tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71689060651674816912024-02-19T07:12:01.806-08:00Zapatos Para Los Ninos; Shoes For The ChildrenPutting shoes on the children of Isla Mujeres one foot at a time! Missionaries at Large.Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-64391877309687360062015-05-04T07:10:00.002-07:002015-05-04T07:11:41.725-07:00Update We want to let you all know how much we appreciate you, and how precious
you are to the children of Isla Mujeres for all your help and support.
We have found it necessary to return to the U.S., and will no longer be
distributing shoes on la Isla. We thank God for His guidance, and for
allowing us to spend so many wonderful years on Isla Mujeres. Our love
for the people of Isla Mujeres will be forever in our hearts. We will
miss you every day. Until we meet again, may God's blessings fill your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-85936732401898579482014-08-31T06:42:00.000-07:002014-08-31T06:43:23.130-07:00BLESSINGS FROM CANADAGreetings from the Island of Isla Mujeres:<br />
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Once again 6 months slipped by and here we are trying to catch you up to date. Many shoes have gone out to the kids here since March with one special family standing out. They are our friends from Canada and such a blessing to us as friends and to the ministry as well. The Holdens come to the Island on a regular basis and never visit empty handed. This past trip they came with 30+ pairs of new soccer shoes and enough jerseys to give 7 teams matching tops. They do not have sponsors for the teams here so they just show up in anything they have that might resemble a soccer uniform and have fun. Soccer shoes, tennis shoes, barefoot, long pants, shorts pants. Nobody cares because they have come to play soccer and have fun. No fashion statements to be made, so when the Holden family handed out the jerseys on this night, smiles from both kids and parents were plentiful. They all look like Professionals running around chasing one another and sometimes the ball as well. We are blessed beyond measure and continue to reach out to these wonderful folks that allow us to live on this Island of beauty. Along with the soccer shoes, we have handed out over 400 pairs of shoes since March and more keep showing up from folks visiting the Island on vacation and dropping off their donations. We do not get to meet a lot of these kind donors but are so grateful for them to keep supplying the <br />
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shoes that allow us to go and love on these precious kids. Thanks to all of you.Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-8752188586464684262014-03-14T14:56:00.001-07:002014-03-14T14:56:37.044-07:00Off and Running for 2014March is half over and that also makes 2014 almost 1/4 of the way done. Time sure seems to be moving along at a very fast pace these days as we get ready to celebrate our Granddaughters 1st birthday next month. Watching your Grand kids grow up from abroad really hits you every once in awhile but we continue to trust in our heavenly Father to guide us and take care of us here on Isla Mujeres. Since our big Christmas party, we have gone and handed out shoes with some very loving folks in a different area on the Island at some friends house. One of the photos shows a Mother with her 6 kids. 5 boys plus her baby girl and was she ever thankful for us being able to give all of them a new pair of shoes. Trying to get buy on 7-10 dollars a day as a family, that was a big load off of Mom and Dad and their budget. It is so great to see people get right in their and love on these little kids in a genuine fashion and they can't wait to come back next year and do it again. We just had some folks contact us here that are getting ready to head back up North for the summer and wanted us to come by and meet some other couples. Once there, they blessed us with money to go buy boys shoes and one of our new friends had done a painting of a place here on the Island which was bought and she gave us the money from the proceeds. Her desire is to paint and then take all the proceeds and donate it to charitable groups. Pretty neat stuff that is happening out their in this world and God keeps guiding folks our way to bless our efforts in His grand plan. Hoping everyone is ready for some warm springtime weather and that your year is starting off with a bang. Thanks to all<br />
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who are praying for us here and all who have supported our desire to love on these kids in the name of Jesus. Blessings from Greg and Natalie.Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-43861884359718808872014-01-24T09:32:00.001-08:002014-01-24T09:48:30.492-08:00HAPPY NEW YEARGreetings, as we head off into 2014 looking for new opportunities to love on the kids here and provide shoes for them. Our annual Christmas party was over the top this year for the kids as God brought to us some pretty amazing donors to bless them with a party they are still talking about. From folks that gave 1 pair, to the biggest of over 100 pairs, all of you totally rocked the hearts of the children we got to bless this year. We were encouraged by a dear friend to plan and pray since we were not sure if we were going to have the party as of the 1st of December. Usually we have plenty by then but our bank was almost empty of shoes and gifts. Natalie shared on the internet and God did the rest. Folks from all over started showing up with goodies for the party and by the time we got ready to go........ well the photos speak for themselves. Our little house was wall to wall with gifts and shoes. Riding back on the ferry yesterday, I saw a lady we know and chatted for awhile to get caught up with her life and events. She shared that folks were talking about the party on the Island and the one thing that stood out to her was, for the first time, kids thought it was pretty cool to live in Guadalapana. Cool to live in a tar paper shack community with no electricity and running water? It brought tears to our eyes to think that a gift, a pair of shoes, and a hot meal would impact someone like that. Skateboards,dolls,action figures, soccer balls, and a whole lot more were handed out to over 400 kids this year and you all made it possible by going the extra mile and supporting our ministry. We returned from the party with many extra shoes and two days later were able to sit in our doorway and hand out shoes for 2.5 hours to the kids that are living here in our new neighborhood where we are renting now on Isla Mujeres. We are praying already for next December and planning our next shoe drop soon. God has been so good to us over the last 6 years and we are ready to jump into 2014 as He leads us to new feet and opportunities to share His greatness. Thanks everyone for giving and helping us put a smile on so many faces over the years. Blessings and may you go impact your world in 2014.<br />
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Christmas Shoes and Party! </h2>
We are counting down the days to our Christmas Party! Last year every child who came to the party received a pair of shoes, a meal, a small gift, and lots of love from all the Helpers!<br />
We are collecting shoes now for our December 24th fiesta grande!<br />
Thank you for all your support and prayers. It seems like an impossible thing to collect enough shoes so that each child will get a pair for Christmas, but we serve a God who loves to prove that nothing is too difficult for Him. Christmas is such a blessed reminder of Gods greatest gift to us. He gave big, He gave with purpose, He gave in love. He gave it all in Jesus!<br />
Again, as you give, we gather and go in His name, celebrating the One who gives the soul worth.<br />
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O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,<br />
It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.<br />
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,<br />
‘Til He appear’d and the soul felt its worth.<br />
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,<br />
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.<br />
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!<br />
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;<br />
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.<br />
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<br />Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-1598965180797064242013-10-25T09:26:00.000-07:002013-10-25T09:26:10.521-07:00A little bit goes a long way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Greetings from the land of sunshine and sunshine. We are grateful today for the cloud cover and North winds here on Isla Mujeres that is keeping the temperature down a few degrees. As we have stated in previous posts, 2-3 degrees here on the Island is a huge swing for us. It has been very warm for October with inside temperatures hanging around 90 in the afternoons and cooling off to 86 at night. Today we woke up to a pleasant 81 and it is holding at 82.
Our past month has been a busy one with us moving once again and we have settled in for a long winters nap as to say. We have moved into the Colonials and it is amazing how many sounds we get to hear each day and recognize the services rendered with each blast of a horn, banging of wrenches on propane tanks, speakers blaring, or a whistle letting you know the knife sharpening man is coming down the street. We did not get to experience these wonderful events out in our other home and we are enjoying it on a daily basis.
