Daily Journal
What have I been doing in recent days
Wednesday, 28 February 2001
The surf has started to pick up today but is still a bit inconsistent. I went for a surf check early with Mando but already by 7am there were too many out at the many break. Due to the crowd we checked a few other places and the point and then came back about 45 minutes later only to go out in the same spot. We got a few good ones and had fun with the locals. They guys seemed more relaxed and friendly today. It is good to meet these guys through Mando or Ronne as they both have great rapport and this can be passed on.
After a quick walk home and the some breakfast, I went over to Sherry's to look into the finance and get the accounts ready for the pay tomorrow. It took a while but it all seemed to add up right. Hopefully Ronne will arrive tomorrow and help to get the things back in tip-top shape.
[ 8:02:29 AM ] +
Tuesday, 27 February 2001
Since I had to prepare the talk for the Bible study this evening, I got into it early and jotted down a few ideas and formed the outline before breakfast. I like to do things when the ideas are flowing and this is often either very early or very late in the day.
The topic for the talk was Work for the best life and centred around the verse of Ecclesiastes 9:10. I was able to get the message written in time and printed out after getting the necessary files off the internet. The paper here is US standard so this need to be adjusted. Why can't everyplace use the metric standards?
After another fantastic meal I was called upon to give the sermon. A local lady about my age was my translator and she did a great job understanding my different accent. Many people are used to hearing the American accent but struggle with the Aussie one. Maybe it is just that I join all my words together!
Not many folk came tonight but the seemed to appreciate what I shared. Two tourists came though and stayed until really late. It was great to chat with some other Christian's and hopefully encourage them to get more active in missions globally.
[ 9:35:29 AM ] +
Monday, 26 February 2001
Today had lots of adventure and new experiences. Like other days we started off with a surf check out the front. There were already many people in the water by 7am which is uncommon for here. Yesterday morning had been really good so many were hoping it would be the same today. It was quite good but there were far too many in the line up for us to venture out. I didn't like competing with the locals and many tourists so I'll wait for another day.
After a bit of breakfast I caught up on the past few days of this journal and did a bit of internet work. Early in the afternoon I jump on the pushy and rode to the other side of town to drop off some song sheets at Ronne's church. Thankfully a guy was there this time as other times no on was around. It is a fair ride so I am not that keen on doing it every day. (Especially when the brakes don't work and cars like to turn in front of you.)
On the way home through Centro I saw a few people whom I had met at church yesterday. I stopped in for a visit at their shop and ended up staying for about 3 hours or more. It was great as they assisted me in learning new Spanish words and practicing the ones I already knew. Many folk ask me the same questions so giving the same answers is suitable. I then get faster and make any adjustments as needed.
The guy (Saul) who asked me last night to come and visit him was just around the corner from this first shop. He has a bit of English so is able to translate if absolutely necessary. I think he and his family have been Christian's for a while as he seems from initial contact to be mature in the faith. Since there weren't many people coming into his corner store we talked about all sorts of things i.e. are you married or have a girlfriend; why not; do you like Mexican girls etc. etc. I plan to go and talk with these people regularly as they are very friendly and very helpful.
I asked about the youth group that meets every Saturday night but couldn't quite understand what is happening this week. It seems that there is a meeting but is being held in two different locations. All they could tell me about it was that it was a conference. I'll go along to the closest place and check it out and Andy says he'll come too.
On my way home from this little adventure I stopped by Aroma Divino and talked some more with the kitchen staff and helped them by washing the dishes. We had heaps of fun and were able to understand each other quite well. These ladies are very patient and tried to understand despite me making a few language mistakes. As far as I am aware I haven't said anything too bad yet. But there are more weeks to come.
One more little surprise happened today. Ronne won't be returning until Thursday now so there is no one to preach tomorrow night at the weekly meeting at El Refugio. Ronne was meant to do it but in his absence I have been nominated. I have a few ideas and about 24 hours to get something together. Thankfully I don't mind talking too much although there is always a first for preaching in another country using a translator.
