Coram Deo

New Volunteers

2007-06-26T11:20:00.000-05:00

Mary Thorman, Ginger Ottoson, Bobbi and Ira Maxwell, and Lindsey Dunn

New Volunteers have arrived at Pan de Vida.

Mary Thorman from Minneapolis, MN and Lindsey Dunn from Pompton Plains, NJ will be here until July 31 teaching English, helping around and playing with the kids.

Ginger Ottoson from Lincoln, NE is helping with miscellaeous work and playing with kids until August 21.

Bobbi and Ira recently drove down from Nova Scotia, Canada. Bobbi is the vistor dorm room mom and Ira is doing maintanence.

football championships

2007-06-25T15:33:00.001-05:00

Touch Football

Last Saturday, the Indians played against the Aguilas Blancas for their division Championship in Mexico City.

Unfortunately, the game was rained out in the 2nd quarter. The Aguilas were up 6 to 0. The game is rescheduled for this Sunday.

Full Contact Football

The Lobos Blancos defeated the Halcones 19 to 6 to win the Super Bowl for the 15 and older age division in San Juan del Rio last Sunday. Five young men represented Pan de Vida. Each player received a medal.

Cece

2007-06-25T15:18:00.000-05:00

Cece is living proof of a transformed life at Pan de Vida.

Before she came to Pan de Vida, her mother had left the family and her alcoholic father was rarely home. Cece was being raised by her older sister, but her effort wasn't sufficient.

The state government decided to take Cece and her sisters and place them at Pan de Vida. Dario Hilbrands, the director of Pan de Vida, said that Cece was very shy and bitter.

However, God started to change her heart. Cece said she was exposed to the Bible and Christian love for the first time in her life. A year later, she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

During her time at Pan de Vida, God has transformed her critical nature and has answered her “why” questions.

“I realized I was here for a purpose and that God is my Father,” she said.

Cece is thankful for the love and work of the volunteers at Pan de Vida.

“I like the love, community, atmosphere and being challenged and given the opportunity to succeed.

She is currently teaching junior high and studying pedagogy at Pan de Vida. This Sunday she will travel to India and live there for three years. She plans to study social work.

She said she would like to open a school or a children’s home someday.

"She is a remarkable young lady," Dario said.

Football cheer

2007-06-11T17:40:00.000-05:00

The following cheer is a crowd favorite

Fan A: "Yo soy!" (I am!)

All the fans: "Quien!?" (Who!)

Fan A: La mama de Julio!! (Julio's mom!!)

All the fans: "Que si, que no, la mama de Julio!" (English?)

Repeat with Fan B

Football Sunday

2007-06-11T16:58:00.000-05:00

The boys won their full-contact football games and the girls won their flag football game last Sunday.

There are 3 age divisions for the boys. The youngest age division game was cancelled for reasons unknown to me.

While taking pictures near the sidelines during one of the boys games, I was approached by a football league official that I needed to go back and sit in the stands with the fans. I was not happy about that because I wasn't in the way and my zoom on my digitial camera isn't that good.

I could have argued about it but instead I followed my wife's advice that it's better to make friends than to make enemies. I have learned that the hard way.

Then the concerned man commented that my Spanish is really good. I get that all the time. Many people are dumbstruck that there are foreigners who can speak Spanish.

The fans were more vocal than their American counterparts. Many of their parents were acting like cheerleaders in the stands. One man was playing his horn and one woman brought a bull horn. They cheered so loud and so often it was almost impossible to explain to Brenda, who is new to American football, what was going on in the game.

Super Tacos

2007-05-31T17:43:00.000-05:00

Super Tacos Victor, a taco business in Queretaro, came to Pan de Vida today to cook tacos for the kids and volunteers.

All the kids waited patiently to be served.

water ballon volley

2007-05-27T17:30:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, the junior high students played water ballon volleyball during P.E.

However, one teammate tried to catch the ballon by himself

but the students worked as a team for the most part.

anixously waiting

for liftoff

Win

2007-05-27T17:26:00.000-05:00

The Indians defeated the Warriors 13-6 today.

The Warriors are a university club from Mexico City.

Only one referee showed up and the game was nearly cancelled when 2 people offered to help officiate the game.