We have posted before about a blind woman who has two young daughters we met years ago named Jenny. We have taken a special likening to them and have tried to help out as much as possible without getting in the way. In Septembers post, little Candi and Nancy are seen getting new school shoes and on this day, Nancy informed us that Candi had been in the hospital in CanCun due to the living conditions in their home. Dirt floor+animals+rain+humidity+???= not a good situation. She told us they would really like a new floor so Candi would not get sick anymore. So off we went and we prayed about how we could be of service to them. Well, God placed a couple in our path a few months ago that have a ministry called "Keys 4 Life". Knowing what they stood for and their hearts desire, we contacted them about praying for Jenny and the girls. I told them around $300.00usd would give them a new floor and a gift of this magnitude would forever change their lives. Two days later Ken and Debbie contacted us and said, "It is a go." Praise God for giving hearts and a ministry answering this prayer request. Without the two of us being involved in the actual organizing or work, we contacted others folks on the Island and they got a new floor. The joy in their faces speaks for itself and we give God the glory in seeing how He brings it all together as we seek out His will and ask for His covering. We continue to be simple servants for His Kingdom and conduits of His provisions as we make new friends around our new home and pray that they see Jesus in all we do. $300.00usd is not a lot by our standards but for these folks, it is a huge chunk of money that seems impossible to come up with at one time. Jenny's dad wanted to delay the project so he could help. He has a bad knee and he takes medicine that costs him $50 pesos (about $4.00usd) a week so he can get around pain free. He had not been able to afford the medicine for the last 2 weeks and thought if we waited for another week or so, he would be able to get $50 pesos together so he could help. Our friend that spearheaded the project gave him the $50 pesos and dad got to help out plus he got to be blessed by helping out his daughter. Yes, a little bit does go a long way for these folks here and we are so thankful to God for allowing us to see this and keep life in perspective. Lend a hand when you can, bless the socks off of someone out there, and do it for the glory of God. Remember, a little bit does go a long way for someone.Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-18340864732776257362013-09-03T10:03:00.001-07:002013-09-03T10:03:24.968-07:00SIMPLY AMAZEDWe continue to be amazed at the speed of time as we love on the kids here on Isla Mujeres. We get up with good intentions to update our blog and then the next thing we know, 4 months have passed. Life is that way no matter where you live we believe and it is a simple reminder to us to complete the tasks before us as God lays them on our hearts each day. Do we tend to say "Tomorrow" with so many little events (Not that our Blog is a little event) that come before us throughout the day and then realize that it has slipped away for a month or more? Since our last post, we have handed out 100's of shoes to the kids here and are always so humbled and blessed by the support of so many. Every pair is given in the name of Jesus and every foot loved on as we enter into the lives of so many here. Friends from Canada brought down 65+ pairs of soccer shoes for the kids and another family just left after handing out over 100 pairs of shoes while here. A soccer Co-op donated the shoes and the Holden families church group cleaned them all up for the journey down. The Leonard triplets sold cookies and lemonade for a year to be able to buy shoes and what a blessing to see 12 year old triplets wanting to serve kids who are less fortunate than them. We are in the process of getting school shoes for special kids that we have come to know throughout the 6+ years we have been here. Yesterday, we started out just to see if the shoe store was open, to see if they were having school, and to maybe buy a few pair. God moved in a mighty way as we ended up buying shoes, finding the kids that are scattered around the Island and also coming upon the man that sells shoes from his V.W. van for a living. When we got home we sat in amazement how it had all come together for us and thanked God for every piece of the puzzle. When we sat back and relived the day, 20 seconds either way in our journey would of meant missing the kids as they were walking home from school, standing on a corner,riding their bikes, etc.. What a treat to be able to come driving down the road and see Dyna just standing there looking around in the middle of the Colonias and to pull up and hand her a pair of school shoes. Off we went down the road to get a new toilet seat, (yes a toilet seat was our agenda during this leg of the journey), and then to have Isleni come walking across the street playing with her top. Joy filled our hearts as she went running towards her home as fast as she could go with her new shoes. Another prayer answered as we had not seen her for a couple of months not knowing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvt6qBiBmKfx_Z1STjlSJ0OVbJh97NyX3hReu0HF_DshbyZN480zmfeldfXetOxkZWq3XTaBgvrDeq6Z3VIREM4B-fcANGptYGeTvjGPQASW8FtjzgPv4qiRthrljyzGJC_NFrGllumE/s1600/P1040831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvt6qBiBmKfx_Z1STjlSJ0OVbJh97NyX3hReu0HF_DshbyZN480zmfeldfXetOxkZWq3XTaBgvrDeq6Z3VIREM4B-fcANGptYGeTvjGPQASW8FtjzgPv4qiRthrljyzGJC_NFrGllumE/s320/P1040831.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL34Xry1H5wF2tIapDNrlkvN2bLDIQkqC0zYb_ny5DBHrYRH0uR7xuLb6umsBSEmqoS_zA1613r98OosWdyoaY_yIXOuhBZeRIZl34DT8msAp3yz6pXhi-C4FQGrwelnEK8pFHe7G1-Gw/s1600/P1040861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL34Xry1H5wF2tIapDNrlkvN2bLDIQkqC0zYb_ny5DBHrYRH0uR7xuLb6umsBSEmqoS_zA1613r98OosWdyoaY_yIXOuhBZeRIZl34DT8msAp3yz6pXhi-C4FQGrwelnEK8pFHe7G1-Gw/s320/P1040861.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYm1HDZ2Y_x9OhJCgtyxNM_mIXOlJzgIwVvFMmTwKAneDB56WHw6W5i-6TcDUcRNPsTK5uEqbtLkTrADQA0R0aeyQ854fwxEQw-T2zBQorOQI5IPm4GCp7X0CT0MIpV7Chtb4GnpoZwo/s1600/P1040897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYm1HDZ2Y_x9OhJCgtyxNM_mIXOlJzgIwVvFMmTwKAneDB56WHw6W5i-6TcDUcRNPsTK5uEqbtLkTrADQA0R0aeyQ854fwxEQw-T2zBQorOQI5IPm4GCp7X0CT0MIpV7Chtb4GnpoZwo/s320/P1040897.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0xwmwOblLtbgxlGeMIcgw8xmqrtokKSr_K7uCqQDBzxnTIZaBajW1W8qyFk7Kt34qpXvhZxm-YKbjX9JQpg9TZqyxPqzuu14cIsIhx_14B1Cs23e8JGCe7JFmjvfsY1Wph7R3bWnfIc/s1600/P1040945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0xwmwOblLtbgxlGeMIcgw8xmqrtokKSr_K7uCqQDBzxnTIZaBajW1W8qyFk7Kt34qpXvhZxm-YKbjX9JQpg9TZqyxPqzuu14cIsIhx_14B1Cs23e8JGCe7JFmjvfsY1Wph7R3bWnfIc/s320/P1040945.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRz8-DVgbfXqJs8Ptu-mKez75au1_H7p6zimiS6VI4GsE7qw-hj_FNwOQITK5xieB5iQu8mZZURjvJdhl8dlYYO4TRGU0jH3IjZuM2lg2x3SpJcwC9sMHRJUdBChyphenhyphenNkfTMpGxZEI0-tE/s1600/P1040956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRz8-DVgbfXqJs8Ptu-mKez75au1_H7p6zimiS6VI4GsE7qw-hj_FNwOQITK5xieB5iQu8mZZURjvJdhl8dlYYO4TRGU0jH3IjZuM2lg2x3SpJcwC9sMHRJUdBChyphenhyphenNkfTMpGxZEI0-tE/s320/P1040956.