Highlights of January

So many events this last month so we will try to send a few pictures this month and just a few words:)
Jan 13 was a big day here in the village. Juan and Juana got married. Juan Carlos got to hold one of Mama's flowers so he wanted to come back and show it to"Pa":) He was so cute. They have chosen to go to his home town and go to church there. We miss Carlos but when they stopped by for a visit the other day he seemed happy and content with his papa and mama.

Then we got to take a field trip to the zoo. Everyone from the village was able to go except the Grandpa; Sofie came and stayed with him. After a fun time and lunch at the zoo, we and the people from Village 2 all packed into the 2 vans and Juan's jeep and went to the park...We had about 30 people in our van:) The children got to roller skate and run and play and Village 2 had brought pinatas for the children to break and enjoy the candy. It was a fun creating memories day:)

Edith has 2 new friends here in Mexico. Selena from Cuamila was 17 on the 19th of January. Then Sergio's daughter Brenda  turned 17 on the 26th,and of course Edith turned 17 on the 20th. So we 3 families went out together for the day. We went to Piedras Encimadas. It was  such a lovely day!  Even Asher was up there climbing on the rocks and being adventurous:) The children enjoyed horse riding. A few of the older teenagers also loved the thrill of the zipline, including Edith and Eliana, who both went upside down. It was a fun birthday for the girls!! Here's a few pictures to share some of the fun we had.

Javier and Daya's boy was born on January 14th. His name is Mateo(or Matthew) He is healthy and doing well. Their other son Luis is 4years old. He is so happy about having a baby brother:)

Edith was so excited to get a special  present on her birthday...Juan and Bertha's baby girl was born that day the 20th of January. She is healthy and beautiful! Their other children, Giovani 16yr, Ivan14 yr and Rubi 8yr are all very happy with their little sister, especially Rubi. They have not yet settled on a name for their sweet little girl:)

Angel and Alma's first girl Milagros was born 4 years ago but because of difficulties at birth she is unable to walk, talk or do much of anything besides lay there. So there was lots of apprehension as they anticipated this little girls birth. Again there were problems because the baby was laying sideways and the cord was around the neck but thankfully they were able to do a c-section and they are blessed with a healthy baby girl named Elysama. She is so beautiful. Milagros smiles when you lay her close to her sister:)

Its been a busy month with 3 mamas having babies but we are happy and rejoicing at God's goodness!! 

In the midst of all the life the Grandpa died. He had broken his hip so at such times it's a relief they can be delivered from the pain and difficulties. We hope his being here for a little while gave him a little comprehension of God's love.

Blessings dear friends. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement and support. 

Asher and Gannah and Family

Hello from the Kids

WOW I cannot believe its been this long:( HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you!! We took a trip to the US during the months of October and November. It was a good good trip!! We are happy to be back with our Mexico family and friends again.




EDITH

Well I was given the task of writing about the New Year’s Eve campaign, so here it goes:) Of course we started preparing the food a few days ahead: pealing the green tomatoes for salsa, cleaning the rice and beans (we had to go through and pick out all the rocks and dirt), and the men cut up the hog that a friend of ours, Sergio, bought specifically for the campaign. They’re actually wasn’t much more than that as far as food goes. Of course we had to make sure everything was as cleaned up and ready for a ton of people.

The day of the campaign we all got up pretty early to get everything ready, and it didn’t seem too long before people started showing up at around ten. I actually think I enjoy the fact that people don’t show up on time on days like this. It makes serving ten to twenty people rather then a hundred or more at a time an easier task:) I was in the kitchen most of the day helping serve the plates. We had a lot of fun with it, and I was more than happy to be near the fire where it was nice and warm. I didn’t actually realize it was cold outside until we sat down for the service. Then I wished I would have put on a few more layers

Singing started around 1:30 and went on for about 2 hours:) There were a few different groups  that wanted to be a part of the music. A couple weeks back The Village got a drum set to add to the band that’s been forming. So of course they led a few songs. Jason started preaching at 3:30. The theme of his message: 2014- TALK LESS AND DO MORE TO BUILD THE KINGDOM OF GOD. There was about 250 people; it was a nice crowd.




ELIANA

Hey Everybody! How are you guys? I’m ok I guess. Missed everyone a lot over the holidays. We didn’t do anything here for Christmas, but on Christmas eve we sat on my parents bed and opened gifts that our sisters sent us. It was very sweet This last week we were a little busy with the campaign, but we had fun. I really enjoyed serving the food and keeping the tables clean. I also got a little out of my box and talked a little with some people I don’t know very well, which is like a never for me I’m kind of a chicken when it comes to doing that. Ok that’s and understatement. I am the biggest scaredy-cat when it comes to talking to people. That’s why it was so hard to write this letter:) Well I don’t know what else to say. Happy New Year!! God Bless you! Eliana



ELDORA

About a month after we got back from our visit to the states, an eighteen-year-old girl named Gonzalina came to The Village. She has two little boys, a two-year old named Carlos, and a one-year old named Irvin. Carlos is a little momma’s boy and will start screaming and crying when someone tries to take him from her. He has a bad temper. Lina (that’s what we call her) said that Irvin, the younger one used to cry all the time, but now that they’re here he’s practically always laughing. Everyone loves him and all the girls, and the boys sometimes, are always fighting over him:) Lina is very sweet and is a hard worker. She calls me Irvin’s niñera, which means nanny. Every time he sees me, a big smile appears on his face and he reaches for me. On Wednesday, they went back to their house and will be gone for 2 weeks. I already miss him so much.

EMILY

Every night Michael and I go down to the barn and give feed and water to the rabbits. There are 10 momma rabbits, 10 or 12 middle sized ones and one big male that we use for breeding. Three of the momma rabbits have babies and 2 of them are pregnant. Last night, one of the rabbits had her babies, and two of them died. Michael and I found them last night when we went to take care of them. It’s sad when that happens. One of the mom rabbits is mine. I’ve had her since she was a baby and her name is Cloud, because she’s a cloudy color. I like taking care of them sometimes, but sometimes I really don’t like going down there because it’s usually really rainy in the evenings. Love and miss you all so much and can’t wait to see you again…. Who knows when that will be Bye, Emily

MICHAEL

Hi Everybody. Its kinda cold here...in the 40s and rainy. In the evening when its cold like this people like to sit around a fire and drink coffee or tea. And they like to play on their phones.  My friends are Lencho, Ricardo, Rodrigo, Isaias, Javier, and Flore. Some days when the sun shines the solar water heater heats the water for the showers but otherwise we have to cut wood for the boiler. Papa bought me a real nice ax when we were there in the US to help with that work. Today the guys are going to the field to work ..I get so frustrated because I have to stay home and do school..NO FUN!!!!

RAFAEL

Hi everybody!! I miss you and I wish we could make another trip:) We cant go back now because we are to be here with the people in Mexico. I am glad to be here with my friends Ricardo, Rodrigo, and Lencho. We have lots of fun playing together. Sometimes we play with our toys and sometimes we just run around and climb the mountains. Bye everybody! 

Blessings to all of you!! Thank you again for all your support, prayers and encouragement!! Love from the whole Asher family!!