A lot has happened over the past several weeks. Here's an update.
Merida was wonderful! I had such an amazing experience. We learned about the culture of the Yucatan, economics, political situation, family life, and about the church. Two experiences stand out in my mind: first was our visit to Hogar Mana. We met and played with some wonderful children who come from broken or abusive homes. We played with bubbles, tossed a football around, and had a great time. The faces of the children is something I will never forget. The other memorable experience happened in a home church. The group was split up to visit homes one night. I, along with two others, had the privilage of going with our translator Benito and his wife Kerin. They are both pastors in Merida, and they took us to meet some of their church members. We had the opportunity to be in worship with some members in the home of a woman and her two children. Ben asked us to preach, and we did. Without preparation or even a Bible. It was incredible. The spirit was moving in that place. I preached on Psalm 121 and seeing in the faces of the people, God's presence. The Yucatan is BEAUTIFUL! I can't wait to go back.
The other major thing that has happened is I took the Bible Exegesis Ordination Exam this weekend. I just finished about 30 minutes ago. I really plowed through it, because I am leaving in the morning for Philadelphia, where I will attend the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators conference this week. I'm happy that the exam is over. Don't know how well I did, but we'll pray.
In the meantime, life moves on. This semester will be a busy one- it starts next Monday. For now, I am going to enjoy my time away from seminary. Philadelphia will be wonderful and I get to be there with my dad. For that, I am truly grateful.
