Valentine's Day around the world

I just celebrated my first Valentine's Day in Mexico.  Down here it is called El Dia del Amor y la Amistad.  So, both love and friendship are honored here.  I enjoyed driving through the city and observing how the day was celebrated.  It is a good reminder that this is a culture that places great value on relationships (family, friends, that special someone) and celebration (fiestas!).  

Lots of balloons for sale

 A lovely lady who has received her valentine or is getting ready to pass one on

These stands were set up all throughout the city in front of markets and houses.  They were selling balloons, candy, and stuffed animals.

Flower stands were set up for the special day

More balloons for sale downtown in Centro

After seeing a Valentine's Day in Tijuana, I was curious about how the day was celebrated in other parts of the world.  Most countries were similar to the United States, but here is one that is a bit different.  South Korea.  So, it turns out that on February 14th, the ladies give candy to the men.  That seems reasonable, but the celebration is not done at this point.  On March 14th, the men are expected to return candy to the ladies that gifted chocolate or candy to them.  This day is known as White Day.  But wait, there is one last thing to wrap all of this up.  It is called Black Day.  On April 14th, all of the people that did not receive anything on the earlier dates go out to eat noodles covered in a black bean paste.  This a tradition celebrated mostly among the younger generation.  So there is your interesting cultural fact for the day.  

Life in a Border Town

One of the very interesting parts of Tijuana life is certainly the border that sits between the United States and Mexico.  There are two border crossings that we can use in Tijuana, but most times we use the San Ysidro crossing.  It is the busiest land border crossing in the world, and it is estimated that over 50,000 people cross each day.  That is crazy to consider.  

We had a funny crossing incident among our staff the other day.  I had been to the states on a Tuesday and done some grocery shopping on my way home.  As I put my groceries away that night, I realized that I lost one of my avocados.  It was late though so I did not head to my trunk to look for it.  So... the next day three of the staff headed to the states in my car.  Each border crossing is different, different guard, different mood of the guard, and occasionally a trunk check.  Well, they checked the trunk on this particular day and guess what they found, one avocado.  My very gracious staff friends took a detour to secondary and the Subaru got an X-ray.  And the border patrol confiscated my avocado.  We had a good laugh about the whole story, but it was a good reminder that we live in a unique setting.  Two worlds meet at the border and they are very different.  I know that I have learned a lot from the Lord in my crossings of that border and I know our students will too. 

Here is the border as you head East toward the airport.  Crosses have been added to the border on the Mexico side in remembrance of those that have died in attempts to cross illegally.

The new border fence.  Construction is currently underway to rebuild the fence.

My view from the office.  I was sitting at my desk the other day, and realized that I have an incredible view.  I look out at the city of Tijuana and San Diego at the same time.  Baja Bible is in a very unique setting indeed.

Day at the park

Welcome to one of my favorite places in Tijuana, El Parque de la Amistad. This is a beautiful park in the eastern part of the city.  I spent some time out there a few weeks ago enjoying the sights of the culture and a warm Tijuana day.  It was a Saturday, so lots of families were out spending the day together,  people playing soccer, and the wonderful aroma of carne asada was in the air.

I really enjoyed the vendors in the park.  Lots of interesting things for sale...

Futbols and toys

Bubbles!

Cotton Candy

School Update...

It has been a good couple of weeks for everyone down here.   We have been helping Dan and Lyndsay Silver get ready to head out for their second recruiting trip.  They will be spending the month of February talking to people in California, Oregon, and Washington State about the school and the upcoming Experience Weeks.  A big task for everyone right now is spreading the word about the Experience Weeks in the month of March,  March 16-20 and March 23-27.  So... if you know of any people that might be interested in coming please join us in spreading the word.  The weeks will include challenging teaching, service opportunities, good fellowship, and time to learn about the culture.  The cost for the week is $100 and that includes lodging and meals.  We are asking the Lord to send many people to the Experience Weeks, so you could join us in that too.  

The lights of Tijuana

I really enjoyed the night sky yesterday, and thought you might too.  Enjoy the beauty of Tijuana and the exceptionally good view we have from the Castillo.

