I went to a mexican healer, who rubed my back into place, then wrapped me in an ace bandage. I can't decide if it was a hoax that this guy actually fixed me and I would have been better by now anyway, but we decided to take that route becaeu the American Trained Doctor that i was thinking about seeing was four times as much money. At any rate. I am ok.
9. As we walked arougd the flea market this week buying our produce I felf overwhelmingly happy and really impressed that I should cherish this cool experience becaseu it will be over soon. Who knows what that means, I am starting to learn that God and I don't really have the same definition for words. SOon to me and soon to him, are quite different.
8. Justino has been really urgent about finishing all the geneolgy that he can before we leave. He has also felt that are time is limited here and he will regret it when we get to the states if he doesn't have all the work done. Again it makes me hope that we will be out of here soon, but there is that work, again, SOON.
7. Eva is almost walking. She took 11 steps the other day, and that so far is her personal best.
6. I might of mentioned it last week, but I did all my laundry at a sister in the ward's house. She has a washer, and it was a dream. If I did mention it last week, it is so worth mentioning again.
5. Justino and I were sad on the Friday, the 20 becuase we knew the family was at the parade and the fireworks, so we tried to feel extra american and we went to Dominos and bought a pizzza. While we were waiting a barefoot handicapp child asked me for money. He was so dynamic and yet not pushy, and I was overwhelmed that most of the world lives such a harder life than I do.
4. We have visited Justino's very old, over 100 year old grandmother twice this week. She has been sick, but still helping us with names and dates for geneology. I love the gray hairs of the world. They have so much to offer.
3.Mexico beat the USA in soccer in the Panamericanos games, and we were all sreaming and dancing at the music they play when Mexico scores. Eva was having a riot. She was as excited as Jsutio.
2. And by the way, as many of you saw while Iwas in Utah, Eva loved me the best. That is nno longer the case. She wants nothing to do with me, she wants to be with her daddy every minute She cries when he leaves the room, I can leave no problem. But she is madly in love with Jusitno.
1. We went to eat breakfast on the corner. this lady wakes up at three and cooks until seven then serves breakfast ont he corner. We went down there and it was overcast, as it has been alot this week thank heavens, and Eva sat like an angel on her daddy's lap and ate eggs. It cost us about three bucks to eat awesome food, and I told justino, even thoguth I am missing american food, that is impossible to get here, I will miss those breakfasts on the corner if we ever get home.
Hope you are all well. Love ya

Top Ten July 13

SO It has been a little hard coming home to Mexico this time. Seeing and being with Justino has been a dream come true, but I do;t know the uncertainty of this situation and the nature of this beast has really been getting to me. The first time I came everything was new and that was fun, but now I am just wondering if we will ever be in a place that we can feel liek we are really setteled in to. We feel stagnant, and like we can't really progress becaseu our future is so uncertain. We expect to knwo the status of our case by Aug. 3 and then we hope that will give us some direction, in the mean time here is my top ten.

Also the trip to Utah was great, Kami's wedding was perfect, and I am so grateful I got to be there. I am sorry that there are many of you that I didn't get to see, but know I love you.

