After a Long Haul, We're in Allende, Nuevo Leon (Mexico)

back to Our Walk of Faith

As usual, God's plans were different than ours (and way better!!) On our way back from posting on Tuesday (3/27), we ran into Juan again. He was outside of his house in the street, so we stopped to chat. He shared a little more of his testimony with us. Then he said that he hadn't found a church in Rosita, and if we wanted to invite him to one, he wanted to go. (I mean, It doesn't get anymore clear than that.) We knew they were having service at the Agüeros house on Wednesday night, so we invited him to go with us. (Flowers growing in the front yard at the Agüeros house.)

Wednesday (3/28) we went into town again to run a few errands and to tell Hno Milton bye. On our way we saw Don Carlos Ibarra. We had seen him several days in a row and we decided that if we saw him again, then we were going to stop and talk with him. He was always sitting back up in the woods or inside the half-built house that was on the property. Well, he was there...we asked him if he was hungry, and he said he was, but he didn't have any money. So we told him we'd be back in a little bit with some food.

We ran our errands and talked to Hno Milton to tell him we were leaving. He told us that he wanted to give us a ride to Sabinas the next town over, and we told him that we'd let him know. We bought some food and then went back to where Don Carlos was. We talked with him a little more, shared a little about Jesus and prayed with him. Before we left, we gave him a tract that explained how to accept Jesus as his Savior.

From there we stopped by Juan's house, but he wasn't there so we left a note on the door. We had just turned the corner when he pulled up beside us. I just smiled at the connections God was making. Juan asked again about church, and we confirmed the time and the direction. He was also looking for a job in Falcomex where Susy and Pepe work, so we told him that we would see what we could do to help him. Then Chris and I headed back "home."

Wednesday night right before the service started, Hno Milton pulled up at the driveway just as Chris was walking out to the road. He hopped out and told Chris..."I have to go to Monterrey tomorrow. Cinthia has to take some papers up there." He asked if we wanted to ride with him. We knew that this was the right thing, so we agreed that we would at least ride part of the way with him.

Wednesday night the service was really good!! Chris shared about God's plan, and Hno Filemon shared from Romans 3. After the service, Hna Benita had hotdogs for everyone, so we were able to share a little more with each other. Juan also shared his testimony with the group and how he had to forgive his dad. His own father was the one who turned Juan over to the DEA which resulted in his arrest and time in jail. Juan realizes now that it was all part of God's plan for him to come to know the Lord. It was there that Juan learned of Kairos and of what an authentic love relationship with Jesus looked like. His life has completely changed for the better. (Below are a few more Agüero family pictures...Lessly, Libni and RE; some of the crew after Wednesday night service; Hna Benita fixing some of my clothes and making costumes for Libni and Lessly)

Bright and early Thursday morning, Hno Milton and Cinthia arrived to get us. We said our goodbyes to the Agüeros and headed out. (After praying and talking to Hna Benita and Raquel, we decided to ride all the way to Monterrey...as we were riding, we saw that their advice was wise. In the 4 hours that we were in the car, we only passed through 1-2 cities. It's desert and deserted almost the entire way. In Monterrey we noticed a change...the trees are bigger...and it's no longer desert. Also...south of Monterrey the towns are close enough together that we can get from one to another in one day.) So Hno Milton showed us around Monterrey and we ran a few errands with him and Cinthia (in red). We also met Adriana (in purple), another of the daughters, and Kevin, the oldest.

We ended up staying the night with Kevin, who is in college and working full-time. He took us to the mall where he works...he's managing accounts and doing a lot of the marketing...the mall just had it's grand opening a week ago. It's the first of its kind in Mexico with a theater, Wal-mart, and tons of stores. So everyone is watching to see how it goes.

After work, we went to pick up Kevin's girlfriend, Silvia, and to go to the University. Kevin had to take an exam, and Silvia (who just graduated in December) was going to show us around the campus. We had a good time chatting with her...she's from Piedras Negras and is completely fluent in English. We were really impressed with her language skills. From the University, Kevin and Silvia showed us around the city a little more...we saw the downtown area, the biggest Mexican flag in Mexico, and an overlook of the entire city. It was pretty amazing to say the least!! Then they took us to eat at this really great restaurant that's known for its grilled meat. It was out of this world tasty! We really enjoyed our time with both of Kevin and Silvia...God is definitely working on their hearts.

