English Camp in Atizapan

Hotdogs (often made of ground turkey) are enjoyed in Mexico with sliced jalepenos, ketchup, and mayonnaise as toppings. It tastes better than it sounds but the American youth generally stuck to the familiar ketchup and mustard :)
Thank you for your prayers! Our first ever English Camp in the northwest part of Mexico City is now in full swing with about 35 campers attending each day between 10 am and 2 pm. We have a sports theme and that has been well accepted. Yesterday was our first day and both Ohio youth leaders (in referee jerseys) and the local Mexican teenaged campers were all nervous. Today went much better with everyone having an idea as to what to expect. Two boys were extremely apprehensive to attend and their moms said that they weren't sure if the boys would get out of the car to come inside. They have both thoroughly enjoyed the camp and have come back for a second and third time. Some connections and friendships are being built with the families which was very much our goal. One of the mothers is a cousin of the principal at Ahava's kindergarten. As we walk with Ahava to kindergarten, we past by her house! Another father was visiting with Marcel. They were both practising their Spanish and English on one another. This father has invited Marcel and our family to his house for coffee sometime in the future after the camp is finished. Yesterday we all ready heard of 8 to 10 mothers who would like to participate in an informal time together where they could practise the English that they have studied. Marcel and I will offer English tutoring, both one-on-one but also in groups (the women seem to prefer this). Finally, we spent between 6 pm and 10 pm having a "sample" youth group event for the Mexican youth who attended our English daycamp. Nearly every one of the campers came back and had a fabulous time together. We offered this event in preparation for beginning a youth group in the area where we could not only have a blast together playing goofy games but also to study God's word. We will be inviting these campers to get together about once a month for similar youth nights and they now have an idea of what that would be like.

Pray for endurance during the next three days. The camp programs tires us, especially those from Ohio who are adjusting to the altitude as well, but we also have two more evening activities planned. We anticipated being tired but the evening events are when we have the opportunity to get to know the parents and build some trust. Wednesday evening we will go to a local mall to Fun Central, a place where they have a small ice rink with skate rentals, bowling, minigolf, rock climbing, bumper cars, and a carousel. On Thursday evening, the parents are invited back to the Williams home where everything has been hosted. A taquero (taco vendor) is going to bring his taco stand to set up at the Williams house rather than his usual spot on the sidewalk and we will all enjoy Tacos al Pastor (Shepherds' style tacos). Finally, please uphold these Mexican teenagers in prayer concerning spiritual things. The gospel is being presented in story format over the five days with the use of an Evangecube to show accompanying pictures. Three of the American youth have all ready given their testimonies, the gospel is being shared in song and our craft times include scripture. Pray that they will welcome the freedom found in Christ to save them without any works on their part.