The last two weeks have confirmed a few things. First, the distance from Tacoma, WA is 3400 miles (when you go through Denver and Dallas). Second, flying really IS faster! Third, driving in Mexico is just a little different than in the States. Fourth, driving in Mexico City is quite a bit different than driving in the States! We'll elaborate.

God is so good! My (Tim's) drive with Dad could not have gone better. It was just the right combination of long days driving 800-900 miles and days off with Grandmas. The Lord graciously gave us good weather, safe roads, and a reliable vehicle. Our border crossing last Thursday went well, as we hit the border at about 4:20 AM and got through easily enough. When you drive the toll roads down through Mexico, you make good time and see some beautiful country. You also see some interesting sights: lots of pedestrian traffic and livestock along the highway (while cruising at 70 mph), lots of signs warning you to obey the signs (rather than destroying them), lots of roadside vendors (in places). Mexico City is a different story. We went through in the late afternoon, and it took two hours of mostly stop-and-go traffic to get through (that's about average). Traffic was heavy, road signs were vague (they don't say the distance to your exit; you just have to see far enough ahead and know to get over), and the roads were rough. Even my Dad, a veteran of the roads in India, Bangledesh, and Paris, was impressed! He was an excellent navigator, though, and we were thankful that we made it through without accidents, getting (really) lost, and run-ins with the (in)famous traffic cops. Thank you so much for praying for our long trip and experience crossing the border. The Lord answered your prayers in amazing ways. We ended up arriving at the house five minutes after Barbara-Lee and my Mom who flew into Puebla. I was even able to pull a sleeping Drew out of the car. A special thanks to our colleagues, Bryan and Susan Nevin, who came down from Mexico City to pick up Barbara-Lee.

So, we are here. It has been good to be in Puebla with Mom & Dad. We've run errands, started unpacking, and shown them around. In case Dad hadn't gotten his fill of Mexico City, we went back up there on Saturday to visit some family up there. This time Mom and Barbara-Lee were duly impressed by the traffic and the size of the city. Drew mostly slept through the city. He'll obviously take it in stride when it's his turn to drive there!

It was good to be at the church yesterday. Christian, one of the leaders, spoke and it was good to see things functioning without any North American direction. We are excited to start getting to know people and get involved. It's also been fun to eat at some REAL Mexican restaurants. Tim's Mom & Dad will never have quite the same opinion of Taco Bell again!

One final thing that we confirmed (as if we really needed to) is that God is gracious. We are so thankful to Him for His provisions to us. By His grace we are here, and by that same grace we will see Him at work in us and through us as we settle and start learning to work here in Puebla. Thank you for your part in this.

PRAISE
1. Tim's & Russ' safe drive down.
2. Barbara-Lee's, Linda's, and Drew's safe flight.
3. Provision of our needs here--the Hudson's house, food, some medicine we were able to get late one evening.

PRAYER
1. Continued adjustment to the city (getting around, errands to run, etc.).
2. That we would be able to initiate contacts with people-in the church, old friends.

Romans 11:33-36
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!
For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?
who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again?
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever.
Amen.

PS: Our mailing address is now:
APDO 1072
Puebla, Pue. MEXICO
C.P. 72000

Phone: 011 (522) 222-48-66-01