Hola!
The first thing we saw as we neared Monterrey was the top of a mountain peaking through the heavy cloud cover. As we dropped below the clouds on our approach we observed a huge, industrious city surrounded by mountains on every side, with housing additions creeping up the steep slopes--the only space left for growth. The travel was easy and even customs was a breeze.
We’ve eaten like kings since we arrived: For lunch we had fresh guacamole, Mexican queso, homemade tortillas, grilled steak and spicy salsa! Later we enjoyed HUGE scoops of mango, strawberry, and chocolate ice cream. We did some sightseeing, first from a high spot in the center of the city, where they fly a huge flag, and later from the SAMS Club, where the team bought supplies of food and water. We unpacked and hit the sack around 10:00 PM.
Sunday morning we savored another wonderful meal, had a devotional then headed off to a worship service at Vina del Rey (Vine of the King) Christian Community. The congregation sang songs for over an hour, then prayed, then sang some more, then prayed some more, then sang some more, then people from the congregation shared testimonies (including a few from our team), then they sang and prayed some more! We recognized many of the songs (such as How Great Thou Art, and several Chris Tomlin songs) and even though we didn’t know the Spanish words--we knew the tunes.
The Mexican people are so demonstrative and hospitable; they greeted us warmly with hugs and kisses, and small gifts. They’re also animated and passionate when they worship. The WHOLE congregation sings at the same volume and intensity as Chris Cleveland does when he leads worship at the Venue. The people clapped, and danced, and wept. It was wonderful to participate with them! At one point, Pastor Guzman went straight from praying into a song, and he was dancing around and clapping! (I want to ask Pastor Tom why he never does that.)
We stayed for a pot luck lunch at the church afterward, and then we visited this wonderful park where a huge artistic event was in progress. Hundreds of artists were recreating classic works of art with sidewalk chalk. It was amazing to see. After that we toured the Juan Wesley Seminary which is housed in a beautiful 100 year-old building. It was clean and modestly furnished, with a well stocked library, classrooms, chapel, offices and dorm rooms. We look forward to joining the seminary students for a meal on Friday night.
We spent the evening preparing for tomorrow’s MBS. This included practicing the puppet show, and the songs, and gluing stuff together. It’s after 10:00 PM now and everyone has retired to their rooms. The windows are open, and the fans are blowing. Outside, some insects are chirping. Before bed my daughters prayed, “Thank you Lord for this WONDERFUL day!”
Yes, thank you Lord for this wonderful day! Stephanie Hurd
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