Daily Journal
What have I been doing in recent days
Monday, 28 May 2001
Bright and early Alejo came. I had made a few more ads before we went to visit one of the clients who didn't understand how to give me a picture. We got it sorted out and then before dropping me home, he ran a few errands. It was good to get out of the house and bee seen with a known and respected local too.
For the arvo I made a few more ads and finished off the map. I then changed to the Mexpipe web site when Jose came. We worked on this for hours and have got it happening quite good now. I will bye a domain for him soon too, so that the site when finished can be hosted and visited more easily. All day on the computer was a drain so after checking and replying to a few emails I headed for bed.
[ 12:35:42 AM ] +
Sunday, 27 May 2001
Since today was my last Sunday here in Puerto Escondido this year, I was determined to get to and stay at church. The rain has begun and has been persistent for the past few days. It will stay for the next 3 to 4 months. The landscape is already looking nicer but the dirt roads have fallen apart too quickly.
In the Sunday school we continued to work through Jeremiah. The main service was focused on youth and as a surprise to me, all those who were studying were treated to lunch in the hall area. I ate a bit but was trying to be careful. Lucy was at church again today but thought she wouldn't be free to hang in the arvo. Instead he father figure invited me over to her house for some more food. I ate some more and then Lucy and I chatted for ages out the front of the house. I very memorable and pleasant arvo one again.
Although running late we headed off to church in the evening. Lucy stuck close by as she has already expressed regret that I have to leave so soon. We said goodbye for the evening and then I came home to do some more work for Alejo who will be as keen as me to get the next publication for June to the printers.
[ 12:35:13 AM ] +
Saturday, 26 May 2001
I used the alarm to get up early today but was a bit late as I had to have extra time in el bano". My stomach was a bit strange and didn't improve much during the day. I met the youth group at the church and we rode in the back of a few utes for nearly an hour where we were to play basketball, volleyball and soccer. After a quick church type meeting they gave a breakfast; of which I couldn't eat or I would have been sicker.
For those that didn't know me I guess they would have thought that I was anti-social since I lay on the ground or chairs in various corners out of the way. I did revive at times to play a game or two but I definitely wasn't firing on all cylinders. The day took ages and wasn't looking like finishing in a hurry so I grabbed a lift home with Saul, stopped at the Pharmacy for some medication and then went home to sleep until the next morning.
[ 12:34:28 AM ] +
Friday, 25 May 2001
Back to the usual work for Alejo again this morning. After reading the Bible and praying (which has become a regular routine now, PRAISE GOD!) I made a few more ads. I still have a bit to do but this waited as I went to Lucia's house in the arvo to chatted and see how things were. Her house mum Renee was home and had been sick again for the past week. While I was talking with her she improved; enough even to come to church in the evening. I went with here and then went home to prepare for the big day ahead tomorrow.
[ 12:33:27 AM ] +
Thursday, 24 May 2001
Although I had a late night I still got up early enough to help the team leave. They took Andy with them, which was sad. It will be a change not to have him around as we have become good mates. They left just as the rain started again and headed off to Oaxaca. No doubt I'll be hearing from some of them shortly.
For the rest of the day I hung at Ronne's doing a bit of work and chatting about the ministry and other spiritual things. We hadn't had time to talk for ages so it was a great blessing to have and use this time. I have really enjoyed working with him as he has definitely impacted various parts of my Christian walk.
Since I hadn't seen my friends in town for the past many days, I went in to visit them this evening too. I payed up the few bills I had and just caught up on what had been happening of late. I didn't stay too late though as I was very tired from the past ten days.
[ 12:30:07 AM ] +
Wednesday, 23 May 2001
I knew I had to work had yesterday as today was a right off work wise. All of the staff and visitors went to Roca Blanca for the day again. The surf was great and I surfed for hours and hours. It was the longest surf I had had since I lived on the Goldie. After a long morning surf we ate some lunch, rested for a bit and then returned for some more wave action. I could feel my surfing improving throughout the day which was great. A point break is a good change to the close-out barrels that Zicatela has been offering of late.
Since it was the teams last day, we stayed at Roca Blanca til sun down. I missed my English class as I had no way of getting home. When we all got back late the team cleaned up and then I escorted them into the Adoquin for some shopping and then for Tlyaudas in Centro. We had fun hanging out and staying up late chatting to one of the girls.
