WOW, what an awesome 10 days I just had in Cozumel. Every time I come to the island it seems that I am blessed way beyond what words can express. Each time I leave, I begin to plan for the next trip and to ask God just what His plans are.
Last February, when Byron and I were in Cozumel, we watched as David Dean, the Chaplain at Texoma Chapel, presented Eloisa, the director of NUAFA a beautiful leather-bound Bible. As Eloisa held the Bible she shared that she is beginning to have trouble seeing small print. We have had multiple requests for large print Bibles from others having trouble seeing. I began to process this and thought, another one of those things we take for granted is that when we begin to have trouble reading, we go to the local stores and purchase a cheap pair of reading glasses. The wheels were now turning in my head and I remembered that I could purchase reading glasses at Dollar Tree for only $1. Now, I have to be honest, I was thinking glasses were cheaper than the large print Bibles, not even taking into consideration that if you can’t read your Bible, you can’t read anything. As soon as I got home, I began picking up a few extra pairs of glasses each time I was in Dollar Tree. Karen took some glasses to Eloisa and she was SO thankful. By the time I boarded the plane for Cozumel in July, I had accumulated about 40 pair of glasses. Little did I know what an impact these glasses would make on lives of those I met.
When we distributed school backpacks at Vida Abundante, we put out the reading glasses and invited children and mothers to take a pair if they needed them. One young lady who would be a high school student, worked diligently trying to find the right glasses that would help her read her books. There were lots of smiles on lots of faces as they found the right magnification. The best part was still to come though.
After the backpacks were all distributed and we were packing up, the men from La Esperanza were invited to come try on the remaining glasses. La Esperanza is a residential addiction rehabilitation program for 10-15 men located in temporary housing next to Vida Abundante. The men of La Esperanza participate as church members. They didn’t care that some of them had rhinestones on them, or that they were styled for a woman. They were just so thrilled to be able to see to read. We found out later that the men had been asking for glasses a few days before we were there, but we did not know that. Now, I don’t know what your beliefs are, but to me that is definitely a God thing. God put a burden on me to purchase the glasses and take them now knowing that there was already a special request and need. I have seen this over and over as we continue to work in Cozumel and I am so grateful that God allows Byron and I to serve Him in such an awesome way.
One dollar can totally change the life of someone. I’m afraid that I am guilty of taking my possessions for granted as I am also guilty of not appreciating all that God has done for me. By American standards I am just a middle class citizen, but by the standards in Mexico, I am very well to do. What if I had been born in Cozumel to a family out in the jungle? What would my life be like? Would I even have the opportunity to know who Jesus is? Would I get to go to school? Would anyone even care if I didn’t have enough to eat? Would someone spend $1 to bring me some glasses so I could read?
What are our responsibilities as Christians? Do we have any responsibilities? Do we love Jesus enough to sacrifice some of our time and resources to touch some lives who need to see Jesus with skin on–you know, like you and me, loving them and trying to meet some of their needs? Don’t miss receiving one of the biggest blessings you can ever imagine by making yourself available and ready to serve our Lord.
This modified quote of George Carlin is one of my favorite sayings. I hope when I arrive at the pearly gates I will be shouting LORD! WHAT A RIDE! ~~Ilene
Life’s journey is not to arrive at the gate safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting “Lord! WHAT A RIDE!”
Note: Ilene was one of several Friends of Cozumel volunteers and donors who traveled from Texas, Nebraska and Iowa to combine vacation with community mission projects in late July through mid-August. Photo front left to right: Ilene Kendrick and Barbara Dean; Back left to right: Treva Mahan and LaFonda Stephens, all from Texas. Ilene coordinates the Bible Blessings Ministry, SAIL Bible study cruise for women, and co-hosts Friends of Cozumel Mission Trips.
Miraflores is a “planned development” that began a couple of years ago that contains a couple of different models families can purchase. 
The school year begins in late August and stretches through the first week in July due to extended school breaks throughout the year. For example, students only attended school for half of April because the last two weeks were spring break around Easter holiday. Schools were in session about half of the month of May due to the local Cedral festival and other holidays. 
I would like to think of it on a larger order. The fact is that we are all spending a limited amount of time on earth and one day we will leave it behind. When we look back, what kind of legacy will we leave behind? Did we truly make a difference in other peoples’ lives? Can we recall times when we stopped to help someone in need? Did we use our resources (time, money, skills, etc.) to help others or only to benefit ourselves? Every day, we are presented with opportunities to help others less fortunate than ourselves. The key is taking a moment to help others. It may be as simple as giving someone a friendly word of encouragement when they’re down, an offer to take a friend somewhere if they don’t have transportation, sharing some food, offering to help with a project when you have the skills. Are you making a difference, or “Just Passing Through”?
Owning a piece of land to develop a place to worship has been a dream for Vida Abundante’s (Abundant Life) congregation. For years the congregation has borrowed space to worship in a garage, rented a small empty building and when they didn’t have the funds to pay the rent, they moved to a rented lot. Members have been working tirelessly every week to earn money by cooking/selling food, used clothing and other efforts just to raise enough money for the rent, electricity and water. 
