Our current project:
 Building a House 
for a Mexican  Christian Family In Mezcala

How We Met Luis and Letti

Driving up the mountain to our home located near Mezcala, my wife, Sissy, and I noticed a woman preparing and selling tacos and frijoles to Mexican workers at a house construction site. The woman was cooking on a very basic homemade grill made from small stones and a metal lid from a 25-gallon metal drum as her cook top, while using a wood fire as her fuel source. 

Next to her stood a precious little girl of about nine years, dressed in some obviously old hand-me-down, yet clean, clothing. The child was busy chopping onions for the tacos her mom was selling.

As we drove slowly by, my wife spoke out, as much to herself as to me, "I have clothing that will fit that child."  So it began... we went home and my wife sorted through several boxes and suitcases of clothing that had been donated to us through Pastor Bob Hendrick, and his wife Judy of Lake Chapala Baptist Church in Riberas de Pillar. 

Sure enough, Sissy came up with several complete outfits of clothing for the little girl, including shoes, socks, underwear, pants, skirts, blouses... even sweaters and a jacket. 

We bagged the clothing and drove back to where the woman was loading the cooking supplies on her push cart in readiness to head back home to Mezcala, some 5 miles away.

We drove near to the woman and asked permission to give the clothing to her daughter. After receiving permission, Sissy stepped out of the car and lead them to the rear of our Suburban, where a fitting worthy of the best Macy's had to offer unfolded.

The child's name is Faviola, and as we'd guessed, was nine years old. Faviola's mother was very gracious to us, and stood by gleaming with happiness as Sissy showed Faviola the different outfits and tried some of the items on her. 

If I may interject here, there is one thing, out of many, that our walk with Christ over these last 28 years has proven to us, when God urges us to proceed in serving His children, and we respond, things fall wonderfully into place in His will. And this case was no exception, every piece of clothing, including shoes, fit perfectly.

The mother was very grateful and as she placed the clothing in her push-cart I offered to load her cart in my SUV and give them a ride home, but, not knowing us well, she refused my offer.

A few days later we passed the same spot, and there with the woman was Faviola, dressed prettily in one of her new outfits. We waved in greeting and they both responded with those beautiful smiles that are so typical to the Mexican women and children. An hour later Faviola unexpectedly arrived at our home. We invited her in and she and Sissy chatted while Sissy cooked dinner for us. During their conversation, Sissy learned that Faviola was from the village of Mezcala, was one of five children, and that her oldest sister, Letti, also had three children, and they were all in need of clothing.

Out came the boxes and cases of clothing, and the outfits began to come together once again. By her description of age and sizes we were able to send home clothing with Faviola and her mom for her brother, three sisters, uncle, and her three nephews. 

As the next few weeks passed Faviola came to our home from time to time and spent a few hours with Sissy. They worked crafts together and Sissy taught Faviola English, scripture, and they cooked together. But alas, all things come to an end. The construction site finished up, and we no longer saw Faviola or her mom. 

About two months later, while standing on the upper terrace of our home, I saw ten people walking up our mountain road with the children carrying silk and paper flowers of the most beautiful colors. As I opened the door to greet them, there stood Faviola, her mom, brother, three sisters, including her oldest sister, Letti and her husband, Luis, with their three boys. All ten of them had caught a ride in the back of a pick-up truck from Mezcala to bring us flowers and to thank us for the clothing.

As they stood and thanked us, Sissy and I wept as we were overwhelmed with the love of God for us and for these kind people. So began a friendship between Luis and Letti's families and ours that has grown in Christian love over these last four years.

Page One - Luis and Letti lose their home due to family problems 

Page Two - Excavating Luis and Letti's new home 

Page Three - Building Foundations for Luis and Letti's New Home 

Page Four - Building the Bovida Ceilings

Page Five - Luis' Piñata Business

Page Six: Help Us Build a House for Luis and Letti