[ 12:27:28 AM ] +
Tuesday, 22 May 2001
The basketball game is this coming Saturday so I went to train with the team from church again before breakfast. It was a good season and I taught them a few keys and had them practicing their shooting. The Mexican team was still having breakfast when I returned so I scored some more pancakes. It is a real treat to be fed so well. This is one of the reason why I like having teams here.
The team didn't have any assigned worked today so they volunteered to go and assist at the orphanage nearby. I stayed to hold the fort and to get some work done for Alejo. When they returned some hours later they were very tired and I guessed pleased that they didn't have to do anything for the Bible study this evening.
After the evening meal we watched the third of four parts to the Jesus story again. It was as good as always, but hot where I was located. When all the visitors had left, the team invited me to escorted them for a walk along the beach. I went with them to where the many fishing boats are moored for the evening as there are lights on the beach. I chatted to a few of the team members and then we all came home. A nice end to another day.
[ 12:26:55 AM ] +
Monday, 21 May 2001
We had a late night last night but I was still able to get up reasonably early. The visitors made this easier as they were singing songs by 7am. I spent some time having some devotions in the office and then joined them for fellowship over breakfast. Alejo came as usual and gave me some more work. He was sicker than normal which is sad. He is doing a good job of finding more people to advertise in his brochure and I hope that they all pay up this time.
After working in the office until after lunch, I joined the team and Andy and went to San Gabriel which is about 90 minutes away by car. The trip there and back was fun; but at times dangerous as the roads are very windy. We checked out a local creek and many went for a swim. I didn't have my togs so I splashed around on the edges.
Some of the team dressed up as clowns and walked around the streets and invited the kids to the program they would having. Many kids showed up and got quite involved. I am very impressed with the level of skill and maturity that these youth have. They are able to and do present the gospel in a clear and fresh way so that the hearers can respond. After the kids program the adults had a meeting and 3 different guys gave a message. They say that this town is hard and not open to the gospel so it is great that we could have the time to share with the few Christian's who are there.
[ 1:41:43 AM ] +
Sunday, 20 May 2001
I heard my alarm go off but early I didn't respond until 6.45am. I hadn't made my mind what I would do today so since I had woken early I bolted off to church to meet the youth at 7am. I arrived at 7.15 and we didn't leave until 7.30am. After driving for about an hour north we arrived at a lagoon near the beach. We trekked through some mangrove type trees and then camped at some vacant palapas. Breakfast was shared and then they had a church service. After the meeting we all headed over to the each and I made use of the ocean to go for a swim. We played soccer and also chatted. I showed a few others how to swim as they hadn't been shown before.
The ride home was fun. A whole stack of us guys rode in the back of a ute and they ensure that I was involved in the conversation. I was the topic of conversation. They patiently taught me new words and when I showed that I knew/understood what they were saying, they would clap. These guys are friendly and it will be sad to leave them in 10 days.
At home later that evening I talked to two girls from the team who had stayed behind as one of them and had a turn of some sort where she didn't breath. She seemed to be getting better but she had another one while I was near. She called us two over for assistance and then passed out. For a while she didn't breath and it was scary to say the least. The other girl knew what to do but it took about 15-20 minutes for her to come back to normal. The girl is only 16 so there is potential for a scary life ahead.
[ 12:46:16 AM ] +
Saturday, 19 May 2001
Using the alarm I woke early and headed off for a game of basketball with the youth from the church. A few new people came and we had a few games. I haven't done this sort of exercise for a while so after playing I was very tired and hungry. On my way home I had the funds in my wallet topped up by stopping at the bank. I also grabbed some bread at a local store and ate that super quick.
Since I lost my watch swimming last Friday I didn't know what time it was and missed talking to Alejo. He dropped off some more work and photos that I'll look at another day. After a quick kip another friend came and we discussed building his web site. He was very happy with what I had done for him so far, so we planned the rest of the structure that site should and could take.
The leader of the visiting group was ill today so I took the youth to a meeting at Ronne's church. They were doing a conference about sharing your faith. What (I understood of what) they presented was very good. They were creative and enthusiastic. It is great to meet some nationals who are very excited about the things of God. We got a lift home from a guy from the church and he shouted us all ice creams, which was a great treat.
