Mucha Chamba…
Mucha chamba is a Spanish mountain phrase that means “lots of work” and is a great way of describing our team’s last month. We arrived in Las Moras in late October and jumped right into cleaning the house, moving adobe bricks, and getting ready for a work team. When they arrived, things really started moving. We raked and shoveled gravel, poured cement floors, framed walls, put up a fence, welded protection bars onto windows, and dug a hole for a septic system. We took a deep breath and then…built an outhouse, hauled water, tiled a shower, framed some doors, and moved cement. We are grateful for our co-workers’ willingness to sacrifice their time, energy, and muscles in order to help us. In a culture where families take care of their own needs, we pray that God is showing the Nahuatl a different kind of family—one that reaches out to meet other’s needs.
Nineme Moneshtile…
Since the first paragraph has Spanish title, it seems right that the second one should be in Nahuatl. The phrase “niʔneme moneštile mehikán” means “teach me Nahuatl.” We are constantly trying to find opportunities to work on our language abilities. Even during a busy time, we can show the people we want to learn their language. We ask the lady who came to visit how to say, “Where are you from?” and then we ask her that in her own language. We ask the man working beside us with a shovel how to say, “You’re not working very hard” and then use it to tease each other. And when we’re done working, we file, review, and practice, practice, practice. Please pray that our minds would be sharp and that our will to study will be strong until we can clearly communicate the gospel in the heart language of the people.
The One Who Orders the Rains…
Upon our return to the tribe, we were surprised to find a very dry village. Normally at this time of the year the creeks would be swollen with rains and the corn would be ready for harvest. Because of a very dry “wet” season, however, the peoples’ crops had not grown well and some water sources were already almost empty. Since we know that it normally won’t rain again until June, our team was concerned. A corn shortage will mean some families will be in need and the water situation will affect everyone. We were privy to several conversations about the “causes” of the lack of rain. Some villagers feel that it is because they have forsaken some of the old customs. Others feel that someone is being punished for some misdeed. We know, however, that God is in charge of all he has created. He has his purposes and his timing. Our team began to ask God to allow it to rain…not for our convenience (although it would be nice)…not for the people’s benefit (although it would be a blessing)…but for God’s own glory. We want the Nahuatl not just to have the rain they need, but to know, love, and serve The One who orders the rains. Please join with us in praying towards this end.
