Well it has been quite some time since I've posted here and for that I apologize. Aside from the normal busyness, I've had a stomach parasite that has pretty much sidelined me. Anyway I have some good pics to share the next time I get to Puerto but for now I wanted to share how the business development plans are going.
Truthfully, I'm very excited because I feel like so much is coming together. I've planned with the Bible school administrators when and how I will implement the business course into the trade school next year. To that end, I've already outlined the whole course and summarized the material to be covered. I only lack the individual lesson plans. The course will have three parts in total and cover the whole school year.
As far as individual businesses go, I am in the middle of helping to launch an extended guest services campaign that will provide guests to the mission base with the options of fishing on our beach front, snorkeling, touring the rock/island in front of the base, and this will all be in addition to a restaurant on the top floor of the guest house. By God's providence we have come into contact with a chef who actually worked in the states for a number of years. He has graciously agreed to help us in our fledgling effort to start this restaurant.
Lastly I am entering into a time of pursuing an outsourcing contract with a company from Missouri. I can't go into the specifics at the moment, but please pray that God grants us favor in winning the contract here. I can't describe the kind of blessing this would be for the people here.
That's it in a nutshell regarding the business development front. I hope that this news encourages you as much as it does me.
This weekend I'm going to visit a village about 4 hours away from the base called Amuzgos. It should be pretty fun. I will be staying with a pastor and just getting to know the people and the area. I've already learned how to say "My name is," and "I'm from" in their native tongue. I'll post about the trip when I get back. God bless.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
My Mexican Abode
Ok, so I finally made it to Puerto and here are some long awaited pics (not a lot but it's a start).
My glorious concrete cube of a room. Yes, that's pink you see.
Here's me in front of the house where I live. It's affectionately called "La Quinta." If I don't look too excited it's because I just woke up. Hasta pronto!
My glorious concrete cube of a room. Yes, that's pink you see.
Here's me in front of the house where I live. It's affectionately called "La Quinta." If I don't look too excited it's because I just woke up. Hasta pronto!Tuesday, February 12, 2008
I'm Fine
For those of you who haven't heard, there was an earthquake that hit about 100 miles away from the mission base this morning at about 7 in the morning. It was a 6.4 magnitude, but everything and everyone was fine. Actually, I wasn't even in the area. I was on my way back to the base from the border with my friend Charles. Quick explanation: you have to renew your visa at the border every 6 or 12 months depending on the type of visa you have. Anyway, I accompanied him and we just got back about 4 this evening but I'm exhausted. It's about a 25 hour drive to the border from here depending on traffic and how much hassle the army gives you.
Thanks again to everyone for the concerned emails. It made me feel important! I love everyone of you.
Thanks again to everyone for the concerned emails. It made me feel important! I love everyone of you.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Oddities
I thought I would share some of the things I find odd about Mexico:
They eat iguana eggs here. I actually tried one yesterday and it was pretty tasty. Reminded me of a deviled egg. (they also eat armadillo)
People stare at me. I thought I was just making it up in my head until today. I happened to be wearing some sunglasses (with which you can't see my eyes) at a worksite today, and I noticed that everyone stared at me when I pretended to be looking off into the distance.
Air Conditioning is a luxury. Better said, finding air conditioning is similar to finding all of Bill Gates' money in one place and having with you a truck big enough to haul it all off. Oh, and it's not cool here either.
Protein is severely undervalued. Tortillas and veggies are the norm. I really hate beans....I hated them before.....I hate them still.
Speed bumps are unnecessary on a pothole filled dirt road.....unless you're in Mexico. And the speed bumps, well my friend, they are designed to make you replace your suspension as often as your oil.
Mexicans are scared of fish. I don't know why, but every time we're swimming in the ocean and they see fish, they freak and run ashore.
That's about it for now. There's a pastor's group here this week from the surrounding areas and they all have good ideas for start-up companies. Exciting stuff. Truly, it puts a bit of pressure on me to get some stuff done a lot quicker than I anticipated. God is good and affirming. If only I could get a steak.
They eat iguana eggs here. I actually tried one yesterday and it was pretty tasty. Reminded me of a deviled egg. (they also eat armadillo)
People stare at me. I thought I was just making it up in my head until today. I happened to be wearing some sunglasses (with which you can't see my eyes) at a worksite today, and I noticed that everyone stared at me when I pretended to be looking off into the distance.
Air Conditioning is a luxury. Better said, finding air conditioning is similar to finding all of Bill Gates' money in one place and having with you a truck big enough to haul it all off. Oh, and it's not cool here either.
Protein is severely undervalued. Tortillas and veggies are the norm. I really hate beans....I hated them before.....I hate them still.
Speed bumps are unnecessary on a pothole filled dirt road.....unless you're in Mexico. And the speed bumps, well my friend, they are designed to make you replace your suspension as often as your oil.
Mexicans are scared of fish. I don't know why, but every time we're swimming in the ocean and they see fish, they freak and run ashore.
