Bob's Corner

It was a nice day today; the cold snap seems to have let up for now.  So after church Martin and I decided to load up all the students and our families and do a picnic, probably the last chance for the year.  We went to the "Forts", a historical park on the north side of Puebla.  Besides eating roasted chicken and tortillas on blankets, we got a rare chance to tour the main fort (or what's left of it) for free. 

On May 5, 1862 (now celebrated as "Cinco de Mayo"), a ragtag outfit of the volunteer Mexican army successfully defended the tiny fort and the city of Puebla against the superior forces of the invading French.  The French turned around and left Mexico; the last time a foreign army has ever invaded the Americas.

How did they do it?  Easy (more or less).  The fort is situated on the highest point of a steep hill overlooking the city.  It's always easiest to defend the high ground.  Think about it!

Posted by bobgray80 at 08:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Thus begins another holiday (holy day) season, my favorite time of the year.  We had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and pumpkin pie.  You could've made a Hallmark commercial at our house yesterday.  Perhaps the traditional stuff becomes even more important to us as we live here in Mexico.  For everyone else, it was just another work day.  We had classes at the Bible School and again today.  No long weekend off, no football games or parades on TV. 

I may have balked a little when we had to pay $1.50/lb for the big bird, but I savored every bite of the wonderful, traditional meal that my wonderful, traditional wife prepared.  They say you don't know what you have until it's gone.  You appreciate the little things more when there's less.  You learn to be more thankful for what God has given you. 

Hey, pass the leftover turkey!

Posted by bobgray80 at 02:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Did you know that it gets cold here in Puebla? It's because of the elevation: 7000 feet.  Admittedly it was very unusual for this time of year, but the thermometer read 33 degrees Fahrenheit at 7:00 this morning.  It was probably below freezing before daylight.

That wouldn't be so bad, except for the fact that no one has heat in their homes, no furnaces or anything.  Indoors it was 56 this morning!  Being soft Americanos, we have a couple space heaters that run on LP, though we don't let them run at night while we sleep.  I had to get out early this morning to catch the gas truck to replace our empty tank.

I never imagined that as a missionary to Mexico I would sometimes say, "Brrrr!"

Posted by bobgray80 at 09:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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What's the hardest thing about being a missionary?  Without a doubt it's the holidays, being so far from home and family.  Here comes Thanksgiving in a couple days.  Another one far away, and in a country that doesn't even celebrate it.  

But I have much to be thankful for: healthy kids, a loving family and wife, the basics (if nothing too fancy), and I enjoy my life and my work.  Would I rather be home for Thanksgiving instead of here in Mexico?  SURE!  And to be honest, sometimes I wonder if it's worth it.  Sometimes I'm ready to just pack up and go home.

But here we are, and here is where it seems God wants us to be.  And when I talk about giving thanks, He is the object of my thankfulness.  I wouldn't change anything that meant changing THAT!

Posted by bobgray80 at 05:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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