Our Time in Mexico City is going, gone fast.

The first day was a lesson in Mexico. We arrived, eager and excited, to look at as many homes as possible on Sunday. Earlier that week we sent an email to our real estate agent, Irma, about meeting at 8:30 am. Well after waiting 45 minutes we called her and our email never went through. She quickly scrambled up some properties and 90 minutes later picked us up. We started looking at apartments downtown that were small and expensive. I was quickly dejected as I sent her a list of 30 houses (listed on the web) that I was interested. That list never made it to her. That day we talked about our desires, needs for the kids and our ministry and she quickly adjusted. We visited about 3 other homes/condos and called it a day. I was dejected.

That night I took Christine down to the Zocolo, where the night before there were over 100,000 protesters. The election here reminds us of 2000 in Florida. Our time in the Zocolo was cool. We bought a native style tostada in the plaza and took in the sites and sounds. We walked down to the tallest building in Mexico City, Torre LatinoAmerica, and went up to the 42 floor to look out over the city. This was my first time during the day. The size of the city still blows me away. Later that night I took Christine to a cool restaurant, Cafe Tacuba, that has wonderful mariachi music.

The next morning, Monday, we woke up to a call from Irma and she had researched the night before 14 homes. We were pretty excited. The day was full and we saw some beautiful homes and townhomes and by the end of the day were completely overwhelmed. But in all that we narrowed our choices down to three homes, named by their streets; Periban, Pireneos, and Morro. All three were huge and amazingly priced. We prayed the Lord would make it clear as to what was best. We were looking for something super safe for the kids, a place to entertain and love on our team and a place to have a mini office. All would work with some pluses and minuses.

Tues morning we visited 2 more homes and then revisited our three favorites. We really felt after much prayer, talking with Irma and each other that we wanted to see what the prices could be for Periban and Morro. The owners came back with the prices we were looking for so we decided to go with Periban. It is on a closed street with a street guard. Actually the 2nd guard you must pass to get to our house. It is beautiful and we can't wait for many of you to visit. Last night we signed the lease after much conversation and working on the lease. All is well and we will move in on Aug 1st, pending our stuff arriving from Denver and across the border. You can pray that all goes well with that.

In the midst of all that house shopping we researched a gym, looked at mini vans, fridges, washer and dryers, and microwaves, 3 cell phone companies and 3 banks. All which seemed impossible to acquire. The gym had a $1,600 sign up fee and $400 per month membership. We quickly decided fatness is better for that price. The cell phone companies and banks all required proof of residency which we didn't have. The cell phone company also required a Mexican Credit card. Also, which we didn't have. God came through on the bank. A friend of Irma's, Juan Carlos, hooked us up with some paper work and we got an account which immediately I called my dad and he wired some money from our bank account in the U.S. It cut into his golf plans. Sorry dad and super thanks!!! We also learned we already have a phone number in our house in Mexico. Amazing.

The reason we needed the money wired over so quickly is that we found an awesome deal on a 2002 Honda Odyssey mini van. It was in perfect condition with 25,000 miles. The price was also $5,000 less the blue book in the states. A miracle again. Last night I couldn't fall asleep because I was worrying about things that were out of my control. If the van was to be ours the wire transfer would show up this morning. A task that usually takes 2-5 days. This morning I logged onto my Mexican bank account and bam! The money arrived. God is good. Today we're going to pick up the van and drop it off at Juan Carlos' house.

All in all I'm learning a ton about worry, stress and getting all worked up about things that are completely out of my control. Much of this week would have not happened without God providing Irma. We have spent three 12 hour plus days with her. Driving, talking, researching and calling. She is a gift from God and an amazing servant. I contacted her a few months ago via Scott Beck (Boulder, CO), who owns a company here called Waldos. His secretary got me in touch with a sweet gal, Alma, who in turn passed me onto Irma. She won't take payment for all she has done and we are super grateful.

Today is a day of wrapping up contracts, parking the van, taking Christine to Polanco and praise God for all that He has done. Yesterday I was reminded about all that God is calling us to do when I talked with the old National Director of Mexico and new friend, Agustin. He recently left that position to focus on reaching his city and see God transform Cuernavaca. We talked and encouraged each other. He believes God is going to do something amazing in Mexico. I believe he has already started. We excited to respond to His power working here.

We miss our kids and can't wait to share with them the new adventures to come in Mexico City. Friday we fly home really early and arrive in Los Angeles. A few days resting and connecting with family and then off to Colorado for 8 days. Then Texas to visit Christine family and friends and to celebrate her mom's 60th birthday party. You can be praying for her mom. She has cancer pretty bad.

Categories: Prayer, MexicoCity, Family, God