That's about it for now. There's a pastor's group here this week from the surrounding areas and they all have good ideas for start-up companies. Exciting stuff. Truly, it puts a bit of pressure on me to get some stuff done a lot quicker than I anticipated. God is good and affirming. If only I could get a steak.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
All About Juan
I was really not looking forward to this roadtrip. Just as I'm feeling settled at the base I have to leave for about 36 hours, drive 14 of them across tope infested highways, and deprive myself of sleep. Not fun. Then I met Juan and I forgot about my pity party.
Juan is a 19 year old kid who is very normal by all standards. He lives in a small village not too far from myself, he works hard, and by the grace of God came to know Christ within the last year. One Sunday night just over a month ago, Juan was walking to church along a highway when a truck came up from behind him and the truck's rearview mirror hit Juan's head sending him careening into the dusty ditch. Luckily his brother-in-law, Ramon, was with him and scooped up Juan's limp frame and ran to find their nearest friend with a vehicle. Thankfully they found a friend who took them to the local doctor. When they got there, the doctor took 1 minute to look at Juan and matter-of-factly told the family to get ready for Juan to die. The doctor said Juan may live for 2 hours......3 at the most.
Not willing to give up, the family got in the car and drove to a bigger city with an actual hospital. Upon arriving at the next city, they were turned away and told the same thing: "I'm sorry. There's nothing that can be done for this boy. He may as well already be dead." As devastating as this prognosis was, the family was still not giving up. With Juan's skull exposed, eye out of socket, and more blood in the car than should be in one human body, the family pressed on through the 6 hour drive to Acapulco. When they got to the hospital in Acapulco and the doctors heard the story, they were amazed that he was still alive so they decided to do what they could to help the boy. Fast forward to Tuesday night when I met Juan.
Juan had a checkup and x-ray scheduled with the doctors in Acapulco, but the family had no way of getting to Acapulco so the pastor of their church asked me if I could take Juan. I agreed only knowing that a "sick" person had a doctor's appointment. I had no idea what an impact was awaiting me.
Two of Juan's brother-in-laws carried him into my car as I leaned the seat back for him. He still doesn't have sufficient strength to even hold his head up. As we get him loaded into the car next to me, I'm starting to get a sense of his desperation. I load their luggage into my car. Diapers? What are those doing here? Oh, Juan has no control over his bowels as a result of the accident. On the way to Acapulco on Tuesday night, Juan's brother-in-laws feed him some applesauce so that he has some nourishment. In only minutes he vomits it all up. His body has trouble digesting properly now. He is but a frame at this point after losing 30 pounds since the accident. He can motion "yes" or "no" when I ask him if he's hot or cold. That's about all he can muster.
So with the smell of every foul bodily fluid hanging heavy in the humid Mexican night air, we travel to Acapulco with the mission to get Juan help.
After two appointments and 16 hours at the hospital, our day is complete. The doctors are amazed that Juan is conscious and responsive. He can even lift his hands a bit and move his legs when he's propped up. Miraculous. So now we embark on our trip home. After another 7 hours in the car and wishing for some space to stretch, we get home. Juan and his family are dropped off at their home and we part with grateful hugs. Not so much grateful that we're home, but that God has bonded us and given us a taste of His love for those in so much need. "I truly have family here," I think to myself.
Thank you Juan.
Thank you Jesus.
Juan is a 19 year old kid who is very normal by all standards. He lives in a small village not too far from myself, he works hard, and by the grace of God came to know Christ within the last year. One Sunday night just over a month ago, Juan was walking to church along a highway when a truck came up from behind him and the truck's rearview mirror hit Juan's head sending him careening into the dusty ditch. Luckily his brother-in-law, Ramon, was with him and scooped up Juan's limp frame and ran to find their nearest friend with a vehicle. Thankfully they found a friend who took them to the local doctor. When they got there, the doctor took 1 minute to look at Juan and matter-of-factly told the family to get ready for Juan to die. The doctor said Juan may live for 2 hours......3 at the most.
Not willing to give up, the family got in the car and drove to a bigger city with an actual hospital. Upon arriving at the next city, they were turned away and told the same thing: "I'm sorry. There's nothing that can be done for this boy. He may as well already be dead." As devastating as this prognosis was, the family was still not giving up. With Juan's skull exposed, eye out of socket, and more blood in the car than should be in one human body, the family pressed on through the 6 hour drive to Acapulco. When they got to the hospital in Acapulco and the doctors heard the story, they were amazed that he was still alive so they decided to do what they could to help the boy. Fast forward to Tuesday night when I met Juan.
Juan had a checkup and x-ray scheduled with the doctors in Acapulco, but the family had no way of getting to Acapulco so the pastor of their church asked me if I could take Juan. I agreed only knowing that a "sick" person had a doctor's appointment. I had no idea what an impact was awaiting me.
Two of Juan's brother-in-laws carried him into my car as I leaned the seat back for him. He still doesn't have sufficient strength to even hold his head up. As we get him loaded into the car next to me, I'm starting to get a sense of his desperation. I load their luggage into my car. Diapers? What are those doing here? Oh, Juan has no control over his bowels as a result of the accident. On the way to Acapulco on Tuesday night, Juan's brother-in-laws feed him some applesauce so that he has some nourishment. In only minutes he vomits it all up. His body has trouble digesting properly now. He is but a frame at this point after losing 30 pounds since the accident. He can motion "yes" or "no" when I ask him if he's hot or cold. That's about all he can muster.
