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| Well, Thanksgiving Day has come and now has almost
gone. It was a good day. Last night someone at church told
me "not to eat too much." I told him I couldn't
promise that, and right now I can safely say it's a good thing that I
didn't! The food, as usual, was just too good to stop
eating. We also managed to get some of our "Christmas
decorating" done today. Braden, August and I got
all the lights done on the front fence and the front of the
house. I remember in Virginia putting up lights this time of
year, bundled in heavy clothes, with a jacket, toboggan and heavy
gloves, and coming inside for hot chocolate. Today I was in
pants and a T-Shirt and coming inside for ice water, cause I was so
hot. It really wasn't all that bad, only around 90 degrees, but
it still made for a hot afternoon working out in the sun.
Somehow it just feels wrong to get a sunburn at the end of
November. Tomorrow I may put a few more lights on the garage,
but probably not much more this year. Tomorrow we'll put the
tree up and decorate inside the house. The kids also made
Thanksgiving gingerbread cut-out cookies today. We'll see how those turned out
tomorrow, after they finish decorating them. One other
note. We found a couple of "visitors" in the garage
today, as we unpacked Christmas lights. First, everything
in the garage is coated with a nice gross layer of "mouse
debris." I had seen a lot of it around, but I got to see
HIM tonight. He went scurrying across the rafters. If I
had the .22, or even the BB gun, I could have had him. I think I
need to get some traps...... Then, I also saw the nice guy in
the photos below. He's just a centipede. I'm sure you've
seen one before. Of course, probably not like this little
fella. He's called a Scolopendra Heros. That's just
fancy latin talk for "Large Centipede." I had to do
some research to find out about him, after I caught and killed
him. It seems they are native to this area of Texas, and not all
that uncommon. They can grow to be over 5 inches long (ours was
8 inches from tip of antennaes, to tip of back legs). You might
also be able to see in the photo that he has front fangs....cause he's
poisonous. Apparently they can kill a small child and make a
grown person feel a LOT of pain. Apparently, they also have the
ability to inject a small amount of poison from each of their other
numerous walking legs. I even read one study where they had one
of these guys in a terrarium with another giant centipede and 4
snakes. He killed the other centipede. Then he killed 3 of
the 4 snakes. I don't think I want to play with these.
I've mounted the one I killed and am trying to preserve him to bring
back with me on furlough, for our display. When I get the mouse
(or mice) I think I'll just toss them! Anyways, not much more
happening, so more later.
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| My
little centipede buddy. I caught him with a shovel and put him in a
5-gallon bucket. Fortunately, they can't climb smooth surfaces. |
A
closer look. He's not at all happy with me right now. |
He's
no longer mad.....actually, he's no longer anything. I'm gluing him
to this board and then will shilac him to help preserve him. |
See,
it's not a fish tale. He's really a big critter. Gross. |
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| Addie
Grace helped cook Thanksgiving meal by chopping potatoes. |
Aaron
and Braden are hanging Christmas lights along the front fence. |
August
was happy to pose for a photo. |
Addie
Grace took a short break from the kitchen to enjoy the flowers in the side
yard. |
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| Our
lights this evening, from the front-left side of the property. |
And,
the same lights from the front right-side. |
Addie
Grace cutting out cookies. |
Addie
gets them ready for the oven. |
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| August
taking a turn making cookies. |
Braden
has found a way to entertain himself while he waits his turn in the
kitchen. |
Finally,
Braden has a chance to help with the cookies. |
The
cookies are cooling and we'll ice them tomorrow. |
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| Bo takes his job seriously of waking the children each morning. |
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| Just a quick note to update you on a couple of
things. First, the dinner at church today went very well.
I'm not sure how many people were there, but we did run out of tables
and chairs (though not food, fortunately!!) The weather also
cooperated by remaining clear all day, with temperatures around
80. They also had special music during the services, and that
was interesting. The music was beautiful, but they were having
trouble with the audio/video equipment. They worked out most of
the glitches, and it wasn't a big deal overall, but it did cause quite
a few laughs while the poor people trying to sing suffered through
it. This afternoon I also received a phone call from Pastor
Randy Glenn at Calvary Baptist Church in Crawfordsville,
Indiana. He began the conversation by saying that I might not
remember him.....and he was right. Of course, I usually don't
remember much that happened more than 5 minutes ago. Anyways,
what was I just saying? Oh yeah, Pastor Glenn called. We
first met this pastor last summer when we "dropped in" to
visit his church. We were already in Crawfordsville for other
meetings around that time, but had a couple of open slots.