The Border LIghts 

Happy New Year from Tijuana

Happy New Year to you all!  I just returned to Tijuana after a very restful Christmas break.  I was able to visit family and friends in Cannon Beach, and then I made a visit to Yuma, AZ to celebrate Christmas with my mom, sister, and stepdad.  I have included a few photos from Christmas break for you to enjoy.

In theme of the the new year, there are some new things regarding Baja Bible that you should check out.  We have updated our website.  You can now view the new brochure, and find information about our upcoming Baja Bible experience weeks.  We are going to have two one week sessions in March for prospective students, pastors, and other interested individuals, to visit the campus, take a class, and experience life in Tijuana.  The website has details including the dates, cost, and registration information. You can find all of these new items at bajabible.org. 

In the theme of new things, I have been thinking about the new year and how life is filled with constant change.  It is in the midst of newness and change, that I am again reminded of Jesus, and that He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  To me this is good news.  As we enter into the new year, we have a God that goes with us, a God that is constant, and the promise of His love that endures forever.  Again Happy New Year to you all, and welcome to 2009. 

My sister and I visiting December Nights at Balboa Park in San Diego.

I had a surprise waiting for me in Cannon Beach, a welcome home party with a chile pepper pinata!

Time with the Steynor family.  Christopher, me, and Erica.

It snowed at the coast during my visit.  This a photo taken on the way to Manzanita, OR.

Thankful

In just week, it will be time to celebrate Thanksgiving again.   I wanted to share with you one of the things that I am thankful for this year.  Time with my family.  Yes, I moved to Mexico, but I actually moved closer to my mom and sister.  Heather is living in San Diego and my mom is just 2.5 hours away in Yuma, AZ.   I have been able to see my dad twice already, and soon will have one more visit over the Thanksgiving week.  I am thankful for each of them.  They have been very kind and encouraging to me as I transition to this new season of life at Baja Bible School.  Here are a few photos from our recent adventures together.  

A few weeks ago, Dad, Gwen, and I spent a day together in Tijuana.  

It was a cool fall day, so we were all bundled up.

Dad and I at the beach in Tijuana

Mom came over for a day with Heather and I this past weekend. 

 It was a beautiful fall day.  We had a great time.  

Mom and Heather

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR TODAY?

El Refugio

This is El Refugio, La Casa Para Ancianos.  This is one of the nursing homes found in Tijuana.  Ancianos is the spanish word for elderly.  I like that this one is named "the refuge".  I have been spending Wednesday mornings over there this fall.   Part of my job this year  (as we prepare to open in September), is to become familiar with the city and to establish relationships with local ministries.  Next year the students will be working with local ministries and serving the people of Tijuana.  I hope some will have the opportunity to serve at El Refugio.  

At this point, over 100 ancianos live here.  It is a Christian facility, so I have enjoyed seeing the the presence of Christ's love in a place that can be lonely and often lacking kindness.  The facility was started as there were many older people on the streets with no place to go.  Now they are given shelter, warm meals, and a family.  

Last week I enjoyed watching the ancianos be spoiled.  Lots of groups come through to serve, doing things like shaving, bathing, cutting fingernails and toenails, or simply cleaning the facility.  One of my favorite groups thus far is a group of ladies that are from a local gym.  They are probably just a bit older than me and they come to visit once or twice a month.  This last visit was great as they brought Birria (a shredded beef), warm tortillas, and papaya.  Oh... people were very happy!  In addition to the good food, they brought live music.  So at one point, one of my favorite ancianas, was wheeled up to the singer and just started dancing in her wheelchair.  It was such a sweet sight.  She had a huge grin on her face.

My favorite couple at the Refugio happens to be from China.  They do not speak much Spanish, or English, but frequently talk to the staff, and to me in Chinese.  They are very sweet, and the Senor is such a hard worker.  He was helping the staff with chores this past week.  

A word of wisdom from one of the women at the nursing home.  God is love and nothing will we need.   Just a good reminder that we have a great Father in Heaven who loves us a lot, and He takes care of His kids.  Gracias a Dios!