A New Vision...CHE

Wow time really has flown by! We were so busy getting everything and everyone in shape for our first children's Health Fair. It was held on a Saturday at one of the elementary schools in Colonet. Getting permission from the Principal a couple of weeks before and following up with notices and reminders to be sent home with the children. That morning we didn't know if we'd have two or two hundred.....so nervous. God was so in control....all the teens from the Church and FFHM had their posters ready and information learned. Our two dentists and hygienist were there. Along with the local Doctor. Our eight booths looked fantastic.........we saw 76 kids that day. Sucess! All the next week we took kids and their moms to dental appointments at the mission clinic a half hour away. In a small way we are introduced to the community and at our follow up the following Wednesday we had a small group of moms come. It's a start and we are excited. This part of the ministry is beginning to bud as is our three lasagna gardens that have been started at The Station. We trust God to guide and direct us begin CHE here in the Baja. Doug and I had to make a trip up to the states for the week on business and we are now anxious to be back in Baja to see what the next project is.

A Fresh Start

After a year of not keeping this blog up I am going to attempt it again. It was so frustrating not being able to blog (they block them along with other things) at the Mission and then while in the Philippines b/c having to use computers at internet cafes….I gave up. When we were back home I had good intentions but never followed thru. This time I hope I becomes a bit compulsive about it so you all can keep informed of our adventure. We're now back in Baja Norte Mexico. We spent a week visiting with our friends who work in the Migrant Camp ministry. Things are going well there and God is teaching and blessing those who works so hard. Then we spent ten days at FFHM ..Doug and Kathy in the gardens and myself at the Learning Center with the kids. I was glad they had moved into the new building as not seeing the faces of Javier and Feliciano was very difficult. We had a great time giving a Quinceanera for Maria who had turned fifteen. Loved being with old friends doing God's work. We are now at " The Station" our new home with Enrique and Ellie. It is only about 17 miles north of FFHM so we stay very connected with everyone there. In the pictures you can see what a lovely place it is. Ellie and Enrique's house, our two RV's, dorms, men and women's bathhouses and fellowship and kitchen. Landscaped beautifully by Pastor Mayito along with sheds and our vehicles. Have been very busy with two projects. First the organic Lasagna gardens…3 of them. They will feed us but more importantly be a model for FAITH Gardens (food always in the home). 2nd we are holding a Health Fair at the elementary school in Colonet on Oct 22nd. This includes a free dental checkup and 7 booths on nutrition, exercise, handwashing etc., which involves games and of course Lucy (Ellie) the clown. The teens from both the Colonet Church and FFHM along with women from the church and some of our friends will be doing the teaching. This is a major step in introducing CHE to the community. Although we are not able to talk about God we will be representing Him. Pastor Enrique is pastoring at both churches…here in Jaramillo and Colonet. So we are at church almost every night. On Mondays we lead a women's nutrition and exercise class at the Colonet church…with a spiritual core. We are seeing a good turnout. Enrique also teaches at the Bible School and preaches at two rehab canters, we love visiting there and seeing lives transformed by Jesus. So as you can see we have re-entered the ministry and lifestyle in Mexico. Please pray for us and the people we are working with. The enemy is always attempting to kill and destroy…but our God is Victorious! Enjoy the photos and God willing I will try to post often:)

July 11th..We arrived back in Calif. just in time for a Pettit Family Reunion. They seem to be getting smaller every year now that Mom and Dad have passed on. The family is still huge but getting everyone together is more difficult. We are making a great attempt at staying connected through FaceBook though. Food as usual was delicious and there was plenty of it. Lots of catching up on what is happening in each other's lives and entertainment by one of the youngest...Red's only granddaughter.

July 5th This past weekend we were able to visit with one of our kid's family at their restaurant. We enjoyed good food and fun visit with them. As we were shopping in the Globos we heard our names being shouted, when we turned around it was one of the girls from the program with her mom and sister. It was a joy seeing the kids outside of school and with their families. We picked up some good buys too.

June 31st The Camps...one of my favorite places of ministry. It was in a camp I first understood hopelessness, extreme poverty and felt the darkness of evil. Over the years as we have worked with the people of the camps I have seen how the Light of Jesus can change all of those things. Going to the camp this week with my friend Vero helped me see it anew thru her eyes.

June 28th A busy week with the kids, lots of fun. They are always so full of joy which makes me rethink how I start my mornings. With all they have to bear they greet each day with smiles and a sweet spirit. I love all my friends that make up the staff and we are making some great memories. We have moments that make us laugh and others that bring tears. Had fun over the weekend shopping at the Globus and enjoying great food. The beach is chilly but beautiful, so we've enjoyed visiting it.

June 19th Today is Tyler's Birthday ..our oldest grandson turns 20. How the years have flown since he was born. He has brought such joy into our lives. We pray he stays close to Jesus and loving every minute of his journey into adulthood. The organic garden...named the Lasagna Garden because of the many layers it's built upon...is starting to grow. They harvested a few radishes this week. The boys I'm working with love crafts and storytime. We talked about bomberos..firemen, they all want to be one when they grow up.We had another staff party, which are always a fun time of fellowship although they are also sad as they mean another staffer is returning home.