Seasons

I could hardly believe it when I read that my last update was TWO months ago!!
I feel like I have a million things I could be doing every day- and all of them are done outside.... so it is hard for me to make myself sit down- inside- at the computer to update the ol' Blog. Sorry guys :-/
I have had several of you mention that you love reading my updates.... so I suppose I should keep you more "updated" .

Well, since my last post we have had a lot going on. I will try to keep it brief, and get you up to speed.

We took a week-long visit to Oregon {I got to see some of you} on the week of my birthday. I spent my actual birthday in the car for 12 hours :)
But my loving husband made a stop in Medford and took me shopping, and to Olive Garden.... so I was happy.
The day after we got to Roseburg, I showed up to a dinner at my Sister's house to find a huge surprise party for me :-D
A bunch of my friends and family made it and the weather was good and I was so happy. It was the perfect way to get to see several people at once, and the perfect start to our visit.
We had a good time in Roseburg-- always seems like a long visit while we are there, but way too short once we're home.....
When we got home, the garden was growing fast, and the heat was here.
We caravanned back with Mason and Layla and the girls (Ryan's sister and her fam).
They stayed for a week while Mason taught the students on Evangelism and we got to hang out with the girls. It was in the upper 90's most of the week, so we talked the guys into setting up the pool that my parents brought us last fall. The kids are beyond happy!
I can't quite tell you what it means to us when family and friends come to see us here. It is different than us visiting OR. It gives them a better idea of where we are and what we are doing. It is hard to envision us here if you haven't been here. I know I have said it before, but I will reiterate it again-- we want you ALL to come stay with us for a while! Be a part of our life for a week. Meet our friends here. See our home here. Take part in ministry here.
I mean-- come on! I can't be "Hospitable" if there is no one to give Hospitality to .... right? ;-)

Anyhow.... after the Fam left, we were back to everyday life as usual for a bit.
We had a couple of Birthday Bashes {Tres Cruces Style} with lots of food, lots of friends, and loud music. It's all day-to-day around here until Mem turns 31 ;-)
We joke that we use any opportunity to throw a party-- but it really is good for all of us {including our fellow Missionaries in the valley} to get together and fellowship.
Pastor Phil was here from Oregon two weeks ago. He taught on the signs of the times. We always love us some Phil time :) He is a blast. I think he likes the "Grandpa" time with our Littles, and they like to have him here to climb on :)
We had one day between Phil leaving, and a Dental group from Oregon coming. Dr. Brodie and his wife have been friends of Phil and Susie for decades. They come to Mexico every year and set up a free clinic for locals. They were working right here in San Antonio this year. The group included 3 dentists, several Hygienists, and assistants, and two bus drivers. 16 in total. I didn't know what to expect- having never met any of them-- but let me tell you.... they were AWESOME! They were so friendly, and flexible, and even after a long day of hard work- they stayed up and played games and visited with us. They like to move their destination around every year, to get a variety of people the help they need.... but I informed them that they have to come stay HERE every year from now on.
They were only here for 3 days, then we started the planning for Sarah's BIG 21!!
Last Wednesday our one-and-only Sarah Meyer turned the big two-one!! So we did what anyone who turns 21 does.... we had a "Bar Party" :-D
You know: an Ice Cream Sundae Bar, a Build-Your-Own Cheeseburger Bar, complete with home made French fries, goup (the real deal- since Mem used to work at Pete's :), home made Chili, Twice-Baked Potatoes, and pretty much everything you can think of to put on a burger or ice cream :)
Since these kids (I know, they are adults, but still.....) are living out here in half-confinement from the "World", we do Birthdays BIG. I hope you had as much fun as we did Sarah ;-)
Oh boy-- I missed an overlap.... somewhere in between the Dental Group and the Birthday Party, we received new guests! Ron and Ronda Rust are here from Camas Valley, OR to teach on Biblical Counseling. These guys are great! They are so laid-back. They roll with whatever we are doing, and they have been to Mexico a half-a-million times, so they know the ropes. I haven't told them yet, but I am going to force them to adopt us all as family and promise to come back at least once a year.
It amazes me how God always sends us people who we connect to instantly. We have had guests from all over the world.... from 2 years old to 90.... and we love every one of them. No kidding. Every. One. What an Awesome God we serve!


The students have been teaching the MBS curriculum one weekend at a time in San Quintin (about three hours South of here). They started their second Module and will finish up teaching that this coming weekend. And then......

They go home.

For good.