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmodGoq2p0L2O6g8LbzmfCdlja9MMJUouJ8N26G3QVdI5wufNxWs7woSm9INTigMac16iklqmfjqaP0YRF86hW6b_xgdG4PuBGcO6HPefHfm-hjyF5jP4haVmu2OKeyhunMM8UMHsvvyQ/s1600/P1040953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmodGoq2p0L2O6g8LbzmfCdlja9MMJUouJ8N26G3QVdI5wufNxWs7woSm9INTigMac16iklqmfjqaP0YRF86hW6b_xgdG4PuBGcO6HPefHfm-hjyF5jP4haVmu2OKeyhunMM8UMHsvvyQ/s320/P1040953.JPG" /></a></div> if she had moved from the Island or to a new house. Blessed for sure since where we saw her she was not close to her home but praise be to God, because He knew where she was and placed us there at the exact time needed. We love seeing God work this way as we asked for directions in our day and He answered them above and beyond our wildest imaginations. We will try to do better in keeping the blog updated in the future so that those of you that read it can be blessed along with us as God moves here on Isla through us. Blessings wherever you are and however God is using you for His glory.Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-24840943740362223352013-05-11T09:11:00.001-07:002013-05-11T09:11:21.700-07:00We did it againYES!!!!! We did it again. We let another 2 months pass and no updates. Please forgive us. We returned to the States for the first time in over a year and a half for the birth of our first Grand child. We welcomed into this wonderful world little "Locket Laveda Lockhart" on April 12, 2013. What an amazing thing it is, to be a part of such a marvelous event. Upon returning we hit the ministry field with four wonderful ladies on the 2nd of May with over 275 pairs of shoes going out to the kids here. Every pair of feet went out the door with new shoes and a great big smile on their faces. God is so gracious to us in providing a constant flow of support from folks abroad and in allowing us to be a part of His grand plan. Thank you Jesus and all that continue to help us "LOVE" the kids here in this beautiful part of the world. Met some new visitors the other day and a person who has lived here for a lot of years and they both had the same conclusion. The people that live here are by far the friendliest and giving folks they have ever been around. That is the main theme about the locals here on Isla Mujeres and we agree with them one hundred percent. Our shoe ministry stretches across so many areas of outreach with the locals. One great testimony of your love for them through us is with Ely, our shoe store lady. Not seeing her for a few months and returning from our trip, I thought I should go and see her before our next shoe buy. I was greeted by her friendly smile and hello but she seemed a little down on this day. Asking her what was wrong, she informed me that she had been sitting there praying to Jesus (her photo of Him on her wall) all day. I was her first customer in the door and she was asking Jesus what she should do since she was three months late on her rent. I smiled, felt such great joy, and asked her if $12,000 pesos would help her situation. She gave me a big hug and started crying and thanking Jesus for her angels, Greg and Natalie. The four ladies showed up two days later and bought $12,500 pesos worth of shoes and her rent was caught up once again. We are so humbled to watch how God uses us for His glory and it all goes to Him. So off we went to blessed Guadalapana with all those shoes and a few more for the next trip somewhere here on Isla as God leads. We have also been able to hand out numerous Bibles to both the locals and also a missionary named Rueben from here who is taking the Bibles into villages around Chiapas. The summer heat is starting to rise and we are back settling in for the summer. Thanks for being patient with us as we continue to try and keep pace with our blog and life as well. Blessings from Isla Mujeres and Thanks for remembering us in your prayers.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuWIiST4OBZfQtJpOw_PCHHn5dJNxP3GCANm-Zal9ZGiG5OeVdPpNTb6W9QqDTvQPLZGdaz38whUr-Dz58t-JmOsoAV7n6oLMcXbQzfaALOgbIXtl-yQqnxdLYFQ7eEWAr7vPAIT-b8E/s1600/ladies+of+May+2013+230.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuWIiST4OBZfQtJpOw_PCHHn5dJNxP3GCANm-Zal9ZGiG5OeVdPpNTb6W9QqDTvQPLZGdaz38whUr-Dz58t-JmOsoAV7n6oLMcXbQzfaALOgbIXtl-yQqnxdLYFQ7eEWAr7vPAIT-b8E/s320/ladies+of+May+2013+230.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKxzvBkvQaE3Z3VHtMlI8Q9nqY-oNQ7XoNuJc44DeIbSVYJjGI80Um8YWO8MHiluV-VFAYsFHJHnH5tX7gSsploZfEhQ6mKAOFY6AxEG6uFNdpcbYsHxCFw2fRoYVvRVGf-07iNy0vj0/s1600/ladies+of+May+2013+306.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKxzvBkvQaE3Z3VHtMlI8Q9nqY-oNQ7XoNuJc44DeIbSVYJjGI80Um8YWO8MHiluV-VFAYsFHJHnH5tX7gSsploZfEhQ6mKAOFY6AxEG6uFNdpcbYsHxCFw2fRoYVvRVGf-07iNy0vj0/s320/ladies+of+May+2013+306.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJtSq0F-Bd5Jg0Bdvu6Z8kTgOqlUIKe_YavsyxvG7FK36CtI_1Pv17DEGR_BpKd3Vcax4QvydkAs9uInMlJ6bn9kn26JyIkY4yrfr55UkkhkQpOOKd0gjyivX28CMRQf6_cAuyEt6g1U/s1600/ladies+of+May+2013+093.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJtSq0F-Bd5Jg0Bdvu6Z8kTgOqlUIKe_YavsyxvG7FK36CtI_1Pv17DEGR_BpKd3Vcax4QvydkAs9uInMlJ6bn9kn26JyIkY4yrfr55UkkhkQpOOKd0gjyivX28CMRQf6_cAuyEt6g1U/s320/ladies+of+May+2013+093.JPG" /></a> Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-52467722457819259572013-03-12T07:48:00.000-07:002013-03-12T07:48:33.204-07:00ABUNDANT BLESSINGSIt does not seem like almost two months since we last posted about our journey here on Isla Mujeres. We have had an over whelming amount of shoes given to us and purchased since writing last and what a blessing it has been for the kids here. February we handed out over a 100 pairs of shoes and the month of March we gave away over 200 pairs as well. We went to Guadalapana, the community we love on the most and also did a shoe outreach in the community of La Gloria at the home of Evelyn. We can not thank everyone enough for supporting these efforts with love, shoes, and donations as we continue to love on the precious feet of the kids on the island. God is so faithful and we keep seeking out His will in our lives as we share His son Jesus each day granted to us here. May your days before you be richly blessed.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIeQtMKfwLRhb_AcVJN15BPfAL3qI29YGHs8gb_dZtdV5fSTsb3rlgUTFIab0RtQ3LqSwM8xlUev5AalHG4m6qX346XhN4NH0Eh2xNKv_qgOQEn3xvcv0-Xi0VfjsY0r7xxSxdnx-g78/s1600/Feb+shoes+081.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIeQtMKfwLRhb_AcVJN15BPfAL3qI29YGHs8gb_dZtdV5fSTsb3rlgUTFIab0RtQ3LqSwM8xlUev5AalHG4m6qX346XhN4NH0Eh2xNKv_qgOQEn3xvcv0-Xi0VfjsY0r7xxSxdnx-g78/s320/Feb+shoes+081.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEINmYsAwlhcfzITVXczALmmJpdFqs_Cd9iG5pPZfgUAG5NA8MBDvNE8rixpfNpck2cQeMm7CEd97BU7GZEFq41IzlqBauIPq5ZHFg5PrYjiYA8AbvF2bprHBz-AN3-vFMJiCHZc15TB0/s1600/feb+2013+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEINmYsAwlhcfzITVXczALmmJpdFqs_Cd9iG5pPZfgUAG5NA8MBDvNE8rixpfNpck2cQeMm7CEd97BU7GZEFq41IzlqBauIPq5ZHFg5PrYjiYA8AbvF2bprHBz-AN3-vFMJiCHZc15TB0/s320/feb+2013+021.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLAft1GgslGwzEx2rAzrv0lCheklwyqtLKbSCTVTyoLyT8-S1yhoOTuClhvZbkYaAhs6ssH4Il9PAjownwpHNj0yRTGm00uII4NXUgiVt2XnHcC7DGcWXIZoNSQsitXSizpYIivm9OdI/s1600/oregon+gang+2013+129.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLAft1GgslGwzEx2rAzrv0lCheklwyqtLKbSCTVTyoLyT8-S1yhoOTuClhvZbkYaAhs6ssH4Il9PAjownwpHNj0yRTGm00uII4NXUgiVt2XnHcC7DGcWXIZoNSQsitXSizpYIivm9OdI/s320/oregon+gang+2013+129.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDanlKaSD6yAMQBR112W4JovVnOYA4jEU9WszDGzj8zKzzm-c1of4yNegLJm_ozUxrN2tLGOT8zHxfLReCMfXeKfFxKOE1wEoEvf48RRiyCsH_P52AA7NmWOnP3_fZTNc5i71QsJL_GI/s1600/evelin+shoe+day+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDanlKaSD6yAMQBR112W4JovVnOYA4jEU9WszDGzj8zKzzm-c1of4yNegLJm_ozUxrN2tLGOT8zHxfLReCMfXeKfFxKOE1wEoEvf48RRiyCsH_P52AA7NmWOnP3_fZTNc5i71QsJL_GI/s320/evelin+shoe+day+023.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZ0X8PitDf0p34G9Rlvj1mIeLprCNvnbTgGKn27Ogpe2P-Bbqui6W7ao0BmCn3r_-NW1YoMVv5k4oOxnW3btYtqX4XlqN8gsrrnoPUwfc32J6IFVX5TS30YrLG-lghiOJSMvfuufF-AQ/s1600/oregon+gang+2013+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZ0X8PitDf0p34G9Rlvj1mIeLprCNvnbTgGKn27Ogpe2P-Bbqui6W7ao0BmCn3r_-NW1YoMVv5k4oOxnW3btYtqX4XlqN8gsrrnoPUwfc32J6IFVX5TS30YrLG-lghiOJSMvfuufF-AQ/s320/oregon+gang+2013+050.JPG" /></a>Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-77715484530026445252013-01-24T07:14:00.000-08:002013-01-24T07:14:53.397-08:002013 IN FULL SWING
