Alex turns 12!

My baby boy turns 12 today! It seems like yesterday he was 2 and tackling his brother. We knew then he would love football, and sure enough he lives and breathes it!  We celebrated his big day on Saturday because Holy Week starts tomorrow and we knew this weekend would be a very busy week everywhere here in Mexico.  We took two of his friends bowling and that was a hoot. Ya know doing things like that in the states is fun; but doing it here.... well it is something else! We had a blast. The main reason being the two boys we took had never been bowling, so to watch them bowl was just a lot of fun! I am going to bring my computer to town today and try to upload some photos. love you all! Missy

Waist Away

Strange title, huh? Well... let me tell you a story. When I was in 7th grade I was a little chunky and the kids made fun of me on the bus. They mooed at me and called me wide load and put wide load signs on my butt when I would sit down on the bus seat. It was a terrible time in my life. I remember how horrible I felt when they would call me names. One day I just couldn't take it anymore and ran home after getting off of the bus and just sobbed when I got inside my house. Of course my mom tried to make me feel better and told me they just did it because they knew it bothered me. Soon after that I started working out 3 days a week at a little aerobics studio in a strip mall. It was called, Waist Away. I was never good at sports, never good at playing instruments, never good at really much of anything. BUT... I was good at this. I really enjoyed aerobics. The women who did aerobics with me, averaged in ages of probably about 30-50. The majority ( from what I can remember) were probably in their 50's. Or that is how it seemed when I was in the 7th grade. Anyway... these women were so kind to me and so encouraging to me and I felt good when I was there. I learned to love this type of exercise. I then went on to do the same type in high school and in college.


However.... I have NEVER been what I would consider skinny. I have always had to work at staying an average size.

So.... when my precious people asked me to help them; I couldn't turn them down. The majority of the women in our village are really overweight. They receive money from the government if they meet certain requirements. They have to sweep the streets twice a week at 6:30 am, they have to attend some teachings on different things and they have to exercise with a certain lady 2-3 times a week. This certain lady however is teaching them all of these techniques that are causing them a lot of pain. She must have just seen something on TV and is just making them do some things she thinks will help them. However, what she is teaching them is really doing more harm than good. So those that really want to lose weight are meeting together and trying to work out in a proper manner. That is why they have asked me to help them. It really is precious to see. Some of these women are like Biggest Loser big. They have such a desire to lose weight though and they are really dedicated to this. So we had our first session tonight and I have to say you guys would have peed your pants if you had seen it. I mean, the windows were covered tight so no one could see, and they were dressed in everything from skin tight jeans ( b/c they didn't fit) to sweat pants, to their full indigenous dress. I mean all layers of their indigenous dress and they were doing leg lifts and sit ups and dancing around and I was hot, so they had to be dying! Of course I never knew that part of my job description would be aerobics instructor, but... I would do just about anything to reach these people, so.... I guess I am aerobics instructor. (sometimes, hopefully not all the time!) So I guess it is true that God can use even our weaknesses for his glory. Or in this case... my big bottom! ;o)

I have another story to tell, but I will wait and tell you tomorrow! Love you all! Missy