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Mexico Exciting Conclusion
7/21/2009 2:43:13 PM
   I want to apologize for not wrapping up the details on my Mexico trip here on my blog! If you were waiting for the “exciting conclusion,” you may have felt a bit disappointed. Needless to say, I did return! Doug, Kaylee, Madison and I had a great time. We hope to share some pictures with you all soon during a Sunday morning service.
   Today’s blog will not be long. I just want to get back into the habit again. What I want to do today, however, is pose a question that I hope will encourage you to respond and add your two cents. As we come to August and near the beginning of school, opportunities to serve and build community abound! VBS, the Backpack Outreach, youth groups and Care Groups all provide chances for each of us to get plugged into the Bailey church family and to make an eternal difference in the lives of those around us. What I’d like to hear from you is an answer to this question: What is your favorite part of being in the Bailey church family? 
   Simply use the comment section on this page and share your thoughts with the rest of the church family. I look forward to hearing from you!
Mexico - Friday, 7-3-09
7/4/2009 12:20:33 AM
   Well, it’s Friday. The weather has been great (not like Michigan, I hear) and has given us plenty of opportunity to play with the children outdoors as well as help with a few outdoor projects. Doug and I just finished planting 90 little bush/trees along the wall of the boy’s dorms. As they grow, a nice hedge will develop. You’ve got to know I loved checking out the plants at the nursery! They have some very unique plants and plants that we can only buy for indoors in the States that will grow year-round down here.
   Some of you may be aware that Doug and I have had to help the mission through a difficult transition while we are down here. Working through the process of letting someone go and providing encouragement to Juan and Selene during this time has been our focus. We believe wholeheartedly in the work of the home and its necessity in this area of Mexico. Sometimes ministries must make tough decisions that are painful at first but in the end lead to stronger, healthier and greater growth. We believe this will be the case for Mexican Mountain Mission.
   I realize I am a bit vague on the details, but this is probably not the best setting to cover all the details. Suffice it to say, that God has been guiding the process. However, we are not through. Please, be in prayer for Doug and me. More importantly, please, be in prayer for Juan and Selene as this has been stressful for them.
   I look forward to seeing you all in a week. Doug and Kaylee will be returning Monday. However, Madison and I won’t be returning until next Thursday. As you pray for me, I will be praying for you. I love my Bailey church family! Thank you, for all you do for me and my family. Your prayers, love, and encouragement have certainly helped me to become a better pastor than I would ever have been without you. Thanks for being the wonderful family that is Bailey Christian Church!
 
In Him,
Daren
Mexico Day 3
7/1/2009 8:11:05 AM
   Today (Tuesday) is our third full day in Mexico. The weather is beautiful: sunny and dry. We plan on heading to the local park to watch Juan’s son Jesse practice soccer. He is quite good, and Juan tells us that pro teams are looking at him.
   Earlier today three new girls (sisters) came to live at the home, bringing the total number of children up to 27. The amazing thing at Mexican Mountain Mission is how well behaved the children are and how well organized things are. This morning Doug overheard the ladies making a grocery list that took about 40 minutes to compile. Can you imagine grocery shopping for that many people? On market days, Juan has to bring the pick up and go to the farmer’s market that has loads of fresh fruits and vegetables. It takes some time and effort to get all that is needed to feed 27+ hungry mouths.
   Thinking of the three new sisters that have come, I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to adjust to living in a new place with new rules. Moreover, it has to be tough on a child to not have her parents here to love and guide her. Of course, this is why Mexican Mountain Mission is so important for the children of San Luis Potosi. Here they will be loved, well fed, cared for and pointed to God. In the end, for the 27 children living at the home, Mexican Mountain Mission is just the right thing at the right time. Meeting real needs with God’s love is the heart and soul of this mission.
   Please, continue to pray for Doug and me as we have some important mission issues to deal with that will help the home grow stronger in the years ahead. 
 
In Him,
Daren
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