The Indians are now 5-1

No pics for now

2007-05-27T17:21:00.000-05:00

I lost my digital camera cable so I am unable to download pics onto my pc at the moment. I am going to try to get a new one soon.

However, I will continue to inform you about what is happening at Pan de Vida.

In addition, I am going to post some old photos and videos that I have taken.

Fair

2007-05-25T14:15:00.000-05:00

The children at Pan de Vida went to the fair today. They first watched a circus show and then they went on the rides. Then they heard a man show and tell an antique firetruck.

Pictures to be posted later

Loss

2007-05-25T14:14:00.000-05:00

The Indians lost 15-14 in Mexico City last Sunday. The Indians were ahead at the end of the first half 14-13 but the other team got 2 points from a safety in the 2nd half. The opposing team coach bought dinner for the Indians after the game.

Interception attempt

Indian defense

starting the 2nd half

warming up for the 2nd half

The referees check a fan's videocamera on a doubtful call.

Indian offense

4 wins 0 losses

2007-05-18T14:16:00.000-05:00

The Indians won 20-6 against the Bulldogs last Sunday.

They are currently in 2nd place in their division, only because the first place team was one more win.

They are looking for their 5th win in Mexico City this Sunday.

Teacher Day

2007-05-18T14:09:00.001-05:00

last Tuesday there was no school because it was teacher day.

Some students threw a party for their teachers the next day during class because they either appreciate their teachers or they wanted an excuse not to have class. Either way, a fun day was had by all.

Construction Update

2007-05-18T13:58:00.000-05:00

walls for auditorium are finished. The roof is next.

Construction of 2nd floor of school has started with

heaving bricks

one or 2 at a time

Paco and Elena

2007-04-27T14:56:00.000-05:00

Paco and Elena each came to Pan de Vida from different paths with a passion to serve God.
God used that desire to bring them together.

Elena, who is from Texas, heard about Pan de Vida from a missionary. She wanted to serve God with her passion for the Spanish language and helpìng children. She came to Pan de Vida last June with the intention to volunteer for a year.

“I recognize the hand of God’s blessing on this place, ” Elena said.

Paco, who is from the state of Tlaxcala in Mexico, was praying for direction in ministry. He was invited by Tio Dario, the general director of Pan de Vida, to help in construction and maintenance. He came to Pan de Vida a day after Elena arrived.

“I felt God leading me here,” Paco said.

Paco started helping welding and maintenance and Elena starting teaching junior high and high school students last fall. They both teach Sunday School classes.

Paco and Elena and some other volunteers hung out in their free time. When the other volunteers left, they continued to spend time together. After prayer and fasting, Paco and Elena started dating last August. They wanted their relationship to be pleasing to God.

Their relationship grew and Paco and Elena got engaged last January and are getting married on August 11.

Elena and Paco are thinking of spending two more years at Pan de Vida to help meet the needs of the children. They would like to be missionaries and plant churches in Mexico.

They are committed to serve despite the sacrifices and challenges of missionary life.

“We want to give it all up for God,” they said.

Football players cheer

2007-04-27T14:37:00.002-05:00

Salute to the Titans

2007-04-27T14:37:00.001-05:00

going out with a win

2007-04-27T14:03:00.000-05:00

Los Lobos Blancos won their last regular season game 38-12

touchdown run

Lobo defense

Lobo Offense

running for yardage

pre-game prayer

boys from Pan de Vida

Los Lobos Blancos

friday football practice

2007-04-14T15:48:00.000-05:00

rumbling down the field

boys of the field

QB scramble

words from the coach

football practice

2007-04-14T15:33:00.000-05:00

and

karate face off

2007-04-14T14:51:00.001-05:00

kids of the dance

2007-04-14T13:45:00.000-05:00

Quinceanera party

2007-04-08T16:55:00.000-05:00

2 young people face off in a karate fight after the party

Panchito showing he can dance

Brenda explaining what "Raise the roof!" means

cute couple

The birthday girl turns 15

Shooting the Photographer

The birthday girl is a niece of Tia Elena. Shown here are relatives and family members.

showing off some handstand skills

new school gutter

2007-04-02T18:49:00.000-05:00

A team helped build the foundations of the gutter last February. Paco, who helps with welding, recently made the metal covering.

