Little Piersen finally has two bottom teeth breaking through - his first teeth! I think it was early May that I first spotted them under the skin...and now they have FINALLY broken through. He has been pretty miserable the past few days so we are all thankful to see them. Now I am just left wondering how long it will take them to grow!
I have to write this moment down too.....Chase is so cute and can say and do the funniest things. Today he stepped on something of mine (I don't actually remember what it was), but he came towards me in the kitchen with a very serious and apologetic look on his face. "Mommy, I am sorry I stepped on this. But it is just that my shoes don't have eyes on them!" Too funny (and actually quite abstract thinking for a 3 year old!) His other recent classic line is that when he is doing something he shouldn't be doing (such as playing with water in the bathroom sink) and I say, "Chaser, where are you?"....his response: "I don't know" :) Dead give away that he is into trouble!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Celebrating God's Work
This past Sunday we celebrated some of the great things God has been up to over the past 5 years! We honored James and Erin Henderson (Kate & Caleb) as they head back to Texas for an extended furlough time. It was really encouraging to see the lives that have been influenced and touched over the years. The pictures below represent a visual picture of growth and praise to God - the first picture is our original mission team on our first official Sunday together....meeting in the local forest. The next picture is the group that met on Sunday - brothers, sisters and friends made up of the Tierra Firme congregation and house churches that meet in the Tlalpan area. We acknowlege that God has much much much more happening around us than what these pictures demonstrate, yet we give Him praise and glory for each family unit, each child, each individual that we were together with on Sunday.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
A Tribute to Motherhood
I feel very, very blessed and honored to be able to experience this unique and amazing journey of motherhood. Although I always knew I wanted children, I had no idea of the depth of love, grace and responsibility that I would feel in this role. It is hard, it is constant, it is beautiful. It requires all of you and yet it so quickly and naturally steals your whole heart from that first moment I realized I had a new life within me. It is humbling, and requires selflessness, and patience, and sacrifice. It requires you to apologize, regroup and try again. It is up and down, good days and bad ones - every moment is most certainly not precious and glorious. It forces you to face yourself, to face failure, and uncertainty, and worry, and frustrations. And it most definitely calls out loudly for you to depend on the Father for wisdom and energy and guidance. It is so worth it!! I love my children in a way that I can't explain with words. I have moments when I catch a quick glimpse of them - a look they give or a certain laugh or expression and I am absolutely amazed that they came from us. That Benjy and I created them and they resemble aspects of our looks and personalities (not always a good thing!) I love the gift God gave us by allowing us to be a part of creating another life. How amazing. I have never felt more beautiful, in every way, than I felt after each of my children where born - even after the sweat and pain of labor. Another life created by God. I have been changed and shaped and made over into a better woman because of my children. I love God for giving me this precious gift of motherhood - and for my precious children that call me "Mommy". Happy Mother's Day to me!!! I put these pictures together to remind me of how precious life is with my little ones. The song is special to Benjy and I and the pictures flood my heart and fill my soul with a deep, yet simple goodness.
* special thanks to my sister-in-law, Betsy, who encouraged me to make this video and told me about this program. Thanks Bets!
* special thanks to my sister-in-law, Betsy, who encouraged me to make this video and told me about this program. Thanks Bets!
My Mother's Day Weekend
I had a wonderful weekend with my boys. I received cards, and kisses, gifts and hugs - but most importantly - just good quality time together! I sort of took the weekend off from doing anything dutiful....and soaked up time with the family!! I will enjoy the gift certificate for a massage sometime soon!!!! Thank you boys (and Daddy, of course!)
At Reece's school they celebrated us Mom's by hosting a special "spa" morning for us. The kids acted as the specialists and us Mom's got the special treatments of pedicures, manicures, facials, massages and even a snack...all directly from the hands of our little ones. It was a lot of fun and we laughed a lot!
Happy Mother's Day to all of you special ladies out there that I love and respect so much. Thank you for your examples, your companionship, your influence and advice as we journey together in this mission of raising our little ones.
Weekend Leaders' Retreat
We enjoyed a very encouraging time up in the mountains of Mexico. Several of the Mexican leaders' from Mexico City, Apoxco, and Guadalajara met to encourage, and sharpen one another. Benjy and I felt very blessed and amazed to see God's hand at work - to recognize how He is preparing and transforming lives. For much of the time, the missionaries who were present sat back and watched the Mexican's edify one another.