[ 2:56:06 AM ] +
Sunday, 25 February 2001
I wanted to try another church today so Andy came with me to the local Baptist church in Centro. We didn't know what time to commenced but it was like everywhere else- 10am. We went into the church for a few minutes and sang two songs then everyone got up and left. Thankfully someone came and escorted us to the appropriate Sunday school class with the all the youth.
This time was the major teaching time a went for 90 minutes with a break after the first hour to take up a collection and mark the roll. The older guy who taught the class seemed very wise and quite easy to understand. He was teaching from the last chapter of Ephesians and how they need to put on the full armour of God lest they be tempted by the devil and give in.
When the time was up the bell rang and we all went back to the main church building. Heaps of people had arrived by this time and the building was packed. Some had to sit outside. It would be great if people in Australia would be this enthusiastic about going to church.
This meeting went for another 90 minutes with the first hour at least being songs, Bible readings, sharing and praying etc. All the visitors had to stand and introduce themselves so we did this too. The pastor gave a talk but it was only for about 20 minutes (a good length after so much input already). Like all the other churches we have attended so far, after the service they sell food outside. We sampled the tacos and they were quite nice. Many people came over for a chat and to welcome us to their church. It was the best welcome we had received so far anywhere.
While we were in the town we stopped by the shops. As we left one of the guys from church saw us and we talked to him for a few minutes. This showed us that there really were interested and keen to befriend new people. Maybe this is why the place was packed to the rafters.
The surf was nice and big and heavy the arvo so I had to go for a wave. Thankfully there weren't too many people out so I got enough. I though I was going to die on one special occasion as an 8 foot wave broke right on me. Some how I didn't get driven into the sand and was able to keep paddling out. The waves didn't end up being too consistent but they sure were big and heavy enough. Maybe as time goes I'll get more confident to catch these more and more.
At night I went back to the Baptist church for the night meeting. The music and singing is less than ordinary but the teaching and the friendliness of the people ensured that it was a beneficial time. Again I was welcomed by everyone by them standing up and giving me a clap. Thankfully they didn't all shake my hand or we would have been there all night.
When the meeting was over I must have stayed for another 90 minutes talking. They guy I sat next to asked/told me to come a visit him at his bakery tomorrow so I'll do that in the arvo. Another guy whom I talked with for close to an hour (in Spanish) was really interesting and we were able to communicate all types of things. I especially like to learn and then keep trying to use those words in the next while so that I don't forget them. I hope that folk don't mind too much. This church also has an active youth group so I'll get along to that this coming Saturday night.
[ 3:52:01 AM ] +
Saturday, 24 February 2001
I awoke this morning and went straight to work. Mando got a call from Aroma Divino that the oven had blown up and burned the girls who were working there. After a lot of looking and trying to locate the problem we realised that the gas lines on the outside of the building had been bent too many times and therefore had a hole in it.
Now that we knew how to fix it we did a bit of shopping and grabbed some other materials that would be need for the rest of the planned work for the day. Normally doing a project like this would take not too long but here in Mexico to takes ages.
In the arvo we went back to Aroma Divino and painted the outside since the bamboo needed a recoat of varnish. I built some closed signs so that people would know that we were shut on Sunday's and the reason. Once again the little project took ages and when we were done it was about 7.30pm. All of us were hungry so that local taco shop was definite must to fill those empty stomachs. When we got home I was so worn out I went straight to bed and slept soundly until the morning.
[ 3:51:22 AM ] +
Friday, 23 February 2001
Mando came and woke us up for the early surf today. The waves were ok but the contact with the locals was the best. I am getting to meet the hard core boogers who are known for their wild lives and substance abuse. They are a bit hesitant at first but when you ride the same type of waves and do a few tricks you can assimilate reasonably well. When I had finished my surf they were just getting out too and so talked with some of them for 30 minutes on the beach while I waited for Mando to take me home. I will keep looking for more contacts with these guys in weeks to come.
Office work is what I did all of today at la casa de Ronne (the home of Ronne). It took ages since we had to recount all the receipts from the past month as one of the money bags has gone astray again. This time it should have been in the house somewhere but it couldn't be found anywhere. All the books were right thankfully except for the contents of the missing bag. When I got home later that night I had talked with Andy then hit the sack early.