The Indians in Action

2007-04-02T18:12:00.000-05:00

The Indians played a pre-season game yesterday against a higher division team. Despite their valient effort, the Indians lost 6-0

The option

the fans

Coach meets with players during a "tiempo fuera"

Serving the call of down marker duty

going the distance

opening the 2nd half

construction progress

2007-03-30T13:06:00.000-05:00

Friday recess

2007-03-30T12:44:00.000-05:00

Sunday

2007-03-27T13:44:00.000-05:00

Basketball and Shadows

2007-03-23T13:49:00.000-05:00

Canela's Pursuit

2007-03-23T13:44:00.000-05:00

Canela loves to get attention from the photographer. This is the girl's dorm.

Free Time

2007-03-23T13:34:00.000-05:00

The People of Pan de Vida

2007-03-23T11:51:00.000-05:00

Click on the picture to get a better view.

Unfortunately, Brenda and I weren't there for photo day.

Auditorium construction

2007-03-21T13:22:00.000-05:00

La Pipa Rides Again

2007-03-21T13:11:00.000-05:00

La Pipa is up and running again. However, the motor on this '74 model is on its last legs. It's about to go out anytime. So Pan de Vida is currently looking for another pipa to buy.

With its own water truck, PDV only pays $14 for each trip to pick up water, but it was to pay $57 to hire someone else to do it.

Broken down again

2007-03-14T13:31:00.000-05:00

La Pipa is out of comission again. There is a water and oil leak.

While poor Pipa is resting, Pan de Vida has hired someone to transport water.

PDV is looking at the possibility of buying a new water truck.

Visitors from Aguascalientes

2007-03-12T12:21:00.000-05:00

Aaron, Nayeli, Laura, Rachel, and Duane visited Pan de Vida last weekend.

Aaron and Duane are long-term volunteers at Dulce Refugio in Aguascalientes. They have helped at Pan de Vida as well.

Laura and Rachel are helping for a few months at Dulce Refugio.

Nayeli is a youth leader at church in Aguascalientes.

Feb 19-23 Canada Team

2007-03-09T10:57:00.000-06:00

Ann and Jeremy

2007-03-07T11:29:00.000-06:00

Ann and Jeremy came to Pan de Vida last weekend for a visit.

They are volunteering at Dulce Refugio in Aguascalientes.

Fixed!

2007-03-07T11:26:00.000-06:00

La Pipa.

Pan de Vida's water truck, which holds around 9000 liters of water, was fixed a couple of weeks ago.

Two trips are made daily to transport water to Pan de Vida to fill it's own water tanks.

The water is used to meet the needs of around 110 children and 20 volunteers.

Pan de Vida is located in a rural area and hasn't been connected to the city's water supply.

The Indians

2007-03-07T11:21:00.000-06:00

This year they have moved up to a higher division. The Indians have been practicing to prepare for their first game in April.

The Indians use the asphalt parking lot at Pan de Vida as a pracitice field. Their coach is currently looking for donations to pay for uniforms and league fees.

Back left to right (Silvia, Gaby, Celene, Lupita the manger)

Front left to right (Betti, Elizabeth, Paquita, Violeta, Erica)

Not pictured - Marcela, Coach Antonio and teammates apart from Pan de Vida

Athletic program

2007-03-07T10:28:00.000-06:00

Football is making a difference in the lives of the children at Pan de Vida.

Pan de Vida director Dionisio Mares said that the children are improving emotionally, mentally and physically through football.

Violeta, a receiver and cornerback says that she has benefited from the demands of physical conditioning and working with others. She also said that it helps her to be motivated in school.
“I like it a lot,” she said.

Abraham, a defensive end and receiver, agrees.

“Football helps you to deal with stress and anger and to focus and excel in athletics,” he said.

Mares said that are three objecitives for the sports program. Pan de Vida wants to use sports to channel anger in a positive way, to involve the children’s home with higher academic institutions to obtain scholarships, and to obtain donations.