We have lived communally for 9 months with these guys. They are like family.
I can't even write about it anymore. I just have to let it happen, and get through it. It's just like leaving home-- only we are the ones being left. It's like saying your good byes.... after a while, it just hurts too much. So I am ignoring the calendar that keeps telling me that Tuesday is just around the corner.
Sarah- I love you like a sister. Not EVEN "like" a sister. You are my sister. I know your heart will drag you back here from time-to-time :)
Anca- Your tenderness and compassion is inspiring. God gave you the gift of two things that I have never had. You make people feel safe, and you are caring and welcoming. We are going to miss you huge laugh and your perfect smile. My kids are going to miss you somethin' awful, and I know a couple other Littles that will too.
I can't wait to meet your future husband, and your kids, and see you living for God in all the ways you have always wanted to.
David- Your mom called :-) .... she told me to tell you that you are the best babysitter I have ever known. You are seriously the funniest person I've met thus far... and your heart is bigger than anyone could even guess. I'm sorry that I had to beat you at Blokus, and poker, and any other game that you challenge me to ;)
thank you for being the life of the party. Thank you for being a boy with Asa. And thank you for being a friend to Ryan. And thank you for being my little brother. You are only 7 hours away- and I will expect you to make regular visits! {and drag your brother along too}.

I really am excited for the summer. To see what God has in store for us. Who He will send here. And I am excited for the fall. A new group of students, and a new year.

If I can get through Tuesday, I think I'm good for another year ;-)

New photos up on Picassa- https://picasaweb.google.com/steffensenfaminmexico/DentalTeam62011?authkey=Gv1sRgCPG7-NP5qqz-jgE&feat=directlink
also~ the garden IS GROWING!! Just in time for everyone to leave ;-/ .... so if anyone feels the Lord telling them to come help me with my canning in about 3-6 weeks... I'll have the beds made :-D

Photos!!

Here is the link to the photos of the garden... and some photos of the rest of our produce as well. https://picasaweb.google.com/steffensenfaminmexico/Garden2011?feat=directlink
Enjoy!

><> Shae

El Jardin!!

The garden... the BIG garden, that is-- is tilled, hoed, raked, mounded, irrigated and planted!!! Mostly :) We have: Tomatoes (5 varieties), Jalapeños, Arbol, Bells, Guajillo, Serrano, Poblano, Spinach, Lettuce, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Beets, Radish, Carrots, Tomatillos, Garlic, Onions, Peas, Cilantro, Parsley, Brussel Sprouts, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Zucchini, Acorn Squash, Gourds, Pumpkin, Cucumber, Strawberries, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, and Corn!!! Whew!!

This all is in addition to our fruit trees: Orange, Lemon, Lime, Mexican Lime, Grapefruit, Pomegranate, Peach, Kumquat, Plum, Quince, Pear, Apple, Cherry, (Some sort of berry), and Guava. We also have a banana plant-- but it is not exactly, um, ... thriving ;-/ I am also trying to grow Mango and Papaya- but we shall see how that goes :)

We have Cactus, which give TONS of fruit as well as their edible Nopali, and Wild Sage- which is medicinal.

Now- if you guys know Memorie or I very well- you know that this is a sort of paradise to us :) We are having a blast with all of this fresh produce! Once the garden begins to give, and we have an abundance, we will not only be saving a ton on groceries, but we will be able to help out our friends too. What a blessing!

It has been a lot of work the past three weeks. My sister and my mom were here to help for a week, and now Mem is back- so she gets to help too :) We have had some issues with Rabbits, Gophers, and insects. We are also dealing with the fact that Mem and I are used to gardening in the Pacific NW.... not the Desert SW. So if any of you happen to be Desert SW gardening Whizzes......

Now is the waiting game..... ugh.... some stuff is already started, some have leaves, some have sprouts, and I have already been able to harvest Spinach, Lettuce, and Cilantro. But now we have to wait anywhere from 30 to 180 days before we can eat fruit :) .... that seems like such a long time. That just means that I will have plenty of time to post pictures, right :-D

><> Shae

~ Blessings ~

The students are gone. The neighbors are gone. The Hubby is gone.

What a big silence out there!!

I have been working on the gardening this week! I am so stoked for the big garden to be planted in a few weeks!

Mem and I planted a mini-version of a garden just outside the Cocina window about a month ago. We have Basil, Cilantro, Beets, Carrots, Tomatoes, Tomatillos, Onions, Garlic, Oregano, Peas, Spinach, Cucumbers, Lettuce, and Calendula. It has been so exciting to see it all grow! It is amazing how fast stuff grows here!!

We planted some flowers, and some chilis too, and the flowers are taking off like crazy! The chilis took a hit from being thrown off the wall by the kids, and then took another hit (after being reinstated;) but a little rain storm we had. They are hanging in there- but I planted a new batch today.... so we will see how they do!

