Back in Mexico

August 14, 2020

We made it safely back to our home in Mexico and all our travel related expenses were covered by generous supporters!

4 days ago we began our trip back to Mexico after spending a week in Texas.  There were no problems. We were able to get a new car permit without any difficulty. In fact, we got one that lasts longer than the normal 6-month permit granted to tourists.

Prior to leaving Mexico for Texas, I successfully applied for and received a temporary resident visa which is good for a year. Our car permit matches the validity of my resident permit.

An hour before leaving for Mexico, we were notified that a missing package had been found. A shipment of homeschool material failed to appear at a friend’s house despite what the tracking number said. Our friend’s neighbor, Patrick, who is also a friend of ours, discovered that the package was dropped off at the wrong house. This was an answer to prayer, because we had no idea what had happened to the package. So, we were able to retrieve it on our way to the border.

I got a little discouraged when we got the red light at Mexico customs. Upon entering Mexico, you either get a green light or a red light. If you get a green light, you are free to pass through. Yet a red light means you have to stop, your belongings are inspected by custom agents and you face possible fines for bringing more items than what one is allowed to bring into Mexico.

 We probably exceeded our allowance of permitted items.  In addition to our personal things, we also brought back things for friends and family members. However, after a few minutes of being searched and questioned, we were allowed to go without being fined or further delayed. We didn’t experience much of a hassle.

The ride home was uneventful. No car trouble. No issues with traffic. No danger. We were pleasantly surprised to see that there was only 1 military checkpoint when normally we have to pass through at least 3 of them along the highway. The solider on duty just asked where we going and allowed us to continue on our journey.

Brianna helped entertained James in the car. Of course, James cried and slept a lot. This time, Brianna and James didn’t get car sickness thanks to a recommendation of a special anti-nausea oil that is applied behind the earlobes. However, the trick didn’t work so well for me.

 I tried the oil instead of my drowsy inducing Dramamine pills. It helped a little, but I eventually came down with a mild case of motion sickness in the middle of the trip. Brenda and I took turns driving. When she drove, I was able to rest which helped with easing my symptoms of motion sickness. However, my nausea didn’t stop me from driving.  When I was behind the steering wheel, Brenda was able to sit with James to ensure his needs were met.

By the time we go home after our 12-hour journey, my car sickness had increased to the point that I wasn’t able to drive any more. Ariadne and Alex were glad to see us.  Brianna and her older siblings have been catching up on lost play time since coming back. James is happy to be in a familiar setting and see his grandma again.

We are grateful for everyone’s support through prayer and financial giving. Enough donations came in to cover our expenses related to getting a new car permit!  Thanks to everyone who helped us! It means a lot to us to have your support.

Also, we are appreciative of my mother-in-law and a family friend who cared for Ariadne and Alex while we were gone, for Roger who allowed us to stay in his mission guesthouse for most of the time in Texas and for Patrick who found the missing package.

Most importantly, we are thankful to God for His care and provision during this whole travel experience.

Missions website: https://cten.org/missionary/bryanottoson/