Abril's Quinceanera:

Part of our summer's activities was a quinceanera for one of our young ladies, Abril.  Now for the discerning Spanish speaker the question would automatically be, "Why was Abril's quinceanera celebrated in Julio?'  Well, yes, Abril's birthday is in April as her name would suggest but we are talking about Mexico (the land of manana) and so the celebration didn't get planned till July.

Abril's parents had asked about planning her quinceanera about a year ago and I advised them that I was more than happy to take part but suggested that they may want to invite another Mexican preacher they knew for the day as I was not too familiar with quinceanera procedures.  It was an honor that they insisted that I take part.

A quinceanera is a big day for a Mexican young lady and a big event for a Christian young lady as well as a promise of fidelity in holiness of life and faithfulness to the Lord.  It is a testimony before peers and family that "I will live holy till my wedding day".

I arrived late (for me) with our van route in that I misunderstood where the venue was to take place.  In actuality I arrived about five minutes before the time appointed.  Some two hours later the family showed up and eventually things began to fall in place.  Thankfully preaching the charge was the first thing on the agenda and I was able to not only present a charge to Abril and her family but present the gospel to many family and friends that have never heard a gospel message.

The bad part is that now Anna has decided she wants a quinceanera as well.  Her birthday is in September and we are towards the end of August.  I guess Abril's quinceanera may not be the only one that gets planned a little late.

THE GREAT GOAT CONVIVIO:

Father's Day came and went without being able to get our (the men's) plans put in place due to other activities in our (same men) schedules but we eventually got our days together and made our plan for "the great goat convivio".  The idea was to buy a goat and roast it whole on an open spit.  Our men had never actually roasted a goat from start to finish so they were happy when I volunteered to do the work.  It's been a long time (read - since Africa) since I have butchered and roasted a goat but no time like the present to get back into the swing!

Well, for those of you worried about the goat - it lived.  The men were suppose to have the charcoal and the spit ready when I showed up but you guessed it, neither was anywhere to be found.  It was also a very hot desert day and by the time I was ready to butcher the goat I was out of steam.  So between my lack of steam and the lack of preparations - the goat was given a stay of execution.  All afternoon the goat reminded us of his thankfulness - "Maaah, maaah" but twenty some chooks did give their lives instead.

All in all it was a great day for our church people.  They always enjoy a get together (convivio) especially when there is food.  Never mind - there's always food!  After the food we had an outdoor service and one of our men brought the first message (exhortation) and then I concluded at his request with an evangelistic message.  I enjoy watching the growth of our people and it is a blessing for me to participate with them in their plans.