Happy New Year!

I can hardly believe it!  I completed four years of missionary service from 2004 to 2008.  I am now beginning my fifth year of missionary service in 2009.

As I look back, I cannot help but laugh at the many mistakes I have made over the years.  Yet, by God’s grace He sustains me.

I remember my very first year in Cuernavaca.  I was attending a small group Bible study.  The hostess served us special bread they make only during the season when they celebrate the day of the dead on November 1st.  I thanked her in Spanish saying, “Gracias.  Me encanta el pan de muerte!”  Everyone looked at me in shock!  The leader corrected me, “Angie, se dice pan de muerto.”  What I said was, “Thank you.  I love this bread that causes me to die.”  I should have said, “Thank you for this bread of the dead.”  Oooops!

I remember earlier in 2008 when I gave red roses and baby’s breath flowers to one mom who was celebrating her birthday.  I found out later they only use baby’s breath flowers for cemeteries.  How would you like to receive flowers for the dead on your birthday?  Oooops!

I think of the time when I had company for lunch.  I had scheduled to walk with my neighbor at 6 pm.  My neighbor showed up at my door at 6 pm and all my guests quickly packed up to go.  I should have cancelled my appointment with my neighbor and should have allowed my guests to stay as long as they wanted to stay.  That is the more culturally acceptable thing to do.  Ooops!

The week I came back from Nicaragua, I was busy writing my report on a Saturday morning.  I received a phone call from one gal attending my Thursday Bible study.   She was asking me where the funeral was for the brother of one of my friends.  I did not even know my friend’s brother had died.  I made a few phone calls to find out what happened.  I knew I would be expected to be there.  I thought… “Ok.  I will show up for one hour to say hello and good-bye to everyone.”  Boy… was I wrong!  I was at that wake, the funeral service and the burial for about eight hours.  Now I know for next time I should come closer to the time of the burial.  I witnessed all the hysterical reactions of the widow.  I had to get Valium from my house to try to help calm her down.  Never a dull moment in this missionary life!

As I begin 2009, I can only think of one verse.  Zechariah 4:6 “…not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.”  I find it very interesting that in spite of my wrong choice of Spanish words, cultural blunders, feelings of inadequacy and very different personal expectations, the Lord still chooses to use me.  Many women continue to attend my weekly Bible studies faithfully and invite others to come to the evangelistic events I host.  I am in awe of His love, mercy and grace!

May you have an exciting 2009!

Thank you for standing in the gap for me so that I can continue working as a missionary in Mexico!

Angelina Velasco

www.angievelasco.org

Salmo 91:1 "El que habita al abrigo del Altísimo morará bajo la sombra del Omnipotente." Salmo 91:1