I dunno.

Perhaps the media tends to sensationalize things a bit. I mean if we lived our lives based on the perspective of the television I’d imagine few of us would rarely head out the door if we lived in LA or New York. From what I gather those two places seem to teem with life.

Who would’ve thought TJ (Tee-a-juan-a) could look so pretty?

This early Janaury, as part of our transition into living in a different culture, let alone a different country, we are going to attend a 3-day team-inar on transition issues. One of our Board Members (Dave Burdette) has gracious offered a location owned by his ministry in TJ. From the pictures you’d think we’d be slumbing it … but that is furthest from the truth. Going out for meals as part of our acculturation, observing people at the local malls, and shopping at the street-side markets all prove for a wonderful time.

Sure it’s TJ …let’s not forget that some major crime is happening in that area. Yet, we have a powerful God who has given each of us a spirit of wisdom and discernment. I pray our staff and students have a wonderful time and return to our quiet little hamlet of Porvenir where we are more concerned about wayward cows than AK-47’s.

A few days after arrival in Baja our staff and students jumped into the frying pan. We started our cultural training and immersion program. The closer we drove to TJ the quieter the van conversations grew. By the time we left three days later, the conversations were lively and the dispelled myths about TJ seemed to disappear. They figured if we could walk the streets of Tj doing cultural studies while we visit markets, talk with vendors, and walk the local parks.

With new cultural insights, a better awareness of how media seems to sensationalize things, students are returning to our quiet and quaint little hamlet of Porvenir with grateful hearts. Staying at the castillo (castle) eating some great tacos and venturing to the local malls was a great experience.