[ 12:43:22 AM ] +
Thursday, 17 May 2001
I fixed the bicycle seat this morning and then went to Zicatela to checkout the wave action. It was huge but I managed to get out the back. The waves were a solid 10 foot which is double me if I was standing up. It has been huge for the past few days but dropped back to a smaller size and many of the waves were rideable. I had one perfect one lined up but someone snaked me and took it instead. I waited out the back for about 45 minutes but ended up not getting any. I can in after getting cleaned up by a 15 foot set wave. Quite scary but fun.
The weather is quite warm so I hung in the office doing stuff and went out at times to supervise the team who were planting and tidying the yard. After lunch they went to the next town and did a kids presentation. I got there later, in time for the evening church service. I had to organise some bread for tomorrow as they are doing an outreach at the local Christian orphanage to the kids who live and work at the rubbish dump.
On the way home from Chila we stopped by the Adoquin and each enjoyed an ice cream. We walked along the street browsing the stalls and then hung on the beach under the lights and chatted. It was getting late so we went home and then they made dinner. I and Andy were treated to a feed again so this is blessing us greatly.
[ 3:39:29 AM ] +
Wednesday, 16 May 2001
After the basketball game yesterday I was feeling a bit sore this morning. I hung here with the team all morning and helped them eat pancakes for breakfast. While I meet and worked for Alejo, they painted a large wall in the hot morning sun. They seem to work a bit harder than the other younger guys who came after Easter so they are getting the daily projects done that bit faster too.
In the arvo we all went to the beach at the point and swam. The conditions were great and they had a fun time. We ate a bit of food and all got a bit too much sun. When I returned I grabbed my stuff and headed off to teach English at the church. Only two girls and one guy who comes every week came today. They do seem to appreciate the lessons and they are improving.
After the lesson I grabbed a taxi and went to the church where Ronne attends. The team was taking the meeting and they did a great job. The did a few appropriate dramas and the same guys as yesterday gave the word. On the way home we grabbed some more food supplies and after we after a very late dinner we went to bed.
[ 3:39:13 AM ] +
Tuesday, 15 May 2001
I woke up early and went to town to meet some friends as we are preparing for a basketball tournament in a few weeks. It is to be held in another town nearby and is the local Baptist youth group against the one there. They will also be playing volleyball and soccer. Finally I get to play some sport. The guys I was waiting for came late so we didn't get much of a practice. I liked playing as I am easily the tallest.
When I returned home I soon went out again to help the director of the group look for a house to rent as he plans to move here in July. We talked to a few friends and saw a few places that might be suitable but we will need to hear back from some of the owners. The team gave me some lunch when I returned and then after some food we went to the beach to relax. Quite a few have never been to the beach ever so for them it was a very exciting and at times dangerous place to be.
In the late arvo they ran a kids program and many of the locals came. It was much better than the usual as the team dressed up as clowns and knew how to keep the kids learning and entertained. After we had the usual meal and service. A guy who is with the team and is a pastor in both Mexico City and in Oaxaca, preached a good sermon. It was a good day of ministry.
[ 3:39:00 AM ] +
Monday, 14 May 2001
This morning was used up in Ronne's office and getting the place ready of the visitors. The team of Mexicans arrived this afternoon at around 6.30pm. They will be staying for 10 days and working both here at El Refugio and in the local communities doing Christian presentations and conferences. After I had given them a brief run down about life at El Refugio I escorted them into Centro to buy some food. We got a few deals and then I scored some food for dinner. They are also happy to feed me while they are here is that is a great blessing.
[ 3:38:48 AM ] +
Sunday, 13 May 2001
The waves a huge and have been for the past number of days. Due to my heavy workload I haven't had a chance to get out in a numbers of days but hopefully when it gets a bit smaller and cleaner I'll get out and get a few more tubes.
In Sunday school we continued through the book of Jeremiah and heard that God wants us to be soft like the clay so that we can be moulded. I like hearing these talks as it quality for them and me. After a regular service all of the mothers were treated to a meal in the hall. I assisted in handing out the food and then after we had cleaned up, got eat the left-overs. Quite tasty as usual.
The afternoon went by too fast. I had opportunity to hang with Luci and we went to one of the local pools. The water temperature was perfect and so too was the company. When she is out of her house and with me she talks heaps and it was enjoyable to learn more about her and her life. She can't yet swim so maybe I'll be able to teach her this in the future.
[ 3:38:36 AM ] +
Saturday, 12 May 2001
Today was busy and much work was done. The morning was used up doing graphics work for Alejo and then at 3.30pm I went to church and then rode in a colectivo out to a lagoon where a few friends got baptised. To start off the proceedings I was asked to pray, so they got the best of my Spanish and English. It is always hard to pray in a different language but I was privileged to be asked. The people were then one at a time taken out into waist deep water and baptised. It was great to watch and I took a few snaps so they can remember the day. I will also remember that place as they had a large crocodile in small enclosure for the visitors to gaze at.
When we went back to town a waited at the Panaderia until youth group began at 7pm. This evening we watched a movie about the end times. It was quite a good production but dubbed into Spanish. Everyone seemed to like it and it was good that the youth leader gave an appeal at the end; although no-one responded.
While I was waiting for the others to decide what they were going to do after the program, I went and called my folks (especially Mum) since it was mothers day. It was good for them and me to chat for the short and expensive time. I then went with two mates to a huge Pentecostal rally in a park near the Mercado. It was interesting to see but I think it was very influenced by the American way of preaching. We hung there until after the altar call and it was good that I and many others were asked a number of times if we wanted to accept Jesus. When we did go home we walked via the taco restaurant and feasted on some very appealing tacos; the best I can recall having to date. A bit more pricey but seemingly worth it.
[ 6:08:50 AM ] +
Friday, 11 May 2001
The other guys from El Refugio all went to Chacahua for a surf today. The waves are picking up so it was a good time to go to this secret secluded surf spot. I was interested in going but had already told Alejo that I would meet him at 9am for a meeting. He came briefly, we chatted and then he left to try and get more business.
After doing a few more odds and ends, I grabbed a colectivo in to town and then over to get some language assistance from Luci. She had a bit of time but was distracted at times since one of the boys was home from school for the day. I hung there at her house for a few hours and even gave her and the mum a hand painting a back wall after moving some junk. In the junk pile we found two 60mm long scorpions that were dealt with severely by my thong.
On the way home I stopped by the Panaderia for some bread and to talk with my friends. It is nearly a daily experience now to chill here and see what has been happening in each others lives. They are great friends and it will be hard to not see them over the next few months. When I went home I scored some dinner with the others and then spent a few hours working on more ads for the next publication.
[ 6:08:33 AM ] +
Sunday, 13 May 2001
The waves a huge and have been for the past number of days. Due to my heavy workload I haven't had a chance to get out in a numbers of days but hopefully when it gets a bit smaller and cleaner I'll get out and get a few more tubes.
In Sunday school we continued through the book of Jeremiah and heard that God wants us to be soft like the clay so that we can be moulded. I like hearing these talks as it quality for them and me. After a regular service all of the mothers were treated to a meal in the hall. I assisted in handing out the food and then after we had cleaned up, got eat the left-overs. Quite tasty as usual.
The afternoon went by too fast. I had opportunity to hang with Luci and we went to one of the local pools. The water temperature was perfect and so too was the company. When she is out of her house and with me she talks heaps and it was enjoyable to learn more about her and her life. She can't yet swim so maybe I'll be able to teach her this in the future.
[ 6:08:18 AM ] +
Thursday, 10 May 2001
As I didn't get home until after 6am I quickly went to sleep and awoke when Alejo came right at 9am. As he realised he had woken me up he didn't hang around for too long. I had some breaky after and then went to have the weekly meeting at Ronne's. This week's was short and after I did some more work for Alejo.
Later in the arvo I continued to research on the Internet for Ronne about short-term missions and relationships. We are working on a few papers so that the ministry here has some written policies and is ready for the future. Currently there is nothing documented so when things arise decisions need to be made on the spot. By having things thought-out prior hopefully better decisions can therefore be made.
[ 6:07:14 AM ] +
Wednesday, 9 May 2001
Although I had a heap of things to get done, I first spent time reading my Bible and praying etc. After this necessary time I did much research for some of the documents Ronne has asked me to write. I spent a fair bit of time online but learned heaps of good things too. In the coming days I will read more carefully through what I gathered and use the info in the discussion papers and manuals.