Friday morning, Kevin took us to the outskirts of Monterrey so that we could continue on our way. (There were tons of flowers along the way...God, the Creator of all, is always at work!!) While we were walking we met a little boy named, Juan, who was really sweet and had a ton of questions for us. We talked with lots of people who had businesses along the side of the road as well including a man who was selling oranges. As we walked by, he said "Anyone walking as much as y'all deserves some oranges." He cut two open and gave one to Chris and one to me!! Pretty fun walk to say the least...seeing (and tasting) God's beautiful creation! We saw a big lake and dam "Presa de la Boca," so we went down to have a closer look. We couldn't get very close because it's not permited, but we met two really nice older gentlemen who told us about a really pretty waterfall in the next town, and a beautiful cathedral in the town we were in. They gave us directions, and we continued on our way. We decided to walk up to the cathedral since there was a hotel nearby...we were thinking of celebrating our anniversary/6 months on the road. We went up, and quickly realized that it was a REALLY nice town. We decided against staying there, but we sat down on a bench in the plaza to rest before we continued on. As we were sitting there, a tourist police officer approached us and began to question us. When we explained what we were doing, he all of the sudden started speaking perfect English. He's only been living in Mexico for about 2 years...before that he lived in the US. He was really nice...he explained that this coming week because it's Semana Santa (Holy Week) there will be tons and tons of police, firemen, and rescue workers everywhere...just to be available for all of the travellers. Virtually the entire country is going to shut down this coming Thursday-Sunday. Apparently it's a much bigger deal here than it is in the US. As we've been walking, that's exactly what we've seen...lots of public servants ready to help and lots of signs advising people not to drive when they are tired, drunk, etc.

On our way back down the hill from the plaza, we passed by Mission Santiago and saw a man mowing the grass. When we got to the entrance of the fence, he came running up to us and asked if we were missionaries...when we told him that we were, he said that he wanted to help us along the way. We were pretty shocked. He plays in the praise band at the church and it's a church plant from Castillo del Rey that we heard about in Monterrey--Marcos Witt was there this past Sunday!

We weren't sure what we were supposed to do because it was getting later and later, so we prayed and kept walking. We heard from several others along the way that Cola de Caballo (the waterfall) was really pretty and that we should try to see it. So we decided to try to make it to the top. There were two little buses that take people up...one doesn't go all the way to the top and you have to hike up the rest of the way (1 - 1 1/2 miles), but the other one does. The one that goes all the way up wasn't leaving for a least an hour, so we decided to go on and hike up the rest of the way. It was a hike! It was really fun though!! We got to what we thought was the waterfall, and we were pretty disappointed! (We later learned that it is called La Cola de Burro...because you're a burro if you think that's the waterfall!) We decided to walk a little further to see if there was anything else...we realized that there was a lot more!! The man at the tourist information told us that the park was closed, but they might let us in...We got to the gate and they let us through!!! (If we would have gone on the later bus we would have completely missed it!) The falls were beautiful!!! (The picture doesn't really do it justice...the falls are huge!) We were so pumped up that we made it all the way up!

We started heading out of the park, but by then the adrenaline had worn off and we were exhausted...it was definitely one of the longest days that we walked and the last 2 miles had been completely uphill! It was worth it though...just as we were coming out of the park, the last bus for the evening went by! I couldn't believe it...after all of the perfect timing...to miss the bus! We decided to check the hotel in the resort beside the falls, thinking that it was going to be outrageously expensive. They ended up giving us a really good rate AND certificates for free breakfast!!! We had the entire place to ourselves all evening! What a great belated anniversary get-away with beautiful scenery every where you looked!! (Including the sidewalk right outside our room...that's where we found this peacock!!)

After breakfast on Saturday morning, we took pictures and headed out...the bus came not 30 seconds after we walked out...just on time!!! From the little plaza, we started walking again. Around 2 pm, we walked into El Alamo...we had only walked about 5 miles. We passed by a place that sells plants, and one of the guys working there called out to us. Nohel (pronounced Noel) introduced himself and started asking us about what we were doing. This was the 3rd time he had seen us that day. He invited us to go eat at his mom's house that was just up the street. We decided that we would, so he called ahead to his sister, Lety, and told her we were coming. He agreed to meet a little later.

Lety was outside when we walked up, and she introduced us to her mom, Doña Nohelia. We sat down and ate and told them a little about what we were doing. We learned that they were a really close family, and Don Beto and Doña Nohelia have 7 kids--6 boys and 1 girl (Lety). 5 of the 7 live in the area, 1 lives in Monterrey and the other lives in Houston, TX. By the time we had learned all of this, Nohel was there. We all talked a little more, and then Chris and I prepared to leave. As we were getting ready to head out, Nohel invited us to spend the rest of the weekend with him and his family out at their family's ranchito (property out in the country). The meeting was from the Lord, so we decided to go...eventhough it meant that we would probably miss church--we were sad about that, but knew we were supposed to spend time with this family, so we went.

We got out to the Ranchito Sánchez (the family's last name), and met Don Beto--Nohel's dad. They showed us around--the house, the pool, the fruit trees, etc. It was so awesome! We ate Nisperos (a type of fruit) for the first time ever...so tasty!! We talked with Don Beto for quite a bit, and he showed us around even more. He is a walking miracle--he's had 5 heart attacks, open heart surgery, and 2 strokes, but he still gets around really well! Chris and I were even a little shocked at how much he was still doing! For supper, Nohel grilled steaks...also extremely tasty!! Then we chatted and told jokes and had a great time talking together! He shocked us because he asked Chris if he had a watch. Chris did have one, but just this week, it just fell off...the band snapped. So he's been carrying it in his pocket. When Nohel learned this, he took his watch off his arm and gave it to Chris. He said that it was just his work watch and he had another one that he wore to the office. Chris needed it. We couldn't believe it...such kindness! Knowing God was directing us the whole time...amazing!!

