Sabbatical
Sabbatical: from the Hebrew word Shabbat or Sabbath. It refers to a rest or break from work. It traditionally last a year and should be observed every seven years. Because of the extreme weight and emotional toll which accompanies missions, many mission organizations require their missionaries to take a sabbath rest every 2-3 years. It’s been 9 months since we came to the States and we feel like we are just now on the cusp of understanding sabbatical. That slowing down from m
More than just carpentry
I had been practicing English with a client at a job-site, telling stories of Mexico and different job techniques between the U.S. way and the Mexican way. As I worked on the kitchen, the man began to ask me questions about where I learned my carpentry skills and why I was going to return to Mexico. I shared about the Have Hammers program in Chapala where my love for wood-working began and how it helped me become the wood shop supervisor at Hope House. The man asked, “Wha
Jesus People
Waiting for our table outside under an umbrella in the rain - and enjoying a hot cup of coffee. Leaning over with a smile he asked me, “Are you Jesus people?” My wife and I were seated in a bustling, crowded restaurant enjoying a late breakfast. We had dutifully read the online reviews and decided that this would be a great place to celebrate our 23 years of marriage. In spite of the cold temperatures and rain we bundled up and headed out. The line was already out the door wh
Tis the season...to be grateful
November is normally a month were people ponder the good things in their life and express gratitude for these blessings. As we reflect and contemplate these blessings, we want to thank you for your support and prayers. Your faithfulness has been a blessing to Hope House and Shepherd’s Heart this year. Your partnership helps provide not only shelter, food and clothing, but a loving home for many boys. Chuy has the opportunity to pursue his love of music Carlos and Jorge have
A Missionary's Home
The last 6 months our family has experienced a constant wave of emotions. Cleaning out 16 years of life in Mexico, we packed anything that would fit into our van, sold items that could not make the trip, and threw out tons of miscellaneous junk that somehow crept into the nooks and crannies of our Mexican “home”. Midway into our one year sabbatical, we are continuing to clean out emotional clutter that had also crept in during the long season of missionary service. As we debr
Suffering: Live in Hope While Doing Good
Suffering is a pesky and pervasive pest that doesn’t seem to hold any special regard for the Christian. It finds a way to enter our well-ordered houses. It slithers over the walls of our gardens. Whether by our own doing or because of the sinful state of the world, it will visit us. The Christian may find common ground with the Buddhist who says that life is suffering. After all, our Christ is a tortured and crucified Messiah who told us to pick up our cross daily and follow
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