When you live somewhere for a number of years, you get familiar and comfortable. When you move someplace else, you have to start over. Where do I go if I need something fixed? Where do I go to buy something specific, like an AC evaporator? Is there a mechanic that I can trust? How do I know if they’re giving me a good price? These are all questions that you have to face when you move somewhere new. You don’t know who’s reliable. For example, we had trouble with our Nissan versa Transmission in March. I found a transmission place. I thought it would be a good experience.  A job that would’ve taken only a week or two at most turned into 2 1/2 months, and I had to raise my voice and get upset. Ten weeks is a long time. I am still learning. The same car has a ac/heater switch that is broken. Where do I go to get this fixed? On Saturday, I drove to Tijuana to have them confirm what the problem is and not fix it. They could fix it but at what price? Do they think I am a gringo coming from San Diego to get my car worked on? 
These are normal struggles one faces in a new environment. It is moments like this. I miss the people I knew in Autlan who would lead me in the right direction if they couldn’t fix the problem. In 15 years, I may look back at this moment and say I’m glad I’m not there again. I am so happy I know people now. We need help. We need people to help lead us in the right direction. We need to ask those who we trust around us to give us insight. 

Isn’t this the way God works? He allows us to go through times of frustration and then we will appreciate having those people come alongside us helping us, guiding us, and giving us what we need. I reminded that this is a good place to be in, to remember this feeling and know what it feels like to have someone’s help. I need to be willing to help when I can. Another thought is, do I swallow my pride and ask for help? Do I just think I can figure this out on my own? How many struggles have I faced because I wasn't willing to ask for help?  Lord, help me lose my pride and ask for your help. 

I went to the grocery store yesterday to pick up a few things. When you have a large family like ours, this happens pretty often. I decided to take Gee and Erick with me. They love opening the car windows when we drive. Since the temperature is now between the 70-and 80's, I have been letting them. When it is 100 degrees is quite different. So, I made the rule that they can only roll their window down if they have their seat belt on first. Rolling down the window is the first thing they want to do when they get in the car. Now, to give you some context, when you drive a 15-passenger Ford Van, windows don't roll down. For two little boys to roll down their windows is very exciting. 

We went into the grocery store. Could you picture this in your mind? A 6-foot gringo (average-looking American), a 9-year-old who only speaks Spanish, and a soon to be 6 year old (in two weeks) who speaks English perfectly for a 6-year-old. So if you are someone who is shopping in the store, what do you think of this combination? Two little boys talking back and forth to each other, obviously brothers, but they don't look alike, let alone the one they call Dad. In moments like this, I cherish what God has blessed me with. I have the great privilege of raising these boys so they grow up knowing who Jesus is and how much he cares for each one of us. I am blessed. 

The men of the men's group decided to walk together in a suburb of Tecate. It is a newly developed area with more expensive houses. The roads are well maintained, so it was a good place to walk together. We walked for almost two and a half miles in an hour. Pretty slow but it gave us a chance to talk amongst each other. What do men talk about? Cars and houses. Carlos and I were out of our element when it came to these conversations. I have never bought a home or bought a new car. But this is the formation of friendship with men. You start with what you know. You begin with everyday conversations; as that builds, we can share more meaningful discussions. Over burritos, we all agreed to have at least a Psalm ready to share with the intent to memorize it. What a blessing to hear different Psalms and why they chose it. We are all at various places in our faith, yet we all need the encouragement of scripture to continue to walk out our faith. I believe this is the foundation for this local congregation to grow into a strong body of believers. The Lord is growing his body. 

I am co-pastor with Carlos Escobar at Truth and Life Church, which meets where we live in Tecate. It has been going well. We are enjoying new friendships in this local body of believers. I have the privilege to preach every other week in the Book of Acts. The men of the church have expressed wanting to meet together at least monthly. So last night was our second time meeting together after the summer months. 

Each time we meet, we are reading through a book about being the priest of the home. It has been very beneficial to have a place for men to meet together and openly discuss the difficulties we, as men, face. There is one gentleman named Fermin. He has been a part of the church for several years but has only recently desired to know scripture. He told his wife he wanted to start studying the scriptures together daily. I can only imagine his wife's thoughts on hearing her husband wanting to know the bible. He has come from a catholic background, so he has little to no knowledge of the bible for himself. He has said listening to sermons on Sunday morning, but much like he did when he was in the catholic mass, it didn't mean anything outside of the church building. How sweet it is to hear his heart in wanting to know more. It is such an excellent place to be because it says in Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." ESV 
What a blessing it is to be a witness, see someone grow in faith, and know who Jesus is. I am blessed to be a part of this group. May God continue to be glorified.