The air mattresses groaned as each of us began to stir on Thursday. Mike rolled off the couch, Jeff Cady bounced off of the "matrimonial-sized" mattress, and we sent the valet to the presidential suite (a small private room adjacent to the large living area where the "common folks" slept) to give Senior Ringger his wake-up call and clear away the room-service dishes. We all looked groggily at each other as Chris & Don bounded down the steps, looking well-rested from their oasis upstairs in ACTUAL beds. Even Von fresh from his mani-pedi sneered at them. Thankfully team unity was maintained as Chris & Don were oblivious to the sleep disparity among us.
We spent a good part of the morning organizing & cleaning the house as we anxiously awaited the arrival of the Hornbrooks from their 5+ hour drive home from Sam's mom, Ellen's, funeral. We felt a bit like Mom & Dad were coming up from vacation and we were scrambling to erase all evidence of the big party we had thrown. Anxious statement like these were heard:
- "How often are dogs SUPPOSED to eat?"
- "Do you think they even know how many bowls they had to begin with?"
- "Just throw the dishes in any cabinet. We'll clean them after they've went to bed."
- "Move that chair over the stain. By the time they find it, another team will be here and get blamed for it."
- "Can you help me fish out this toilet paper?"
At last, the Hornbrooks pulled up around lunchtime. You should have seen the love in Chuck's eyes for this dear family. Hugs around. We helped them unload and then shared lunch with them. We learned that the first session of Retiro de Varones (Men's Retreat) was to be held at the Hornbrooks' home. When you walk in the front door, you are in a 30 x 12 foot room which easily held chairs for the 30 men in attendance.
Sam played the guitar and led us in worship songs in Spanish. We heard testimonies from a couple of Chelangos as well as a testimony from Tom. Tom was confused about the difference between a devotional and testimony. He looked at me for help...and of course I hung him out to dry.
The Theme of the Retiro de Varones was "The Gospel is the Key to Interpreting the Entire Bible & the Key to a Life of Faith." I taught the first session out of Chapter 37: "God's Covenant Love is Sure Even in the Face of Hatred & Evil" (with Sam interpreting). It was a great first session as the Spirit opened the Word of Christ and gave understanding. The power and applicability of the Scripture easily transcended both the American & Mexican cultures. It was such a great honor to share the Word with our new friends, our Mexican brothers.
Afterwards, we had a great time of fellowship as we enjoyed some refreshments, with many new friendships forged. Clusters of Gringos & Chelangos spoke about the faith as Jamie headed up a crew of wonderful Christian ladies who made the fellowship possible. Ofelia, Michelle, Natalie & Nicole helped Jamie prepare and serve the food, dessert, and drinks. As the Mexican brothers eventually left for their homes, the Gringos refined their elementary abilities to utter the correct Mexican phrases and shake & hug in the Mexican way.
God is good. Conference Session One in the books.
No comments:
Post a Comment