RUTA DE VINO

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This week has flown by as we spent time with old friends, visited our favorite places and helped with ministries. We park our RV at a park across from a deaf school called Rancho Sordo Mudo. They have a wonderful christian Deaf School and own the park across the road. School is out, but we have enjoyed fellowship with some of the staff. They are kind enough to let us use the internet when we are there. We drive up near the office and log on...Mexico :)  They are having problems getting water to the RV Park so we will leave tomorrow, Doug has been filling up our 5 gallon jugs and pouring into RV tank...hard work for a shower !!  Here of some pictures of the wine country and where we are staying.

 

 See our white RV in the center of picture above...we are and were the only tenant for past week :)  Behind the RV is a beautiful valley of grape vines.

   

This is the deaf school in the right of picture...they have plenty of water but have trouble getting it across the highway to us.  Thieves keep stealing the water pumps and also strip all the wiring out of the bathrooms...probably selling to buy drugs...sad.



We attend on Sunday morning a large church in El Porvenir. Some of our friends attend there and they translate the services. Pastor Marcos is fantastic and worship is great. Our friends there Gio and Patty have a ministry to the people living in the dried up river bed. Usually they serve breakfast
 but on this Saturday they distributed free clothing that was given to them from an orphanage who had too much donated. They have a distribution system so it is not a "free for all" ! Each person gets only 7 items and only a couple at each station at a time.  Love this couple for all they do out of a heart of love.

 Doug and I both had clothing tables, well Doug had a truck gate. We loved helping them.  The needs are great for many for daily substance.  We have so much in USA (they call America the "OTHER SIDE" :)

We helped paint a Sunday School room at the Testerazo church, here Doug is taping prior to painting.

Linda showing the kids hand prints that we remember in past trips when the kids decorated the walls :)

 

 These are some of the bicycles that we used when the migrant camp was being used...they need some help! Last time here Doug became the default bicycle fixer...a full time job...always breaking down, etc.
We are fixing the ones where we can find parts to be used for the summer camp at the Bordega (see pictures below).  Last year they had 100 kids come for a summer camp !  Great witness and fun for the Testerazo community and surrounding areas.  Testerazo has about 400-500 total population !!!

This picture is some bicycles we found with the parts still in place and we are busy fixing at the new cemented patio area at the ministries Bordega...patching MUCHO flats, etc.  The ones on the right in picture below need tires fixed, on left they have other issues.
                                                                                   

Above Doug and Juan (more on his story later...amazing) working...me on bicyles and Juan on skateboards, etc. To the left is Juan standing behind donated truck they use for ministry.


Below is Linda and Pastor Yolanda ministering to a visitor (frequently many come knowing there is help here) in front of Bordega. The Bordega which was built several years ago by a group from Canada has been a tremendous blessing to the community....people/children come visiting regularly and it is a haven (place to temporarily live for many in need of shelter).
 

Above is the newest addition: goat.  Juan said he would be for "comida" later.  Food :)  In Mexico they waste nothing !!!

Below is the the Street Maintenance Crew on dirt road where Bordega is just too the left !!!

 Hope this update tells a story of what we have been up to in Mexico for past week.  Pictures always help and we will try to post more as the Adventure continues.

As always we appreciate past help and continue to need any financial help from all the "rich" Americano's :)  as we try to be the feet and hands of Jesus in this very needy area.  We have a problem of asking,  since for many, many years we were the one's who were the "givers".

Tax deductible checks can be made out to our private foundation, CapStone Foundation, Inc. and mailed to below address:

Doug Pettit
223 Town Center Parkway, #730
Spring Hill, TN 37174

In His Name,
Doug & Linda

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES


We had a great time with our oldest grandson, Tyler, who we met up with in Denver at Linda's sister Kathy's house. 

He keeps us on our knees with his many "risky" adventures in the Rockies.  He is currently teaching kayaking at the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center.