Christmas was a grand event for the kids here on Isla. With all the normal festivities that the Island holds, we were able to hand out over 250 pairs of shoes and provide a meal with entertainment as well. Instead of Santa showing up, a clown came with his two helpers and created a lot of smiles for a few hours. Turkey sandwiches and spaghetti for all the kids along with glow sticks and a small gift. Thanks to everyone involved in making this happen for the children whom we love so dearly. February is shaping up to be another great month as many folks have contacted us to bring shoes/or buy them here and go find some precious feet to love on. Stay tuned for February as 2013 is shaping up to be an exciting year that lies ahead, as always... "Lord willing." <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-5168841122131282922012-12-05T16:21:00.000-08:002012-12-05T16:21:36.431-08:00GEARING UP FOR CHRISTMAS
We can not believe that Christmas is almost here once again and that come January 7th, we will be starting our 6th year here on Isla Mujeres. We had an exciting November as two shoe deliveries where completed and we made some new friends along the way. We also got to catch up with old friends that brought shoes for the kids as well as some neat stocking hats and glow sticks. We have been saving shoes and gifts from the kind and loving folks who have been blessing us with donations as we get ready for Christmas. There are so many kids that will have nothing this year here and it is such a humbling experience to go and give them a little something wrapped up to let them know someone remembered. Please pray for us as we continue to love on the children, and share why we celebrate Christmas. Thanks for all the loving support this past year and may God richly bless you.
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Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-44988275718403300872012-10-22T06:48:00.000-07:002012-10-22T06:54:14.822-07:00STEADY AS SHE GOESA term we have heard most of our life used by sailors abroad. The course is set, and the captain shouts, "Steady as she goes". We continue to remind ourselves of this as God has set the course we are on and we are to hold course, and keep it steady. We had the opportunity to hand out shoes this past weekend, thanks to folks from all over that continue to bring shoes, and buy some here on the Island for our ministry. Carl from Canada left shoes with Marcia, Jackie brought shoes from Oregon as well as ones Cindy , from Texas left with her, and Audrey also from Texas pitched in as well in fitting shoes. Great time was had by all as we were greeted by Shelly and her Mom asking if we wanted to use their home to hand out shoes. Tables were hauled in from surrounding homes and it was a community effort to get us set up for the kids. Over 125 pairs were handed out along with some school supplies. Who would of thought that even if they did not get a pair of shoes that they would be jumping with joy over a single pencil or a pencil sharpener. Shayla, our little helper from one of the other homes we use showed up out of nowhere and took charge with the pencils and other supplies. It is so rewarding to see the kids get involved with our outreach and minister to each other. It is easy to wonder if we are making a difference as we go, yet we keep our course and God reminds us with each adventure, "Steady as she goes." The following day we were downtown checking on our status with the ferry cards and a dear friend came over to say hello. He asked me how our kids were and I replied that our son was fine. He smiled and asked me again but added "Your kids in Guadalapana?" He told us that he was there the other day making a delivery and was talking with some of the kids. He informed us that they may not know the name of their dad but they all know Gregorio and Natalie. We continue to inch along the course God has set for us and with each rising of the sun, we hear that command, "Steady as she goes." We trust in our Captain as we look to the future and thank everyone that is helping us stay the course.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-5170203338849498852012-09-10T11:12:00.000-07:002012-09-10T11:12:38.469-07:00Shoes for the New School YearIt has been an exciting August and September for us as we went searching for the neediest kids to bless with new school shoes for the year. The students here on Isla Mujeres must have uniforms to attend school and along with that, proper shoes. We sought out the families that we have been ministering to over the years and picked out a few of them for school shoes. It is always a hard decision to make as to who gets them and who doesn't. We have been blessed by PEACE Org. here, who has for the last two years donated money towards our efforts to keep these feet protected. This year we took their money and some of yours and 20+ kids got school shoes. If you think it is an adventure to go buy school shoes in the states, then come on down and we will show you a whole new way of doing it. First we had to go and contact the families and let them know what we wanted to do for them. Next, is deciding when a good time would be to meet them at the store. Then, explaining which store we wanted to meet them at. That could take us all day since "Lost in Translation" takes on a whole new meaning. After arriving at the store, we pray that they remember to come on the correct day and so we sit and wait patiently. Some show and some don't, so<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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for those that do, we get out the catalogs and start searching. We give them a basis for cost and then stand back and watch. They can spend hours wishing and hoping over some of the shoes, but we try and keep them focused on school shoes. Once ordered, then we have to set a date to meet them there again to pick up the shoes. Hopefully they remember and that they fit. If they don't fit, then we go through the whole process one more time with catalogs, wishing, hoping and finally ordering another pair. You might be asking, why not just order the same shoes just a size or two bigger? Well, they might not have them in that size or can't find it in the catalog since that catalog has disappeared. We had one pair delivered and they were both 26's, but one was a Chica and the other a Mujer. That means one was for a girl and the other for a woman. They have all received their shoes after a 6 week span <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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and are happy campers at school. Even though it is a long process, the most important thing of all is, we get to continue to build relationships with the families here and that the kids get to go to school. Thanks PEACE and our other faithful donors for keeping the process moving forward.
Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-4466727253207183602012-08-08T10:02:00.000-07:002012-08-08T10:02:00.603-07:00Ministry that never stopsWe start each and every day seeking out guidance, through the word of God, as to what He would have us do. The opportunities to reach out to this beautiful culture which surrounds us are never ending. It would be easy to get stretched very thin trying to help those in need each day here, but the Lord's encouraging words to us have helped us remain focused on the kids and shoes. He reminds us that we can't do everything, but that we CAN do something. We see feet with no shoes each day while traveling on our Moto to pay bills, grocery shop, visit friends, etc. At this time of year, especially, we understand that the locals prefer to go barefoot a lot of the time as they go about their day, and that just because they are barefoot, it does not mean they don't have shoes to wear. (Sometimes they have "a pair" of shoes and they want to save them to keep them nice!) All in all, however, God continues to be faithful in guiding us to the areas where we can sit down on the curb, use someones house, or visit a special family and hand out shoes. We trust that they get on the right feet and know that they will get worn in the days to come. As we continue our ministry here, more days than not, we are greeted with yells of "Gregorio!" and "Natalie!" as we zoom around on our moto. It brings us so much joy knowing that we are connecting with the kids here, and that their parents recognize us as we seek to establish relationships. We do not get to meet a lot of the parents when we go out due to the fact that they are both out working or gathering the daily supplies for the family. Without running water, refrigeration, electricity, and storage space, the daily chores that we used to do in the states in an hour, can take all day for the folks here.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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God has specifically placed the feet of the children here before us and faithfully we continue to place shoes on them as He provides. It is hard to imagine that on an Island only 4 plus miles long and 3/4 of a mile wide that we have not yet reached all the communities in the 5 years we have been here! With that in mind, our ministry never stops and we continue to press on for His glory in loving on the people and the feet here. Blessings from this little corner of the world into which God has placed us, and thank you for keeping us lifted up in prayer. Many thanks to all of you! As you give, we go. We could not do this without you partnership.Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-18345797662378357762012-06-08T10:41:00.000-07:002012-06-08T14:54:17.313-07:00Making New Friends and Loving On The KidsWe have started to attend a little home church, here on Isla Mujeres the past few months, and it is great to meet new people. Through going to the home church, we have been able to reach out to the community that surrounds them and love on some new kids. Our extended family came down with some friends for a couple of weeks and brought shoes for the ministry, as well as buying some from the local merchants. It was such a blessing to have folks do the handing out with us so that we can take more photos, and also take the opportunity to visit with the people longer. As all of you who have had the pleasure of going with us know first hand it can get rushed sometimes, to say the least. Yesterday we got to go with the Pastor and his wife to meet a family with very special kids. Emma, the 17 year old girl, and Ricardo who is 14, do not speak. Emma has ear problems, and Ricardo hears well but for some reason does not speak. We took them both one of the "In Touch Ministries" recorders we obtained for more outreach opportunities here. The photos say it all as they lit up with joy hearing the word. Ricardo did not put his down or stop listening the entire hour we were there, and now and then he would look up, give us 2 thumbs up, grinning from ear to ear. It is always humbling for us, as continue to seek out His will, that He uses us for such occasions as this. As we were leaving, Martha the mom came out with a gift for us. It was a rose she had made out of fish scales. The ability so many of our new friends have to take stuff we would throw away and turn it into such beauty is pretty neat. We keep seeking out new avenues to venture down, and kids to love on, as the summer months are gaining momentum here in the Caribbean. We ask that prayer be lifted up for this tiny Island in regards to the Hurricane season approaching. That we are missed for another year here, as has been the case the last 5 years. Blessings from I<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqDuJ1nTuy1Jl9meN6onzM1khyphenhyphen3aImzGnAV957YE72_U7GeRDnCZ0W7QdbNut25WKNMhMNUTVsMsPTVht6EwjrPOyj4ukOftaBmUzHbQfH9sfYPC0yx71lzjQlC9l1EwvWwS5omfHh4c/s1600/DSCN0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqDuJ1nTuy1Jl9meN6onzM1khyphenhyphen3aImzGnAV957YE72_U7GeRDnCZ0W7QdbNut25WKNMhMNUTVsMsPTVht6EwjrPOyj4ukOftaBmUzHbQfH9sfYPC0yx71lzjQlC9l1EwvWwS5omfHh4c/s400/DSCN0030.JPG" /></a>
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sla MujeresIsla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-76493958927329527292012-04-26T07:50:00.000-07:002012-04-26T07:53:15.980-07:00April is disappearing in a hurry and the heat is starting to come upon us for the summer months ahead. Greg is going to be completely done with the painting he took on 9 months ago at the condominiums and what a celebration we are going to have this Friday. We have had a lot of visitors this past month that have blessed Islazapatos with tons of shoes and a whole lot of love for the kids here. We have been blessed with the continued flow of shoes coming our way along with another opportunity God gave us. A dear friend gave us a website through In Touch Ministries that give out little recorders with 35 messages and the New Testament on them. They come with a charger and are also solar powered for those without electricity. We qualified and received 30 of them a few weeks ago. Our beloved friend Cecilia was the first recipient and what a blessings to see the peace of God wash over her as she sat and listened to the word. She is one of many folks we have met here that are illiterate so needless to say we are so excited to hand these out and allow His word to minister to them. Gods grace continues to give us good health and protection from the many things we face each day here in the Tropics. So much is taken for granted in our lives but we always give thanks to God for the little things each day as we pursue His Kingdom and love on the wonderful people we have gotten to know over the years. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-43005429276802593652012-03-11T08:19:00.004-07:002012-03-11T08:41:43.245-07:00People Who Love...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDzbGFNg2EP7A5zozy5IYK13vgPVLhcWfzMrKiQhrZnu1ykz8tTtSX6Si5P0QXOO8_2HE8JmSmGMY3us9Z2PJ2jin6Mur44mRH0NQ01B9aoD1ZSrrmgZYocoszROVlC9zLCiXBRAQ48s/s1600/Shoes+Debbie+F.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDzbGFNg2EP7A5zozy5IYK13vgPVLhcWfzMrKiQhrZnu1ykz8tTtSX6Si5P0QXOO8_2HE8JmSmGMY3us9Z2PJ2jin6Mur44mRH0NQ01B9aoD1ZSrrmgZYocoszROVlC9zLCiXBRAQ48s/s400/Shoes+Debbie+F.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718660291003827890" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_VMWaD0DSUn1XhQKDjIcb78SwXiFfWDrS4l90ej-W4bnavGrqhwDeClllA5mAJ5g5LbNvttyneGbsKN-IISxepT47qRDecCys9PdVXxOdVysUJBHJQC16hx7W3zs1V6aJGdGuevTtcQ/s1600/IMG_5105.