Sunday, we got to meet the rest of the family. Nohel's wife, Francis, and their kids, Nohelin, Alex, and Fernando. (pictured giving CE his version of a high five...he hits fists with you!!) Then Saul arrived with his wife, Paty, and two of their children-Hugo and German...Misael (one of the cousins) came with them. Then Betin and his wife Susana and one of their children, Susy drove up. A little while later, Mauro came in with his wife, Marichuy. (They are Misael's parents.) I hung around with all of the daughter-in-laws and Lety while Chris helped Nohel plant about 20 palm and other varieties of trees...planting palm trees on Palm Sunday...I love God's sense of humor...how He connects things! In between all of that we played hockey and raquetball with the kids, explored the tree houses, and admired all of the creatures they captured...lizards, dragonflies, frogs, etc. We had soooo much fun and sooo much good food! We didn't want to leave when it was time to go home. They all wanted us to stay for the week, but we knew it was time to move on Monday morning. On our way back to El Alamo, we stopped for tostadas at Betin's restaurant. Part of the family went with us...so we were able to see them a little longer. The kids really enjoyed looking at the photos, and Chris wanted them to see the girl we met in Gonzales who could solve the Rubiks cube so fast...so we put the video in!

Monday morning, we had breakfast with Nohel, Nohelin, and Alex at Don Beto and Doña Nohelia's house. He had a gift for each of us...again we were shocked. He had a pair of tennis shoes that were exactly Chris's size and a hat to protect me from the sun. What Nohel didn't know is that Chris's shoes were slick on the bottom! God knows our need and provides for them...we seek Him first and everything is taken care of!!!

After breakfast, we washed clothes. Chris wrote some while I rode to Paty's house with German to dry the clothes. Paty and I had a really good talk about family and faith. She also showed me photo albums of their 3 boys! I was a little sad when it was time to go...but still knew it was time! German gave me a ride back home...I was impressed at his driving skills...he's only 9, but he respects all of the traffic laws better than a lot of cars I've seen in Mexico.

After lunch, we started walking. We walked 9 or so miles until we arrived in Allende where we are now. After asking several people for directions for food and internet and a place to stay we continued on our way. We checked e-mail and then ran into a group of teenagers, so we asked them were to eat. They led us to a little cafe and disappeared...it was pretty good...we learned later that it was the food that Allende is famous for...people from all over come to eat at that cafe! Then we started walking the way that we thought there might be a hotel, but we didn't see anything. All of a sudden, a van pulled up beside us...they had seen us walking earlier and were seeing us again, so they wanted to help us along the way. We asked them about a place to stay and the lady told us it was just up ahead. She drove on and then stopped just in front of a house...motioning that it was there. Then drove off.

That's when we met Sergio and Cris. They did have rooms for rent, and we stayed with them. They invited us over to eat with them and wanted to know all about us. We learned that her name is Cris Raquel (Raquel is Rachel in Spanish)....Chris and I just smiled at God's fingerprint. We had a great time talking to them and sharing! They also invited us to wash our clothes and check our e-mail...to treat this place as our home. We were yet again amazed at God's provision!!! On our way back to our room, we met one of their sons, Sergio--but he goes by Checo.

Tuesday morning, we ate breakfast with Sergio and Cris's daughter...her name is Cris as well. After breakfast, she showed us all around town! She took us to the overlook with a big cross, the river, the plaza, the cathedral, and a museum (where we took the John Deere picture of all of the fans we've met along the way...it was a machine used to grind corn). It was a great tour, and we were able to take tons of pictures!! Cris is a teacher, so we were able to relate and share stories! What she showed us would have taken us a week to see on foot! It was wonderful!!

We are moving on from here today to Montemorelos, a larger city just down the road...Some friends of Cris (the daughter) live there and have invited us to stay the night with them tonight. Sergio and Cris (the mom) are planning to take us over there this afternoon. We're a little tired, and they want to help us along the way, so we decided to accept a ride. Chris and I are looking forward to what the rest of this week will hold. We're really pumped up about Easter! We hope that you are all safe and enjoy some time with your families!! We love you!! God bless! Happy Easter...Praise God for a risen Savior!!

Pictures from around Monterrey: 1) Arch in downtown. 2) The Soccer stadium for the Monterrey Tigres

3) The view of 1/4 the city from an overview...the houses go all the way up the side of the mountains...nearly stacked on top of each other. 4) La Silla del Cerro--The Horse Saddle Mountain