So with the smell of every foul bodily fluid hanging heavy in the humid Mexican night air, we travel to Acapulco with the mission to get Juan help.
After two appointments and 16 hours at the hospital, our day is complete. The doctors are amazed that Juan is conscious and responsive. He can even lift his hands a bit and move his legs when he's propped up. Miraculous. So now we embark on our trip home. After another 7 hours in the car and wishing for some space to stretch, we get home. Juan and his family are dropped off at their home and we part with grateful hugs. Not so much grateful that we're home, but that God has bonded us and given us a taste of His love for those in so much need. "I truly have family here," I think to myself.
Thank you Juan.
Thank you Jesus.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
A Brief History of Mexico
*In chronological order*
Mexico was founded by Juan Valdez. Some people have mistaken him as being more well-known for his accolades in the coffee industry, however this is just not true. About the time that the island of Mexico ran into then Texas in 78,000 B.C., Montezuma overthrew Sr. Valdez and was elected president for several millenia. It's not really clear during Sr. Zuma's reign when things happened, but what we do know for sure is that the Vikings landed in Mexico and invented soccer. Sometime after the people grew to like the game though, they ousted the glory-hoarding Vikings in favor of Mel Gibson and his band of evil war lords from the kingdom of Taco Bell. Sometime after this, a man named George W. renamed the land "Meshecko." (they have since returned to the original pronunciation)
More recently, Mexico has begun to use the 12 month calendar giving it a much larger window of time in which to produce cacti and baja chalupas. At this point you may be asking yourself, "How did I not know any of this?" Well my dear reader the answer is simple: ever since Sr. Gore invented the interweb it is difficult to keep up with everything. That's all.
I hope you like dry satire as much as I do.....
In all seriousness though, things are going well. I will go into town soon (where they have high speed internet) and post pics. Until then, keep praying that God gives me wisdom to develop the coursework and lending program. Tonight I am taking a sick man to Acapulco for a Dr.'s appt so prayer for a safe trip would be appreciated. Keep him in your prayers too as he was hit by a truck while walking along the freeway several months back. Updates to follow.
Props: Thank you for the info on portions of the history go to Hirsch.
Mexico was founded by Juan Valdez. Some people have mistaken him as being more well-known for his accolades in the coffee industry, however this is just not true. About the time that the island of Mexico ran into then Texas in 78,000 B.C., Montezuma overthrew Sr. Valdez and was elected president for several millenia. It's not really clear during Sr. Zuma's reign when things happened, but what we do know for sure is that the Vikings landed in Mexico and invented soccer. Sometime after the people grew to like the game though, they ousted the glory-hoarding Vikings in favor of Mel Gibson and his band of evil war lords from the kingdom of Taco Bell. Sometime after this, a man named George W. renamed the land "Meshecko." (they have since returned to the original pronunciation)
More recently, Mexico has begun to use the 12 month calendar giving it a much larger window of time in which to produce cacti and baja chalupas. At this point you may be asking yourself, "How did I not know any of this?" Well my dear reader the answer is simple: ever since Sr. Gore invented the interweb it is difficult to keep up with everything. That's all.
I hope you like dry satire as much as I do.....
In all seriousness though, things are going well. I will go into town soon (where they have high speed internet) and post pics. Until then, keep praying that God gives me wisdom to develop the coursework and lending program. Tonight I am taking a sick man to Acapulco for a Dr.'s appt so prayer for a safe trip would be appreciated. Keep him in your prayers too as he was hit by a truck while walking along the freeway several months back. Updates to follow.
Props: Thank you for the info on portions of the history go to Hirsch.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
In Mexico
My body has totally forgotten what it feels like to be cold and I am immersed in buckets of humidity: I'm home.
In short, the trip across the border was great. Matt and I only got lost for a total of 3 hours, we never were stopped by military (at the border or otherwise), Matt learned how to drive standard, and we re-learned that topes are the most irritating things on God's earth. (a "tope" is a speed bump that has been enlarged to match the approximate size of Mt. Everest. They are placed in every town along the last 5 hours of the drive)
One of the unfortunate things about where I'm living in Mexico is that the internet is super slow so until I build up the patience necessary to do battle with the blazing speed of this connection, I won't upload pictures. Be looking forward to them though! More to come soon and thanks for the prayer!
In short, the trip across the border was great. Matt and I only got lost for a total of 3 hours, we never were stopped by military (at the border or otherwise), Matt learned how to drive standard, and we re-learned that topes are the most irritating things on God's earth. (a "tope" is a speed bump that has been enlarged to match the approximate size of Mt. Everest. They are placed in every town along the last 5 hours of the drive)
One of the unfortunate things about where I'm living in Mexico is that the internet is super slow so until I build up the patience necessary to do battle with the blazing speed of this connection, I won't upload pictures. Be looking forward to them though! More to come soon and thanks for the prayer!
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