Columbus Day in Mexico

A cultural festival wrapped around the traditions of ancient Mexico occurs on Columbus Day weekend each year around Lake Chapala.  It is called "La Fiesta del Tambor which is tied to the October 12th commemoration of "Dia de la Raza".  We enjoyed the toe tapping performances of native percussion dancing.  As a new permanent residents of Chapala, Mike and I were immersed into our new culture by invitation of Bill and Bonnie.  Bill is a well known baseball sports writer Experience Mexican Baseball and his lovely wife Bonnie blogs her reviews on local eateries FOODIES DELIGHT.  As well fed ex-patriots, we were thrilled to

become familiar with the pre-Hispanic era of Lakeside. This annual tradition is Mexico's way of combining their indigenous past with the current flood of expats. The initial expats were from Spain. We continue to celebrate the year 1492 when the La Nina, La Pinta and La Santa Maria ships landed and marked the discovery of the New World. October 12 is also my son's birthday and this year we are separated by a few miles, but our hearts remain connected. It was a lovely way to celebrate the NEW BIRTH of my son, and of my first year as a permanent resident of Chapala.  Using SKYPE I called my son and wished him the best on this very special Columbus Day!

RAPTURED by the LAKE

Katie Gurl was unleashed at Silver Lake Family Camp! Like a puppy set loose at Barkley park, she spun about with inexplicable, uncontainable energy! On her first Nicorette day she raced a mile downhill and then jumped in a spring of water, to cool off, laughing as she tongued a tale in an Irish brogue! Hungry for more, with her tail wagging, Katie delighted in commandeering a kayak for three hours! This annual July treat had a life changing impact on the Katie Gurl! We older odd folks attend family camp to just "BE" campy and who we are. Once we are STILLED by a night in the chill, we become new creatures that lust for buck wild adventure. Like beware wolves in disguise, with un protected eyes, we look up and allow the full moon to cast its glow, and we howl as the star light pierces the deep blue canopy. IMAGINE the lake smooth and shimmering a reflection of moon. Wisps of dusty smoke curl slowly and hang lazily above campfires that surround its lapping shores. Family hands naturally rub together, backs hunched in a lean forward toward dancing flames. AH YES! You wish you were there! A silence engulfs the scene as fire echoes a snap, crackle pop! Thy soul a glad witness of a fire contained in a ring of living river rock. Stones aged by the wind, with ears of tales spun through years past. Sparks whistle thru sizzling branches, and languid flames strecth and furl. A rainbow of color competes with the eve's sunset and a symphony of twigs like trombones rise in pitch, then sizzle willingly to become a glowing ember to remember! A wall of healthy timber stands tall around, their sacrifice remembered in a distinct whiff of fresh pine burning to ash. Without clocks ticking, light is soon licked up by darkness. All senses peaked, the scent of pine and smoke, the taste of moist air, the sound of bugs blissing, the feel of cozy socks, and the touch of Spirit in every creation. Diana the "mom", the friend who is bent on tradition---never ever would she allow a soul to sit alone, to feel left out! NOT, NO, NOT ever alone --- under His twinkling gaze, in the midst of a summers night, face cool, with a warmed heart did I retreat into an Eddie Bauer chair to rejoice in the silliness, to witness the foolishness of Apples to Apples. My soul winking in the twixt of seen and unseen ---with re-ignited JOY sparking, my soul twas in surrendered agreement for REST! Surrounded by Diana's happy brood in a mood for a swoon of laughter --- AWARE and completely undone by a sensationally bright full moon, RECEIVING was what was left to do. How grand indeed is the thought that God made all this to welcome a PAUSE! Come, come as you are all tattered and flung by a week of pressures. Meetup in a cathedral of trees with the Cloos Clan and share a time of generous grace! After three shots of tequila with a gaggle of co-workers on a Friday night, it was my way to end a fascinating week filled with surprise. Hooking up with Katie in Stockton she took the wheel of Earl, the pearl, the Subaru tucked with all the baggage of two women headed for a Sierra adventure! Wild as flowers we filled up at a drive-thru in Lodi for a destined reunion with Chris, Kristie and mom! Ahhhh Highway 88 East winding up, tall trees lined up, the climb up to 7,000 feet took us out of the valley with time to unfold the emergencies of our week. We darted past Jackson's alluring casino