Melissa spotted a flyer at the laundromat announcing revival services
at his church. Since I had never heard of his church before I
called to verify that they were Independent Baptist, and then we
attended the service. Pastor (and the entire church) were very
friendly and readily welcomed us. They also invited us back
later that week to present our ministry to the church. (See, I
remember him now). Well, he
called me today to say they were reading our latest prayer letter and
are interested in bringing a group to work with us next summer
(2009). We've set a tentative date for July 5th-11th. They
will be bringing a group (primarily teens) of up to 25 people.
We haven't outlined everything that will be done (though we have
plenty of work to choose from!), but this will most
likely be our first "ministry" team that gets heavily
involved in tract distribution, door-to-door canvasing and youth
outreaches. Please pray that the Lord would bless this church
through this missions trip, as well as all of the preparation
necessary for it to take place. We are becoming more excited as
we begin to see a start to a more in-depth ministry here in the
Valley.
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| Melissa
stopped for a quick photo with me before church this morning. |
Addie
stopped for a quick photo with August. |
No
pretty girls left, so Braden got a photo with Bo. |
Braden
waiting for Sunday School class to begin, as the students begin to arrive. |
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| August
is also waiting for Sunday School class to begin. |
The
Coro de Betania sang a couple of specials. |
August
in the Kids For Truth choir. |
The
entire Kids for Truth choir. |
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| Racquel
Mendoza and Addie Grace in the Kids For Truth choir. |
One
end of the carpa (tent) during the meal. They have three serving
lines (one on each side of the tent), with an open side for exiting after
eating. |
Another
shot of the tent, from further back. The building to the left is
Iglesia Bautista Betania. |
Addie
passes the time in the long drive from Mission back to Rio Grande City. |
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| The weeks seem to be rolling by down here in the
Valley. It amazes me each Saturday just how quick the weekend
came. When I came to do this update today I was equally
surprised to find that it's been over 2 weeks since the last
update. During that time not a lot has changed. We
continue on with our normal daily tasks, which includes language
school. That seems to eat up our free time very well. I am
seeing consistent progress, and have begun to notice that I can
understand more of what is going on. I certainly am grateful for
that. This past Wednesday I was asked to help up front at church
with the projection equipment. It felt good to finally be able
to assist in a service, even in this small way. Pastor Noe has
been away for a while due to illness in his wife's family, as well as
some speaking engagements. He's back now and we are looking to
setup a time to get together again to further discuss ways we can work
together. This weekend it is rainy here, so we're stuck
indoors. It's also cooled off considerably, with temperatures at
night down in the 40's. Fortunately, the house is well insulated
so we haven't needed to turn the heat on yet. I'm sure I'll
appreciate that when the electric bill comes!! Tomorrow the
church is celebrating Accion de Gracia (Thanksgiving). They are
having a large dinner outside under the carpa (tent) following the
morning service. I don't remember exactly what we're having, but
I think it includes 30 turkeys, 10 gallons of corn, 10 gallons of
green beans, 10 gallons of mashed potatoes, lots and lots of rolls and
I think 20 pies. They're expecting 250-350 people to be in
attendance, so it should be a good day. It also looks like the
weather will clear up for the early afternoon, with temperatures in
the low 70's. In other news, we were contacted by one of our
supporting churches considering the possibility of their sending a
group to help with repair work here on the property. They had a
meeting last Saturday to discuss it more and was told that they will
be praying to see if this is truly the direction the Lord would have
them to go. Once that has been decided they will then need to
raise the necessary funds. What they are desiring is to send a
group of 4-5 men in January/February to work on the casita and
garage. Specifically, they would focus on the roof of the garage
over the workshop/office and also the flood damage on the
casita. Please be in prayer with us that the Lord would lead in
this way and that they would be able to raise the funds they need,
both for the trip as well as the materials. Look for another
update in the next couple of days, to include several photos.
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| Just a quick update to share with you one important change
in our status here in the valley. As of this week, Melissa is no
longer participating in the "formal" language training at
the language school. With her responsibilities as a wife, mother
and with homeschooling, she simply did not have the time for the
language school. That is not to say that she is not still
training. Melissa has a love for all languages,
especially Spanish. She is also somewhat gifted in that
area. She is also very "task-oriented" and
self-motivated. With those three things in mind, she is
continuing her training on her own at home, for about 1 hour a day
(instead of the 5+ hours a day it was taking for the school).
She's already way ahead of me, and she picks up new material (in
language) faster than I do, so we truly don't believe this will have
any negative impacts on our ministry, plus it has a huge positive
impact on our home. I am continuing language training, and will
be joined by another couple in January. I can see continuous
progress, even though it's not as fast as I'd personally like.
Last night I was speaking with a man at church who speaks very little
English. We were talking about a lot of things, and I asked him
if he goes to Mexico much. At least, that's what I meant
to ask him. Instead, I asked him if I go to Mexico much.
