It has been tough not being able to speak the language of the amazing people here in Matamoros. Despite that, I have made some wonderful friends.
Mario and Marta – Just started a church in a colonial about 10 minutes from where our camp is. We have been to their house a few times and have instantly felt at home. Yesterday, we did a prayer walk around their neighborhood and prayed for safety and for their neighbors to utilize their church to learn about Jesus! Marta also took us to a youth jail with 5 Mexican boys where we made bracelets, played basketball, and drew pictures. It was an experience. It made me really miss the Foster Youth in California!!
Olga and Roberto – A couple that attends the church here at our camp. I met them the first day we were here and have sat with them at church ever since.
Juan Carlos – Juan Car Los. We have had a lot of fun trying to teach him how to speak English. He goes around trying to speak to people and when they introduce themselves, he tries to say their name and then always follows it by saying Kim Ber Ly. It is pretty funny because he does it even when I am not there.
Crystal – Now…here’s a girl who can speak some Espanol and English. She has been our team’s translator for the week. What a girl!!! I am so thankful to have met her!
My little kids – It’s official. I have already met some kids that have completely stole my heart. We went to a small group at a house in Mario and Marta’s neighborhood and that is where it all began! They came to church that night and we sat together. I showed the little girl Philippians 4:13 (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.) Every few minutes she would look at it again…in her Spanish Bible of course. It was really cute. Her brother wouldn’t leave my side. They had never seen a digital camera either, so I took a bazillion pictures of them with their friends and then showed them the pictures. It was really funny. They could not understand how that worked. I also saw them again at Mario and Marta’s house on Thursday. We played and laughed!! I may not know their names, but I sure do love them!
The people here in Matamoros have really made an impact on me. Although, they do not have the quality of living that us American’s do…they seem much happier. I am starting to wonder if I should build a concrete block house with a dirt floor and no windows when I move back. It is quite comfortable.
