WESTERN MEXIOO O'lRISTI/VN MISSION

THE BOWL IN EAIYilLY IN MEXICO

58 N. Villarreal St. (Mailing Adress) Tel. 011-5262143019Apartado Postal 350 (direct dial)

HERMOSILLO, SONORA, MEXICODr. Gerald D. Bowlin Mrs. Geneva S. Bowlift

Dear Ones: JANUARY 199^

1991 flew by - didn't give us much cold, but plenty of heat. We

thought summer would never end'.'

Thanksgiving (not celebrated in Mexico), was enjoyed by our family

and another American family, Scott an Linda Ellington and 3 year old Melinda

We had our turkey on the back porch. Linda with Melinda Jeft for Atalanta,

GA the next day to welcome the stork, who bought them another little girl.

Christmas was nice, so we shared Christmas dinner with another American

family, again on our back porch. In Mexico the important dinner is about

midnite on the 24th; we hold to the Christmas day custom.

Because Christmas is FAMILY, I will tell you about ours :

OSCAR - still works for the city. He is married the second time and

has a 2 year old son. We are grateful to him for putting us on his Medical

Insurance program. Gerry tried the emergency out last Christmas day.

Our 13 year old Boxer, Nikki got hurt- Gerry tried to move her, in pain

she sunk her teeth into his upper right hand, near the thumb, he pulled,

she held, and they ripped a long gash that needed attention. Nikki had

been failing in health for some time, and died about 5 day later and Gerry

has a faint scar as a reminder. Oscar's older son (almost 16) is in

College. Makes top grades and wants to go to the States to perfect his

English. His goal is to be an English teacher like Tla (Aunt)Veva.

BOB- was a little disappointed that his National Guard Tank Unit wasn't

called to take a spin in the sand ( Desert Storm). Berta and the rest of

us rejoiced.' Bob enjoys his Tank Commander Unit. He still keeps the

electronically controlled machines in running condition to make hamburger

patties for Wendy's, Taco Bell and others. Berta polished apples for

shipping during the season. Shannon is in College in Portland Oregon,

Colleen, Carrie and Jonathan are in school is Emmett ID. Carrie became

a Christian and was baptized in the Christian Church there.

KATHY and her family are NOT enjoying the climate change they are

experiencing. What? Christmas is in the middle of summer'. Aaron, Erika

Anya and papa Dale grew up where they could see snow the year round.' They

are happy in their work with the Christian World Mission in Quilpu6, Chile

S.A. The family is progressing beautifully learning Spanish- and Kathy

is learning that some well known words have a new meaning. Remember she

went to school 'in -Spanish' from kindergarden thru High school.

VEVA, our at home girl teaches classes in English, mornings to

beginners (4 year olds) in a private bi-lengual school and then goes to

the University of Sonora and spends 4 afternoon and evening hours there.

A group of University teachers and Engineers insisted that she be their

teacher.* Most teachers have two jobs (average wage 300 dollars a month)

Veva is our gal that we had to make speak English as a small fry. But

what a teacher she did become. Can you define a past participle? Ask her*

-2-

BECKY- our baby (she resents that) says she has had her second 15th

birthday, teaches English to 5 year olds. Her bright eyed, curly haired

son is in her class. He came to have lunbh with us one day and told us

that his teacher punished him. We asked "Who is your teacher?" "Miss

Becky" - "Who is Miss Becky?" He disgustidly answered "my mudder" (He also

calls his dad "my fadder") We have enjoyed grandparents privileges spoiling

him.* He is a darling, onry as most boys,a loving, obedient child that

attracts attention everywhere he goes.

GERRY celebrated his 70th birthday this past Sept. We had about 80

friends and neighbors helping him celebrate. Evenings were nice so we had

it in our back yard - a typical American menu - fried chicken and potato

salad. A friend made him a big, beautiful birthday cake which was served

with a cup of jello. Gerry's aunt Eve Bowliln, from La Quinta , California

(near Indio) came to help him celebrate, it was fun.

GENEVA doesn't usually admit she is only 10 months younger than Gerry

after all, does a woman have to tell her age? In three more years The Lord

willing, we will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. We have been

missionaries to Mexico 45 years, 37 of them living in Hermosillo, pop. 55,000

when we came, now over a million.

THE CHURiCai year in review: The new Cornerstone, Bricklayers Chapel,

200 plus attended an outdoor movie, "The Life of Christ".

A Christian friend of the Bowlins who spent 12 years in the occult,

lectured to the Area Wide Churches.

La Mesa Village Church celebrated it's 30th Anniversary.

Family camp hel^'at the be^ch'

New Junior Camp held near La Mesa.

Jesus Amaya honored for 25 years in the ministry.

Two car loads attended the revived Pacific Convention that we began

in the 1950's.

We had a pleasant happening a few month back: A young lady who we have

known most of her life came to visit. She said I told my husband that

my 'tios' (uncle Gerry and aunt Geneva) looked out for us when we were

little and needed help, now it is our turn to look out for them".

Well, aren't we told in Prov. 11:25 "that by watering others, we water

ourselves?".

After that we are convinced that it really is all worthwhile.

Go