Texas trip Update

April 22, 2019

in front of the public library in Mission

Greetings,

Here is an update about our trip to Texas.

Our travel fund goal was reached!  In fact, the remainder of what we needed came the night before we left!

View from the highway in Northern Mexico

We are grateful to God that this need was met. 

Thanks to everyone who has given generously to help us cover all the expenses involved with getting new passports and permits. Also, we appreciate the prayers. It means a lot to us to have the support. 

Eleven days ago set out on our trip to Texas. We took Enrique (Bryan's brother-in-law) along with us so he could attend school in Edinburg, Texas. Our kids did great on the day long trip. We entered Texas from Mexico without a problem. Even though there is an increased security presence at the border, we didn't have to wait any longer than previous trips.  

Enrique having a better time with us than traveling alone on a bus

Some friends of ours, who previously volunteered at Pan de Vida, came to visit us shortly after arriving in Texas. It was a good time to hear about their experiences at the orphanage as well as to catch up with them on what they are doing now. 

Bryan with Justo and his family

The passport applications for both Ariadne and Brianna were submitted last week.  There was a delay in getting started, because we forgot the birth certificates. Fortunately, we were able to get them mailed to us within a few days.  We were given the expectation that the new passports will arrive by the 2nd week of May.  We hope we will get them sooner than that, because we can't go back to Mexico without them.

Yesterday, we gave a presentation about our ministry at a Spanish-speaking church in Mission.  It went well. We are hoping for more opportunities to talk about our work at the Pan de Vida orphanage.

Since arriving in Texas, we have been staying at a friend’s house in Mission. The issue with the water leak was fixed before we arrived.  Members of our friend’s church came over to help with the house. A few days after we arrived, our friend had to go out of town so we have been taking care of the house for her. 

During the waiting period for the passports, we are spending time together as a family,  running errands and getting ready to return to Mexico.  We are planning to visit soon friends and supporters that live in Texas. 

Our kids enjoying a local park in Mission

Everyone is in good health.

Please continue to pray for us.

Sincerely,

Bryan and Brenda Ottoson

Mission page: https://cten.org/missionary/bryanottoson/