They’re a growing congregation willing to work hard to create a more stable center for worship for the purpose of reaching out to help other families in need. Click
During church service Sunday evening Pastor Mariela announced the first step church leaders are taking to turn their dream into reality . . . They have set a goal to raise 30,000 pesos ($2,700 USD) by December 1, 2011 for down payment to purchase a lot. Each adult is asked to personally contribute 1,000 pesos ($90 USD) and each child 300-500 pesos ($27-$45 USD). Children are encouraged to save 2 pesos daily by not purchasing a snack like they normally might do and putting the money in a can to save until December. For most adults 1,000 pesos is a daunting amount of money, especially during the next seven months when tourism is low (and therefore many people will not have work). For those who work, the general minimum wage is about $4.70 US per day (not per hour); not enough to support a family let alone contribute to the congregation’s goal. “Professional” minimum wages range between $7 – $16 USD per day depending on the type of job. Curious about wages in Mexico? Go to: 
Vida Abundante has not asked for donations for the down payment nor did Pastor Mariela ask us to personally contribute. Larry had volunteered to play the keyboard for special music during the service. We looked at each other and instantly independently decided we wanted to contribute too so we raised our hands and made the commitment. Later Larry shared with me “It is less than $20/month for the next seven months so I can easily set that aside by not eating out once a month.” I’ll pose the same question as Pastor Mariela did . . . Who is with us? I admit that I THOUGHT about raising my hand several more times and making the commitment for several other Friends of Cozumel volunteers/donors as well as the 
Sewing Classes: ~20 women continue to attend sewing classes 3 afternoons weekly. See the photo of participant (at left) with instructor, Elizabeth (right). The class has just finished learning flat pattern design and are sewing their first of 10 garments during the four month class. Projects vary depending on skill level (i.e. simple bouses, dresses, shorts, fitted jackets for two-piece special occasion outfits) and include sewing for other family members or friends.
Iguanas thrive in these hot, dry conditions. They seem to be more visible and active than ever. Several newcomers took up residence in our backyard while I was in the US. The “regulars” include eight iguanas plus three land turtles . . . a small version of “Wild Kingdom” when they are all out and about. As I am typing this blog posting an iguana is scratching at the sliding patio door looking inside . . . the nerve! In contrast to their energy, I feel perpetually “wilted” in the unrelenting heat. 
Visiting Jose’s family yesterday afternoon was a humble reminder that many local families have little or no relief from the elements . . . no AC or fans, no well water without rain so washing dishes, clothes or bathing is limited. 
WOW . . . A record number of 23 women are participating in a new four month long sewing class sponsored by
“Impact. Make One.” . . . A compelling message from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, ranked the #1 most valued non-profit brand by Harris Interactive poll and recognized as one of the most trusted charities. 
Used or new tools needed (revised from April 1 posting) include 25 of each of the following: small Crescent (adjustable) wrenches, Channel Lock (slip-joint) pliers, hammers (regular or small size), slotted screwdrivers, Phillips screwdrivers, metric tape measures (regular or shorter lengths of 3m or 12’+). These sets of tools will be used to teach the classes then each participant will receive a set of 6 handtools in a zipper pouch (for tools up to 12″ long). In addition, we need 3-5 electric drills with various size masonry bits (i.e. 1/4″, 3/8″) for a small project to be made during class and installed in each participant’s home or organization’s facility. 
A pilot class(es) will be held during the 
Volunteer repair projects may be shall we say “less than glamorous” but so important in helping local organizations focus on what they do best . . . helping children and families. For example, last month we discovered the float in 
NUAFA and Vida Abundante Church both had broken toilet handles for months. The organization leaders didn’t know how to fix it so they coped by taking the top off the toilet and manually flushing it every time it was used. Can you imagine operating a daycare and trying to potty train children with a toilet that doesn’t flush? Or not having a fully functioning toilet for your church congregation, especially with a number of young children who can’t manage to lift the top off the back of the toilet? Mission volunteers repaired these in a few minutes with parts costing less than $2US. 
GREAT NEWS . . . Eloisa Buenfil, NUAFA’s President, asked me to share with Friends of Cozumel volunteers, donors and supporters . . . (Translated from Spanish) “Many thanks for all your support. Thanks to our God the end of the past week we passed two very difficult inspections for the daycare but everything was agreeable and the truth is they were happy with us for being the only daycare that complies with all their documents in order and for this reason, we very much appreciate all that you have contributed. We are very grateful and congratulate you also because this achievement is from each one of you brothers and sister. Many thanks.” 
The end of last week marked a marathon inspection process that has been going on for weeks, sometimes with conflicting expectations between different government agencies. During a 3 hour inspection from Federal Level SEDESOL (government agency) representatives, EVERY document was reviewed in detail as well as the facility. At the same time Proteccion Civil (local Cozumel Fire Department) did an inspection. 
NUAFA children, their families and staff LOVE the bright, clean environment! The The Federal inspection team marvelled at the condition of the facility with the newly painted rooms as well as the educational decorations (wall designs and mobiles) saying it was THE best in all the state of Quintana Roo and beyond! The past two Friends of Cozumel Mission Trips have focused on enhancing NUAFA’s facility. In October 2010 we moved the daycare kitchen to an outside patio to reduce fire hazards as well as installed an emergency exit door and stationery gas tank on the roof of the daycare. The interior walls of the daycare were scraped, painted and decorated with wall paper borders. Earlier this month, Mission Trip volunteers did facility repairs, built a storage cabinet, designed and made educational mobiles and applied wall decorations to support pre-school learning. See the BEFORE, DURING and AFTER photos by scrolling down this page to the March 21 post. 
Want to lend a helping hand to benefit the community?