knowing we were bound to have mucho FUN! These California Gurls sang Katy Perry's lyrics as we flew by the town of Pioneer and Cooks Station! Sister Diana arrived earlier to nest up the V2 cabin with gurlish sunflowers, wool blankets and throw rugs for our painted toes! The squeaky screen door opened and we automatically plopped our bags and claimed our very own army bunk. Adorned with a layer of flannel, the glee of tree filled our nostrils as we dashed up to the lodge. Greeted by a posse of geese, those wild Canadian honkers, we discovered that Plasse's country store was closed. With confidence that our appetite would be fully satisfied at camp, we drove at a quicker pace. The mountains were peaking, and the streams were gently speaking...when we landed at our reunion of soul. Barb gushed into the annual shangrila of Gary and Wendy Frush and shared all her zeal for Lake Chapala. Outside, sitting in the midst of Silver Lake's friendly forest was a table of Diana's peeps playing with apples! After one round of applause for Gary's win, we each hurried to the dormitory of bath to scrub our teeth before the lights went out. Such a homecoming, to this place outdoors with no walls. We sit under the same blanket of stars that draw eyes up in Africa, Israel, Canada, Mexico, London, or Hawaii. WOW is the word to consider of how He gathers us together, as a family, as a community, all made equally, with transparent truth as our bond. His light is our way, and how great He is to lead us to this awesome meeting place. Not one stranger among us, Kristie inside the Gurls cabin, applies the required Silver Lake makeup! Sun
screen and mosquito repellant! NO masks, NO pretense, NO status, NO cars, NO wardrobes, NO needs unmet --- we enjoyed ample NONSENSE all around! Nothing separated us as we sat with like levi's and same Silver Lake sweatshirts under a FULL MOON! Knowing God lives outside of time, and eternity is mine, the years gone by have been 9 since I met Diana. The earth shaking year of 911 was the year that Diana was shattered by the extent of her fractured family. To marvel in the restoration, to witness His healing of hearts that were once ripped apart, what HOPE this gives! I saw Katie adoringly crack up --- with and over her brother Chris. Later, I heard Katie whisper in the dark, "I love you mom!" Diana was swollen with a huge measure of love and respect for each cub. My blessing is to have witnessed the Cloos Clan emerge from a rough and raw cluster to an evolving cub clan of intentional grace. Each cub seeking to create happy new memories at Silver Lake Family Camp 2010! Truth is --- that outrageous JOY belongs to imperfect people as they come together to love one another as they have been loved! The Winnamucka trail was sprinkled with delicate blossoms of every shape and color. Mystified by the TRADITION of coming to Silver Lake, over the years the impact of this one diverse and individually dynamic family; Diana, Chris, Katie and Kristie, is AWE! PERFECT love doth cast out fear. With time to bleed out sorrows and weed out that which is NOT true, JOY emerged once again! In the midst of unmowed, unkempt wild grasses we find the greatest gift, the blooming of wild flowers in His time! Just look at the ever amazing Kristie, the bride of Christopher, as she enlarges the family tent with her whimsical charm and beauty! With widened eyes, I saw that we are blessed to be chosen, to be included, to be given a fresh perspective of where we are and WHY! Amazed at His creativity, there is pure magic when one walks the path to WIN A MUCCA! Ushering up a PRAISE ..."Oh God, how good it IS to see You in action and hear the energetic tales of love that endures all. How different each life is, yet You love each as if it were Your only. My hope for a love filled family FUN reunion with my one and only Jason was re-ignited! Loosened up, I thrilled for the days ahead. We hiked the trail each silenced by the surrounding majesty. The brillance of the sun offset the puffy white clouds. The firm granite mounds accentuated the speckled field of sturdy blooms. Aged trees stretched up and thoughts of Pocahontas echoed through my soul. On this path we do not walk alone. Picking up another memory stone, thinking "even the rocks cried out" in the glory of God. Standing on the muddy bank of the silvery lake, with renewed HOPE, I watched Katie, Kristie and Chris wobble into the waiting kayaks. Mom soon joined the paddle to Treasure Island, a place a plump with goose piles. Katie roared with laughter as she got stuck in shit creek without a paddle! What a family of friends! ALL IN ALL, God showed me His love, His provision with a family of campers, rich with TRADITION!