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_VMWaD0DSUn1XhQKDjIcb78SwXiFfWDrS4l90ej-W4bnavGrqhwDeClllA5mAJ5g5LbNvttyneGbsKN-IISxepT47qRDecCys9PdVXxOdVysUJBHJQC16hx7W3zs1V6aJGdGuevTtcQ/s400/IMG_5105.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718660287049800786" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOlRRmW6E5p-5_Z7J8OMTRHVJwl1deykJaxqwLAqtchgP1k3TfC4UZ7Poo94-ePQ3AHyi_-dMaLueSgrxCN3WVFMNDnvp3CajbZrUWDq6FllQtevQr90_ZSL8ArVIOB3D3HWDvrERYOs/s1600/Isla_Guadaloupana_41.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOlRRmW6E5p-5_Z7J8OMTRHVJwl1deykJaxqwLAqtchgP1k3TfC4UZ7Poo94-ePQ3AHyi_-dMaLueSgrxCN3WVFMNDnvp3CajbZrUWDq6FllQtevQr90_ZSL8ArVIOB3D3HWDvrERYOs/s400/Isla_Guadaloupana_41.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718660300902830370" /></a><br /><br />There are so many people who share their love for the children of Isla Mujeres by giving of their time, their resources, and their creativity! We want to thank each and every one of you for your gracious love and support for Zapatos Para Los Ninos. Denny and Rose brought us a unique gift this year. A Papa Noel Zapatos bag! We can't wait to deliver shoes from this cool sack!!!! Also, Debbie picked out these sparkling shoes for one of God's special little princesses. Some little girl is going to have a huge smile on her face when she walks away in these! Ryan gave us some beautiful photos, and along with Alicia, took the time to help us deliver shoes. We would like to thank you all by name, but your names are already indelibly printed on our hearts and imprinted on the lives of the people here, whom you have so generously given to. You know who you are, and God has seen you water the garden of His precious little ones. Our motto continues to be, "As He has given to us, so we give to you..." , and as you give, we go! It is a tremendous blessing to be supported by YOU, and as we start into this next year of ministry here, we look back with grateful hearts for the wonderful people who have been, and are, standing beside us in partnership. We love you all, and from the bottom of our hearts say, "Muchas Gracias"!Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-74398018969509490712012-02-29T10:16:00.005-08:002012-02-29T11:11:00.528-08:00Back on Track<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN8Q2ZW9s2wIAVWFydkBJ2a5aQ0dTd7yQeBJk2P3q_LtKR1Rcw3_G8J2998NQuxV3hkYeNPKtlPkP6yhJKL2M0qqHmBFUZce7NG6q4zIs2tWn_pol9LTGqVM_OcqDIY4Gs9SKTBA1m-E/s1600/furchuk+feb+265.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN8Q2ZW9s2wIAVWFydkBJ2a5aQ0dTd7yQeBJk2P3q_LtKR1Rcw3_G8J2998NQuxV3hkYeNPKtlPkP6yhJKL2M0qqHmBFUZce7NG6q4zIs2tWn_pol9LTGqVM_OcqDIY4Gs9SKTBA1m-E/s400/furchuk+feb+265.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714632443000489602" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS6LyqHOIBNO9MRmkmAJwM7dOiLvT8SzotxGar3c_moHlvKy8yxEdgKyj3NAavkufYh9a2LSHgQbIOsj_Li0VcywHKJrrpxzKTl4E_TrOvG0iPvCi1Xs9vfNhdkf3A-lDGQGqM8eu-XE/s1600/pears+and+more+198.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS6LyqHOIBNO9MRmkmAJwM7dOiLvT8SzotxGar3c_moHlvKy8yxEdgKyj3NAavkufYh9a2LSHgQbIOsj_Li0VcywHKJrrpxzKTl4E_TrOvG0iPvCi1Xs9vfNhdkf3A-lDGQGqM8eu-XE/s400/pears+and+more+198.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714630056571960818" /></a><br />Well, it has been a long 6 months for us around here to say the least. Greg started a repair and paint project on our Condo building back in August of 2011 thinking it would take a couple of months to complete. Here we are almost to March 2012 and he still needs to put the finishing details around the building to be completely finished. We have seen how easy it is to get busy and how it tilted ours lives to a pretty amazing degree of upheaval. Natalie had to start doing little things around the house that Greg had been doing for four years. We have not even had time to go to the beach and say hello to all our friends that work there as Greg's exhausting schedule kept him working eight hours a day, six days a week. Natalie became his biggest cheerleader and kept him looking towards the final time he would have to set up and tear down the scaffolding around the building. Shipped it back to Cancun last week and he is now back on solid ground for the rest of the painting. Praise God for giving us the strength and support to make time for several shoe drops and to love on the kids of Isla Mujeres. They are always so appreciative for the shoes and we are so blessed to be able to hand them out in the name of Jesus thanks to the folks that continue to give for His glory.Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-81348206876873479672012-01-04T07:46:00.000-08:002012-01-04T07:59:38.542-08:00Blessings In The New Year<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-3rDFmcz2Zvu_FUYY0xCJJfB4Q06Nwk6zDTcRoilWKDPuXt0FDSCcOPKxlESwkkhJNo_N9bpsstDast-EGhvO_wSU-0tE3YTiiTnTwkzyh0hNSBBAGGAMG9-IZ-8-b19dQrSraUkVRc/s1600/IMG_3161.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-3rDFmcz2Zvu_FUYY0xCJJfB4Q06Nwk6zDTcRoilWKDPuXt0FDSCcOPKxlESwkkhJNo_N9bpsstDast-EGhvO_wSU-0tE3YTiiTnTwkzyh0hNSBBAGGAMG9-IZ-8-b19dQrSraUkVRc/s400/IMG_3161.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693806936395129762" /></a><br />Meet Nancy (in the orange dress) and her little sister. Nancy's mother is blind and Nancy is constantly seen leading her mother to her school in the morning. Once there, Nancy's little sister leads mama home. They are a beautiful sight to us and a wonderful example of caring for others in life. We pray that in the New Year, you may be blessed to hold the hand of someone in need, or that someone will see your need and hold yours! We always take comfort in knowing God's hand is constantly stretched out to us. He is our ever present Help in time of need. Loving Him and you in the New Year, Greg and NatalieIsla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-9702158510882439772012-01-03T09:59:00.000-08:002012-01-04T18:41:41.949-08:00Christmas ShoesWe want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year, and to thank each and every one of you who have been a part of Zapatos Para Los Ninos! On Christmas Eve we were able to deliver almost 300 pairs of shoes, and for the first time, every child who came for shoes got them! Whoo hoo! We had many generous helpers who brought shoes, toothbrushes and toothpaste, new clothing, hats, blankets, and special gifts. It was a real festival! Our local friend, Manuelin, blocked off the road so he could set up several piñatas. Chairs lined the street, a few of the local ladies made tamales for everyone, and then Santa Claus showed up for a visit. It was so special to see the children all dressed up in their best clothes, and excited for new shoes. When we first began delivering shoes to certain parts of the island, almost none of the children wore shoes. Now when we go to deliver shoes, we are more likely to replace an old worn pair! Praise the Lord!And thank you to Kirk Blackburn for putting together this slideshow!<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzoTMwcipGMnkY2fcG8deC1_9wA5RefzTcHc_Ydbigtnc8TPBa9EDYgwj9_fIUXcJXNkPJqgzPwwMvOz02BZQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-91814441356850653982011-12-01T06:04:00.000-08:002011-12-01T06:29:29.114-08:00It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeT3hyphenhyphenOOkI8Vi5kQy5ijsqARZopw9sWaPOOsoqNnh3IkGt8RCvoa74uxYxCFHMaa2kfuB1iUZtzgTJVz7q_z0KM5f6uQnHH1wqpcdmCwzjslMSe8BAPeJf0qPH3gJjvFtyl1dBqxxU1b0/s1600/October+shoe+drop+109.