[ 3:50:54 AM ] +
Thursday, 22 February 2001
I went to the beach early this morning again but this time to practice my Espaol on the kitchen staff of Aroma Divino. I had heaps of fun talking about all types of things. As they say words I don't understand, I ask them to repeat it or explain it. When I understand what they are talking about/explaining/saying I write the word in my personal (and ever growing!) dictionary.
While at the beach I saw the young guy who wanted to buy my second boog. I talked with him and he was still keen. I went home grabbed it and rode back. He and a few of his mates were now there and they all though that my price was great. I didn't buy immediately since he probably figured I'd drop my price. I did but only because I started a bit higher and came down to what I though he should pay. I hope the board goes good for him and that I will be able to get to know these young guys more in weeks to come.
[ 3:49:41 AM ] +
Wednesday, 21 February 2001
After a re think about selling my second boogie board, I went back to the beach to find the young guy who expressed interest in buying it last week. I couldn't find him so I'll try again tomorrow. The rest of the day saw me work on bits and pieces in the office. At might Andy and I went to town and did some shopping since our cupboards were getting a bit low. He is good value to have around as we both need company. We are also similar enough so we understand and enjoy each others humour. I guess we are both thankfully that God brought us both here at the same time.
[ 3:49:21 AM ] +
Tuesday, 20 February 2001
The sleep was quite good last night since I got enough of it. I got into my Spanish book prior to going to the bank and getting the change that they will need for Aroma Divino over the coming week. While I was in the centro I went to a few more places and purchased a printer cable for the computer and a longer seat pole for the bike so that my knees don't come so close to my chin when I am cruising around.
[ 5:22:43 AM ] +
Monday, 18 February 2001
Today was a bit of the usual with a bit of finance work and then some language learning. As usual I went to Ronne's house to work in the office and as usual I had lunch with his family. What was unusual was that the ground shock twice. I few seconds each time and it obviously felt really weird. I wouldn't call it an earthquake but it was a tremor that put the wind up us all. We were all a bit edgier for the rest of the day.
While Ronne is away I have been using the time to build the two web sites he wants. I got a lot of the structure of them done yesterday so now all that needs to be done is inserting the content and a few photos. I browsed his collection the other day and will be able to use some of the many good shots he has.
I went home on dusk lest the local dogs try and attack me as I ride me bike. There was no cooked meal waiting for me so I knocked up a bit of rice and beans and vegies with tortillas. It ended up tasting so good and thankfully there are leftovers for the coming days.
After some more language learning after dinner I went to be at decent hour (for a change). I woke up quickly at around 4am when the house and bed shook again. Getting two lots of tremors in one day was quite freaky and I slept quite lightly for the rest of the night lest a bigger one hit and bring the roof down. (This happened to this same place since I was here last time.) I do know that God is looking after us and that He is still in control of the earth.
[ 5:22:17 AM ] +
Sunday, 18 February 2001
This is the day that the lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. It was another awesome looking day and after some reading of the Bible and breakfast we went to a different church that is in the centre of town. There was about 130 people in attendance an they all participated enthusiastically. We tired to sing with them but it was very difficult to since they didn't have the words displayed this week. The guy who preached probably had a good sermon but he spoke too fast for us this time. Not being able to understand encourages me to learn a bit more Spanish. Knowing the language is very helpful should I be here long term too.
I came home after church, ate a quick lunch then sat down to go through my language book, but got invited to go to a pool for the afternoon. What else could I do except say yes. The place was great and also on the beach. It is a type to resort and I had actually been there last time I came to Puerto Escondido. Us 3 guys tried to catch some wave son the little beach. For little waves they sure were heavy and we (in a fun way) kept getting smashed around. Definitely a nice way to relax after a reasonable busy week.
Due to the lack of finances and the fact that things cost about as much here as they do home, I stayed home and cooked a meal. I then got into the language learning and revised many of the things I had learned in recent weeks. The book had a crossword that helped me remember and learn the key words so far. I was pleased at how well I had done and will do about an hour each day.