He started laughing and said (in Spanish) "I don't know, do
you?" Once we got that straight I told him we'd like to go
to Mexico more, but we're waiting for our passports. He tried to
ask me if we have our birth certificates, since that's all we'd need
(for now) to get in and out of Mexico. I didn't understand him
and we went round-and-round for a couple of minutes. Since I was
acting as if I didn't know what a birth certificate is (by not
understanding what he was saying), he took the opportunity to joke
with me and ask if I was a legal citizen! You had to be there,
but it was actually a very funny scene.....at my expense. But, I
was at least encouraged by how much of what he said that I did
understand, and how much of what I wanted to say that I was actually
able to. Nada más por ahora. Tengan un buen
noche!
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| As I mentioned yesterday, today we did have the
opportunity to visit the Museum of South Texas History and view their
special exhibition for the special celebration of the "Día de los
Muertos" or "Day of the Dead." It was certainly
an educational experience, and one that we will try to share with you
a little here today. Besides the fact that the true Day of the
Dead celebration is very pagan (which we already knew), the biggest
thing I personally took from the visit was that not everyone considers
the day to be the same, or to have the same significance. This holiday is claimed by two very different sides for two very
different reasons. As an example, consider Christmas for just a
moment. Atheists may celebrate
"Christmas" but deny that Christ exists. They lay hold on
the holiday yet give it a different meaning than was originally
intended. So it is for the Day of the Dead. Some look at
it as merely a duplication of "Memorial Day," where they honor
the memory of their loved ones. Then, on the other
extreme, you have those that believe the dead actually come to visit their
altar on that day, so they provide special "treats" and such
for them, and go to literally spend some time together with
them. One "holiday", but with two very different
meanings. The photos (and especially the captions) below should help you to better understand
what those in our area believe in regards to this event. One
other interesting note. When we got home this afternoon we found
a tract attached to our breezeway gate. Yep, it was from the
JW's. I told Melissa we can probably expect to see them again
soon, since we have the bus parked in our driveway. I figure
they'll be interested in trying to convert us. The one good
thing is that they didn't leave the note on the front door. We
give credit to Bo for keeping them out of the yard, since he was left
out while we were gone! Good boy, Bo.
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| When
we arrived at the museum, this mariachi band was performing a special. |
The
lead singer, as well as a few of the other performists. |
The
main altar in the foyer of the museum. This is a typical arrangement
and the poster to the left of the display helps explain this holiday to
visitors. |
Posted
to the left in the previous photo - text given below. |
Text
from the preceeding poster: The Catholic practice began as All Saints' Day (All Hollows') on November 1st to commemorate all Christian saints and martyrs, and to substitute a more ancient non-Christian custom of ancestor worship. The Church sought to disassociate new Christians from this tradition but the practice persisted. By the eleventh century, the liturgical calendar included a day to honor the dead, All Souls' Day, on November 2nd, to follow All Saints' Day. Ancient customs fused with Christian rites and became a symbolic celebration that replaced such practices as feasting on the graves of the deceased. Spain introduced these rituals in the Americas.
Aztec-Mexica society, a conglomeration of previously existing cultures, already allowed days in their calendar for honoring the dead. Aztec observances included the Feast of the Little Dead, commemorating infants and children, the innocents, and the Feast of the Dead remembered deceased adults. Sixteenth century Spanish writings describe how the Catholic tradition of All Saints and All Souls merged with indigenous beliefs and practices.
A strong belief in the after-life, the land of Míctlan, it is reasonable that Mesoamerican civilizations ascertained similarities, and altered practices to coincide with Christian rituals. As the two cultures merged, alterations in both created a new syncretism. All Saints' Day became "día de los angelitos" or "dia de los santos inocentes", honoring the deceased young and innocent; All Souls' Day, "día de todos los muertos", commemorates deceased adults.
In pre-Hispanic times, celebrations included flowers, paper or bark images, food such as tamales, fruits, pumpkin seeds, and beverages of chocolate or pulque (an alcoholic drink of the fermented sap of maguey). These traditions persist today in Mexico, Central America, and around the world wherever the traditions are carried.