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeT3hyphenhyphenOOkI8Vi5kQy5ijsqARZopw9sWaPOOsoqNnh3IkGt8RCvoa74uxYxCFHMaa2kfuB1iUZtzgTJVz7q_z0KM5f6uQnHH1wqpcdmCwzjslMSe8BAPeJf0qPH3gJjvFtyl1dBqxxU1b0/s320/October+shoe+drop+109.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681166140822132146" /></a><br />This morning we woke up to 54 degrees and 90% humidity. Cold to say the least for Isla Mujeres. Downtown in the plaza the decorations are going up and homes around the Island are starting to glow with a Christmas theme. We are gathering quite a bundle of shoes and assorted goodies as we prepare for our annual Christmas outreach. Such an exciting time for the kids here in anticipation that Papa Noel (Santa Claus) is coming to town. As Christmas approaches we are reminded of the greatest gift ever given, Jesus Christ and the price He paid for us. A gift given with unmeasurable love and our desire is to share this love with every pair of shoes. Blessings during this wonderful Christmas season and thanks for all you do.Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-31344804675801903782011-10-20T05:42:00.000-07:002011-10-20T05:47:49.270-07:00Blessings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtVEVwRI4NiQUx0AIZvA0Oa9oYQ7WTdgr-AFZQN1ZlchGZeZOHjake-xRflGeMCbJQDKk-X4Mr5Sw4nbnsTCj6mLD2cKbjIcbFw4x2ZlJhyphenhyphenC_3_OWEriLmL_zr3zPEV18wuSOjo4tYOE/s1600/October+shoe+drop+152.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtVEVwRI4NiQUx0AIZvA0Oa9oYQ7WTdgr-AFZQN1ZlchGZeZOHjake-xRflGeMCbJQDKk-X4Mr5Sw4nbnsTCj6mLD2cKbjIcbFw4x2ZlJhyphenhyphenC_3_OWEriLmL_zr3zPEV18wuSOjo4tYOE/s320/October+shoe+drop+152.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665555036809327938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTVro4l7pv4KX1QTWWvvslxCjbHhEy4ShXVhcpskycF-T3pmphZB6fJUkdwf9LOSUTiLKNlQtE4ljEleR35Euu4uQsExhWWX33VPGzsiHLnDHxl1JiZRMnWF6aWgyU9tQVEebzJyuKqY/s1600/October+shoe+drop+014.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTVro4l7pv4KX1QTWWvvslxCjbHhEy4ShXVhcpskycF-T3pmphZB6fJUkdwf9LOSUTiLKNlQtE4ljEleR35Euu4uQsExhWWX33VPGzsiHLnDHxl1JiZRMnWF6aWgyU9tQVEebzJyuKqY/s320/October+shoe+drop+014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665555034854250530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrjH7AkQDAoLHJMprYxs3_t0lOIrJC3HJOtqUg1WK8FR4cbdJI7taD8ZiPWNT4kqSv04CI9UkIMt-KLVMf8zieRZOCWRD54VYcDGAawSyE0pIJ9SDGLWAmO9nh7Y0li9hHwrrORsVrjI/s1600/October+shoe+drop+170.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrjH7AkQDAoLHJMprYxs3_t0lOIrJC3HJOtqUg1WK8FR4cbdJI7taD8ZiPWNT4kqSv04CI9UkIMt-KLVMf8zieRZOCWRD54VYcDGAawSyE0pIJ9SDGLWAmO9nh7Y0li9hHwrrORsVrjI/s320/October+shoe+drop+170.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665555040131742194" /></a><br />What a blessing for us to be able to stand back and watch others love on the kids here. We struck up a conversation with a group of ladies we had met before on the beach the other day and they informed us they had shoes. A few days later they asked us if we could go with them and help out. Of course we said yes, and set the time and place to meet. They went down to central and bought shoes from Ely, our favorite store owner and helped her make rent once more. Upon meeting with the group, we found out that 5 of them were from Milwaukie, Oregon where we had just been for 3 weeks visiting family. Small world and God is so faithful in bringing folks such as these to love on the little feet here. Over 100 pairs of shoes were fitted that day by loving hearts and gentle hands. Simple acts of caring and giving bring big smiles and memories for these kids. Thanks for sharing your time in helping us love on the precious feet of Isla Mujeres.Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-23226449335474277852011-10-10T09:24:00.000-07:002011-10-10T09:54:05.882-07:00TIME<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHe9wl0WzvMopwQbTJfhRk-eT8D6GIQ6T2-MEDKYw5SLEDVoy8LFtkBuN84YlajhZmu7RJnt9vofTJMSroMOCfhT0FvG6zdxEcY9uW4x2CYTIIWzrQhruccRD3Ahua9rFimAiw_6zOWw/s1600/canutal+shoe+drop+013.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHe9wl0WzvMopwQbTJfhRk-eT8D6GIQ6T2-MEDKYw5SLEDVoy8LFtkBuN84YlajhZmu7RJnt9vofTJMSroMOCfhT0FvG6zdxEcY9uW4x2CYTIIWzrQhruccRD3Ahua9rFimAiw_6zOWw/s320/canutal+shoe+drop+013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661907339064142546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQnSe-oFnb5QAyXyHA2J4El_E9N5WwGw5lO_fNS0LixlHEV2pFoueZQ1j9Xo42BUKKYhQYBnTClqzZjAGMbntEDkZKgvliKpvVr0QaLX75AMGB8rX4zHgUOnn3tjjsnx1xLGeeEBE93k/s1600/canutal+shoe+drop+099.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQnSe-oFnb5QAyXyHA2J4El_E9N5WwGw5lO_fNS0LixlHEV2pFoueZQ1j9Xo42BUKKYhQYBnTClqzZjAGMbntEDkZKgvliKpvVr0QaLX75AMGB8rX4zHgUOnn3tjjsnx1xLGeeEBE93k/s320/canutal+shoe+drop+099.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661907348908043042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2EmtZigBgTS-UqeLy_yi50kmRDY-IlOWtXcoquyJqIKnPM66t7XmAz_bYrpPYc2SqzKNwae2uKGqYtt73F0vWSBmlsmvlB_aOrcwEAf4_PgUAqmLfXTNDN54ryyJi50uW8odSz5c5RI/s1600/shoes+in+August+108.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2EmtZigBgTS-UqeLy_yi50kmRDY-IlOWtXcoquyJqIKnPM66t7XmAz_bYrpPYc2SqzKNwae2uKGqYtt73F0vWSBmlsmvlB_aOrcwEAf4_PgUAqmLfXTNDN54ryyJi50uW8odSz5c5RI/s320/shoes+in+August+108.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661906308877310322" /></a><br />We have referred to this word many times in our past postings, and it is still one we find worth pondering. Time never stops moving forward. We can not turn it back as much as we would like to sometimes. "Timing is everything" is a favorite phrase in our society. "Time just got away from me... where did the time go?... I don't have the time. We use it in many ways to either excuse ourselves from not keeping an appointment or recognizing that time really did get way from us and wonder how it happened. We just returned from a 3 week visit to Oregon to see family and our wonderful son graduate from The Art Institute of Portland in Photography. Sitting down this morning I realized it has been a "Long Time" since the last posting. We have had folks from around the states contact us and deliver shoes here for the kids. Met many new visitors on the beach and given the chance to share why we are here and what we are doing. We took one family into a new colonial to hand out shoes and the need is great everywhere. We are still amazed at the response over a new pair of flip flops or sandals for those precious little feet. So many parents let us know that we came at the perfect "TIME" as their other shoes had just fallen apart. As we continue to share and show others our journey here, they have taken it upon themselves to come again and go hand out shoes on their own. Praise God for their love for the kids and desire to keep impacting them in little ways. We keep seeking out God's will with each rising sun and He continues to leads us to new families and friends.Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-30406584261146228222011-08-08T07:31:00.000-07:002011-08-08T08:30:51.578-07:00A WILLING VESSEL WITH A SERVANTS HEART<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMhdvVTHNW696MAyXa3BCPHsGRHuu1So7M-aNJ47Qfaci8qJv-frNO1E5vAJ5A3i7pIOacZJT0_nXAFGGLY1fpk18vbq5ZR2AxpoYgsAUWR7NnijxroGVdSro2qzLSQUOCnHc65Jmxfw/s1600/shoes+in+august+135.