Chapala Cuisine

LAKE TACO is located on the Libriemento next to the car wash, near the Pemex gas station in Ajijic.  If you stand in front of Walmart and look out from their front door, you are looking up towards the BLACK COFFEE house and the Libriemento. Lake Taco has the very freshest chicken salads and yummy fresh fish tacos.  A delightful atmosphere under a giant Palaypa. Enjoy a very satisfying lunch with a distant view of the lake.  Clean bathrooms are a plus to each restaurant recommended.

CLICK into RESTAURANT REVIEWS: LAKESIDE GOOD FOOD
PARIS CAFE is located in Chapala right next to the Chapala town plaza. It is at the corner of Hidalgo and Ignacio (the main street of Chapala) near the big fountain.  My favorite dish is the Paris Cafe Omelet Especial. The omelet is served with a fresh salad drizzled with balsamic.  They also make the greatest milkshakes and cold coffee drinks.

TANGO is located in Ajijic on Cologne. You will enjoy high quality beef dishes at excellent prices. Cologne is the main street in Ajijic and Tango is down near the Malecon.

MARIA ISABELA'S is located in Ajijic at the very end of Cologne. The best dish here is the chicken fajita's. A great side order is the grilled zucchini.  Enjoy the sound of outdoor dining on a lapping lake with birds twittering in the gigantic centuries old Eucalyptus tree.

DELICIOS on Hidalgo near the IMS office in Chapala next to the hardware store.  It has the best waffle special. A waffle covered with carmel and walnuts, strawberries, bananas, and whip cream. The omelets are also very good. Recently they added a dinner menu and many locals dine here for the great value.

WAFFLE HOUSE is located in West Ajijic on the Carretera.  Strolling musicians will add great delight to every breakfast.  Wonderful coffee and atmosphere, and plenty of parking.

SIMPLY THAI is located in Ajijic directly across from the Lake Chapala Society on Septimbre. When your taste buds long for something special, enter their lovely garden atmosphere and depart satisfied.

SALVADORS in Ajijic is right on the Carretera in the El Torito shopping center. It opens at 7:30AM and they cater to the gringos with the best Chilaquiles in town. Enjoy two pancakes, bacon, eggs and coffee for as little as 60 pesos.

A BORDERLESS GOD

We are all pre-destined, and my calling crystalized in 2009. God led my thoughts to consider where I would retire and serve kids in need. After my dad died in 2006 and visiting with my brother in Loreto, Baja in 2008, the opportunity to build a home in Mexico became a dream. Faced with my mortality and desiring in my heart to make a difference before I depart, I asked God..."what will You have me do?" When and where will Barb live out her golden years? To live a life without borders is to live in obedience to God.

To love as God loves ~ is to love the aliens, the orphans, the widows, the lost, the broken and those in different cultures, churches and countries. God is Spirit and He loves without boundaries, or borders. The Spirit of God infiltrates the mind, body and soul of anyone who surrenders their limited ways to His. As we become more like Him, we focus on what pleases the Lover of our soul. We begin to quickly forgive, and issue massive mercy and grace to all who He brings within the reach of our smile and our willing hands. God invites all people to the wedding banquent, BUT because few choose Him, few enter the party He has planned for those who love the Lord with all their mind, heart and soul.  Barb worked for ten years for a City plagued with crime and folks losing their jobs, homes and dreams. Being still in the midst of chaos, she listened and heard His still small voice. "Follow Me, trust Me, I am with You always." Barb was led to Chapala on Christmas eve 2009. Miraculously in 2006 the Lord changed the heart of her dad, Earl Alley.  Having been written out of her dads life since she was 17, Barb suddenly became the surprised benefactor of an inheritance which allowed her to build a new custom home in Mexico. INDEED all things are possible for those who love God! She did not employ blind faith, but she was empowered by the indwelt Holy Spirit to think clearly and rest assured in His safety. She arrived on Christmas day 2009 at Casa Del Sol, a lovely bed and breakfast in Ajijic. With absolute peace, she remained in the presence of the Lord without fear and walked the streets of Ajijic alone at night. Her faith in God and His promise to prosper her, not harm her was REAL!  English speaking Realtors  from Canada took Barb