10. Jusitno got a TV while I was gone. His sister had one that they didn't use. Jaquis sent us out DVD player from Florida, and I have been watching my "Friends" DVD's. makes the apartmet so much fun.
9. It is way cooler than when I left, now about 98 to 100 instead of 120. Also it rained today and the locals here say that this could be the start of the rainy season, which would be great for me I love the rain and it really cools off when it rains.
8. Eva wa an angel on the plane ride home. We got home without incident, except for that Jusiton drove the truck to pick us up and got pulled over by a federal highway patrol for not having a front plate. Then he haggeled with him about the permit we have for having the truck in Mexico, long story shourt it ended up costin us 1000 pesos, which is right about 100 USD. Corrupt bastards, if you pay them enough they let you go. At least it wasn't more than that.
7. Becaseu of the pull over incident, Justino was an hour and a half late picking us up. I didn't panick, Eva and I practiced walking up and down the terminal, but Eva regognized her Daddy immediately, and hasn't wanted to leave his side since.
6. Jusitno said that he had a surprose for me, and he had the whole house full of flowers. It was cool, and we had a wonderful reunion.
5. I was complaining the other day, because all I wanted was a good cookie, which doesn't exsist in this country, and Justino went on a hunt and found oreos. I really meant like some home baked good, but the gesture was so sweet.
4. My back has been out, and we went to see a chiropractor who perscibed three deep tissue massages, the first of which was today. It was pretty nice. THere are some luxuries here. \
3. Eva has taken about three or four steps on her own, but she is way not motivated to do more than that. We are hoping she will be getting around soon.
2. I washed this week at a sister in my ward's house. I was too behind to do it by hand. So how good was that! I got to use a machine. YEAH.
1. Justino is the best, and we are having so much fun being back together. We don't want to be separated, ever again. In the mean time, I hope that you all are cherishing your luxuries, like couches, and carpet, and appliances, warm water. All of which I miss, but will have again soon, I hope. Keep praying for us so that we will be home soon. Love you, Brook

June 12

Well it has been another eventful one in sunny Mexico, but today I write from Utah.


What a learning experience I am having. Yesterday I cried the whole trip thinking about leaving Justino, and then again really hard when I actually did leave Jusitno. He took me the seven hours on the bus to Mexico City to catch the plane. Then went back. I got done traveling before he did. Anyway, then I felt to happy to be here, and yet like i am in a whole other universe here, where there is no bugs and I tap water won't give you diareha. I am so happy to see everyone I love here,and be in luxurious conditions again. Yesterday in the airport someone I was talking to in Mexico airport commented that I was going home. I thought, well that what it looks like. American girl goes home to america, but instantly I said, no my home is here. Then I realized that home is where my husband is, where we laugh and work and are together. And Eva doesn't really need carpet and a million toys ( even though that is nice ) She just needs two parents who adore her, a daddy who dances with her and makes her laugh all day, and a mommy who loves her daddy, and together they are doing the best to raise her. Anyway, no numbers this time, only my mom's house phone, 2966177, and for ten days I will have my friend Nikki cell, while she goes to peru, 2309400. I would love to hear from you. Brook

Top Ten June 3

June 3
10. We went to see Spider Man 3 this week. We left Eva with my sister in law's mom ( Griselda's mom) and we went for Jusitno's birthday. It was in Spanish so I was bummed I thought would just be subtitled, but we had a really good date. We both worried about eva and were happy to have her back after the show. It was cheap, 70 pesos for both of us to go the movie and have a drink, peanuts and a snickers bar. That is about $7.

9. Justino tuned 30 years old this week. We went to his sister and made Hibus, crabs. They were really good. We had choir and church things to do that night so we were glad we went to the movie the night before.

8. We went to the ground breaking of a new chapel here. It was really historic. It felt so mission field. The choir sang and I almost passed out while I conducted because of the heat, but nobody knew, and it was ok. The choir was flat and the women sang the mens verse, and I wondered why we even practiced, but the next time will be better. They were acapella and it was really hot, they must have just lost their minds for a minute.

7. Jusitno got a job this week. Don't get too excited. We didn't take it because it was all day Sunday and Saturday, those are the days we work the most for the church. I was so impressed that he turned it down. I know that god will give him something better.

6. He has an interview on Tuesday to work for a major bus lines here called ADO. WE are hopeful. One of the managers lives in our complex and she helped him get the interview. She told us that the money would be really good. We are hopeful that she is right and that the schedule will work out.

5. I woke up one morning this week with a cockroach on my arm and Justino says that I should work in horror movie industry because I have that kind of scream. I fumigated, we are fine now.

4, 3, 2, 1 I AM COMING HOME JUNE 12 UNTIL JULY 11. SO BE EXCITED. I am actually surprised that I am really sad to leave. My callings are going and I am feeling so settled here. I can't believe it. I thought that I would never feel that way. What a blessing this experience has been. I love you all and can't wait to see you

Top Ten May 27

Top Ten May 27

10. Every night Eva goes to bed, and Justino and I sit on the roof, and talk about the day. The heat has finally calmed, and the night is fresh, and my limbs finally relax after carting eva around all day. We often talk about the things we will do if we ever get back to the States, and the things we will take with us when we go. Every night we just relax, and sometimes I have enough perspective to go outside of my uncertain situation and notice how serene and wonderful these moments are with Justino.