Our kids especially loved the campfires, the streams, the mountains.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
May Missions Update
If you are not in our email address book, here is our Missions Update.....
Hi from Mexico City!
We are excited to share lots of news and prayer requests with you. Thank you for taking the time to stay connected with us through these updates - it is important to us that you know how much we appreciate your love, support, and especially your prayers. Thank you for the part you play in our partnership together. Your involvement in our lives is directly affecting His kingdom in Mexico!
Fruit in Apoxco!
We were thankful to hear of growth and commitment in the lives of two young people in the Apoxco church. Omar and his sister Nataly were baptized 3 weeks ago and will continue on in their journey with Christ. Please pray for them and for the group that meets together in Ruben and Viki's home. Please see the attached picture and notice the joy on their faces!
Changes in Our Team!
The month of May will bring some big changes to our lives and work here. Our dear friends and co-workers, James, Erin, Kate & Caleb Henderson (see picture) will be returning to Texas for an 8 month - 1 year furlough time. They will return in 2009 and until then they will rest, renew, and reconnect with their families and partnering congregations. Their departure will create a change in our lives. We highly value their friendship, support, and encouragement as we work together. Their kids are our kids' best friends. We will miss them and ask that you pray for them as they transition in these upcoming weeks. We also ask that you pray for us - that we will use this time to depend on the Lord and trust Him to grow and use us in different roles and with new opportunities.
As we say good-bye to the Hendersons we prepare for the arrival of our new Adventures in Missions (AIM) apprentices. Cairen Wealend and Ashley Marler will arrive on May 23 to begin an 18 month commitment to work with us. Pray for them as they prepare to study, learn and grow alongside us. We are excited for their arrival!
Leaders Retreat!
This upcoming weekend we will be joining a group to share in a retreat time with several leaders from various house churches from Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Apoxco. We will be 'camping' together and sharing, fellowshipping, and worshipping together. Although there will be several missionary families there, we are especially looking forward to the opportunity for several of the Mexican leaders to build relationships and encourage one another. Please pray for God to guide this weekend!
Upcoming Events & Requests!
Please remember to pray for these upcoming events and specific requests:
*leaders retreat May 2-5
*the Hendersons departure May 19
*the AIM students arrival May 23
*'think tank' retreat with other missionaries June 2-6
*summer group from Westport Road Church of Christ (they will operate an eye clinic and various other service works) June 12-19
*summer group from North Atlanta Church of Christ (they will serve in a number of different projects ) July
*missionaries, Mexican leaders, church plantings and ministries across Mexico
*transformation in the lives of disciples
*more people who are seeking Christ
*safety and health for our family
Again, thank you. Please keep in touch with us - we would to hear from you!
In Christ,
Benjy, Carolyn, Reece, Chase & Pierce Brednich
Hi from Mexico City!
We are excited to share lots of news and prayer requests with you. Thank you for taking the time to stay connected with us through these updates - it is important to us that you know how much we appreciate your love, support, and especially your prayers. Thank you for the part you play in our partnership together. Your involvement in our lives is directly affecting His kingdom in Mexico!
Fruit in Apoxco!
We were thankful to hear of growth and commitment in the lives of two young people in the Apoxco church. Omar and his sister Nataly were baptized 3 weeks ago and will continue on in their journey with Christ. Please pray for them and for the group that meets together in Ruben and Viki's home. Please see the attached picture and notice the joy on their faces!
Changes in Our Team!
The month of May will bring some big changes to our lives and work here. Our dear friends and co-workers, James, Erin, Kate & Caleb Henderson (see picture) will be returning to Texas for an 8 month - 1 year furlough time. They will return in 2009 and until then they will rest, renew, and reconnect with their families and partnering congregations. Their departure will create a change in our lives. We highly value their friendship, support, and encouragement as we work together. Their kids are our kids' best friends. We will miss them and ask that you pray for them as they transition in these upcoming weeks. We also ask that you pray for us - that we will use this time to depend on the Lord and trust Him to grow and use us in different roles and with new opportunities.
As we say good-bye to the Hendersons we prepare for the arrival of our new Adventures in Missions (AIM) apprentices. Cairen Wealend and Ashley Marler will arrive on May 23 to begin an 18 month commitment to work with us. Pray for them as they prepare to study, learn and grow alongside us. We are excited for their arrival!