to view the property she found on the internet before her trip. Was it a chance encounter or was it a divine appointment that Barb met the English speaking builder Michel Bureau? Without that providential meeting, it was confirmed by the surprised realtors that Barb would not have found the financing needed to puchase Casa De La Luz. In June of 2014, Barb obtained her permanent resident card and became a happy resident in a mid town barrio a few blocks from the lake. Skype allows her to cross all borders and stay in touch with all her family and friends for $80.00 USA per year. National Geographic Magazine boasts that Lake Chapala has the best weather in the world! It is in fact a tropical paradise with a mild temp on average of 78 degrees all year long! God's plan to live JOYFULLY in a less hectic pace and serve a happy, grateful people is GRAND! All that was required was to think beyond the border. In 2011 AARP reported a list of ten places to retire outside the U.S.A. In 2011 Chapala was number one for these reasons: Cost of living, Housing rates, Healthcare, and Cultural and recreational options. The world's largest English speaking LAKE CHAPALA SOCIETY of EXPATS also expands opportunities. Wisdom mingles with positive tips from those who actually uprooted themselves and moved to Mexico. Living outside your comfort zone requires risk and a willing spirit of adventure. Leaving family, and treading among a new culture is the most exhilarating way to learn! Consider what was required of Saul/Paul! God's light blinded Saul for three days. Paul's heart was changed, and his mind was illuminated by the truth of Who Jesus Christ is.  Saul had been a proud man, a man of high respect.  A man with many degrees of learning.

Saul was changed in an instant to a humble, willing servant who God renamed Paul. As we remain in His will, and as Mike and Barb continue to seek His Presence, God blessed us with new friends and a renewed sense of purpose. LOVE IN ACTION in Chapala and HOPE HOUSE for Boys gives us a chance to immerse ourselves in the language, and build eternal relationships. The Word of God that our HOPE is in God, the anchor of our soul, NOT in the City or the culture we live in. People are universal, and so are the needs of

the soul. The emptiness is the same in every culture. Without God, people place HOPE in things, or in people. The lesson is painful to discover that things and people will change.  GOD never changes. In 2009, as a single woman, a decision to TRUST GOD was made to move to CHAPALA without human counsel. Then God's plan spun Barbara completely around when He placed Michael Hoyle in her life. GOD is GREAT and He has NO BORDERS!  Living within God's plan and in His will is the greatest GIFT of ALL!
We trust God to give us His PEACE through our brief period of adjustment to the culture, and the slower pace of Mexico. We are glad to be unknown for what we have accomplished in the USA, and our JOY is increased to be known for the LIGHT we shed in the dark place of a single hopeless soul. Our identity is in Christ Jesus, NOT in anything that we have done in our own strength. Accepting His amazing ways as our own, our soul is humbled by how He leads us to love the local laundry lady Lupita, and our new adopted daughter Lucy, who greets me with kisses each week when she comes to clean our casa. My soul is swollen by the Holy Spirit, and flushed with HOPE to bring God glory! Repatriating one DAY at a time is a JOYFUL choice.

Barb WISELY followed the Lord and said YES to the opportunity to retire as a civil servant in the USA, to become a community servant in lake Chapala. With a budget of only $200 USA per month, we can afford to give generously at church and to those God places in our path.  By August of 2014 Barb was asked to lead a weekly women's group in her home for Celebrate Recovery and Michael was asked to facillitate a bible study in October 2014 at church.  JOY and LAUGHTER fill our days and we trust God has more FUN stuff for us ahead. We travel to Puerto Vallarta in October, and again with a bus load of expats for Thanksgiving in November 2014.  Our borderless God will confirm your reservation to serve in your town, or somewhere over the rainbo, beyond any place you could imagine.  TRUST HIM with your future and follow His lead.