[ 1:55:34 AM ] +
Saturday, 17 February 2001
I awoke today and tested out the cold shower just to make sure it was still cold. It will always be this way as we don't have any hot water system installed. Thankfully the air temperature is hot enough so one doesn't freeze too much. Breakfast was next on the agenda and by now I have worked out how and where to store what food items so that I don't have any ants running around in it. I didn't eat as much this morning since we had such a good meal lat night.
My plans for the day were to learn Spanish but this didn't happen until later in the day. For much of the day I worked on and finished off a project on the computer then went and relaxed at the beach. I went to Aroma Divino to sit and watch the sunset but they had shut early since one of the kitchen had been sick. I went home then and did some emailing and then off to bed.
[ 1:55:15 AM ] +
Friday, 16 February 2001
The surf was ok today but I didn't feel up to catching any tubes so I instead sat in Aroma Divino and talked with a few locals. Three times today I was asked if I wanted to sell my bodyboard (boog). One young guy inparticular was very upset as he couldn't afford a new one and there were no other second hand ones to be found. Maybe before I leave in June I'll sell mine but obviously I need it a bit more still. I also saw the pictures of the big wave yesterday and I'll buy it for a few bucks next time I see the guy.
I tested the bike out a gin and knocked up a few miles on it as I had to do errands all around the place. It sure beats walking. Since today is Friday I worked out the pay for the Aroma Divino workers and then delivered it to them. While I was done there I used the local email place to scan and email a document to Ronne in California. I couldn't get his at home working.
It was hot here today especially riding around. For dinner I went with Gustavo's family, Mando's family and Andy to a little taco shop as a thank you for paining Gustavo's house. The tucker was great and so was the ice cream afterward we got in the centro.
[ 12:17:12 PM ] +
Thursday, 15 February 2001
We got up for the early surf this morning (before work!) and we were not disappointed. The surf was as big as I have seen it here. There were a few waves to be had and this included some very large ones. One of the local boogers nick named Motor' took some huge, what seemed close out waves but rode them for ages and then did various airs to finish. He shows everyone up and inspired me to take one big drop ti finish with. I was a great 8ft wave and pitched just enough to get slotted. I hope the camera guys on the beach caught it on film.
After such a great start to the day I slowed things done a touch and did a heap of office work. When the day was done Andy and I went to the shops to stock up on food and on the way home grabbed a bit of dinner. My favourite taco stall was all out of food for the day when we turned up, so we went to a wood fired pizza shop and had a piece of the nicest pizza. I'll be going back there in the future.
[ 12:16:48 PM ] +
Wednesday, 14 February 2001
The exciting news for today was that I got the bike working and gave it a test ride. The first destination was to do a surf check at the end of the street. As the report was good I returned and went for a wave with Mando out the front of Aroma. We got there after everyone else and therefore didn't get the most or best waves. The thing to do is get there early, so that will be the plan for tomorrow.
The rest of the day was reasonably uneventful as I (just for a change) went to do the finances at Ronne's. His office can be nicely air conditioned so it is a good location to do a bit more on learning Spanish.
[ 12:16:24 PM ] +
Tuesday, 13 February 2001
Although the surf has picked up I didn't go out for a wave. I'll wait til tomorrow as I also had to rest and do more work around the place. After a quick water of the newly planted grass I walked over to la casa de Ronne [Ronne's house] and did the finance work that was waiting to go. It doesn't take too long now since we are up to date and can do each day as it comes. Thankfully the books are all reconciled now and I hope to be able to keep it that way.
The afternoon always flies by and this had me doing more Spanish and a couple of emails and research on the internet for the new web site that I'll be building later in my stay. I had a few nice little interruptions though in the form of Ronne's kids who would come in intermittently and want to chat or have me show them what I am doing. They are great kids and I can also spare a few minutes to give to them.
At night I headed home to eat and listen to the Bible study. As like every other Tuesday night quite a few showed up for the awesome evening meal and then heard Gustavo preach. We always have a bit of singing to start with but since there are no written words to be found, I can really only mumble. (That is probably good for those around though!)