The holiday is a lively and colorful event that may puzzle non-Hispanics. Western culture does not celebrate death, consequently the extent of the Mexican celebration may appear strange, even macabre. For Mexicans and other Hispanics the ritual is a celebration of life not death. In remembering deceased loved ones Hispanic honor their antecedents and hope that they too will one day be just as reverently remembered. - By: Juanita E. Garza (UT-PA) |
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| One
of many items on display for this celebration. |
One
of many items on display for this celebration. |
One
of many items on display for this celebration. |
One
of many items on display for this celebration. |
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| We
took a quick break at the beginning for the kids to try out the saddles on
display. Addie's first. |
Then
August. |
And
finally, Braden. |
The
first altar we came to, this one honoring someone named Frida. |
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| Another
display had several posters describing the layout of the altars
themselves. Poster Text: Paperl Picad: Finally papel picado is left
at the edges of the altar to give it a celebratory feel. |
Poster
Text: Fragrance: While copal incense is traditionally left on Día De Los Muertos altars, any fragrance can be used. A favorite perfume perhaps or something that the person favored is usually best. At the center of this photo is a burning branch of sage. It is thought that these pungent fragrances guide the dead to the altar. |
Poster
Text: Items: Personal items should be placed at the altar to give an accurate tribute to the person's life. Childhood toys, things they loved in life like a favorite harmonica or CD should be placed in a respectful manner on the altar. If the person liked to drink whiskey a shot of alcohol is an acceptable offering. One social anthropologist told of how she came back from Mexico and saw a Circle K Big Gulp at a grave altar. |
Poster
Text: Grooming: A bar of soap, a towel and a bowl of water are
traditionally left at the altar with the idea that the spirits have been
on a long journey and would like to refresh themselves after returning
from the other side. Mirrors can also be placed at the altar so the spirit
can recognize themselves and know that they have come to the right place. |
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| Poster
Text: Food: It is important to prepare the feast for the spirits to enjoy. Traditionally tamales, mole, pan de muerto, and seasonal fruits are placed at the altar, but creating a buffet with the honoree's favorite dishes and treats creates a personal touch. Yellow and orange marigolds are left because of their robust aroma. Another staple are the whimsical "calacas" or skeletons. The calacas capture the loved one's spirit. Candles are a must-have. Purple candles represent pain, pink celebration and white hope. |
Poster
Text: Photos: At the centerpiece of the altar (ofrenda) is a photo of the person to whom the altar is dedicated. The frame is personalized with mementos to reflect that individual. Pictures are important because they give a richer sense to the person's life and it makes the altar more interesting. Put pictures of the person as well as those closest to them, it gives it more emotional significance. |
Addie
posed for a photo with a little girl who was also dressed up for the
celebration. |
One
of the workers, dressed up for the event. |
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| One
of many items on display for this celebration. |
One
of many items on display for this celebration. |
Another
of the various altars. |
A
sign advertising the event inside of the museum. |
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| One
of many items on display for this celebration. |
One
of many items on display for this celebration. |
Sign
for food that was for sale outside. |
More
of the food outside. It was just like a food vendor you'd see at a
parade back East.....except...... |
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| ....that
instead of hotdogs, hamburgers and fries they had tacos, empañadas and
tamales. They also had fruit cups and some assorted fruit-based
juices. |
It's
Augusts' turn to pose with one of the displays. |
One
of many items on display for this celebration. |
One
of many posters on display. Poster Text: Sugar Skulls also known as "Calaberas de Dulce" they are a very important object during the celebration of Day of the Dead. |
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| Melissa
particularly wanted to share the text from this poster. Poster Text:
When one passes on, they are not forgotten. Their love for the life they lived and their passions are remembered on the day of the dead. When they die their personalities survive. It is believed that the dead will live their lives the same way as when they were alive. |
This
photo-of-a-photo shows a more elaborate altar (not on display at the
museum).
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Another
of the various altars. |
This
altar commemorated the life of an 18-year-old girl who died in July, 2008. |
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| Same
young lady. This T-Shirt commemorates her as well. It is not
unusual to see people wearing such shirts here year-round, as well as
having their vehicle windows lettered with commemorative information. |
Same
young lady. This photo collage highlights her life and friends. |
Same
young lady. A few things that this girl enjoyed in her life.
This display was a very well-done one in terms of covering those things
mentioned in the description of Día de los Muertos, above. |
Another
of the various altars. |
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| Another
of the various altars. |
Another
of the various altars. |
One
of many altars. This one was non-specific, seeking instead to honor
the memory of those forgotten by time. |
Another
of the various altars. |
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| Another
of the various altars. |
Another
of the various altars. |
Another
of the various altars. |
Another
of the various altars. |
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| Another
of the various altars. |
Another
of the various altars. |
Another
of the various altars. |
Another
of the various altars. This one shows one of the sugar skulls
mentioned above. |
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| Another
of the various altars. |
Another
of the various altars. |
Another
of the various altars. |
Road-side
vendors like these have popped up around the area over the past few weeks,
selling a variety of beautiful floral arrangements for placing on
graves. They are very large and sell for $5 each! |
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| The
local graveyards in Rio Grande City are also decorated. Though they
remain so year-round, they tend to be even more decorated for the
Día de los Muertos celebration. |
More
decorations at the graveyard. |
Two
ladies in the graveyard continuing to add more decorations. |
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