In the arvo I was getting pretty hung so scored a lift to Centro with Mia and Ruth-Anna. I grabbed some tacos in the park and then went on half of the bread run again with Saul. When we finished I went straight to English class and taught for 75 minutes the two guys who showed. Maybe also due to the heat I was feeling drained so went home to rest, in preparation for the evenings events.
At midnight I went out to the street and waited for my friends to come past. This Thursday May 10 is Mother's day here in Mexico so the youth from the church all went around to each others houses and sang a thank-you song to the mums. Over 40 came and we piled into between 1 and 3 cars. By the end of the night we had been all over the town and woken heaps of ladies (and their neighbours) and all seemed stoked to have the attention. I guess we don't do this in Australia since we couldn't be bothered and he takes a lot of effort. It was an interesting cultural learning evening.
[ 5:40:20 AM ] +
Tuesday, 8 May 2001
Since Sunday we have been on daylight saving time. I have therefore been able to sleep in an extra hour very easy since it is still dark at 7am. I did this again today and then got stuck into my work straight after breakfast. Today I needed to review and finish off the report for Ronne about the Ocean Hills youth who came at Easter. I got it done but it took ages and the document grew 2 pages.
Later in the afternoon, after returning from Aroma Divino where I had lunch with Mia and Ruth-Anna, I helped work on a letter with Andy and Mia. Mia needed to send a letter to her closest supports telling of her intentions and involvement with a local guy named Miguel. Both Andy and I really like him so we were keen to ensure that the supporters who don't know him, got the right impression.
At night we had the usual Bible study here at El Refugio. Like last week we watched the second part of the Jesus video. The same number of people came tonight yet many different to last week. As the group changes each week it is difficult to plan and work on a theme. We trust that God brings the right ones each week and that he continues to work in their lives.
[ 2:19:55 AM ] +
Monday, 7 May 2001
Alejo came bright and early today to give me some more work. He didn't stay for too long so after he left I gathered a few things and headed over for some Spanish practice at Lucia's house. I hung there until about 4 in the arvo and left when she went to here daily secretarial college classes. By talking to many different people I am learning much more of the language and developing it in many new areas.
When I arrived in town I discovered that Saul needed someone to help him sell bread to the local shops as his usual off-sider was away on holidays for the week. We started much later than normal and so finished late too. While we were travelling we talked about all types of guy things and about the way marriages happen in Mexico. A few things are different but thankfully not too much.
When we got back into town and unloaded the old baskets and unsold bread, we had to make some modifications to the shops as it was starting to rain. I haven't seen it rain here yet until today so it was special. This was the first of the rain and they say that in June it rains nearly all the time. By the time I got home the rain had eased but the spectacular lightning show was still happening. We from our beach balcony were able to watch the strikes on the ocean. They lit up the whole sky and one hit caused a blackout for a few moments. Quite a cool day again and it will be hard to leave in a month from now.
[ 10:00:25 AM ] +
Sunday, 6 May 2001
As per the norm I went off to church for the Sunday school class where we were still working our way through the book of Jeremiah. The teacher did a good job again and helps us by making jokes from time to time. Since they have too many people and not enough room, we sit under a newly constructed palapa. This is simply a roof of platted palm leaves held up by rough branches. Next year they would like to have enough money to build a new church that seats about 800 people.
After the service I walked back through town and walked via the Panaderia (bakery) as a few friends cars were there. I had noticed that these mates weren't at church this morning and it was because they were replacing the roof that leaks in the soon to arrive rainy season. I hung here helping for the rest of the arvo. It was a very dirty and dangerous job as they didn't have any scaffolding or tools. It was eye-opening non-the-less.
[ 10:00:02 AM ] +
Saturday, 5 May 2001
For most of today I worked in the El Refugio office on my computer. I was doing some research for Ronne on the internet and thinking about how I will go about doing the assignment for college. I got sick of this towards then end of the day and had problems with the machine so I got Andy to drop me at Lucia's house for a while. Andy had been cruising around on a hired motorcycle all day so it was cool racing around on the back with him.