[ 9:53:26 AM ] +
Monday, 12 February 2001
Ronne left this morning to go to California for some meetings over the next week. We gave him a lift to the airport and they stayed around town doing more of the errands that keep the coffee house running. We were slowed by a blockade of taxis and colectivo sedans that were protesting about some rebate they hadn't received. They say that you don't mess with these guys as they are like the Mafia.
We were hoping that the surf might have increased by this morning but it wasn't to be. Mando, his family and me went to surf out in front of Aroma Divino just after breakfast. We caught a few little waves and saw 3 little sharks swimming under us. I kept surfing as there were heaps of people in the water and this reduced my chances of actually getting bitten.
This afternoon the waves had picked up to a much better size. I went out by myself since Andy is still very sore. I need to cool down as for all the afternoon I hand planted the lawn at El Refugio. Last week we put in heaps of dirt and then toady transplanted grass that was at Aroma Divino. With a bit of water it should be looking great within a matter of weeks.
[ 7:39:30 AM ] +
Sunday, 11 February 2001
Since Ronne is leaving tomorrow and will be away for the next 10 or more days, the team here had a day together at a beautiful beach called Roca Blanca. The location is about 45 minutes along the road to Acapulco, yet one needs to leave the highway and drive along a dirt road for maybe 10 minutes. The place is like paradise and is so very picturesque. A great place to relax.
There are some beach huts and the beach. Not much else to do except enjoy the water, the fresh fish and the fellowship of ones friends. I spent a few hours in the water trying to catch the relatively non-existent waves or just talking to the locals. The staff kids were fun to have around and they all wanted Andy and me to play with them in the surf. One really couldn't say no.
The day was tiring as I spent so much of it in the sun. Andy had an even harder day as I found the sand as he dived into the water. He hit it really hard and is so thankful that he didn't break his neck. He is still very sore and will be out of action for the next week or so. God was watching over him as it could have been much worse.
[ 7:39:09 AM ] +
Saturday, 10 February 2001
The road near our house is very noisy and this morning I woke up early. After doing a but of reading the others emerged and talked me into heading down to the beach for breakfast. There were heaps of people at on place so we ate at Aroma Divino. It was the nicest and biggest breakfast I have had in a long time. There was a huge tortilla stuffed with eggs, beans, avocado, and more. A great way to start of another perfect looking day.
For a few hours I did some more office work at Ronne's as we needed to get the missing funds discussed. The money was no where to be found and we had to simply enter in the books that it was stolen. This problem was another bit of stress that Ronne didn't need and forced him to call a staff meeting for that evening.
I came home in the early afternoon and helped the other guys move the surf board rack into a more secure location in the room that family vacated the a few days ago. When they didn't need my assistance I took a quick kip them returned later to clean up the work area. We found a disused pushbike, so Andy (who also used to race) and I got it cleaned up and made any adjustments so that we could ride it. It needs to handle bars, which we will get in the next few days.
Today has been another hot on so once again we used the beach facilities (the surf) to cool off and be refreshed. I love being so close to the surf as one can go for a quick dip on sunset and enjoy the beauty that God creates for us each day. Truly the earth is and awesome sight and I love being in such a fantastic place.
[ 7:38:30 AM ] +
Friday, 9 February 2001
After another sleep in, I arise and ate some cereal that the ants hadnt gotten into this time and then got into reading the dictionary. I heard many new or unfamiliar words yesterday so thought it would be helpful to learn the meaning and therefore expand my vocabulary. The dictionary is an interesting read at times. I have many things that I wanted to tell people and learned many of the words that will now make the easier. Ill test them out in coming days.
All afternoon has been spent getting the finances sorted out. There are some discrepancies today which has made things very difficult. I trust that the missing money shows up soon. This type of work should be good but when the books dont balance, you know there will be a lot of work ahead to do recounts. I am not looking forward to that at all.
