Road Blocks

A lot of times road blocks are good. Road blocks guide us around problems and potential dangers on the road. However, I can not remember a single time that I have been excited or thankful when I have encountered these barriers. Early this morning we left our hotel in Tucson, Arizona and headed south to cross the border into Mexico. I was tense at the prospect of dealing with Customs and Immigration but excited knowing that soon we would be home in Cofradia. After a quick stop at Customs and a relatively modest Duty payment we promptly hit the road block at Immigration. As it turns out we should have been able to get through with very little problem but the Immigration agent would simply not give us what we needed. Since we could not get the proper immigration paper we could not get the permit for our truck and trailer. Once we realized that there was nothing we could do we turned around and headed back to Phoenix. Tomorrow morning we should be able to get what we need from the Mexican Consulate here in Phoenix and then be on our way. So, after the frustration and anger this morning I am trying to be thankful for this road block. I know that God is sovereign, guiding and directing us. Proverbs 16:9 says 'The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.' (NASB) I guess what I struggle with most is that this 'man' makes a lot of mistakes as he is planning his way. I believe that God is faithful and not only directs our steps, in spite of my mistakes, but He also uses them to accomplish His work in me. I thank you all again for your prayers as we continue this journey.

We are finally on the road! After over a year in Washington we are on our way back to Cofradia. Tomorrow morning we will cross the border and by Friday we should be home. We are excited to get home and see all of our friends at church Sunday morning. Once we are settled in Cofradia we will begin to make more and longer trip back into the mountains and begin implementing our ministry plans in the Cora Indian communities of La Mesa, Cangrejo, Gavilanes and others. We want to thank everyone for your prayers and financial support as we work to establish a long term outreach ministry to the Cora people. Once we get back to Cofradia and back into the swing of things I will post another update.