¡VIVA MÉXICO!

  LONG LIVE MEXICO!

Outside of church decked out with Mexican flags

September 16th is the day Mexicans celebrate their independence from Spain.  This year marked the 203rd anniversary.  The celebration begins on the evening of the 15th as families and friends gather to share a feast of traditional Mexican dishes. "If the food can be red, white and green (like the Mexican flag) so much the better!" (Quote from "about.com Latin America History.")

 In Mexico City thousands gather in the main square, the Zocolo, to see the president as he comes out on a balcony.  A 11:00 p.m. he gives the "Grito" (shout) "¡Viva (long live)  Hidalgo!...¡Viva Morelos!" (Mexican heroes of the Independence) and finally "¡Viva México!" The crowds roar and cheer their response "¡Viva!" and fireworks light up the air. Every village, town and city across the nation celebrate in much the same way. 

Many evangelical churches also have their own celebration with a "Noche Méxicana" (Mexcian Night), to celebrate not only the freedom as a nation, but the freedom we have in Christ.  Sometimes the pastor himself will dress up in red, white an green and give the "Grito" to his congregation.

The inside of the church is also decorated

Last night I went to the "Noche Mexicana"at the Methodist church I sometimes attend.  It began with a

Daniela and Valerie in their Mexican finest!

service of worship songs and testimonies of God´s goodness in the lives of some of the members this past week.  A "trio" mimicked a  "Norteño" (Northern) style song complete with a paper accordion, and a broomstick guitar! Pastor Arturo challenged us to pray for Mexico and her president. "Anyone can post a critical remark about the goverment.  Anyone can criticize the president. Only a true Christian will pray for and seek God´s blessing on the nation and it´s president." May we take his words to heart!

Afterward the service we spilled out onto the church lawn to enjoy typical Mexican dishes such as: corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, cheese and chili powder, tostadas (fried tortillas) with beans and chicken on top, pampazos (thick rolls dipped in chile sauce with meat and lettuce on the inside), a sweet dessert of vanilla crackers slathered in condensed milk, and other delicacies.  After the service and food, some went to downtown Tuxpan to hear the "Grito" and see the fireworks. I decided to head home to talk to my family on the phone and wish them a "Happy Independence Day!"

With my friend Carmen and her grandson Johan

Today is the official holiday so all schools and goverment offices were closed.  I invited the kids from the children´s home over to my house with some other friends.  We had fun making pizza (no, not typical Mexican!), dong crafts and playing games.  We were going to go out to the camp but the recent storms and threatening rain clouds convinced us we had better stay put! 

It has been a special Independence celebration with my brothers and sisters in Christ as we thank Him for so many blessings and enjoy the abiding friendships we have in Him.  

HAPPY MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY!