Ninja Day

God continues to bring groups to our campus this summer to love on the kids in the children’s homes in Monterrey. This summer the Lord has led us into “ Play with a Purpose” activities with our groups and kids. These activities have aided us in helping group members to have meaningful interaction with the kids we serve and to help them develop socially, emotionally and psychologically. We have been excited to see these activities help us and our groups serve our kids even better.
One day this summer, we had the opportunity to have Ninja Day at Manantial de Amor children's home in the town of Villa de Juarez. With just two girls and 11 boys, this home was made for "Ninja Day". Staying with the Ninja theme, we taught a short lesson on the story of Caleb and Joshua. Ninjas are spies just like Caleb and Joshua were in Bible times. We talked about how Caleb and Joshua were spy who knew that, with God, they were more than conquerors. As you remember the story, Caleb and Joshua were the only two spies of 12 that thought God would allow them to conquer the Canaanites in order to win over the promised land. We dressed as ninjas and played ninja games. Each group member was paired with a child to first get dressed as a ninja than play games like "stand off", "star wars tag" and yes, "Ninja". We ended the day sharing watermelon and prayed for one another. I won't ever see a Ninja without thinking of these adorable kids like Christopher, Dana or Luis Carlos. We are more than Conquerors.

Thanks Anderson Hills United Methodist Church

Casa Hogar Douglas has had their stove for more years than we will ever know. I'm am certain that when it came to them it was used. The workers at Doulas fight cockroaches daily and the number one source of their food was that stove. The amount of grease built up on that thing could feed thousands of cockroaches. Sometimes the groups that serve with us get the fun job of spraying for these creepy crawlers. I will never forget about hearing how Anderson Hills UMC ( the church Greg grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio) cleaned and spray for these cockroaches one day. The stories made my skin crawl. While it made the group's skin crawl too and they decided to do something about it. Above is a picture of the new stove. Gone is the cockroach feeding frenzy. They great thing is that Jim, the captain of Douglas and a poor community that we work with that we call Rio 3, cleaned the old stove and took it to the soup kitchen in Rio 3. So really this new stove was a double blessing. Thanks Anderson Hills UMC. The kids are grateful. Tacos taste better on a clean stove.

God's Gift to Flor

Have you ever been in charge of something and things outside of your control seem to not go as you expect and you think all is lost then God shows up in a way better than you could have asked or imagined? Well, that happened a week or so ago at Flor's quincenera (her 15th birthday celebration). Here in Mexico this celebration is a special day that many girls dream about. Its really their day to be a princess. They get to dress in a princess dress, dance with handsome boys and all the attention is on them.
I have known Flor for about 5 years now. In those five years God has changed and molded her a lot. She used to be shy and socially backwards. She comes from a broken family and still today, you can see she is not close to her Mom. She is one of four children and was seen as the wallflower of them all.
At her party her caregiver said he would share or preach. Well, he shared so little and I was disappointed thinking she needed so much more. What I didn't know is that God was working it out. Cheque, who is on staff with Back2Back, was emceeing and doing the music part of the party. After the short talk Edgar gave, he asked everyone to come up and share a word of encouragement to her, pray a blessing over her and shower her with love. As the first person came forward she broke into tears. You could see her heart fill with joy as kids, caregivers, family, friends, and group members that attended came forward to love on her. Even her Mom seemed to change in demeanor as she approached Flor and embraced her. I am sure Flor had many times when she imagined what her dress would be like or what kind of cake everyone would eat. But I can't help but thinking that she ever imagined the love that God poured out on her that day.
" Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen!" Ephesians 3:20

Luke's Birthday Party

We spent the afternoon at a local park, went to eat ice cream and then spent fun time playing video games just hanging out. We were quiet the crew with 11 boys. Check out the photos

Hearing Him when He speaks.......

I often think that I hear from God most when I am out in nature. When I see the beauty in the mountains or a gorgeous sunset. S lot like these pictures my son, Ben took. About a week ago, God showed me a new beauty and spoke to me through it. It happened as we were in extended worship. Every Wednesday night we have taken to having a time of worship and prayer that has lasted anywhere from an hour to three. It has been a time of reflection, of prayer and just listening to the Lord. One extended worship night, I was praying and asking the Lord to take me where He wanted. To help me pray for others. He directed me to a girl that walked past me and stated go after her.
I didn't know her and responded in my head with something like."really? talk with her? I don't know her (like he didn't already know this, ha).
He responded in my head. "Tell her "I've got this.'"
I remember thinking "What? Really? No scripture or something? This isn't sounding too spiritual." More mental discussion went on in my head until I finally went to tell her.
" Uhh, this is going to sound weird, but I think God wants me to tell you that "I've got this". Does that make sense to you??"
I felt my face squinting like I was preparing for ridicule.
Instead she says to me. " Actually that is the second sign that God has givien me and it was said in the language that I would speak."
Again in my head I'm asking now what do I do. I felt the Lord telling me "that's all"
As I returned again, He tells me to turn to the staff member that I was with and tell her how happy I am with what I've called her to do. As I share with her, she says. The timing of this message is perfect. I feeling down about what He has asked me to do. Thanks for the encouragement.
I feel encouraged too as He chose to speak to me in away I have never experienced before. Because I was listening and I obeyed I experienced a joy I can not express. I don't know if He will ever use me like that but I stand amazed. Amazed because I know that He could speak directly to both people but he used me to teach me to listen, trust and obey. I have tasted and I want more.

Matacanes

Sometimes God blesses me beyond my understanding. The risk is doing something I'm wasn't sure I could do. The pay off was a gorgeous view, dependency on the Lord and constant conversation with Him, feeling of accomplishment and just plain astonishment of who God is and what he has made. Here are just a few photos of our great day of repelling, hiking, jumping, swimming and enjoying one another. My great husband encouraged me to do this and I am forever grateful.

Huffer Family Photo

Here's an updated shot of all of us. We feel that our boys are growing so much, so I'm guessing that those of you who know them and haven't seen them for a while will think the same.
Ben is graduating 8th grade and we are looking for a bilingual school for him for next year. He is looking forward to meeting new friends and learning more spanish along with maybe playing some basketball.
Luke will enter 6th grade next year and is our active one. He choses to be outside whenever possible, playing just about anything under the sun.
Mark will be in 5th grade. He tends to roll with the punches and is both creative and a bit athletic too. He is crazy once you get to know him.
Greg continues to be busy wearing many hats here with the ministry. He especially loves when he is able to preach.
Me, as I have written before I'm adjusting to less individual ministry and more supporting my family with helping Greg and being with the boys. God has been good to us. We are so grateful for the many that support us prayerfully and financially. Thank you.