Mission Mexicana Office party

Today, we had our Annual Christmas lunch... this year, at Tony Roma's. We arrived at 2:00 (that's the time we told everyone), but no one else showed up until around 2:45... normal for most Mexicans! We had 19 of us there together celebrating and enjoying some good ribs and BBQ Chicken. Those invited were lawyers, insurance folks, accountants, office secretaries, and guests. Since several had cancelled, we invited the Collins to go with us. We had a nice time of eating, then of exchanging gifts.. sorta the "white elephant" way, but no bad gifts!!

Rob and Tina with Marlene and Juan Carlos (lawyers)

Sori, one of Rob's secretaries, opening her "white elephant" gift

Sori and Erandi, 2 of Rob's secretaries (Erandi's the newest one)

Toni, another office secretary, and her husband, Miguel

Celebrating Christmas with the Collins

Last night, some of our good missionary friends, invited us to go to Hard Rock Cafe- Mexico City, with them. They wanted to treat us for our Christmas gift, so we gladly went! Thankfully, the boys didn't have too much homework, so they were able to enjoy the night, as well. It was a neat experience.. yes, the music was loud, but we could actually talk over it! The boys wanted a few souvenirs.. Carson bought himself a Hard Rock sweatshirt (which he badly needed), and we bought a fun gift for one of their teachers. Thank you, Winston and Cheryl, for such a wonderful night!

Cultural event with the Reyes

Sunday night, the Reyes family invited us to go with them to a "feria", which is-- a fair.. yes, like a county fair, the Tennessee State fair (on a much smaller scale). We met them at their house, then walked about 1/2 mile to "La Feria de San Andres". This is a yearly fair that comes, so they wanted us to be a part of it. Cole was a bit hesitant to get on the ride that take you upside down (who put these rides together, anyway???). All the "kids" did the bumper cars, and I got on the "himalaya-type" ride with Carson.. That was the LONGEST ride I've ever been on...my stomach can't take things as well as it used to.. ha!! We stood in the rain most of the time watching the guys ride rides. When we weren't riding or watching, we were tasting fresh breads. Yummy! As we were leaving, Carson decided he wanted a grilled hamburger, so we had to wait on that to be cooked.. with hot sauce and all! Oh, I forgot one of the best parts. Miguel wanted us to play some games, so he bought us a cup of rings that you throw to go over bottle tops... a ring toss sort of game... Anyway, I gave it several tries, knowing full well that I don't win at games that require any skill... Well, would you believe that I got one!! --- Yep! I won a big Scooby Doo dog! AMAZING!! I plan to give it away, but it was fun "flaunting" my win for a while! They got a big kick out of it!! We walked back to the Reyes' house and had some hot "Atol"... a drink made with milk, corn starch and fruit, for flavor.. I like it.. the guys?? Well.... I think they would have preferred hot chocolate! We had a GREAT time with this wonderful family!
(for some reason, my pics won't download for me to send, so I'll try later....)

Our December Praises and Prayer Requests Newsletter

Dear faithful friends and family,

'Tis the season..... to be thankful and to celebrate the birth of our wonderful Savior! At this time of year, we are reminded of how blessed we are to have such a wonderful home church family, family, and special friends from all over the world, who pray for us and hold us up as we serve the Lord in Mexico City. We could never sufficiently express our deep gratitude for your loving support over the past 7 1/2 years of our time away from home. THANK YOU! Thank you for loving on us through emails, phone calls, cards and letters, and through your financial support.

At this time of year, we are so very thankful for those of you who give to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering, and to the Cooperative Program in our Southern Baptist Churches. As of October 31st, 2006, there are 5,193 missionaries serving through the IMB. Because of your gifts, we are able to continue to serve. Your gifts provide so many things that are necessary for us to be able to live and work... our vehicles, our homes, our general living expenses, teaching/Bible supplies, and so much more. The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goal for 2006 (US wide) is $150 million. Your financial gifts through the LMCO and Cooperative program DO make a difference. Within our Middle America Caribbean region where we serve, there are 257 unreached people groups; 114 of these live in Mexico. For us, the most important part of this goal is that we are able to reach many who have never heard of Jesus before. We have an urgent message to share! I wish you could see the faces of those who have come to know the Lord as a result of your past gifts. One day, we will be gathered around HIS throne with all believers-- "After this, I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb..." Revelation 7:9 As you consider this Biblical promise and prophecy, consider how you can be a part of spreading the gospel "'till millions know".

