This past weekend marks the 22nd year that my family has been gathering at the lake. Along with Christmas, this is my most favourite time of year. It's an opportunity to play and enjoy the beauty of Gods amazing creation. As we were driving to the city to renew our pass ports Friday, I was thinking of my family back home making the long trip up to Thannet Lake. Piled in a bus with our kids, I tried to hide my sadness. I silently cried for the time lost. Going to the lake is my most favourite place to reconnect with God, family and nature. For me, it is a taste of heaven. Little did I know what God had in store.
This lady dyed her threads and wove this fabric in 3 weeks |
We decided to make a trip as a family. Our fist big trip away from Jalapa that involved a night at a hotel. A much needed break from the 24 hr a day, 7 day a week work that many of you can relate to in any type of ministry. It was a time for us to reconnect with God, each other and nature. I felt like I was trapped in a movie. Almost like a scene from The Lord of the Rings. Words cannot even begin to describe the beauty. We climbed into a boat and took it across the lake to a village where they made pottery and material. It was the first ever boat ride for our girls. It was so worth seeing them giggle and laugh as we put the life jackets on. A lady met us on shore and walked us up through her village to her home. It was there we saw her tiny workshop. She showed us her loom and hand made clothes. She showed me the thread she dyed and the different patterns and methods she uses. Her place was rustic yet kept. With our girl's business in mind, we are always looking for exceptional products. I love knowing where we are buying our product from and seeing the work that goes into it. There is so much respect for the women and men that work long hours using their hands to create. What's so discouraging is buying. I totally feel like their time is worth so much more than what it is "sold" for. With the materials bought, our girls have started their own little project sewing handbags, table cloths, table runners and making jewelry.
It is somewhat overwhelming with all the vendors trying to make sales for the day. I guess thats why I appreciated visiting this tiny village because it was off the beaten path. Matt was approached by a little girl to buy some card stock. After declining a few times, she started speaking english to him. Matt thought he would test her out a little to see just how much she knew. He was more than impressed when she was able to keep up in conversation. We know just how hard it is to learn another language. Matt asked if she studied and she told him that she worked the market with her mom and picked up english by listening and speaking in the streets. She is the same age as Mercedes. With a soft spot and impressed demeanour, Matt bought her cards.
As we climbed back up the mountain to head back to Jalapa yesterday, I felt like God showed me another piece of heaven and was reminded that He has so much more He wants to show me if I am willing to go. "Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters where you would call me, take me deeper than my feet could ever wander and my faith would be made stronger in the presence of my Saviour"
our little hershey kiss |
Gabe at the shores of San Pedro |
these two bought matching hats |
My favourite 30 mins of the trip ... alone at the water. |
The little girl who sold Matt the cards. She turns 9 this November. |
our 5 beautiful foster girls |
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