It was very nice a relaxing to chat with Lucia for a few hours before she left to go to her grandparents place in another town for the weekend. I caught a colectivo with her back into Centro when she left and I headed of to youth group at the church. The program was nothing overly exciting as it was a discussion about what they should do for the next two months. I did seem to understand all that was said this time though. Two months ago I found the meeting too hard so it was cool to realise how much my Spanish has improved.
[ 9:59:39 AM ] +
Friday, 4 May 2001
Andy and I got up early and went for a surf today. We went to the point break as it looked good from our house. By the time we walked there I was having second thoughts and realised that it wasn't better than ordinary. I surfed there for a while but then came home in a colectivo. I found a 20 peso note floating out the back of the waves so utilised this for the tip.
Alejo came about 9.30 and we discussed a few options for the next publication. He is going to find a better map for me and I'll design some new logos in the time being. He still is very sick and seemingly each day is a struggle. There is no health care here so he keeps working and driving his old beat up car.
For much of the rest of the morning I went to get more Spanish lessons at Lucia's house. The kids didn't get home until mid-day so we worked through a long lesson and she corrected and taught me some more useful things. As lunch came around a scored a lift back into Centro with her Maestra (the lady she works for). After grabbing and eating a few tacos with Saul I went home and tried to do some work on the computer. I didn't have much luck with trying to understand the new program that I need to use for Alejo's publications so Andy and I went back into town for the evening.
I arrived in time for and went to the second part of the Friday night church meeting. This time is a prayer meeting and is all the youth in one room of the church complex. They had heaps of points to cover and spaced a few songs in-between. They asked me to pray for something as each person was assigned topics. I found it very difficult as I am aware the praying in another language is one of the hardest things one would ever have to do. I look forward to being able to competently do it in the future.
[ 3:38:26 AM ] +
Thursday, 3 May 2001
We as a team got together today to discuss the current issues and pray. Since we haven't been having regular meetings recently we took 5 hours to get everything done. We discussed the report about the Oceanhills team and made comments on how we could improve for next time when they or other teams visit. For a lot of the time we also shared our ideas about relationships and the necessary guidelines we as missionaries need to have.
After the long meeting I went to town and hung with my friends for a few hours. I retuned for dinner as we were doing something special. Mia, Miguel, Andy and I prepared a very tasty western meal of spaghetti bolognaise. We all ate until we were full and by the time we were done it was bedtime. I had another great day here in Puerto Escondido.
[ 3:38:15 AM ] +
Wednesday, 2 May 2001
Alejo came early again today and gave me some more work that he needed ASAP. He is finding that some of the clients want to see the proofs before they commit but they aren't providing much content or good quality images. I therefore worked on some of this for a while before heading over to Lucia's house for some Spanish lessons.
By the time I arrived the 2 kids she cares for were already home from school so her time was a bit distracted. As I worked through my book she was able to help with the pronunciation and teach me how to structure sentences better. When the father came home we had lunch and then I continued asking all types of questions in order to expand my vocabulary. I went home when she left for college.
After doing some more at Ronne's before sunset, Andy and I went back to town to see the concert that the Baptist church was holding in the park in Centro. It was good to sees that many people came, but many of these were regulars from the church itself. I am not sure how effective the event was as I don't the aims but it seemed very close to anything a church in Australia might do. Before going home I hung at the Panaderia/Abarrotes and scored a lift home when they closed.
[ 3:36:48 AM ] +
Tuesday, 1 May 2001
After reading my Bible and having breakfast I had an early meeting with Ronne and Alejo about the next publication. I am getting sick of the project as we are seemingly unable to fix or get over some of the hurdles. Maybe with time the problems will be ironed out. He gave me some things to work on so I'll try and get the enthusiasm to get them out of the way.
The day did get better though as around lunch time Andy and I went to the Abarrotes to say Happy Birthday to Saul. When we arrived he wasn't there but by the time we had gone and purchased the cake in a near by store he had arrived. We gave him the cakes and then a few buckets of water. The tradition here is to douse the birthday person with water so I made sure I got in on the action. He actually came prepared for it and loved all of the extra attention.
In the Bible study tonight at El Refugio we watched the movie of the book of Matthew. It was great to see how he was portrayed in this version as he is much more relatable and interactive with the people. After the hour we all said what was impacting for us and I was excited that although we all saw the exact same film, it touched us all in different special ways. That is the amazing way God works.
[ 3:35:58 AM ] +