Home for a Visit

Donna, the great organizer that she is, had this whole visit (28 days) scheduled almost to the minute. After an uncomfortable, cramped 5-hour plane trip and 3 cold hours at O'Hare waiting for the first bus to Rockford, we were warmly greeted by daughter Angela. The rigors of the trip and 27+ hours without sleep (minus two short naps) were soon overcome by the effects of the amazing time we experienced with our friends and family at the morning service at Rockford First. Thank you everyone.

One of the many trip highlights was to be an Amtrak train trip to Montana to visit son Ben and daughter-in-law Kehau. But alas, the flooding in the north is blocking the tracks and all trains are cancelled for now. It is a big disappointment to say the least. More thwarted plans! We've gotten quite used to this mode in Mexico. There we excitedly anticipate what God is going to do instead. At times it is like whitewater rafting without a boat or a paddle. It is exciting. Somehow, back here, we are finding it more difficult to take it in stride. We are having to remind ourselves that God has another purpose and use for our time. As yet, it remains to be revealed.  

Another seemingly major hurdle thrown is our path is the loss of my passport. Someone apparently lifted my computer bag (minus the computer) from the car. No great loss except that it contained my passport. In order to get it replaced right away, I cannot report it until two weeks before leaving. Then I have to keep an as yet unscheduled appointment in Chicago and wait an uspecified amount of time for the replacement. I put a sign in the driveway offering a no questions $50 reward for its return. That is a lot less than the $195 fees plus travel time and expense to get the new one. Again, GOD HAS A PLAN.

We have already spent some great time with family and friends and we are looking forward to more great connections. Maybe we'll get to do some garage sales this weekend. Meanwhile, we are enjoying the cooler weather here.

Playin' for All the Bolis

Last evening we visited with some friends who live in a large apartment complex. We were relaxing, talking and enjoying watching the neighborhood kids play a vigorous game of kickball in the parking lot between the buildings. It brought to mind our childhood when the whole neighborhood played games after dark while the parents visited.


Kids being what they are ( I mean my friend Juan and I) we challenged them to a game, adults against the kids. The stakes? The losers buy bolis for the winners. They accepted with more than enthusiasm. Bolis are a frozen concoction in a bag (bolsa) about the size and shape of a pushup. They are made with milk, sugar, fruit and spices. They are really easy to make and quite delicious. A family in the neighborhood makes and sells them for 5 pesos each.


Donna, Juan's wife Norma and another lady joined the fray. A couple of Juan's young boys rounded out our team. After the coin toss, the game was on. After about 30 minutes of kicking, running, dodging the ball and laughing hilariously, not to mention the heat and humidity, our team emerged victorious, 14 to 5.


While in our minds we may feel like kids, and for a few moments we were, our bodies are telling us something altogether different. Can you say sore? Even so, we wouldn't change it if we could. We are really blessed by the relationships here and we are torn because of family and friends back home. We are looking so forward to our visit and yet missing it here already.