9. Justine’s brother Fernando came from Florida, and on Monday they went to see their sister. I wanted to get caught up on the laundry etc. so they took Eva. I got all my work done in time to have a two hour nap. And I realized that I haven't been all alone, completely all alone, since before Eva was born. In fact I can't even remember the last time that happened. What a treat!!!

8. ON TUESDAY( LAST WEEK) WE GOT AN EMAIL FROM SENATOR HATCH'S OFFICE THAT INCLUDED THE LETTER THAT THEY SENT TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE ALONG WITH OUR PACKET. THIS IS A HUGE STEP. WE HAVE BEEN WORKING FOR THIS SINCE FEBRUARY. NOW WE ARE JUST WAITING FOR HIS RESPONSE. TO CELEBRTE JUSTINO AND I WENT TO THE BEACH, CALLED CASITAS, AND ATE DINNER. THERE WERE MARIARCHI'S IN THE RESTERAUNT THAT EVA LOVED, ONE OF THEM EVEN HAD A HARP. FOR JUST A MINUTE WE FELT LIKE THIS IS ONLY A VACTION AND WE MIGHT BE HOME SOON. WE PUT IN APPLICATIONS AT SEVERAL HOTELS ON THE BEACH. THAT WOULDN'T BE BAD RIGHT?!

7. WEDNESDAY WAS RELIEF SOCIETY DAY. A SISTER IN THE WARD NAMED JENNY REALLY PULLED ME TO THIS ACTIVITY AND WE LEARNED HOW TO BEAD PURSES. SHE TOOK ME ON MONDAY AND WE BOUGHT SOME STUFF SO DO IT. I WAS SURPRISED HOW MUCH I LOVED DOING IT AND I REALLY ENJOYED JENNY. SHE IS ABOUT MY AGE, AND HAS KNOW JUSTINO SINCE HE JOINED THE CHURCH. HE DATED HER BEST FRIEND. ANYWAY WE ATE AT HER HOUSE ON SUNDAY. IT IS NICE TO FEEL LIKE A MADE A FRIEND HERE.

6. THRUSDAY I WENT DOWN TOWN ALONE, WITH EVA. WHAT FEAT. I KNOW THAT I, MISS INDEPENDENT SOUND WEAK WHEN I SAY THAT IT IS HARD FOR ME TO GO ALONE, BUT THIS PLACE IS CRAZY. I DON'T KNOW WHERE ANYTHING IS,AND IT ALL LOOKS THE SAME TO ME. I TOOK A TAXI TO THE CLOTH STORE TO BUY MORE BEADS, AND SUCH FOR MY LATEST HOBBY. AND BY THE WAY 25 NEEDELS ARE ONLY 25 CENTS. I COULDN'T BELIEVE THAT.

5. FRIDAY I HAD CHOIR FOR THE FIRST TIME. I HAD A FOUR PART ARRANGEMENT ALL PICKED OUT, SO IMAGINE MY SURPRISE WHEN IN THE FIRST FIVE MINUTES IT BECAME EVIDENT THAT WE WOULD HAVE MADE STRIDES JUST TO SING ON KEY, IN TIME, IN UNISON. THEY DID IT, AND IT WAS REALLY SPRITUAL FOR ME, BECAUSE THEY HAVE LITTLE TALENT BUT INCREDIBLE HEART AND THE FEELING OF THE MUSIC RESONATED WHEN THE PITCH DIDN'T. THEY WERE SO EXCITED. WE ARE SINGING AT SEMINARY GRADUATION AND AT A GROUND BREAKING OF A NEW CHAPEL.