It is almost time to take the starts of the tomatoes and carrots and beets out of the small garden and move them out into the big garden.

So I guess I should get said big garden ready! :-/

I need to get it tilled under again- with the compost this time, and get a fence up around it. We have a HUGE gopher and rabbit infestation-- which Samson is doing his best to get control of ;).

I planted the Banana plant in the ground, as well as the Palm (which was our Christmas tree)- and they are both taking off too!

I will wait a week or so and take more photos, but I had to take these of the marigolds, zinnia, alyssum, morning glory and moonflowers that the kids planted-- last week!!

They are already a couple of inches high!! (see photos above^).

We had a day of rain, then we have had a solid week of beautiful, hot sunshine-- so they are loving it!

Ok-- so that is what is up with the garden..... can you tell that I am excited?? ;-)

What else---

The Base was blessed with the donation of a 15 passenger van from some peeps in Phoenix!! So Ryan took the van up to Oregon to get all of the registration and whatnot taken care of. It is getting a check-up, and a good cleaning too. ALSO-- RCF has the opportunity to up-grade their van situation too, so they are passing down one of the white vans to us!! So now we have TWO means of transportation for large groups! The Lord is good!

We had been trying to run everyone around in our personal vehicles :)

How many people can you fit in a 5-seater, '84 Landcruiser????

Answer-- at least eleven.....

So Ryan is driving the van from RCF back down (as we speak- so to say ;).

He left at 6:30 on monday morning-- after having taken all of Saturday to drive to Phoenix and back to get the other van! Isn't there some sort of point system for frequent drivers?? I think he will have logged in around 2,700 miles in 6 days. Whew!

In other news:

MY SISTER WILL BE HERE IN 7 DAYS!!!!!!

I am not the least bit excited.... obviously.

My mom is coming too-- in fact, she is bringing Niki with her-- but, she understands..... Niki hasn't been to see me yet- and Mom got to come down for two weeks in December.

This will be a fun visit though-- I don't have to work this time :-D

All we have to do is : Paint walls, dig and plant gardens, and eat tacos.

So...... please think of me the 17th through the 28th, because it shall be rough ;)

Oh, one other thing.

I have been told that a list of needs for the Base went out to RCF last week, and the van which Ryan is bringing home is packed to the hilt with blessings!!! You guys are so awesome!! I am always amazed at how much you all love this place! We were blessed to see everything that was sent back in July. It was such a help to get the school started!! And you have done it yet again.

I will post pics when I get the shipment ;)

AND- on top of this van being chalk full-- the van which Nate is bringing back at the end of the month will be full of everything that was brought in on Wednesday night, after the first van was already packed.

Did I mention that you guys are awesome??

cambio

I have written at least 4 posts to put up here, but none of them seem like what I am supposed to say.
I feel like there is no a whole lot to update you on, but then I look back at what we have been doing- and I always have a list of things I could share.
We have made new friends, we have served in our community, we have had guests, we have had fun, and we have had all sorts of weather.
But all I can think about, and what weighs heavy on my heart, is that the students are going home again.
I love these kids like I love my own siblings. I wish they would just ask if they can live here :)
And knowing that this is the last time that they will leave, and return is a hard thing for me to bear. The next time they go home- they will stay there. Or they will move on to the ministries which God has for them-- the ministries that are the reason that they are here in the first place.
I hope they all come back from time to time. I hope they all write home once in a while.

A dear friend of mine brought to light a very important aspect of our lives here when we were talking in December. I was explaining to her that it is hard for my kids to adjust to our ever-changing- sorry- excuse- for- a "schedule". She said that that made since. "You guys are living a rollercoaster life, with people in and out of it...... and the kids are on the ride too."
My kids are on an emotional rollercoaster.
People come, and life changes, and people go, and it changes again. They get used to life being one way, then it changes. They get used to one set of people, then they leave. Not to mention that this is our first year being away from everything they have ever known.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this ride!!! I LOVE that every day is new, and we never know what we will be doing next week, and we meet new people all the time.
But there was no sign at the gate that said "you must be this tall to ride".
It is our job then, as parents, to first ask God to build a foundation for us (I Cor. 3:10-15)... then to build upon it with things that can withstand fire.
We need to give our kids a safe place. They need to feel loved and protected. They need to have rules, and know that they can't be broken. This helps them to have a sense of normalcy. It is a structure. And they need to know that we are all in this together- that God has us all here for a purpose. They are important in it too. They are "missionaries" too.

These are my thoughts this week.
Pray for us often.
Come and see us.
Every familiar face is like care package from home.

><> Shae

Excess

We decided to get outta Mexico for the day.
It was a long, busy month- and we needed a change of scenery .
So we packed up the car and headed to San Diego.