Leaders Retreat!
This upcoming weekend we will be joining a group to share in a retreat time with several leaders from various house churches from Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Apoxco. We will be 'camping' together and sharing, fellowshipping, and worshipping together. Although there will be several missionary families there, we are especially looking forward to the opportunity for several of the Mexican leaders to build relationships and encourage one another. Please pray for God to guide this weekend!
Upcoming Events & Requests!
Please remember to pray for these upcoming events and specific requests:
*leaders retreat May 2-5
*the Hendersons departure May 19
*the AIM students arrival May 23
*'think tank' retreat with other missionaries June 2-6
*summer group from Westport Road Church of Christ (they will operate an eye clinic and various other service works) June 12-19
*summer group from North Atlanta Church of Christ (they will serve in a number of different projects ) July
*missionaries, Mexican leaders, church plantings and ministries across Mexico
*transformation in the lives of disciples
*more people who are seeking Christ
*safety and health for our family
Again, thank you. Please keep in touch with us - we would to hear from you!
In Christ,
Benjy, Carolyn, Reece, Chase & Pierce Brednich
Celebrating Dia del Nino
April always ends with a bang here in Mexico....with Kid's Day or Dia del Nino! My kids are definitely worth celebrating so we took them to a little fair where they each got to choose a ride or two. They had lots of fun!
And what better way for the parents to get in on the celebration....a special trip to "Coldstone Creamery"!! We just found out there is one in Mexico City (I LOVE this place) so we were looking for an excuse to go! All of us loved it. Reece and Chase couldn't believe they got to add marshmellows to their ice cream. And Piersen, well he got quite upset if I took a pause to eat some of my own!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
An Obvious Difference
I think that sometimes, as parents, we are around our own kids so much that we don't notice how much they have grown or how their "looks" have changed because it happens so gradually. Others are often the ones who comment on the differences.
Just last week - Thursday to be exact - Chase woke up pronouncing words (specifically his "s" with a consonant) correctly. He tip toed into my room early in the morning and said, "let's go downSTairs for breakfast". For some reason it was very evident to me that he prounounced it correctly (since for months he has been saying "downTairs") I sat up and asked him to say it again. He repeated it and so I made a BIG deal about how he had said it right. He laughed and, I could tell, felt proud of himself. So I began to question and prompt him to say other "s-consonant combination" words. He correctly said SPoon, STop it, STay there. It just came together for him - he got it!!! It was fun. We laughed and shared the milestone with the rest of the family. I felt it a little odd, and yet, neat, that I noticed his change overnight.
Upon reflection, I wonder if God sees that kind of change in us. Sure, I believe that He sees our spiritual growth as a process. He is incredibley patient with us and watches our transformation that must, at times, seem to take a long time! But I would like to think that He is so attentive to me that He smiles and laughs and takes joy in the morning that we wake up finally having conquered a struggle, a sin or a doubt. When we finally accept what He has been trying to teach us all along.
That picture motivates me to tune in to where I am at. Am I growing? Am I farther along than I was a few years ago? Sometimes I am not sure, but it makes me want to grow and be transformed into a more Christ-like image. For all of the patience He has extended my way....I would like to gift Him with an obvious change - even if it is only seen gradually. After all, transformation is the point isn't it! I pray that the fruit of Him at work in my life produces an obvious transformation.
Just last week - Thursday to be exact - Chase woke up pronouncing words (specifically his "s" with a consonant) correctly. He tip toed into my room early in the morning and said, "let's go downSTairs for breakfast". For some reason it was very evident to me that he prounounced it correctly (since for months he has been saying "downTairs") I sat up and asked him to say it again. He repeated it and so I made a BIG deal about how he had said it right. He laughed and, I could tell, felt proud of himself. So I began to question and prompt him to say other "s-consonant combination" words. He correctly said SPoon, STop it, STay there. It just came together for him - he got it!!! It was fun. We laughed and shared the milestone with the rest of the family. I felt it a little odd, and yet, neat, that I noticed his change overnight.
Upon reflection, I wonder if God sees that kind of change in us. Sure, I believe that He sees our spiritual growth as a process. He is incredibley patient with us and watches our transformation that must, at times, seem to take a long time! But I would like to think that He is so attentive to me that He smiles and laughs and takes joy in the morning that we wake up finally having conquered a struggle, a sin or a doubt. When we finally accept what He has been trying to teach us all along.