4. SPEAKING OF NEW CHAPEL, THERE IS ONLY ONE HERE IN OUR STAKE AND THE OTHERS ARE CALLED HOUSES OF PRAYER. THE CHURCH BUY HOUSES THAT ARE ALREADY BUILT AND TURNS THEM INTO PLACES OF WORSHIP. WE WENT TO ONE IN TLAPACOYAN, AND I WAS AMAZED AT HOW WELL THEY ADAPTED IT. HOW CREATIVE.

3. EVA HAS HAD A HORRIBLE RASH OVER HER WHOLE BODY, BUT IT IS LOOKING BETTER, AND SHE WILL BE OK

2. I MADE STOVE TOP COOKIES FOR THE SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS THAT I AM GOING TO BE TEACHING ( ALL YOUTH AGES 12-18) THEY TURNED OUT RUNNY AND THEY WEREN'T SETTING UP. SO MANY TIMES AS I ROLLED THEM OUT I THOUGHT THAT I SHOULD JUST CHUCK THE WHOLE BATCH, BUT DIDN'T BECAUSE I PAID SO MUCH FOR THE INGREDIENTS. I WAS DISCOURAGED, AND LEFT THE UGLY POOLS OF CHOCOLATE OATMEAL ON MY TABLE ALL DAY, HOPING THEY WOULD SET UP. WHEN I FINALLY DECIDED TO CLEAN UP, I STARTED ROLLING THEM INTO BALLS AND PUTTING THEM ON A PLATE. THEY ACTUALLY STARTED TO TAKE SOME FORM. THE KIDS LOVED THEM, AND I THOUGHT THAT THOSE COOKIES ARE LOKE HAVING FAITH. SOMETIMES EVERYTHING FEELS LIKE A HUGE FAILURE, BUT IF I JUST PRESS FORWARD AS IF WASN'T A FAILURE, SOON IT BECOMES AN ENORMOUS SUCCESS.

1. WE ARE STILL ALIVE HERE IN THIS STANGE VERY DIFFERNT COUNTRY. I KNOW THAT THERE IS A REASON FOR IT. PRAY FOR US TO COME HOME SOON. LOVE BROOK

Top Ten May 9

10. So I love the way tortillas go here. In The United States I made tortillas by hand at least once a day. Sometimes more, here I just send Justino to the corner, and he brings hot fresh tortillas to the table for 5 pesos. that is like 50 cents. IT IS SO GREAT. At least in that way life here is easier.
9. Eva is really starting to do good here. I have decided that she is just going to be dirty a lot, and so I put her on the floor. She is crawling a lot, and eating a lot of bugs, but she is getting so big, and she is a lot happier. Although she still wakes up about three times a night we are doing better with her ( Mollie, do you have any advice) Justino has started calling her Barbie, because she has the cutest clothes in Mexico thanks to her aunt Jaquis, who sends her SO MANY CLOTHES.
8. I am finally feeling better. I got WAY WAY sick on Saturday, and I threw up all night, and all day Sunday. That sucked, but I am fine now.
7. ON Sunday we got officially called in our new callings. I don’t know if I wrote about this last week, so forgive me if this is a repeat. Jusitno is now the Sunday School teacher, Ward mission leader, a counselor in the stake young mens, and a counselor in the branch young mens. I am stake music coordinator. They want me to teach the five branches in the stake to lead the music and teach some of the members that have some piano skills to play the hymns. Also they want a stake choir, which I will organize, and also I am training another sister to direct the choir when I leave. I am also in the Young Womans in the branch and of course the branch pianist. In our interviews they really focused for Jusitno and I both to train the members here how the programs should work. there is such little leadership here.
6. Frankie Morales, is the high counselor who did our interviews. WHAT AN AMAZING MAN. he is amazing. He has really befriended us. He came to our house Sunday to tell us that we needed to go early to the church and he saw that I was sick. He helped Jusitno give me a blessing. On Monday he knew that I was still sick and so he drove to our house again to bring us the info of the doctor where he takes his family. He invited us to go to his house, and his wife cooked. that was a good brake for me. It was really cool where he lives and that was also nice. Then he told us that his mother is dying and that he was sending his wife to be with her, and that he had to travel for his work, but that he wanted us to have a key to his house so we could come and have a place to relax if we needed it. He opened his wallet and gave us his key. I was really touched. He was a bright spot in my week .
5. We went to a parade on 5 de Mayo, all the elementary schools march. it is so cute. The girls have tambourines and the boys play the drums. Eva was mesmerized. We had a great time.
4. We went to Tlpacoyan to see one of Jusitno´s aunts and send her a gift from Jaquis. It has been really fun to meet all of Justino´s family here.
3. I tasted coconut milk right out a coconut at Jusitno´s sisters house. Her husband picked one up and cut it in half with a machete, and I drank it. It wasn’t that good.
2. A sister in the ward invited me to wash at her house. She has a washing machine, so I got to wash my comforter. IT was so dirty. I am getting so good at washing by hand, I do it Monday Wednesday and Friday. I feel so tough when I do it. ITS AWESOME:
1. Jusitno is really taking care of me. This has been such a struggle and I have really had to rely on him. Let s be real, THAT IS SO HARD FOR ME. But it is so good for us. Keep praying that we will come home soon. I love you all. Brook

