we're a-packin

We are slowly packing up the apartment in preparation for our move into my parents house at the end of the month. We thought we could save a couple bucks and some frustration by not waiting until August to move out of our apartment. Storing stuff is a funny thing. Our lives are being packed away not to be seen again for at least 10 months, but probably more since we have no idea what we are doing when we get back. Looking at something right before it goes into a box makes me sad. It is also sort of eye opening. None of it we actually NEED. The 10% we don't put in storage is going to be loaded into our Camry and driven across the border along with Justin and Elisabeth's belongings.

We have been told that we don't need as much as we think. Realistically, I only wear about 1/8 of my wardrobe anyway and I spent my childhood vacations camping so I know I don't need much but this is still going to be hard. Bring only what you NEED. What do I need? Do I need a hairdryer? It would be nice. An iron? Okay, so I haven't used an iron in 7 years but I might start. What if we go to a wedding? I'll need a dress for that. And what about some books? I can't think of anything more lovely than an occasional page-turner on the Mazatlan beaches.

But it all adds up.

And really, my main concern is the baby equipment. She DOES need stuff; a pack-n-play, stroller, highchair, car seat, swim floaty, books, toys, several stages of clothes because despite my parent's wishes, she will continue to grow while we are gone. I know we can buy stuff when we get there, but if I have what I need here, I find it hard to justify buying something again. I can only imagine what this car is going to look like. I know what I pack when I go to my parents for the weekend and we can't bring much more than that.

I really am looking forward to living a simpler life. Living in a one-room apartment will force us to look at what we really need to live with and what we can do without.

Steve says not to worry, it will get in. I just feel sorry for the border agents trying to check it all.

the business of ministry

So, to explain a little more about what we are doing….the ministry in Mazatlan is based on “marketplace ministry”. The idea is that instead of raising funds, there is a business that supports the mission. This amazing idea allows a family or group of people to minister in a community without having to rely on outside money to sustain them. The couple we will be staying with, Tom and Heidi Lonsdale, have 2 coffee shops called Looney Bean each located near the beach catering both to locals and tourists.

In addition to the shops, the Lonsdale’s have a heart for young people and wanted to find a way to minister to them. A program has been developed starting this fall to bring 8 students each semester down from the States to work, learn, live and grow in a different culture. They will live at the house, work at the coffee shop, take some classes and volunteer in the community for about 3 ½ months. Then a new group comes in the second half of the year. With all that going on, it is necessary to have more than one couple working. Steve & I and Justin & Elisabeth have committed to at least the next year to helping the Lonsdale’s carry out their vision.

This is such an exciting time for us! We thought that there is no better time than now to do something different and go on an adventure. We ask for your prayers for us and we will continue to use this blog to send updates.

-Beth

Hello and Welcome!

We have decided to start this blog as a way of communicating what is going in our lives during the next year or so.

There is so much happening and we are really excited about what the Lord is doing. Mainly, we decided to go to Mazatlan, SI, Mexico to help with the ministry of Tom & Heidi Lonsdale and Justin & Elisabeth Reese.

Check out their sites:

www.reesecoast.wordpress.com
www.looneybeanmaz.jimdo.com

The Lord has laid it on our hearts to join them in running their coffee shop. We are super excited about the opportunity to serve and get out of our normal routine for some time. We will be leaving in September and staying til May.

Look back for news, updates and pictures!