Enjoying the great outdoor at Little Walnut Park. Huerta family picnic!
The Reunion Continues!

Food, fellowship and fresh air!

Sam and Samantha, just enjoyin' the food.

Phylis and Rob

Asia heads for the nearest puddle!

Becky & Tom










Rachel & Christy










Rob and M1, who's tending her feather collection!









Alexa with her mom. Time to eat!










Jason, Michael & Andrew, ready for anything!









Jasmine & Renata sheltered from sun & rain!










Rick and Pam waiting sheltered from sun










Michael under the big red umbrella

Scrumptious barbeque by Chief Chef Terrell

We hunkered down in the tents and cars for a half hour deluge and experienced our own mini-flashflood. The creek with the waterfall was completely dry before the rain! (old-hat for Southwesterners; amazing stuff for us midwesterners) That's M1 in pink looking for "critters" in the flood water. She also collected feathers from the woods.

*Becky, Phylis, *Bob, Paul, *Mary, *Sam & Ruth
(Huerta *siblings and spouses)
The end of the Reunion

THE ROAD TRIP

Will the road never end? New Mexico to Phoenix, a long, hot trip.




Desert sights: Old Southwest architecture, highway art, flowers, cacti

Huerta Vacation
The Grand Canyon
Taken by Rob Huerta

Rob, Chris, Brad and Rachel explored the grandeur of the Grand Canyon
(The red ink stain on the photo above is the postmark bleeding through on the postcard made from Rob's picture)

Back in Phoenix, we weathered 117-degree temperatures by staying indoors...one day at Makutu's Island
















That really is me up in the treehouse with the girls. Furthermore, I actually crawled through that purple-strap tube thing! Thankfully, Bob did not take pictures of that sight!


Then, the explorers returned to Phoenix and we all headed home. Last shots of tired, weary, but happy travelers!

Deal or No Deal

by Pastor Bob Huerta

Bob's sermon yesterday morning:

And so...to the temptations of (a) Do it yourself (self-sufficiency),
(b) Take the easy way (accept counterfeits),
(c) Failure to believe until you SEE it on your own terms
(Making God serve us),

Was it....Deal, or No Deal?

Bob, Teklemarian, Maria, Phylis

Facing Life's Difficulties
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Persecution

I met three amazing people these past two weeks. The first was a friend in Phoenix whose son has *tuberous sclerosis complex, with the resultant developmental delay, retardation and autism. As a psychologist, a teacher and a pastor, I have observed many parents interact with disabled children. Never have I seen a parent use the level of understanding, tenderness and care with which this single mother interacts with her son. (Name omitted since I haven't asked permission.) She regards her son as a gift from God given in order to teach her about life. I learned much from observing her! (*Information about this condition is given below.)

The next two people are a couple from Ethiopia: Teklemarian and his wife, Maria. I first heard this story more than twenty years ago at a Conference in Louisiana at which Princess Sofia from Ethiopia spoke. Teklemarian was a pastor at a time when the church was being rigorously persecuted. Armed soldiers came to them demanding that he desist preaching the Gospel of Christ, and that he renounce his faith or face imprisonment. He refused. They then threatened his family. Again he refused. Then a soldier snatched their infant daughter from the arms of Maria and killed her in front of them. Steadfastly, they refused to renounce Christ. Teklemarian was imprisoned; his wife was left with their baby to bury and other children to care for. (And some days I think I've had a rough two years!) To this day, I weep at the retelling of this story. Maria, however, listened with serenity, having made peace with that portion of her life long ago. Her demeanor gives new meaning to the word serenity!

However, Ethiopia had a sweeping revival. Today millions of believers experience freedom in worship due to the sacrifices of people like Teklemarian, Maria and Princess Sophia who also was imprisoned at that time.

Understanding that choosing the path of faith does not always mean an easy road is central to maintaining faith in the face of adversity.

My prayer is that in reading these stories you are encouraged through whatever difficulty you may be facing. Meeting these people was an inspiration to me. Thank you Teklemarian, Maria and my newfound friend.

Blessings to you and yours
PJDH


*Info from: http://www.tsalliance.org/

*What is tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)?

Tuberous sclerosis complex is a genetic condition characterized by lesions of the skin and central nervous system, tumor growth and seizures. The disease affects some people severely, while others are so mildly affected that it often goes undiagnosed. Some people with tuberous sclerosis experience developmental delay, mental retardation and autism. However, there are also many people with tuberous sclerosis living independent, healthy lives who are enjoying challenging professions such as doctors, lawyers, educators and researchers.

Enjoying Kenny's house in Phoenix

The beginning of the journey

Must go for now. Have to get up in 4 hours and make another trip!! This is the first day of our journey to Arizona and New Mexico. More later -- and I'll take pictures tomorrow in Houston too! After months of sitting and doing nothing, seems like everything is happening at once.

PJ

M1

M2 & Papa

At Makutu's Island, Phoenix

Kenny, Phylis, M & M
(and two boys who said, "look, we got in the family picture too!")

Phoenix in summer is like Chicago in winter: one looks for indoor entertainment for kids's activities. This spot was wonderful, an indoor play area decorated disney style. The girls had a wonderful time!

More later.

PJ