Top Ten May 9

10. we went to my first Quincera, this week. It is when a girl turns 15, they consider it her coming of age, and they have what looks exactly like a wedding reception. We went to the catholic mass that they had for her, the whole church was decked out in flowers, and she comes in dressed in what looked like a pink wedding dress with four escorts, and her god parents. they had all these tables set up in the street, and a huge meal. They also had a DJ, it was so cool.. But then in the middle of the dinner it rained really hard, and everybody ran in the houses. It was so sad, because everything got ruined. when it stopped a bunch of us went outside and stripped the tables and chairs, and threw away all the food, and wiped off all the tables. One of the ladies said to Jusitno that she couldn’t believe that I was such a worker. PLEASE, just because I am white doesn’t mean that I am weak. Then one of the sisters had the is attack, she fell on the floor, and couldn’t breath. Justino gave her a powerful blessing and she was ok. Then we all stood up and kept partying.
9. Eva is doing better the truck has helped and the AC. the trick is not letting her get to hot. I bathe her four times a day to keep her cool.
8. Justino was called to be the stake young men’s first counselor, and I am the stake music coordinator. They want me to focus on choirs and teaching the people how to lead the music and play the hymns.
7. On Monday it was The Day of the Child, a national holiday apparently. Anyway Justino and I celebrated with Eva by buying Horchata, a rice based drink, and hotdogs in the street. We ha a lot of fun.
6. We went to the beach last night and bought fish from a lady that cooks it right on the beach, it was so tasty. and it was so nice and cool by the water it was such a treat.
5. The weirdest thing I have ever seen is that they sell milk in a box here, and it doesn’t have to go in the fridge until you open it. How do they do that?
4. I found out about Wednesday night street market where they sell awesome produce, called the barateros. It was so fun, and cheap.
3. Justino has been interviewing and for a job with Bimbo, a bread co, all week. We really thought that he was going to get it, but they told him today that he didn’t. PRAY FOR US. WE NEED A JOB IN MARTINEZ. OR feel free to send money with my mom, she is coming to see us on the 11 of May. Remember Justino´s bday is on the 30th, send him a gift! ( just kidding, kind of)
2. I drove here!!!! Sounds like nothing, but really I could have been killed. There are no street rules here, I can’t believe I don’t die every time I get in the car. People are crazy here. Jusitno fits right in.
1. Eva is going to die. According to all these Mexican wives tales, she is doomed. The following are some of my favorites,
a. If I give her a cold drink on a hot day.
b. If the wind blows on here on a hot day, like as if she could be cold in the country!!!
c. If she eats grapes that I haven’t peeled
d. If someone looks at her really hard, it could make her sick, and I should put a red thread on her ankle and on her wrist to protect her.
e. If I take her in a cemetery, to see Justino´s mother’s grave, she will get pocessed and die.
Can you believe I haven’t killed her yet? Please, I am so sick of hearing about what a negligent mother I am because I don’t believe in the CRAP. Anyway, Love you all Brook