The boys, ages 7-15, have the opportunity able to play football in three different age groups through a local university program. The local university pays for part of the fees and coaches and mangers look for sponsers to pay the rest. This year TetraPak, Sika Mexicana, Cal Los Arcos, Caja Popular Libertad, Municipio de Corregidora, Municipio de Queretaro are sponsers.
Those who are 15 and older play football through a football program in San Juan del Rio which provides for transportation and covers all the expenses.

The Teenage girls play flag football through an association in Mexico City. The girls football coach is currently looking for sponsers.

Pan de Vida is also looking to expand its athletic program to include soccer, basketball and baseball.

Boys football

2007-03-06T10:29:00.000-06:00

The Wildcats (3 age groups)

7-9 age group (rabbits division)

back row: Celso, Eduardo B. ,Daniel, Eduardo, Ruben

front row: Carlos, Ivan, Guillermo, Angel , Juan Carlos, Saul

10-13 age group (irons division)

back row: Jonahatan, Saul, Jose Luis, Juan, Josue

front row: Jose, German, Santos, Jesus, Salvador, Alan

13-15 age group (Ponies division)

Vicencio and Gustavo, a.k.a. "flaco"

White Wolves

Ages 15 and older

Guadalupe, Sabino, Antonio, Abraham, Julio

2006 flag football champions

2007-03-05T11:17:00.000-06:00

2006 girls flag football champions

Dec. 2006 AJFAFAC Juvenil A championship game:
The Indians 30
The Bear Cubs 28
There were 12 girls from Pan de Vida that were part of The Indians championship team last year.
The Indians, coached by Antonio Geraldo Tajonal and managed by Lupita Salinas, played in the lowest division against high school and university squads in Mexico City (a 3 hour drive from Pan de Vida).
They finished the season with a 7-1 record in the AJFAFAC, which is a flag football league for young people. The league consists of 5 different divisions based on playing experience.

Feb 5- Feb 16 Canada team

2007-03-03T11:14:00.000-06:00

Cement poured for the floor of the new school office and classroom

bricks laid to finish the school patio

pipe laid for rain drainage, telephone and cable, and for water

Pan de Vida pets

2007-03-03T10:42:00.000-06:00

Lika

Canela

rabbits

Toto

Sazu

Lika follows her master, Mary's, the school director, wherever she goes.

Toto, a gift to Justo, the worship leader/teacher, was lost for 3-4 years before being found again. Although friendly toward humans, he killed Sazu's fellow parrot companion Guero.

Sazu is a little tempermental, but friendly and willing to perch itself on your shoulder if you offer it food.

Canela competes with Lika for attention.

Melchor and Juan

2007-03-03T10:09:00.000-06:00

"Melchor!!"

"My brother, como estas?!"

Which is followed up by a firm handshake and a warm embrace.

This greeting is often exchanged when volunteers from Canada and the U.S.A. come back on short term mission trips to assist with construction projects at Pan de Vida.

Most of those who meet Melchor instantly take a liking to him.

"All the people that come to help are my friends", he said.

Melchor and the volunteers converse by using hand signals and with a little English and Spanish.

Melchor has been employed by Pan de Vida for 5 years and his son Juan started working with him 3 years ago.

Friday classes

2007-03-03T09:30:00.000-06:00

Update

2007-03-02T19:28:00.000-06:00

A brief update on what has been going on. More details and pictures later.

Jan 13 - Jan 31: I caught up with friends and family in Texas and Nebraska

Feb 1: I started helping Melchor and his 2 assistants with construction at Pan de Vida working all day

Feb 5: a Canadian team of 25 came to help lay cement and brick for the new wing of the school. Some also did car repairs. They worked for 2 weeks.

Feb 9: I got sick with a throat infection.

Feb 19: I regained my health to go back to work on construction.

Another Canadian team arrived to helped lay brick for the patio for the girl's dormitory and finishing laying cement for the sidewalk of the school. They also did electrical and plumming work. They worked for a week.

Feb 27: A rock and cement barrier got started being built on one side of the parking lot to prevent the dirt under the asphalt from eroding away due to rain.

I am doing construction work in the afternoon so I can the have the morning free to observe the English as a second language classes and work on Pan de Vida's website.

Recess at Pan de Vida

2007-03-02T12:26:00.000-06:00