A lot has happened here in Magdalena since my last post. Susie's mom and dad came to visit for a few weeks at the end of October and beginning of November. They celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary and Kali and the girls made a special supper for them. The girls had many questions about their long marriage and family. They were a very good example for the girls in a society that has diminished the importance of a strong and lasting marriage.

Marge and Frederick, our kids and the girls

Marge and Frederick and Jaqui

While they were here we also helped watch Ruth's children while she and her son Manuel were at the Shriner's hospital in Los Angels. Frederick helped entertain the boys and Marge and Betsa quickly became "amigas."

Frederick and Angel playing Tic Tac Toe

Marge, Nate and Betsa

During this time we learned that my brother's son Austin had left home and my family was not sure where he was. We were able to get tickets back to Illinois on the same flight as Susie's parents to spend some time with my family. As of now we still do not know where Austin is but we hope and pray he is safe. Austin stayed with us here in Mexico for 3 weeks last summer and we really enjoyed having him here as did the kids at CVE. So, Austin, if you read this we want you to know that we love you and you are welcome to visit us here in Mexico anytime. We would like to know that you are safe so please send us a message.

Austin and Mario last June.

We had a busy 10 days in Illinois and came back to Magdalena on the Berean Bus which was headed for Denver to pick up a work team. We met my brother Scot, Joe and Denise Maller, Carly and Debbie Hoerr and their family at 2am on Friday the 19th in Peoria and arrived in Denver around 5pm. We had a quick meal at the Denver Church and loaded up the team for Magdalena.

Carly and me loading the bus in Denver.

Nate "crashed" in the overhead compartment.

Carly proves it's possible to sleep and talk on the phone at the same time.

We met up with a group from California and Phoenix in Tucson and after about 38+ hours on the bus we finally arrived in Magdalena. It was great to see all the kids and staff again and meet our newest addition, Bernardo.

Kristi and 4 month old Bernardo

The team spent the rest of the evening getting unpacked and playing with the kids. We enjoyed the day Sunday (our day of rest) before the start of a very busy week. Monday came and we hit the ground running. We had many projects we needed to get done, finishing the center wall and gables of the new house, clearing brush and making a new fence to encircle the property, installing a new sound system in the church, adding security lights around the property and pouring concrete and building a new gate for the entrance of the Church. We were also planning a big Thanksgiving supper for the Church and Community.

The brush crew pulling down a tree.

The cement crew learning how to mix "mud."

Raising the wall.

My brother Scot and Nate cruising in the golf cart.

The Tee Shirt Shack came down to make way for a new Basketball Court.

We now have lights along the path to the dorms!!!! Thanks Jonathan.

It's a good thing we don't have OSHA down here.

My brother blocked up a new septic tank for the girls house. It reminded me of the story "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel." So what do you do when you have now way out?

You negotiate with the backhoe operator.

Several of the Team members spent most of the week cooking and preparing for our Thanksgiving supper. While we were busy working they were busy cooking. We invited the church and a lot of friends and acquaintances form town. We had a great turnout and really enjoyed the evening.

I think Joel has the new record for the most people in a 15 passenger van.

We fed well over 150 people on Thanksgiving day.

Poncho really liked the cranberry salad.

Friday came all to quick and we spent the day cleaning up and finishing up as much as possible. Carly was busy up to the last minute teaching Frankie how to run the backhoe and roughing in the grade for the new basketball court. It was a great week and we really enjoyed spending time with old friends and making new ones.

Frankie learning to run the backhoe.

This picture pretty well sums up the whole week. When it was over we were tired!!!

We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Until next time,

La Famila Zobrist