Top Ten April 23ish

10. We went to meet Justino´s aunt Eufrasia. She is his dad´s sister. She is like four feet and so wrinkley that you can barely see her eyes. She looks like someone out of National Geographic. Long grey hair and no front tooth. She was happy to she us, and she insisted that she feed us, so we followed outside to this shack where she has a kitchen. She cooks over a fire. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Then she walked outside and kills a chicken WITH HER BARE STINKING HANDS; broke its neck. Then she puts it in a bucket in the sink in her shack, and plucks it and washes it, and then cuts it up and an hour or so later we ate it in a soup.- I was floored. Speaking of floors she has dirt floors. Everything is up on bricks, like the beds and some really humble couches that she had. She had chicken and turkeys and pigs and ducks and dogs, and eva was in heaven.
9. After we met Tia Frasia, we met Justino´s mother’s mother. She is 95. She is a dear. Lives with Jusino´s mothers only brother, who was also named Guadalupe. can you imagine having two children and naming them both Guadalupe? I would get confused. They fed us again, I was stuffed.
8. Eva is sleeping a little better, at least at night. Although she never sleeps for more than 20 minutes in the day. I think that it must be because she is in the middle of everything, and the dogs and the roosters never stop, not to mention the neighbor’s music. Anyway, she is going to sleep without a bottle which is a big deal to me, I don’t have to feed her to sleep. The nights have improved hopefully the days will to.
7. I am learning a lot about how spoiled kids are in the US. Justino´s niece that is eight years old taught me how to cook over a fire; she chops the wood, builds the fire, and knows how to manage the heat. We fried bananas for Justino, they were so good.
6. We found a guy that Brer Baptized in Minnesota, Justino Bastien Mota. he is form here, and he is back. We had an awesome time with him, he lives in Arroyo Hondo by Julia.
5. I went to see Justino´s dad´s cows, They are in the mountains, It was cool, and eva loved it.
4. I had tamales on Sunday with another uncle of Justino. We are eating really good here.
3. I am battling cockroaches still, and found one in eva´´s clothes. It freaked me out, so I kicked some organization but today, and there is not one thing one the floor of the closet.
2. The missionaries are eating at our house this week and it is so nice to be able to cook for them. I finally am established enough to do so. YEAH
1. I really think that this whole mess has been to make me rely on Justino, I am so helpless here. In the united states, I could need him or not. I guess that is the perk/vice of being a capable independent woman, but it has been so good for our relationship. Now if we could just get eva on board with this Mexican adventure. In the mean time, pray and fast, we want to come home soon. I love you all BATG

Top Ten April 16, 2007

Top Ten April 16, 2007

10. I learned how to wash by hand this week. My neighbor taught me. What a process, but I have never had whiter cleaner clothes. I thought that the bus ride made me a real Mexican, no this did it.
9. There is little Chihuahua dog that lives on the roof of our apartment building and his name is Tommy; he is eva´s new best friend.
8. I got a stove!!!
7. I got a fridge, it was broken, but it got fixed; now all we have to do is get the cockroaches out of it and we will be in business, we will finally be able to eat at home. What a hassle it has been to feed eva with out access to a functional kitchen.
6. On Wednesday it got so hot that we decided to go to Jalapa, the capitol of Vera Cruz, because it is cooler there. Eva had a rash all over her face because of the heat. We also decided that we should apply for some work there, so we went. Eva got sick on the four hour bus ride through the windy mountain roads, and then threw up all over me and her blanket, which was catastrophic, because she loves that blanket, and we had to take it away from her. We stunk pretty badly. We stayed in Jalapa till Saturday. Besides the sick baby, we had a great time. She got better as we got there, we stayed with some of justino´s friends and they even had a crib, what a bonus.
5. They let me put eva in the nursery at church here. I guess Mexicans don’t care about the 18 month rule. I enjoyed church like I haven’t in so long. We belong to a branch, there were only 24 people there, and I counted. It was really spiritual, I had a great Sunday.
4. after church we came to see Justino´s sister Julia, she is so good to us and we feel so at home with her.
3. Justino´s brothers are coming today, which means in a matter of hours I will have a car, a pillow and a crib for eva, and so many luxuries, that I thought were necessities until I moved here.
2. My feet are healing. I have about 30 bug bites on every foot, under my toes, and up my ankles. They like white meat here I guess. Julia is a nurse and she treated my very swollen feet.
1. There is a lady that passes by our house every morning selling fresh squeezed orange juice. It is a liter for a dollar. IT IS AWESOME. The morning is sweet, we are doing well, and everything is ok. Thanks for your love and prayers. Brook