Daily Walking Wonders

Phyllis January 2015

The amazing visible success of my walking buddy Phyllis has inspired me to get healthy, get fit, and enjoy more energy while slimming down.  Phyllis has lost over 60 pounds by limiting calories and carbs and walking four full laps of the Chapala malecon six days a week.  Weight management is 80% watching what you put in your mouth and 20% regular exercise. Sparkpeople is a great place to track food and exercise. We purged our bodies by following the online DR OZ THREE DAY FAT FLUSH program.  Most of the recipes given here were taken off the Dr Oz website, some are from Phyllis.

Enjoy this colorful blogpost for inspiration to stay on track while on your journey to fitness.  Our day by day, and week after week consistent choice to eliminate bread, gluten, carbs, and sugar

will guarantee our personal health goals. I have watched Phyllis shrink before my very eyes and now we are delighting in a buddy system of walking and sharing wonderful smoothie, salad,

and healthy gormet soup recipies. We are so blessed to be able to obtain low-fat Greek yogurt from Super Lake in San Antonio, fresh veggies and fruits from the mercardo in Chapala, and other essentials from Costco in Guadalaraja.  Included is a handy shopping list:

FAT FLUSH BROTH

1 large onion

2 med carrots

1 cup radish root

1 cup diced squash

2 cups kale

2 stalks celery

½ cup seaweed

½ cup shredded cabbage

1 small piece fresh ginger

2 cloves garlic

1 cup shiitake mushrooms

DR OZ GREEN DRINK

1 ½ cups water

2 cups pineapple

2 stalks celery

4 cups spinach

1 green apple

1 tbls chia seeds
2 tbls coconut oil

2 tbls lemon juice

BANANA LATTE BLENDER

1 scoop soy protein powder

1 cup Almond milk

¾ cup strong coffee

2 bananas

1 cup ice cubes

PURPLE SMOOTHIE FOR TWO

1 ripe banana

¼ cup strawberries

½ cup blueberries

½ cup orange juice

2 tsp agave nectar

½ cup Greek yogurt

1 tsp chia seed

Phyllis March 27, 2015 Tropical Ambrosia = 174 calories + 22 carbs + 4 grams fat

TROPICAL AMBROSIA

1/2 cup FAGE non-fat yogurt

1 gram raw coconut

1 tbls honey

1 tsp organic bee pollen

1/2 whole strawberry

1/4 small banana

1/4 cup cubed mango

1/4 cup cubed pineapple

1 tsp raw pumpkin seeds

2 broken raw walnuts

1 tsp chia seeds

COSTCO SHOPPING LIST

Fage Greek non-fat yogurt

Balsalmic Vinegar

Omega Triple supplements

Omega brand Psyllium Fibre

Probiotic supplement

Kirkland Multi-Vitamin with Lutena

Canela ( Cinammon )

Chia seeds

Coconut Milk

Coconut Slivers

Coconut Oil

Olive Oil

Organic bee pollen

Organic Cubed Tomatoes

Raw Almonds

Raw Walnuts

Lettuce washer sink strainer

YUMMY HEALTHY GREEK SALAD

VISION CAST PARK

While living in my hometown I am able to enjoy great memories of my first trip to Pixie Woods! It was opened in 1950 and at the age of five I remember the thrill of watching fairytales come alive! Alice in Wonderland, the Three Little pigs, Jack be Nimble, a park designed just for the kid within! Uncle Doyle's kid emerged gleefully on his first visit to this wonderland on Labor Day 2011. In the 50's Momma Mia took Ben, Mary and Barbie and Yvonne King took Shane, Verdell and Beverly and we each remember the crooked slide, the boat ride, cotton candy and real pixie's serving cupcakes during puppet shows! With a word from Chapala on this Labor Day weekend, I am reminded of how blessed I am. Once I move to Chapala, it is then that my community service begins. Imagine such a similar theme built within the City park along the lake for children - using legendary Mexican tales! For now I shall study what fairytale stories are told in Chapala and work with the Expat Society on bringing this to life along the shores of Lake Chapala! When I met the ninety one year old Director of Pixie Woods, Miss Dorthea ~ I was inspired by her genuine elation while assisting young and old strap on for a Merry-go-round ride on great stallions. I have not been horseback riding in years and the shade of the mighty old trees and the music all together lit up my soul! For Doyle who is nearing 80 and Barb who will be 60 in just eleven more days ~ the child within both of us squealed along with each gleeful laugh of all the kiddos at the park! Oh Lord how great Thou art and I pray that such a delightful theme park could be built for the kids and grand folks of Chapala! How You desire us to become childlike and we let all our cares flee with glee straight to You. A place for families and lonely grand parents to come and build awesome memories for generations to come. Doretha has worked as a volunteer at Pixie Woods for 41 years! The experience has kept her young at heart with a position of pride as a Merry-Go-Round operator! When grand parents are forgotten or neglected, such a park would allow them to enjoy kids from the community and be a part of a creating something grand that brings people back to Chapala for years to come, I see Oh Lord ! Si Si Si - good idea!

