What's Happening in Mexico

The Peach tree in our back yard is a wonderful reminder that Spring is here!

Several times in the past month, I've thought I should update the blog and share some pictures of what we have been up to lately. Life hasn't slowed down and in some ways has only continued to grow busier. When people ask how we are doing, I struggle to answer. I've learned that it's a huge question and I don't even know how to answer it most of the time. I could say "We are doing well." It is the response that takes the least amount of explaining and yet reassures myself and the person asking that things are going well.

I've also learned that it takes a lot of mental bandwidth to properly answer the question in a way that the person asking deserves.

Climbing Cross Mountain one afternoon with Brittney and some others. As we start the incline each time, I wonder what I was thinking signing up for this. Once at the top, I remember!

So before I explain any further, just know that we ARE well. We are in a good place mentally, physically and spiritually. And it's only because our Lord and Saviour is with us. We continue to have peace for where we have been planted at this point in our life. We've sensed a shift in our kids' lives too. While some still talk about moving back to the States from time to time, overall they seem more content. Praise God!

I think he looks mighty cute in a cowboy hat. Just missing his boots.

There's a lot we don't tell. It's just too complicated. There are disappointments, conflicts, questions, and sometimes just paralyzation on how to proceed. We don't always know the right way to handle things and it's easy to look at the future and wonder how things will work out.

Tucson church came down for a weekend in March. Here's Clayton with Orrin Zimmerman

I was reading about the disciples being in the boat with Jesus when a storm came up and how they were afraid. Sometimes that's how I feel and don't always remember to call on the Comforter. Sometimes the overwhelm of not feeling confident in the language to explain what I need to or to conduct a meeting threatens to make me question what I'm doing here. When unmet expectations of how I thought missionary life would be and the reality of what it is also make me question and doubt that we are doing what we're called to. And then Jesus asks me "Where is your faith?"

One morning, we were at the Cafe and Aria was delighted to see her 1st grade teacher

But then I spend a morning in devotions and asking the Lord for help and the full picture comes back to me. Whether I live in Mexico or United States or Costa Rica or......I first must fulfill my calling as a wife and mother. There are many people here that I desire to know and to have a relationship with. The guilt of not reaching out to everyone I meet soon fades and the pressure lessens. God will provide for me, for Andy and for the kids. He also sees each soul here intimately and will provide for each one, regardless if they've crossed my path or not. It is the Lord's work, not Erin's work.

Since moving to Tucson, Katie isn't behind the counter anymore. One Saturday she was and I had to snap a picture:)

We've been blessed to share our life with many visitors over the past several months. My entire Zim fam came for Christmas and it was wonderful getting to have them all here. A few work teams have come recently and we are looking forward to the Congerville team coming in April. Andy's parents also are planning a trip here soon and we look forward to connecting with them!

CVE kids adopted grandparents, Carlos & Marty Bahler. Faithfully coming each winter to serve the families here with their kind, loving spirit

Some prayer requests:

1. For Sierra and Malaya's continued spiritual growth, dying to self, asking for forgiveness, being a light in the community...and for Andy and I as well

2. For Andy as a new teacher at church, for the ability to teach the Word effectively for our young church, that God would give him the Spanish words and that the Spirit would be the Teacher

3. For myself as Church Treasurer, learning this new task

4. For the Crisis Management Team, a new task that HarvestCall is asking each ministy to have in place in the event of natural disasters, emergencies, prevention, etc. For the wisdom (Erin) in leading these meetings and the foresight to know what to prepare for and how to go about it. Also pray for organization on my part:)

5. For our family this weekend as we take some time away in San Carlos, a beachtown, that our family could reset and spend quality time together. For safe travels and health

Sunsets are magnificent here. Cameras never do them justice. Beautiful way to end each day

Thanks for praying and being a support to our family here. It is much appreciated and even though we don't communicate it enough, it is vital and we appreciate your prayers and love!

Tammy Roth helping Aria with Math homework while we wait for supper. I sent this pic to my family and my brother in law Jake said it brought back memories :)