Mexico Trip Highlights

The Arrival!

Our Northwest flight to Mexico via Detroit went well enough. However, a technical glitch kept us from renting a car as we had planned. After visiting a whole bunch of other car rental centers we decided to take a bus from the airport in Mexico city to Toluca. Passing through the streets of Mexico city in rush hour traffic we were quickly reminded that Mexico is, in fact, a third world (or at least an under-developed) country. Prostitutes lined some streets, vendors shouted for patrons' business, poverty was evident. Two movies--or about 3 hours--later we found ourselves at the bus terminal in Toluca. We got a taxi and made our way to Selene's aunt's home where we showered, unwound, ate and got settled in for the evening. The following afternoon we would be off to the retreat.

The 2008 LAM Mexico Retreat

The theme of the this year's retreat was how God defines "Success". It was an awesome time to learn, share, grow, fellowship, cry, laugh, bask in the presence of God, and see Jesus Christ in the lives of Latin America Mission missionaries. We were able to continue friendships that we had started last year and meet and make new friends.

With a twist of pride I told several LAM missionaries I met that we didn't want to be an "inconvenience" to them. That we didn't make the trip to do that! I have to take a moment to recognize LAM missionaries who allowed themselves to be "inconvenienced" that God might show Himself lovingly generous through them towards us.

LAM missionaries:

• John and Tracey Pieters and their children Keila and Kiana allowed us to stay at their home, wash clothes, use their computer, make phone calls, fed our family, prayed for us, loved us, counseled us, mentored us (perhaps without knowing it), allowed us to be a part of ministry, took us to the zoo and park and allowed themselves to be "inconvenienced" that God might show himself lovingly generous to our family.
• Carlos and Carrie Morales and Jaime and Emi Lopez drove about two hours each way (to pick us up and drop our family off) to spend time with us and get to know us better--on two separate occasions! They had nothing to gain but our fellowship and friendship. Carlos, Carrie, Jaime and Emi allowed themselves to be "inconvenienced" that God might show himself lovingly generous to our family.
• Manuel and Laura Vivanco and their four children had us over for an excellent breakfast and patiently listened to our concerns about serving in Mexico, offered us wise counsel and prayed for us. Manuel and Laura allowed themselves to be "inconvenienced" that God might show himself lovingly generous to our family.
• Paul and Nydia Johnson graciously lent us their mini-van for us to use during our stay in Mexico. They allowed themselves to be "inconvenienced" that God might show himself lovingly generous to our family.
• Jim and Robin Heimberger had us over for a bar-b-que, Cliff and Joy McCalister had us over for lunch and gave us a tour of camp Kikoten where they serve with the LAM. Several LAM missionaries took the time to pray for Zachary when he had a allergic reaction. They allowed themselves to be "inconvenienced" that God might show himself lovingly generous to our family. I have since gladly eaten my prideful words about being an "inconvenience" with a healthy serving of humility.

Cancer in the family

God is His sovereignty has allowed cancer into our family. Shortly after our arrival to Mexico we found out that my mother, Elaine, was diagnosed with ovarian and stomach cancer. We prayerfully decided to stay in Mexico entrusting my mom to the Great Physician, excellent doctors and family. Currently she is undergoing chemotherapy treatments to reduce the size of the tumors to then have them surgically removed. We ask that you would keep her and my stepfather, Albert, in your prayers.

Seekers in the family

While in Toluca we were able to spend some quality time with Selene's family. Several of them asked questions about, or seemed interested in, Christianity. One of Selene's aunts even asked if we knew of a church in Toluca that she could attend. Our desire is to be a loving, clear and gentle witness to our family in Mexico. While doing devotions I found this verse in 2nd Corinthians Chapter 6:3 which really impacted me, "We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry." On a few occasions I had a right to be mad or upset while in Mexico. However, as an American Christian and missionary candidate, I bit my tongue and kept my cool. That verse really came in handy!

The rude awakening

Having visited Mexico several times now I have had the opportunity to see not only the good things about Mexican culture, but the bad. To be honest, for several days during our trip I had regretted going to Mexico. For several days I wasn't even sure if I wanted to return to Mexico. LAM missionary Manual Vivanco told me that as a Mexican visiting the States he saw things there, as a foreigner, that offended him and that he didn't like. Things that might not be so obvious to an American. Essentially he told me that it is a good thing to see Mexico (both the good and the bad) as it really is. And, having seen that reality, and to still have a love for Mexico and the people of Mexico, is a big step in a missionary's life.

Perhaps I/we are just beginning to learn that lesson. However, I can say that we left Mexico with a strong desire (even a compulsion) to return there as LAM missionaries.

To our prayer partners and supporters

Romans 10:14-15 reads, "But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"

Thanks so much to those of you who pray for us regularly. Thank you for your financial support. Thank you for being a part of a growing group of churches and individuals who are sending us to Mexico by way of the Latin America Mission. Thank you for loving the people of Mexico along with us.

Sincerely,

Karl & Selene Strittar

1st Thess. 2:8