LUKE EVERETT

The guy with a huge smile is Luke Everett. I met Luke at my church a couple of times and we spoke about how God always provides, in His incredible ways, and in His perfect timing. This is the STORY of how God used the loss of Luke's hearing to bless thousands of deaf children in Mexico. Thirty-eight years ago, Ed Everett went to Mexico to help the poor. What began as a simple trip became a path to destiny as the young father of six seized a unique opportunity, one for which he was unusually suited. “Hearing Everett” is a story of faith, love, and adventure, of one man’s legacy and its lasting effect on thousands. The Everetts were an average American family in the 1960s, with a comfortable life in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Ed owned a successful neon-sign business, a Cadillac, and a brick house, and attended church every Sunday. The family seemed to be living the American dream, until a series of events altered their lives forever. It began with their young son Luke’s debilitating illnesses, which resulted in the child’s major hearing loss and forced the family to learn sign language. It continued with a journey to a pastor’s conference in Florida, where Ed made a commitment to God’s plan. Ed’s calling finally came in Mexico, where he encountered a deaf shoeshine boy and realized a need he and his family could meet. Inspired, he returned stateside, sold his business and home, and moved his family in a converted school bus across America into Baja, Mexico, to Ensenada 70 miles south of the border. God's plan is always in His perfect place! A recent picture of the Everett Family who all work at Rancho Sordo Mudo. Once the lives of Mexico’s deaf children intertwine with the Everetts, the adventure truly begins. Over the next 40 years the story takes many twists and turns, from the heights of happiness to the depths of tragedy. It’s a story that delivers a message of hope, of overcoming obstacles, of realizing that the reward outweighs the cost. “Hearing Everett” was filmed in two countries. It is a picture of how God will use ordinary people to do His extra ordinary will. The story is told through the eyes and memories of the hearing and the hearing-impaired. The movie“Hearing Everett” will hopefully move its viewers to support the work at Rancho Sordo Mudo - as Luke has been called to expand and build another school and MAYBE in CHAPALA! Mr Everett heard a calling from God to help spread the faith. He traveled with the deacons and the pastor of his church to different locations, to find his calling. His
Hearing Everett "The Rancho Sordo Mudo Story" from Motivity Pictures Film and Video on Vimeo.
son Luke goes partially deaf and he and his wife help their son learn sign language and get Luke a hearing aid. They decide to move to Ensenada, Mexico and help the poor people there. They find a small building and put up a sign “School for the Deaf”. The Everett’s have eight kids and they all become involved in helping the poor and deaf of Mexico. Their school begins to grow and they expand their facility. Their mom teaches sign language and Spanish. The family goes through a few tragedies of their own. Their faith in God and his wisdom never ends. This story helps us see God's Love Is unconditional. The theme is: Don’t ever give up. Keep praying, and God will listen. Awarded The Dove "Family-Approved" Seal.

VIVA VOLARIS

VIVA Volaris - a NEW airline that flys DIRECT from San Jose or Oakland to Guadaljara! GREAT DEALS ONLINE. Depart at 8:30 AM and arrive in Guad, take time to shop at COSTCO or TAXI to Lakeside for about 500 pesos.  "Dia de la Revolucion Parade" in Ajijic was a cause for music to blast on 11/20/2010 the actual centennial! On November 21 through the 30th is "Fiestas Patronales San Andres" in Ajijic. This week of celebration is to Honor the patron saint of Ajijic! BOOK YOUR TICKET in advance and SAVE lots of dinero!