That picture motivates me to tune in to where I am at. Am I growing? Am I farther along than I was a few years ago? Sometimes I am not sure, but it makes me want to grow and be transformed into a more Christ-like image. For all of the patience He has extended my way....I would like to gift Him with an obvious change - even if it is only seen gradually. After all, transformation is the point isn't it! I pray that the fruit of Him at work in my life produces an obvious transformation.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Princes and Princesses
We do not have much talk or any princess parafanelia in a home full of boys. But listen to this sweet compliment that was paid to me the other day....
Chase: (running towards me to share a warm hug)"Mommy, you're my princess"
Me: "Awwwww, Chaser, that is sooooo sweet. Thank you. And you are my little prince."
A few hours later....we are all in the van and I am recounting this special moment to Benjy.
Reece: (obviously listening from the backseat)"eeeewwww, princes and princesses kiss....that's gross!"
Yep, he is 5!
Chase: (running towards me to share a warm hug)"Mommy, you're my princess"
Me: "Awwwww, Chaser, that is sooooo sweet. Thank you. And you are my little prince."
A few hours later....we are all in the van and I am recounting this special moment to Benjy.
Reece: (obviously listening from the backseat)"eeeewwww, princes and princesses kiss....that's gross!"
Yep, he is 5!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
My Weekend
I have had such a good weekend. My sweet husband took care of the boys Friday afternoon through Saturday morning so that I could join a few girlfriends for a scrapbooking get away. I had so much fun! I enjoyed the company and the chance to spread out all my supplies and pictures on a big table - with no interuptions from little ones...and I got some work accomplished! Through the years, as I continue to get to know myself, I have come to understand the importance of creativity in my life. I just feel good when I am using creative energy - in whatever form that may be....but I love to create!
And today, Sunday, has been a special one. We enjoyed our fellowship with Christ and with other disciples this morning. The warm morning brought thunder, lighting and a fresh rain on and off all afternoon. It was a cozy day with good friends and my wonderful little family. I love my life today - and since all I am to live for is today, that is a good thing.
Good night from here.
And today, Sunday, has been a special one. We enjoyed our fellowship with Christ and with other disciples this morning. The warm morning brought thunder, lighting and a fresh rain on and off all afternoon. It was a cozy day with good friends and my wonderful little family. I love my life today - and since all I am to live for is today, that is a good thing.
Good night from here.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Still A Gummy Grin!
Yes, this is still the beautiful but toothless grin of little Pierce - now 13 months old! I am not sure what is goin' on here but his pediatrician isn't concerned, he eats like a monster (just gums it and goes for more)....and he is just pretty darn cute!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The Birthday Boy!
Reece after eating cake and smashing water balloons!
So my sweet little boy is now 5 years old. We celebrated Reece with a big birthday bash - just as he wanted it. He is a friendly little guy and wanted to invite "everyone" and since this is really the first year that his little world has expanded beyond church friends we allowed him to invite school friends and neighbor friends too. We ended up with some 25 kids - it was a little crazy and very much designed for.....boys. We partied with a creepy crawly critter theme - lots of bugs, worms, snakes, frogs - the kind of things most little boys enjoy! Bugs in our food, worms in our jell-o (jell-o? yes - it is an absolute must for any Mexican birthday party), and cake and cupcakes that wanted to slither or crawl away!
"Mordida, mordida"
it is the custom for the birthday boy or girl to take a small bite of their cake...usually resulting in someone "helping out" the process - Reecer's daddy helped him take a nice big bite!
We did by-pass the traditional pinata - and had a water balloon fight instead! Judging by the number of times I was asked when we were going to throw the water balloons - I think they were a big hit! It was a nice change from the pinata too. Daddy filled up over 200 water balloons and they were gone within minutes - lots of fun!
It was a special day to celebrate one unique and awesome kid. Reece has seemed like a big boy for a long time but it is hard to believe he is already 5! I loved watching him with his friends. It is obvious to us that he has made many - he seems loved and appreciated by anyone who is around him. We sense in him a naturalness to lead and influence people. He makes us proud in so many ways. Happy 5th year Reecer - we are so proud of you and love you so much! Thank you for being such a wonderful son!
Reecer on his new birthday bike!
Brednich Family Snapshots
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