Internationalmatt's Blog

Mother’s Day Picnic with my Hispanic and Hearing Impaired Friends

On Mother’s Day I had an opportunity to share a picnic with my friends from Ministerial Manantial de Vida and Spring of Life Deaf churches. Ministerial is a Hispanic church I attend on Sunday afternoons. Spring of Life Deaf church meets at the same time in the same church. The pastors of the two churches are related to each other. It was an unexpected blessing to share a picnic with them. Pastor Rogelio explained to the congregation why Mother’s Day is on the 2nd Sunday of May in the U.S. which contrasts with México which has Mother’s Day on May 10th every year. During the service members had the opportunity to share about their mothers and at the end Pastor Rogelio prayed for the mothers in the church. We then went to Peter Pan Park for a picnic.

My friend Chayo

It was fitting that Chayo was at the picnic. She is Pastor Rogelio’s wife and in fact they co-pastor together. Her son is the pastor of Spring of Life Deaf church. Chayo is like a mother to many of the people in the church. I appreciate her sense of humor. I was telling someone a story from my life in español and Chayo told me it would be faster if she translated. We both had a good laugh. It was great that she could have a blessed Mother’s Day.

my friend Celia

It was also great to see Celia enjoy the picnic. She is a sweet retired woman who makes everyone feel welcome when they come to church. She greets everyone and prays for many of us. I look forward to seeing her when I go to Manantial on Sundays.

Pastor Rogelio with his daughter Jezharela

The food was delicious. We had barbecued meat, guacamole, salsa and rice along with tortillas. Just writing abut it makes me hungry again. If I could eat like that each day, I would be quite happy. Pastor Rogelio tells me if I keep eating their delicious food my español will be perfect. That is a study plan I like lol.

Pastor Jonathan with members of Spring of Life Deaf church

I enjoyed trying to throw an American football with members of Spring of Life church. My throwing arm is not what it used to be but we had fun for a little while.

Each week it is wonderful to see the two churches and how they relate with each other. I have learned a few words in sign language. I have learned much more español. Best of all I have made some friendships with people I respect and admire. The occasional meals are a nice extra

May 11, 2011 - Posted by internationalmatt | Cross Cultural, Cultural Ambassdors, Experiences of international friends, Hispanic friends, Holidays, International Friendships, Internationals, Mexico, Uncategorized