[ 10:54:42 AM ] +
Thursday, 8 February 2001
There is a bit of a routine now and I am definitely more aware of what I can do around the place. Although today started a bit later since I had to spend some 2.5 hours online uploading a few sites, there was still plenty of time to get the rest of the work done.
Most days (and today) I get to Ronnes around midday and get the bookkeeping up-to-date. It is taking me a bit longer now since some of it is new but soon I hope to be flying. I was also using a dud calculator that wouldnt always respond when you pressed it. Once I had to add up a whole lot of figures and I got 4 different answers. I have since changed calculators.
The late afternoon was used up tripping around doing errands in and around the local community. I like this and it is useful since I get to meet many of the locals and hear and at times practice the Spanish language. It mightnt be the most physically draining, but it does take some brainpower to work out what is being said. In some conversations I can really get the gist of what is being discussed. I just need to try and speak more words now.
On the way home we stopped and helped at the Aroma coffee house on the beach. After a while of standing there and watching, I got in and helped clean up when people left. Due to my limited Spanish, I wouldnt be able to serve some of the customers but many speak good English so I am not totally useless or restricted to working in the kitchen.
Andy and I cooked and ate a whole stack of Tortillas for dinner and then needed some ice-cream to finish of another high-quality bachelor meal. We caught another of those famous colectivos into the tourist street and revisited the best sorbet shop on the earth. Thankfully they dont charge the earth or we wouldnt frequent them so often.
After a busy day, the bed is a good place to be refreshed for the next day. The accommodation is quite good and the bead is very comfortable. At night it is hot so one only needs shorts, a sheet and a mosquito cover. Once I happened to go outside at around 4am and looked the south and good a surprise. Two bright stars were pointing to the Southern Cross. It might have been upside down and it a different spot to normal but I can actually see it from all the way over here in Mexico.
[ 10:54:16 AM ] +
Friday, February 09, 2001
Wednesday, 7 February 2001
The surf has been good up til now but it has been getting smaller recently. I didnt even go for a wave today, which is saying something. We are hoping for it to pick up soon so that after a hard days work we can get out and relax in God's creation and cool off from the heat of winter. Cant wait til Summer and the big wave season when it will be even harder to stay inside and do all the work that is here to be done.
I actually woke up early this morning and can down stairs where it was a bit cooler and knocked up the first draft of the El Refugio web site. I got the idea of what I wanted to do before I came but the whole thing came together last night while I was trying to sleep so before work I spent a few hours constructing my ideas. Ronne was pretty happy with the draft but there will be a bit more to do in coming weeks.
The Aroma Divino coffee house ministry creates quite a bit of paper and computer work. Since we have just finished the month I had to sit and enter all the data into the computer. Thankfully I use the same finance program myself so it wasnt necessary to learn to much. I liked doing this as it keeps the others doing more of what they have been called to.
Ronne had more exciting news this morning. He had prayed for a lady over the phone yesterday and she was healed from the cold that had been troubling her fro some time. God has really been teaching him many things. We are all wondering whether we will be blessed with the same spiritual gifts. Well see.
After working in the office all day I came home and finally got my internet connection happening so upload and made changes where necessary. We then had a quick snack and headed into the Centro to pick up Andys washing and get a few more groceries. You can only buy as much as you can carry since you need to catch a colectivo home.
One funny site was a boy of about 10 years of age fly past us on a motorbike. It was too big for him so at the intersection he needed to get off lest the bike fall on him. We do regularly wonder how many of those on the roads actually do have official drivers licences. Probably not that many.
The colectivo ride is definitely something to be experienced. We caught one back from the shops and in a small car we squashed 6 people. They have bucket seats in the front so Andy sat there. It was a tight fit since he had a large back pack (that he forgot was on his back when he tried to get in) and 3 bags of groceries. Just as we were about to leave, one more lady came and sat next to him on the front seat. If it wasnt for his many bags she would have sat on his lap. I had just as much fun squeezing into the back seat and found with my head that the door openings are quite smaller. Oh well it was a trip neither of us will forget in a hurry.
