Fun Day!

The food finally caught up with Jim. This picture is for my dad... Every email he has sent me on this trip contained a phrase like, "Is Jim eating everything in sight?" So anyway, here you go Dad... Jim wanted to make you proud!

Today was our last full day and objective numero uno was to HAVE FUN! The plan was to see some of the sights of the city and then head on to Sergio's house for our goodbye party.

But before that, our hosts made sure we started the day off with a good breakfast. I guess Gabe and Laura got tired of trying to make us authentic Mexican food, sucked it up, and cooked us some good ol' fashioned US pancakes! Crispy, light, full of calories... God bless the USA.

Jim don't cry... if the other kids are laughing at you then you don't need em cause they're not good friends.

So what on earth could have Jim so sad this early in the morning? Let me show you...

Ouch! This gives a whole new meaning to the term "redneck." Jim's neck is red from the sun. (Coincidently, Jim is also redneck... but you didn't hear that from me)

Yesterday Jim got fried making the benches and I thought I had brought some aloe. I went, rummaged through my bag and returned to him with good news and bad news. He asked for the bad news first: No aloe. The good news: I do have some girly colored pencils to give you.

Cori is a txt master. Texting is her bff. Y so much texting? idk. n-e-how, nbd... unless u ? her skillz. Then she'll slap u w/ a ttyl.

So the plan was to head to cola de caballo and see the sights. It was cool to just marvel at God's creation a little bit. I couldn't get enough of the mountains, trees, flowers, and even the insects buzzing around. I think I've been just so aware of the work of God this week that being in his creation makes me feel like part of his great work.

Jim... hold on man. Just 3 more hours till lunch...

"So uhhh... you guys are all snow geese, right? Nobody's an endangered white swan.... heh."

Here was the view... incredible. Marge wasn't worried so much about falling... it was more the landing part that troubled her.

Bungy jumping anyone? I wonder how many great party stories start, "So I decided to pay $30 to go bungy jumping in mexico..."

Adriane... he's trouble. He's been hanging around with the wrong crowd lately. They all keep rebuilding cars and won't quit singing "Greased Lightning." Dude... we are worried about you man.

Totem! Stupid picture opportunity! Go stand by Jim!

So after taking in the sights it was time to head towards the waterfall. Eric told me that Cola De Caballo means "Tail of the Horse." Which basically makes no sense to me... but Jim said the waterfall resembles a horse tail. He did drugs when he was younger so I believe him.

Marge and this guy would have had a deep and meaningful conversation... but you know.. no hablo Espanol.

This dragonfly is red. Not pink, not orange but rojo. What can I say? I'm a man of convictions.

This must be how the pilgrims felt when they landed on the rock of Gibraltar... only there was probably more turkey eating and Indian killing.

The Mexican heat finally got to Jim.

Ha ha, in all seriousness I have to write a little something here about my big brother. This is my second mission trip with Jim and I couldn't ask for a greater friend. We have been through some great highs and lows this past year together. When women bond, they... well... honestly I have no idea what women do but men bond by shared experience. I have laughed my guts out with him, got teared up seeing him bare his soul to a Mexican policeman, and have grown spiritually at his side. Thanks for everything bud. God has gifted you in ways more powerful than I will ever understand.

And here it is! This is the main waterfall. This picture is kinda small because Adriane had to take it from a really long distance away. Eric said the water was unusually low this time... so much for hurricane Dean doing some damage. For the duration of this whole week, it's rained about 20 minutes total.

This is what happens after telling people about God for 3 days straight. You think Moses ever looked this fly?

Our trusted guide... man's best friend. This guy followed us up and down the mountain. All day long he traveled with the group and showed us some shortcuts. He got us lost at times but such cute tongue wagging won over all of our hearts. Yes... Eric was all of these things. (Also pictured... a dog named "Mange.")

Lost? Who's lost?

Tribal dance! "I yi yamie! Ei yi eemie! I want some lunchie!"

So here is the view at the top of the waterfall. It was a pretty steep climb but well worth it. Every time I'm in nature I can't help but see finger prints of the creator all around it. To see something so vast, so complex, so beautiful... all of this from some big cosmic accident makes no sense.

Jim had a cool anecdote he told to one of the college students Monday. Say you are going through the woods and you find a pocket watch on the ground. When you pick it up and look at it. Do you say, "Hmmm.... this must have come from nothing," or "A designer had to make this. This came from a watch maker." Why don't we think the same way when it comes to creation?

Oh why fight it? Tim... pick the gray one! (If you are a little confused... take a look at all of Tim's previous pictures...)

Hooty, no matter how bad you want to... you can't take random kids home with you. They probably have homes, parents, and taco bell dogs to look after.

Lauri won the food roulette game. Basically we all point to some part of the menu and say, "Por-fa-vour." Fries and quesidillas? Can you say, "Jackpot!?!?"

Have you ever seen the movie se7en? Well Jim hasn't so don't spoil the ending. I know this picture was taken somewhere in the middle of lunch because at this point Lauri still has all her fingers...

"If I don't come back down... I leave my golf clubs to coryyyyyyyy!!!!"

So we headed back to Gabe's place to rest up before the party. We gave him some presents and Tim totally embarrassed us by giving kick butt gifts. I'm pretty sure he is the only one invited back.

Here we are chilling at our big party at Sergio's house. His place is like a madhouse. It is a whirlwind of missionaries, kids, and gringos. Once again I have to mention the incredible heart and vision of this man who is devoting his life to furthering the cause of Christ in a foreign city. He is one of those people who you just want to be around... and would follow to the ends of the earth. If you don't believe me, I know about 20 Hondurans you can talk to...

Here is Sergio's wife, Lloydia (Spelling?). I may not know how to spell her name but I do know how to eat her tacos! Thanks for everything!

One of these guys is an ex marine... but the other stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night so it would probably be a pretty close fight.

Ahhh... a nice Columbian serenade from Gabe. He played us some upbeat music, some American music, and finally the lullaby he uses to put Tim to sleep every night. Tim was asleep before the first chorus hit and Gabe felt bad for abusing his special powers again. At least this time he didn't go for Tim's wallet...

And now it was time to finally say goodbye!

Goodbye small pants!

Goodbye Sergio Jr. who no one back home has ever heard of!

Goodbye defuser!

Goodbye friends!

And until God decides to use me somewhere else... adios!

Luke

P.S. Thanks so much to everyone who helped support me in this endeavor. Your constant prayers, encouragement, and yes.. financial support have blessed me in so many ways. We serve a big God who is working in some very big ways all across this planet. It's easy to get caught up in our own little city and lose sight of the bigger picture.

Our brothers and sisters in Monterrey are putting their careers, talents, pride, and personal safety on the line to reach a city that is so broken. These people are living out the great commission... even though it is a daunting task... a constant uphill battle. I have so much respect for their efforts... but I have even more respect for who they are as followers of Christ.

I hope this blog has stirred something in your heart. Pray for our missionaries. Sacrifice a little to help someone in need. Go on a short term missions trip. It will change your life and your perspective. It certainly has for me. Love you all, God bless.