Casa de Esperanza: day 2 & 3

Mexico Mike  has been a great source of information for me as I began planning this trip. He’s been “in Mexico since 1968 and on the web since 1986”. It was through the purchase of his travel log that I came across Casa de Esperanza. Because we had planned on doing some camping, we had brought our tent and camp supplies with us in the van and had been looking for campsites along our route. Mexico Mike made brief mention of a “small campground run by missionaries” and had included their email address. This is how we met Chacko and Angeles Thomas.

Our van parked in front of Casa de Esperanza, Cd. Victoria, MX

I am always amazed at how a small event, like buying a travel log, can open the door to such large events in one’s life. This is certainly true in the case of Casa de Esperanza (House of Hope). As I began to email back and forth with Chacko, I told him we would like to stay Friday night and be on our way Saturday. He asked me if I would consider staying until Monday so I could give the morning message at his church. Because missions is the primary reason we are doing all this, what could I say, but “we would be happy to.” And I’m so glad we did!

We only met Chacko very briefly and that was in Harlingen, TX. He was there on business and was unable to return that weekend, but he assured us that his wife, Angeles, would welcome us and take care of everything, including rooms for us instead of the tent.

Chacko is an American citizen, but was born in India. When he converted to Christianity over twenty years ago his family disowned him. Shortly after his conversion he felt called to go Mexico to start a church. Selling the RV Park he owned near Houston, he took the proceeds and moved to Cd. Victoria, MX and began building the missions compound and church building that exists today. He has also started a second church far up in the mountains near San Luis Potosi. All this began over 15 years ago. Since then the church he started at Casa de Esperanza has become a thriving, vibrant church.

Angeles leading worship at Casa de Esperanza

 

 

Angeles is Mexican, raised in Cd. Victoria. She is spirit filled and full of love and energy for the people of her country. She has a wonderful singing voice and plays the guitar beautifully. Singing with the church as she lead the worship music on Sunday morning was amazing.

Ben and Thomas packing Christmas bags

On Saturday she asked us if we could help with a few projects around the grounds and afterwards visit a family from the church with her. I worked on one of the vans which wasn’t running well while Barbe and the boys helped sort out a mountain of children’s gift bags already being prepared for next Christmas. The day passed quickly and later we were able to visit Saul and Margarita, making new friends in the process. Saul was paralyzed from the waist down 2 years ago in a swimming accident. Life has not been easy for them since, but the joy with which we were welcomed into their home was incredible.

 

Sunday morning was wonderful. We were greeted warmly by everyone and soon  felt right at home. I spoke mostly through Angeles who acted as my interpreter (photo left). After a light lunch and a siesta we made our way across town, gaining some elevation as we moved closer to the mountain range which Cd. Victoria sits under, to the house of Don Jesus and Dona Marcias. This delightful, older couple with eight grown children and many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, of who were that night along with a few neighbors, had invited us to have dinner with them. We all crowded into their living room, visiting as best we could in “Spanglish”. Mama Marcia’s bustled around the kitchen, her black eyes shining with obvious delight to be cooking for so many. It is very obvious she loves to cook and show hospitality and reminds me so much of my own mother…especially when she finally interrupts the conversation to let us know the food was getting cold. The meal of beans, tortillas and meat in some kind of seasoned, vegetable broth was absolutely delicious.

All of us with Don Jesus & Dona Macias (standing between Mark and me) and some of their family.

Sunday afternoon Angeles told Barbe and me that she and Chacko would like us to seriously consider remaining with them to help with the work they are doing. They would give us the large living facility as our home. We are honored that they would offer this to us, but for now are hearts are set on Honduras. They understand, but as we say goodbye early Monday morning we leave with the promise that we will see them again someday, if only for a return visit.

 

One of the things that has always impressed me whenever I travel, whether in the US or abroad, is the obvious bond that connects those who are in Christ. Because of that bond, that “family” connection, we welcome strangers into our homes and our hearts. This is truly an amazing thing.