San Diego is a magnificent city.
It is beautiful, and clean, and warm.
It is also very rich.

I was born in a small town.
Taught to fear Jesus in a small town. ;-)
Took for granted the simplicity of being raised in a small town.

As we wandered around various shopping centers and malls throughout San Diego, Mission Valley, and La Jolla, I saw more money being wasted than ever before in my life.

Twelve dollars to watch a movie.
Two hours worth of entertainment, for four times as much as a ranch hand in Mexico makes for an hour of hard work in the hot sun.
That really makes me stop and think about my three dollar coffee.

It costs (on average) twelve American Dollars to print a Bible in any language.

One movie- or the Word of God.
Two hours of entertainment.
Or someone being given the Truth, in their own language, most likely for the first time.

Do you know that the average American household has four Bibles.
Most Christians have even more.
Did you know that it is illegal to have a Bible in over 52 countries?

Makes me think that KP was on the right track…..
I think Americans alone could financially support the worldwide spreading of the Gospel.
If we all gave away everything that we didn’t need, to someone who really needed it, maybe everyone could have what they really need.
If we really really thought about how much money we need, and gave the rest to someone who didn't have enough.....

Isn’t that how God set it up in the first place??
“So Moses took the redemption money from those who were over and above those who were redeemed by the Levites. From the firstborn of the children of Israel he took the money, one thousand three hundred and sixty-five shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. And Moses gave their redemption money to Aaron and his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses.“ Nmbr 3:49-51

Do you guys have excess???

I know we do.....

Overdue update part 2

Alright. So I have you updated till New Years.

We had one day to catch up on sleep, and then swing into gear getting the base cleaned up.
Half of the students were here, and the other half would arrive on Monday afternoon.
Once the whole crew was together again (minus one very important Austin :( ) we began preparing for our Missions Conference. We didn’t know exactly how many people would be coming, but last time there were 32, on top of our 15, so we knew to be ready for a big group .

On Friday, we welcomed our new neighbors on to the ranch. Patricia and Carlos have purchased property across the street from us, and are in the process of getting it ready to live on. In the mean time, they will be living in their RV, here on the base. They are an amazing Christian couple from Central/Southern Mexico.
They both helped me to cook during the conference, and I can’t even tell you how big of a help she was!!
She has also promised to teach us Spanish. Yay!!
OK…. Back to the conference. As you all know from last time, in October, these conferences are a big deal. We get guests from all over the world, and have a busy schedule, and are very very blessed.
The group of guests from Roseburg arrived on Monday. On board were Don, Steve, Rachael, and Austin. Yes, Austin…. Our missing piece. Austin was our student last semester, and is not returning this semester in order to pursue ministry opportunities in Roseburg. We all miss him like crazy, and hope that God will have him back here very soon.
Also-- they pulled down the tractor that we had donated to us back in the beginning of summer. Ryan was like a kid on Christmas morning. I have a feeling some dirt is going to be moved around very soon.
Tuesday we welcomed the rest of our guests, and fun began! :-D
Base occupancy up to 46.
Moses and Seragem Paulose, from India, came as our special guests. Moses is an amazing man of God. He is CONSTANTLY sharing the Gospel. Wherever he is. Even the taco stand.
What an example he sets!
His wife, Seragem, is a humble, prayer warrior. She is always lifting up her husband, and children. Her testimony is amazing, and her laugh is contagious. I love her dearly. She will forever be in my prayers.
The Pauloses have a ministry there in India, where- along with discipling natives, they feed and minister to over 120 people everyday, right there in their home. They care for 58 children from the streets. They have 6 biological children who are ALL missionaries/ministers. They also have an adopted daughter. She is 10 years old. They rescued her from the all too common fate of a female baby in their area. She would have likely been bruitally murdered.
This family has sacrificed everything for the call that God has placed on them. They packed up and moved from the home they knew, to a foreign state. They didn’t have money. They didn’t know the language. They had no idea what to expect. But they packed up and moved anyhow. Two young children (a 3 year old, and a 1.5 year old) and 8 months pregnant. On foot.
Moses heard the call, and his wife believed in him, and followed. Amazing witness these two are. Check out their ministry: Body of Christ Ministries.
Another big blessing for me during this conference was that there were several women who came. I really enjoyed meeting them, and visiting with them, and just seeing other women who are fired up about discipleship and evangelism.
I’m telling you guys…. You need to make time to come to the next conference. We don’t even know who will be sharing- but it is always worth it. It will likely be in April sometime. I will keep you updated.

Thanks for being patient with me :)
Now you are updated.
Lots of pictures to thumb through here: http://picasaweb.google.com/steffensenfaminmexico