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMhdvVTHNW696MAyXa3BCPHsGRHuu1So7M-aNJ47Qfaci8qJv-frNO1E5vAJ5A3i7pIOacZJT0_nXAFGGLY1fpk18vbq5ZR2AxpoYgsAUWR7NnijxroGVdSro2qzLSQUOCnHc65Jmxfw/s320/shoes+in+august+135.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638506459714441378" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2wJ5yXDjSSQsC0r4AXDExE0_xazd34611JugVU0lu8yjTf1KGLDLtH47fhnyUJNsxGAx7r0KEtF08BEnXx817VuiJ3hBsKs9FHWTdeNP5boCWPkPeTcAl4ASFIv_h641Q3tkamSaD88/s1600/shoes+in+august+038.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2wJ5yXDjSSQsC0r4AXDExE0_xazd34611JugVU0lu8yjTf1KGLDLtH47fhnyUJNsxGAx7r0KEtF08BEnXx817VuiJ3hBsKs9FHWTdeNP5boCWPkPeTcAl4ASFIv_h641Q3tkamSaD88/s320/shoes+in+august+038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638506453624436930" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lQP30SM-D2hcsiKf6YsBMObIaE_p3QVi85IIB1RZ2SZ7IkC9ovPdvqbdzzrIpmSv5Z8aMHW1OgtCIxS6Yjn9YUE0IL8dQH9pdTXY3qpM3XmuR5Pr49nDoEeQW-equGo5zd_rBFlureQ/s1600/shoes+in+august+011.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lQP30SM-D2hcsiKf6YsBMObIaE_p3QVi85IIB1RZ2SZ7IkC9ovPdvqbdzzrIpmSv5Z8aMHW1OgtCIxS6Yjn9YUE0IL8dQH9pdTXY3qpM3XmuR5Pr49nDoEeQW-equGo5zd_rBFlureQ/s320/shoes+in+august+011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638506445214117874" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQR0hfw4g7H2EgYRsQMuM-OFqD8q8-S1J0EVSxCiIMZfY030vB-G4Xnfdoqi3NyOPfTRYCmagDdVdwhuHn94Wiv0fywFAq1SWPaSEm3wCquIVpVVJ7w57NAOGSu3Mfuvod5qgblFmCco/s1600/shoes+in+august+122.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQR0hfw4g7H2EgYRsQMuM-OFqD8q8-S1J0EVSxCiIMZfY030vB-G4Xnfdoqi3NyOPfTRYCmagDdVdwhuHn94Wiv0fywFAq1SWPaSEm3wCquIVpVVJ7w57NAOGSu3Mfuvod5qgblFmCco/s320/shoes+in+august+122.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638506469494238866" /></a>
<br />A SERVANTS HEART: I read this morning in Luke how Jesus came to serve and His example of humility is what we should all be desiring in our own lives. We were touched by our friends from New Jersey once again with their love and serving towards the kids of Isla Mujeres. Debbie, along with her family came down with shoes, little flashlights, glow sticks, Frisbees, and a whole lot of other stuff for the kids. We were blessed by getting to go with them and take photos as they loved these precious souls in the name of Jesus. She is the C.E.O. of the Original, "JERSEY GIRLS" that we have written about in past blogs. This trip she brought her 2 daughters and husband to join her first hand in what she has been doing the last couple of years. They have heard all the stories and seen the photos from past visits but this time, they came and experienced it together. What a blessing they were to the kids as they marched right in like they had done it everyday and loved on them as they handed out all the goodies. It is great for us to stand back and allow others to take home a changed heart, experiences of a different culture, and most of all, their testimony as to how God used them to serve others. Our desire here on the Island is to be "WILLING VESSELS WITH A SERVANTS HEART" as we continue with the work God desires to do through us. The GLORY is all His and we are humbled by the folks He directs to us for the furthering of His Kingdom. Thanks Joe and Debbie for sharing in this journey with us. Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168906065167481691.post-91845829312348709272011-07-13T11:03:00.000-07:002011-07-13T11:24:04.034-07:00More shoes and lots more love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiHl7in1OBBni9ftiiYQ7BflvDOpZ53VM6_FPEGpmCkPAnehF9oYPdeOyaOhZMPXIUzG4ZpEg51_AxTSO4qdsuZ2sxinUZOFLH309rFaYUgHquGEXr-F8EZsasW9aPLlNOIURub2J99Q/s1600/july+shoes+round+two+055.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiHl7in1OBBni9ftiiYQ7BflvDOpZ53VM6_FPEGpmCkPAnehF9oYPdeOyaOhZMPXIUzG4ZpEg51_AxTSO4qdsuZ2sxinUZOFLH309rFaYUgHquGEXr-F8EZsasW9aPLlNOIURub2J99Q/s320/july+shoes+round+two+055.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628903907917138594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYvb57W4ktmODAZHqhJlyPwhKY_Dk2_-NrBEaUsR127qQG-7rpDpCE_K85bSojN32HeBUFIcL1ZAOxnR1nGIF53RNTsjwxsrXhmh5aIwM8KBJfmiQiC0IEG4v6yduFa4e1F-zY-BGHrk/s1600/july+shoes+round+two+041.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYvb57W4ktmODAZHqhJlyPwhKY_Dk2_-NrBEaUsR127qQG-7rpDpCE_K85bSojN32HeBUFIcL1ZAOxnR1nGIF53RNTsjwxsrXhmh5aIwM8KBJfmiQiC0IEG4v6yduFa4e1F-zY-BGHrk/s320/july+shoes+round+two+041.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628903898479357058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXcelEbJapBS7Wq7zZmtOrYpD-e-BoKVx3OOvFhJ_D-WFDx6A6lGB7bb5M1myCTU_kW01xUoeyxQVnKICZJ2LwYqVnS58N-hOXDaNSMPwnOdbs4HUUlvSTozxVo_nC_faJQim3eHJpJs/s1600/july+shoes+round+two+027.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXcelEbJapBS7Wq7zZmtOrYpD-e-BoKVx3OOvFhJ_D-WFDx6A6lGB7bb5M1myCTU_kW01xUoeyxQVnKICZJ2LwYqVnS58N-hOXDaNSMPwnOdbs4HUUlvSTozxVo_nC_faJQim3eHJpJs/s320/july+shoes+round+two+027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628903892600366466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gEcdMlOWJSsqdRv1PflvcbVS3MHnTbh_I1UxDQ7_lxZAT0AsTkt8UZGWRr1wCJymltB_QBcLY_2V0w4ggzCM0p6W0Xrcvx-tsIIPHKvdUmut1ccFBvyq7nUrdWy98CX_naPizs21KjU/s1600/july+shoes+round+two+017.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gEcdMlOWJSsqdRv1PflvcbVS3MHnTbh_I1UxDQ7_lxZAT0AsTkt8UZGWRr1wCJymltB_QBcLY_2V0w4ggzCM0p6W0Xrcvx-tsIIPHKvdUmut1ccFBvyq7nUrdWy98CX_naPizs21KjU/s320/july+shoes+round+two+017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628903883229565474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxBBSi-j6ZaHDrFO1zPEMy0vPwjAjAPXGtt9x2XgFKggpAEZC23q1AzzrNnyKzI4T9-ZJTLlyD7NuP16EzkGviPYxIb286ZMJLAP6UG-y85JBcocifhgc5_9FT0OBfyMd495euBSX21o/s1600/july+shoes+round+two+099.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxBBSi-j6ZaHDrFO1zPEMy0vPwjAjAPXGtt9x2XgFKggpAEZC23q1AzzrNnyKzI4T9-ZJTLlyD7NuP16EzkGviPYxIb286ZMJLAP6UG-y85JBcocifhgc5_9FT0OBfyMd495euBSX21o/s320/july+shoes+round+two+099.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628903913526299922" /></a><br />We see from our last post that a month has already raced past and August is coming sooner than we want. We handed out shoes last week and saw a lot of familiar faces in the crowd. It was a special day for us since school is out and the kids were all there to greet us. When school is in session, we miss 1/2 the kids since they go half days and strange hours throughout the week. As we loved on the kids and handed out shoes, we were reminded of how fast they are growing up. These two guys were 9 when we met them and not very big but wow, what three plus years will do for a growing kid. We have seen a swing in the older ones in the way of fashion desire. It is very cute to see that they become a little bit more aware of styles. It is not that they are not grateful but we want to be sensitive to their surroundings and love on them none the less. Crocs... or a pair of flip flops with some bling on them is all we are talking about and the price is the same. The little ones still like the kick off in a hurry style so that when they want to run fast or rough house, off go the shoes and away they go. They are still kids at heart and such a joy to watch when they interact here. They create silly games to pass the time and you hardly ever see them quarreling. We have visitors coming in August with shoes and lots of love to share. Thanks for your prayers and support as we continue to march forward and love on the kids here.Isla Zapatoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16159230703329294391noreply@blogger.com0