LADY TINY POOF OF BOOTIFULNESS

Have you seen cuter child ever? I mean really how cute is she eating pineapple on the bed, and spagetti in here chair, and playing. She hasn't suffered on minute here in Mexico.

Apartment Tour

This is our truck. We don't have a name, if you think of a good one let us know. Justino's brothers sold out white pickup and bought this for us with money, and brought it to us in May.

SO here is our place. We start the tour looking at the apartment buiding from the street. We go in the small door on the right, and the whole big red gate opens and cars can pull in. THe next pic is just inside the door, we go up the stairs to our place. Then we see our front door, open the door and see into the kitchen.

Eva sleeps in the kitchen, and we have a lovely little table. Notice the box holding the pots and pans under the play stove, two burners and no oven, that is run by gas and I have to light with a match every time. And what do you think of our rusty old fridge. This was the first fridge that Justino's mother ever owned, the first and only. Her boys bought it for her twenty years ago after they had moved to the states. We are grateful, and proud to announce that it is no longer full of cockroaches,as it was when we got it out of storage. THe sink is next to our only set of cabinets, and we uses boxes inside them to organize.

Leaving the kitchen, through a small door at the head of Eva's crib heads you into the bedroom, And you can see that from the bedroom you can head into the bathroom. The night stand is actually our air conditioner box, covered in a sheet. I am continuously proud of how creative I am at making furniture out of cardboard.

The Bathroom is starndard, but notice the luxuries, shower curtain and a toilet seat. Both a rare entity here in most bathrooms I have visited. Also though it appears to have two nobs for hot and cold water, the truth is, it is always cold.

Now for the best part. My mexican washing machine. Know here as a lavadero, basically you tank of water and a nice concrete scrub board. The dyer is the lines you see, and you would be amazed at the art that it is to wash by hand. I have learned that clothes dont' even know clean until they have been washed by hand, and Mexican woman can ring them until they are nearly dry. ALso there is an art to hanging them up. They don't use clothes pins, they separate the wound twine on the line, and hang the clothes inside. Unless you have wrung the clothes out really good, they get heavy and it is a real trick to be able to use the whole line before it gets to tight to open up and continue hanging the clothes. anyway, although I am excited to have a washer again some day, I think that I would like to have a lavadero too, so that I can have the best of both worlds.

Life is Rosy South of the Border

Our Mexican adventure has definately been alot like this beautiful rose bush that Justino had waiting for Brook when she first arrived in Mexico in April of 2007 with one slight difference. This amazing plant is at first glance breathtaking, smells wonderful, and what an amazing sweet gesture from husband to wife. The beauty is the most obvious. That was not so with as our jouney here began. We could accutely feel the thorny nature as we were thrust into this after the immigration hearing February 7, 2007. We told the truth, and did the right thing, and expected that to protect us from the more harsh life style here. We were trusting and undereducated about the laws surrounding immigration, and so we are here. We found solace before our hearing that after the ruling we would at least be freed from the haunting uncertainty of future. We thought for sure that we would at leasy know what the next year would hold. Instead the uncertainty grew and like the dark soil around the rose, our future became only more muddy. But now five months after the wound was ripped open we are beginning to see the blossoms, and understand why God planted us here. What an experience! How blessed we have been to have this time to spend together, with our Eva. We have been able to serve our church and strengthen out faith. Our marriage is stronger and we are better parents. Who knew that living in third world conditions could bring such sweet fruit. There are still days when our focus falls to the lower part of the rose, and we allow the thorns to prick our finger as we struggle to reach the blossom again, but how can we deny that as prickly as this has been, we have been blessed by being here. We have learned to always stop and smell the roses.