I am getting adjusted to the food now and can stomach much of the chillies that the locals eat at the street vendors. I have worked out that there are a few ways to eat tortillas and any way they taste great (to me anyway). The water is a bit more scary so Ill do what the locals do and buy water or soft drinks in order to stay hydrated. All up I still very much am loving being here.
[ 1:26:13 AM ] +
Thursday, February 08, 2001
Tuesday, 6 February 2001
We started off this morning with a bible time with Andy and Armando which I think we will be doing twice a week. We looked at a few chapters of Ecclesiastes and then discussed what we had observed. This type of thing helps me get into the Bible each day.
The rest of the daylight hours I spent in Ronnes office catching up on this journal and finishing of my web sites. I still havent been able to get onto the Internet server for some reason but hopefully that will be rectified soon.
After yesterdays prayer meeting and discussion about having faith in God that He can do anything, Ronne came in to say that the boy that helps clean their house was healed today. This kid had a saw arm and hadnt been able to do some of the chores. He was asked if he believed if God could heal him and because he answered si (yes in Spanish) Ronne said be healed and he was. Christian's serve the one true God who can do all things even still today.
Later on this evening after the awesome sunset and another great meal Ronne spoke about knowing who you are in Christ. During the talk he used the illustration about the healing earlier in the day and then after the meeting a guy who was visiting the meeting and is not yet a believer in Jesus was prayed for and healed from a troublesome eye. God is really doing miraculous things here.
[ 8:01:00 AM ] +
Monday, 5 February 2001
I woke up earlier than usual today and since the surf has been a bit small I spent a while getting my unfinished web sites up-to-date and nearly complete. The morning went quick and we soon went over to Ronnes to have the weekly staff meeting. It was a great time of prayer, fellowship and getting to know more about each other. It is awesome that we all have good senses of humour and can enjoy each others frequent jokes.
There are many people who need prayer for here but we did pray for quite a few that they might meet Jesus or be healed by Him from various illnesses. The many prayer times at college have taught me many things and given me more confidence that we can ask and we/they will receive.
After the meeting I was sent up town to a church to pick up some songs that a visiting group from California will need to learn before they come in April for a week. I had to use the Spanish I already knew and learn some more to get the songs and then get them photocopied at a store in town. It was annoying though that the taxi and colectivo drivers charged much more than the normal rate. I more than ever want to be able to have more of the language so that I dont keep getting ripped off financially.
The jobs were done by early afternoon and after a good feast at a taco street vendor I went home and helped Andy moved a pile of dirt and spread it over the El Refugio compound where some grass will be planted by hand at a later date. This job is done by us but they are always looking for more workers who will help get the ministry buildings finished so it can be used as a training centre in the future.
All the hard work in the hot sun made us both more than ready for the late arvo sunset surf which although was small, was refreshingly fun. By the time we walked back (the beach is 150m away) we had to leave to spend the evening with a doctor who was house sitting at the other side of town. The place was 5 levels and awesome by any standards. The pool was in a capital L shape and on the side of a cliff. Obviously a great place and a great place to eat the nicest pizza I have ever tasted. I didnt go for a swim as I ate too much but it was a relaxing ending to a busy hot day.
[ 8:00:24 AM ] +
Sunday, 4 February 2001
Christian's here have church cervices on Sunday too. Andy and I went where the two staff families go and had an ok time. It was different to last week as it was much smaller and they had a visiting preacher from the states who therefore spoke in English. The meeting went for over 2 hours, which is normal for here and thankfully they had the air conditioning on since outside was over 30 degrees Celsius.
The afternoon was spent at home playing on the computer and reading countless emails from the backlog I had received the day before. When I was sick of that Andy and I went for a wave or two. I went down to Zicatela where the waves are better and many others are. I met many of the locals and was asked many times if my surfing equipment was for sale. Things like that for the locals are many weeks wages but for me only a couple of days.
The sunset was fantastic again and I got out of the surf and found my American friends having another meal. I was drip drying so I didnt join them this time but they (Tracey) shouted me another of those fantastic ice-creams. Unfortunately they had to return to Puebla soon after but maybe Ill be able to see them later in the year again.
