It was back in fourth grade, Mrs Houck’s class. As usual, I had some free time while the rest of the kids finished their work so I picked out one of my favorite books from the overflowing shelves. I sat there in relative silence, just the scratch of 25 pencils around me and lost myself…
Oleander Avenue
There are solitary, soul-feeding lanes, unmarked and unpaved we all must wander down. They are places of hidden beauty and comfort where one is safe to grieve, to forget awhile, to grow and learn. Oleander and Bismarck Palm That’s when I go for a walk down Oleander Avenue. A place where the Creator and I…
On the Road Again
We’re traveling home, heading back to Campeche for a week. Doctor appointments, a wedding. You know, all the things. We decided to do it in two days. Take our time, smell the roses. Geraniums: beauties I took for granted before moving to the tropics I’m not a crafty mom. I don’t particularly enjoy games. I’m…
Yet Not I
...I labor on in weakness and rejoicing, for in my need His power is displayedCity Alight, Yet not I but through Christ in me We were on our way to distribute and invite the other day when this song came up on David's shuffle. It encouraged me in the moment but I didn't realize that…
In Which the Campechanos Decide to Build a Fire
For some reason, my brain writes blog posts in the horizontal, in the dark, before I fall asleep at night. It's like my way of processing life. The problem is, I'm usually too out of it to actually record any of those 11 pm bursts of brilliancy. So, while I'm still semi cognizant, here's a…
Magdalena Apasco
Before I begin storytelling, I’d like this post to be preluded by a doxology of sorts. I want every single person reading this to stop for a moment and just realize how wonderful, big, infinite our God is. There is no god like our God. He is majestic and full of mercy. He pours out…
Between Two Journeys
Today is the final day of a week long hiatal home-bound break between two journeys. In many ways, the week has seemed far too short. Just enough time to throw in a few loads of wash and get the house sufficiently dirty to require another fly through before locking the door behind us again tomorrow…
Workers Together
I will be honest and admit that I have no idea which book I was reading three years ago when I took a picture of the page to send to some dear friends. The quote, however, has never left my conscience and so I share it with you today (despite perhaps not agreeing 100% with…
A Special Day at Quinta Querit
It was my intention to write once a week on Wednesdays to keep myself accountable. I suppose that works for the uneventful, mundane weeks but I am learning that I also shouldn´t limit my writing schedule. Sometimes interesting things do actually happen! A few weeks ago, a couple teachers from a nearby university stopped by…
Paradise
They rushed out of their mud and palm huts into the dirt streets, eyes shielded against the blazing afternoon sun. It circled around again, sending flamboyant flowers fluttering down from their delicate perch. For the first time, the residents of the Hacienda Paraíso saw a small airplane, glinting like a daytime star, flying overhead. They…
penelope alves 