The first week of August we made another trip to Chiapas.  This trip was special for several reasons.  First, we brought our friend, Isabel, from Soto La Marina with us to teach praise tambourine/dance classes to the Christian women in Nachig.  They were eager to learn and asked me if I knew someone who taught classes; I immediately thought of Isabel.  Her and her family have been friends of ours for about 3 1/2 years and she has a tremendous heart to serve and a passion for worship.  While the indigenous women are extremely strong, they were not used to the type of physical activity required for praise dance; for example moving their wrists or stretching their muscles.  The first few lessons were tough but their desire to learn overcame their physical limitations.  By the end of the week they had started to gel together as a group.  It was wonderful to be able to resource them with such a great teacher and I pray that they will use this knowledge in a way that will glorify the Lord.

     Second, we had the privilege to be present at the wedding ceremony of Juan and Josefa.  They have been together for many years but felt convicted to be married legally.  They planned the ceremony so that we could be there.  It was such a joy to be a part of the celebration.  Daniel, Irene, and kids (also friends from Soto La Marina) were present as well.  They caravaned down to Chiapas with us to take a vacation and while there they also got to meet our Chiapas friends.  Below are some pictures from the ceremony.

      Third, I (Jessica) spent three days in San Juan Chamula helping a group from Mexico City with a VBS.  They asked me to help at the last minute and we quickly made some adjustments to our schedule so that I could go.  Some of the kids really needed to know Jesus.  On a side note; one day I had a little girl in my class, about 9 years old, who gave me a pair of earrings as a gift.  Later that night around 11:00 we were in San  Cristobal about to leave after eating a late supper when I heard a little girl yell "Jessi, Jessi".  I turned around to find that same little girl with her brothers and sisters loaded down with handmade goods selling them on the street.  I asked her where her mother was and she said she was somewhere else selling too.  It hit me then that this little girl was about the same age as my daughter and instead of being at home about to go to bed she was out in the cold night, until who knows what hour, having to work and beg people to buy her stuff.  I didn't see that little girl in class the next day but she really made an impact on me.

     Lastly,  Gabe was able to drill a well with the help of "los flojos" (which means "lazy" in Spanish)  That's the nickname Gabe has for the Sanchez boys because they are anything BUT lazy.  They are some of the hardest workers we know.  This well is right along side the main highway, which is very visible and easily accessible.  We gave away evangelistic tracks to people as they walked by.  Right now Nachig gets water in their outside faucets every 8 days but soon it will be the dry season and then only every 13 days.  Every water well we drill is helping this community to live healthier and see a demonstration of God's love.   Thank you for working together with us to touch lives.