 He recently bought and fixed up an van that he spends much time in...a better fit than the Honda Civic he had before.  This boy is not much into "comfort" American style.

 While in Denver we were surprised by a late snow in May, but it quickly melted.  The beauty of the area and mountains is breathtaking. This picture to the left is from the back window of Kathy & Gene's house in Centennial, Co.  We enjoyed our time there and were able to also visit with niece, Sarah and husband, Colin. Also, visited with Linda's cousins Jane & Bob who live near Pike's Peak.  This was first time for Doug to see the sights of Denver.


 When we left Denver the drive over the Rockies was beautiful with all the recent snow.  We were glad to be heading for Las Vegas to warmer weather and to visit with Linda's cousin, Susan and her daughter, Kelsey whom she had never met.  It had been many years since seeing and visiting with Susan.  We enjoyed sharing what the Lord was doing in hers and our lives.  Our RV park (cheap) was down near Fremont Street, so we ventured out and walked to get a taco/burrito....the sights of all the lost folks was overwhelming...it definitely looked like sin city and believe it surpasses the New Orleans quarter.  The looks on many of their faces told it all...really sad as many were probably in a "search" for significance.   Jesus is still the answer.  Of course, many were like us just passing through or vacationing.

 We got to California just in time for the annual Pettit Family & Friends  reunion.  We had a wonderful time telling and hearing stories and remembering the good ole days.  We got to view Doug's brother Tom's memorial plaque on the mountain behind brother, Red's house.  Lots of music and singing.  Doug's family has a rich musical heritage.  Many play instruments and all sing !!

 After the reunion we have been staying in RV at Red & Joyce's.  We encountered several RV problems that were courtesy of Doug and electrical issues.  Most are behind us now, as brother-in-law, Gene, who is gifted in troubleshooting helped resolve them.  Doug learned a lot as that is not his gifting :) 

Thankful for the donations of equipment for the "challenged" kids in Baja that are dear to our hearts.  We took them down to San Clemente to Foundation For His Ministry (FFHM) office for them to transport. Equipment included Doug's deceased brother Tom's 4 wheel scooter, wheelchair, oxygen machine and several other wheelchairs, walkers along with large boxes diapers that were donated by siblings: Red & Joyce, Katie & Scott and cousin, RuthAnn.  Our friends, Dirk & Mary will adapt these to the "dirt" in Baja, big tires, etc. 
It was the first time we had visited the headquarters of FFHM and met an old friend and made several others.

 So we plan on "finally" head south mid June and visit several ministries that are run by some amazing folks who sacrifice much comfort to minister and assist the "least of these".  We have to admit some our "going" is selfishly motivated as we get much more than what we give.  There is something about this land & people that moves you into the presence of Jesus.  Could be because that most of the people live for the moment, seeking their daily bread, and are not caught up in acquiring and maintaining all the "things" we have in USA.  Of course, we're pretty sure that is where Jesus would be if physically here on earth again...like before hung out with the outcasts, poor, widowed, etc.

Been thinking lately that many of our struggles of past few years were designed to condition us to really understand and relate to the poor.  Learning what it is really like to "trust" Jesus...guess we are experiencing what most missionaries go through daily and it is really necessary and an act of grace from our Father so we can be humble and compassionate... this is what Jesus did leaving Glory so He could experience what us humans were experiencing and relate to us and intercede for us.

Not everyone can "go", but all can participate.  We have re-activated our private foundation, CapStone Foundation, Inc. so now we can accept donations and issue tax deductible receipts. 

We really appreciate any help to offset our travel expenses and for helping others with desperate needs.  Sometimes it is necessary to get a "cow" out of the ditch, but mostly we help by sharing our skills, expertise, encouragement.  Prayer is most appreciated, too !!
Blessings, Doug & Linda

Checks made to:
CapStone Foundation, Inc.

Mailing Address:
Doug Pettit
223 Town Center Parkway, #730
Spring Hill, TN 37174

Emails are: dougpettit45@gmail.com and lindapettit@ymail.com