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October 16, 2006
Greetings friends and family,
It has been an incredible year. Twelve months ago today Tasha and I were adjusting ourselves to the fact that we had to leave Venezuela. It wasn’t our plan nor was it our wish, but we had to go. Now here we are in Chihuahua, Mexico, settled in a new home, making new friends and looking back at this last year in amazement. God sure has taken us on a rollercoaster ride of uncertainties and joys, trials and triumphs, but we wouldn’t trade that ride for anything! What an awesome God we have, capable of taking care of us down to the tiniest detail. What a privilege it is to serve Him! And, “Thank you,” each one, for your prayers and support. We never felt abandoned by God and never by His people. It is an honor to represent so many of you as foreign ambassadors of Christ to the people of Mexico. Thank you for sending us.
We are within days now of our first month anniversary of arrival and we are feeling… well… about 80% settled. It has been a challenge (just as any move is) adjusting to all the differences. Fortunately, our two years in Venezuela prepared us a lot, but there were, and still will be, surprises. (And just as we loved Venezuela, we love it here, too!) Another thing that has helped with our adapting is the many similarities to living in the States. Believe it or not, there are two Wal-Marts in town! And a Denny’s! But even with those familiar sights, it doesn’t take too much driving around to realize that this is not the U.S. of A. Unfortunately, some things are noticed a little slower than others. After our first week it dawned on me as I glanced at my speedometer that all the speed signs are posted in kilometers! Here I was, clipping along at 45 MPH in a 40 KPH zone. And I had been driving like that all week! Do the math and that is doing 45 in a 25 MPH zone! Now I watch the little inside numbers on the speedometer.
The kids are adjusting well to school and making new friends. (Yesterday Benjamin had a friend over for the afternoon while Emma played at another friend’s house. It was a nice, normal feeling.) Tasha and I have entered into the Spanish Course and we, too, are doing well and making new friends. The program is well established and has a very good reputation. While we are in classes, Nathaniel, along with two other missionaries’ kids, is being watched by a local Christian lady. That is helping him a lot in getting used to and learning Spanish.
Tasha and I were both tested for our Spanish levels and found that we had not lost any during our stay in the States. We are at the same levels as we were one year ago. Realistically that means probably one more year of study. While at first that seems to be a disappointment as it will delay us in getting into a tribal ministry, we realize that there is no shortage of Christian ministry opportunities all around us right now. We know that God has a plan for us right where we are, so we are taking those opportunities and being “light” and “salt” wherever we are and whenever we can.
As I close this letter I am looking out the window at our wonderful new neighborhood, back dropped with one of the surrounding, high desert mountain peaks of Chihuahua. I can hear the sounds of kids playing in the playground blending with the soft tinkles of our wind chime and the occasional roll of thunder of a passing storm. And in my heart I am praising God. “Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name.’ Selah
“Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf!” Psalm 66:1-5
For His Glory,
The Davis’: Ron, Tasha, Benjamin, Emma, Joshua and Nathaniel.
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