Although it was quite dark by this time I walked briskly back to the house. There were a few dogs on the way but they soon run away when you pick up (or pretend to) a rock and through it at them. A neat trick that will come in handy in the future no-doubt. At the house I chatted with Andy about all sorts of things. We get along so well and are very similar in many ways. (He likes classical music though which I can only have so much of in any 1 year!). He found a little bottle of perfume that he enjoyed spraying in my direction when I wasnt looking. There are still a few months for me to show him the error of his ways.
[ 8:00:00 AM ] +
Saturday, 3 February 2001
People in Mexico work 6 and often 7 days so they can get enough money to pay the normal bills. I found a local place to get my clothes washed since they hadnt been done for quite some time and I was running out fast. The girl who didnt them for me said that she runs the shop 7 days by herself from 9am until 7pm. Not too many Aussies would be in for that sort of thing.
After trying over the past few days to get an internet connection happening I finally succeeded in getting signed up to a local provider. There is only one here and of course they are expensive. The other catch is that they time your calls once you have made more than 100 in a month. The trick I guess is to not make to many.
Later in the morning I checked out the local markets and bought some new thongs and a T-shirt. I strolled up the beach and passed the many tourists who were soaking up a few rays. Just before I got to Aroma Divino I saw my Aussie mate Ben who was hanging with a few Americans. I stayed for quite a while and found out that these other guys were all Christian's and living in Puebla for the next few months. Of all the people one could meet on a beach the other side of the world from Australia it would be Christian's and an Aussie. If it wasnt a coincidence it must have been God.
Once I picked up my washing I retuned to the beach and found my new friends in a restaurant just about to have a late lunch. I joined them and then spent a bit more time in the surf and teaching them how to catch waves. The beach was awesome and we stayed til dark. One has to see the sunsets here to believe how nice they can be.
Dinner tonight was at Ronnes with the others from El Refugio. When that finished around 9pm I returned the beach and caught up with the American students. We found a cheap place to eat and unfortunately the quality of the food was cheap also (Not a place I will frequent). We were all very tired after so much time in the sun getting roasted and exercising at the beach yet they went to some of the local party venues while I went home for a much needed sleep.
[ 7:59:29 AM ] +
Friday, 2 February 2001
The last day of my working week saw me helping Ronne out again in the office and with running a few errands up town. I very much liked hanging out with him as he knows everyone so well after being here for 7 years. He is able to introduce me to all his friends and since he is held in such high regard in the community his friends easily become my friends.
One stop we made was to a board repair guy and his family. We didnt have to do much there but still spent about 30 minutes chatting and finding out how things are. It is so important to show people that you are real friends if you want them to give you opportunity to share the truth about Jesus with them.
Cruising around town and getting to know it took a few hours and by the end I was once again worn out. I went over to Ronne and his families house for dinner and had a great time of fellowship. Like last time I came his kids behaved fantastically since he loves them and yet shows them the necessary discipline. He and Sherry are a great example to the local community and demonstrate that it is possible to leave out a Christ centred life.
[ 7:59:10 AM ] +
Thursday, 1 February 2001
My second day here was a bit different as I helped Ronne do some of the office work. I will be helping to keep the finances in order since there is a fair bit generated from the coffer shop on the beach Aroma Divino. After doing some of the paperwork and getting the pays together for the employees, I went to the shop to give them to the workers.
Ronne has a local teenager help him during the week and this guy Cesar joined me for the journey. I ensured I spoke what Spanish I knew and over lunch in one of the little family run restaurants Caser taught me a bit more. I like to learn the language as you can be far more useful and have a better chance of relating well to the locals.
There are some Christian doctors in town at the moment who will be doing cleft pallet surgery on some kids in the surrounding hills. We were supposed to have a meeting and meal with then but two of the Cessna planes that there were supposed to fly in got flat front tyres. (Satan does all sorts of things to slow the work of God's people.) The plans therefore changes and 3 of us went to a fish restaurant called Hermans Best, which was just that. For $5AUD I got a huge plate of food and some very nice fish to eat with a stack of tortillas. I will be going back there again.
[ 7:58:48 AM ] +