Etiquette Class for Jovenes

Before the crazy summer season started some fellow staff members, David and Stacy Whited hosted an etiquette class for some of the teens in the Hope Program.  The class consisted of various sessions where the kids learned about table manners and courtesies that should be shown when out to a nice dinner whether it be a wedding, work event, or a date.

Most of the students in the class had spent the majority of their lives in a childrens’ home before coming into the Back2Back Hope Program, not having many good examples nor chances to practice etiquette. One of our goals with the Hope Program is to prepare our students for life in the ‘real world.’ These students are studying at the highschool and collage levels and when they graduate will most definitely have times where they will need to know proper etiquette.  Sometimes a job interview is nailed by the etiquette skills of the applicant! 

Rodo and Colton folding napkins as we prepared to serve a 3 course meal. 

David and Stacy taught the students how to eat a nice 3 course meal. What each piece of silverware is for, and basic manners on how to cut, chew, eat etc. when in a nice restaurant.    For most of these students this was a first time experience.

I was greatly surprised when later that week I went out to eat with Shannen, a Hope Program student that I disciple. We weren’t at a fancy restaurant or anything, but she was practicing her manners and teaching me a thing or two!

A nicely set table awaiting the teens to arrive...

The etiquette class culminated in a nice three course meal, prepared and served in David and Stacy’s house. Cheque and I and several other staff members were invited to serve the meal as though it was at a real 3 star restaurant.  It was so much fun to serve the teens and even more fun to see what they had learned during the class. All the guys opened the doors for the ladies, pulled out their chairs, and engaged them in conversation. All the students used the correct silverware at the correct times, politely asked for refills, and cut and chewed like ladies and gentlemen.  

Shannen, Homero, Daniel, and Selene politely eating their first course. 

Mario, Averee, Colton, and Perla conversing over the main course.

 Already several students have had the chance to put their etiquette skills to practice in the ‘real world’ at their graduation receptions. It is so fun to see these kids blossom into fine young men and women.

Servers!!!

All of us B2B staff who participated that night. 

Some Favorite Things from Cancun

I went to the B2B ministry site in Cancun in the month of June. Here are a few pictures that capture the trip. I hope you enjoy them and that they inspire you to take a trip of your own. Praise Jesus for what He is doing in Cancun, Mexico. 

Students from Southbrook Church putting on a skit of David and Goliath for the kids at the San Jose Children's home. San Jose is a Catholic run home that has 12 girls and just 1 boy...

Myself, Jody Massey, and Luanne outside Casa Hogar Esperanza.... getting ready for a hamburger cookout with the kids and games! 

Here I am with Naomi in her home in Cancun. Naomi is native Mayan. She lives in a one room block house with several grandchildren and one great-grand baby. She makes a living by selling tamales on the street.  By the generosity of God and friends of mine we are currently constructing a house for Naomi and her family where they won't have to pay rent and where they will fit much better. (notice the hammocks in the background... these are common beds for the poor in Cancun.)  

The church in Tres Rios B2B is supporting. We were helping to pour a concrete floor in this church the week I was there. The church is located in one of the most impoverished communities just outside Cancun. 

Matt Cooper (Cancun director), myself, and Jody and Ryan Massey!

This is the sound system at the church in Tres Rios! I love how creative these people are. 

Smiling faces as we play games outside the Tres Rios church with children' from the community. 

Two of the littlest boys at the DIF children's home in Cancun. This is a government run children's home that B2B Cancun has had a relationship with since the beginning. 

Myself and my friend Teresa posing for a picture together! 

Two of Oti's children at a pizza and games restaurant. Oti is a women that B2B got connecting with through the DIF government program. Oti is a single mom of 8 kids and has some serious health needs. She was at the point of dropping her kids off at the local children's home when B2B came into the picture. Our goal is to help Oti with her needs so that she can continue to raise her kids in her home.... a much better option than an institution. 

A home in Tres Rios... similar to Rio1 in Monterrey where I work, but with a Cancun feel. 

Beautiful! 

My last day in Cancun with the Coopers and we went snorkeling in a nearby reef! 

A beautiful beach in Riviera Maya. 

Just gorgeous what God creates, hun? 

Huge drift wood! 

Good to be Back :)

It was so wonderful to be back in Ohio for a few weeks to visit with family and see many of you! Cheque and I were busy visiting, speaking at churches, hanging with family, and getting things ready for our wedding on October 30th! It was a busy few weeks, but soooo good to be home :)

We are now back in Monterrey, but here are a few pictures from our trip to Ohio! 

Joe, Laina, Cheque, Jon, Brooke, and myself having Auntie Anne's pretzels at a kiddie table in Cincinnati! 

Eating Skyline with friends and supporters the Jones in Oxford, OH! 

I was surprised to see my name on the sign outside my grandparents' church! Cheque and I had a wonderful Sunday sharing at Grace Pointe. 

Visiting with the Anderson family! 

Family dinner :) 

Cheque and his soon-to-be niece, Suzie! 

Cheque and I got a chance to visit friends at the Back2Back home office in Mason, OH. Behind us is the "Day in a Life of  an Orphan" photo exhibit. The purpose is to help bring about awareness of the orphan crisis. 

Me and my good friend, Jenn who surprised me and drove over 4 hours to come to my support raising event.  Thanks Jenn!