Our Praises
** Many of you have prayed for our house in the states to rent. As of this week, we now have renters!! We would like to thank Fran Kirkland, a special lady and friend from Judson, for recommending our house to friends at Lifeway. God has provided, once again! We praise HIM for perfect timing! We are grateful to many of our family, and for our friends at Judson who have helped with some maintenance at our house, and to Rob's Dad for his hard work in getting many things accomplished, and for standing in the gap in our absence. We are thankful for provisions from Forest Hills Baptist Church in some major house repairs! God has provided through so many people. HE IS GOOD!!
** Rob now has a new front office secretary, for which many of you have prayed. We are thankful for Irandi and what she'll add to the ministry of Mision Mexicana.
** Tina had a wonderful week in Guadalajara, helping with the Homeschooling Conference. What a blessing to be around those who are working in some remote places and teaching their own children at home. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord in a different setting, in a different ministry.
** Safe travel for Rob during his week in Honduras. He was able to get a good bit of work done, and had the wonderful privilege of being with some of our dearest friends in Tegucigalpa. Personal needs were met during this week, and we are grateful for God's hand in everything!
** Provisions for MCCA-- teaching positions are currently covered and we thank GOD for answering this need.
** Cole and Carson continue to do well in school. Their Christmas holiday break begins on December 15th!
** God's provisions of good friends here in Mexico City. We have the privilege to know so many wonderful, godly people who serve alongside us through the school and in many other areas.
** Safety and an "uneventful" day on this Inauguration Day of our new Mexico President. Pray for peace, and for our president's leadership in this country.
** Our special, loving families at home!! We are thankful for good health for our family members and for ourselves!

Our Prayer Requests
** That the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goal would be reached this 2006 so that many will come to know the Lord through this offering.
** We are having our Saturday night Bible Study at our house this week. We have invited Miguel's family members, and some others who need to know Christ in a personal way. We are serving them a typical American meal. We'll also be celebrating Irma's birthday. May they all feel the love of the Lord as we study God's Word together, and as we experience Koinonia. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to serve them because they've been so faithful to serve us every week. Continue to pray for the salvation of Miguel and Oscar, sons of Miguel. We have come to love this family so much as they have become our family in Mexico City.
** Safe travel for many of our missionary family who will be traveling home during this Christmas season, as well as for our family, as we travel home!
** Spiritual growth of our family members both here and at home. We are so very grateful for our Christian heritage, and we pray that each of us will be faithful to bear the name of Jesus.
** Pray that our lives (yours and ours) will reflect the love of Jesus during this Christmas season. May this be much more than a "holiday". May we truly celebrate the ONE who gave His life so that we could live.
** Salvation of the 98% lost souls in this city. God is at work. Pray for the faithfulness of Mexican Christians, as well as missionaries, both IMB and those from other evangelical organizations. We still do not have the results of the Billy Graham MI ESPERANZA campaign. We will share those after we receive the statistics. We have heard good things from one of our large, local Mexican churches. We did not see any salvations in Miguel's home during the 3 nights, but we do know that seeds were planted!

We have the wonderful privilege of going home this Christmas 2006. This will be only our 2nd Christmas home during our almost 8 years on the field. We will be at home in Nashville, from December 14th to January 4th, 2007. We will spend most of this short time with our families in Nashville, with very little travel. We will be staying at Judson's Missionary Residence. THANK YOU, JUDSON, for providing a place for us to stay!! The missionary residence address is: 717 Brindley Drive, Nashville, TN 37220. The phone number is: 615-833-5712. We would love to hear from you while we are at home. Our regular mailing address in the states is: 6113 Pinehurst Drive, Nashville, TN 37215. This is Rob's parents' address. Come see us and let us hear from you!!

May each of you experience the love of Christ during this season. May others see Christ through each of us.. and, as a dear missionary friend often says,-- may we be the "expression of Christ" to all who encounter us.

Until 2007 or.. until HE comes,

Rob and Tina Torbert
Cole and Carson
IMB Missionaries serving in Mexico City

10 Ways to celebrate Christ's Birthday

One of my favorite people sent me the following Christmas message. I want to share it with those of you who read our blog because it's worth thinking about! What do WE do to touch others during the holiday season? Do our lives count for Christ? That's what we are supposed to be about. Thanks, Denise, for sending this to me! See you soon, my friend! Tina


10 Ways to celebrate Christ's Birthday
A letter from God to His children:
Dear Children,
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although, I do appreciate being remembered anytime. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can & may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am in relation to you & what each of our tasks was. If you have forgot that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it.
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love & Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals & whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food & a few gifts & give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or some other charity that believes in Me & they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine. Do not pass judgment on your neighbors. You do not walk in their shoes. You are responsible only for your actions. Be warm, tolerant and kind where you can.
P.S. Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me & do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above & get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember, I LOVE YOU.

Thanksgiving weekend

Hey all! We've had a really nice Thanksgiving weekend! Thursday night, we played games at some of our favorite friends' house after eating turkey with our mission family for lunch. On Friday, I took a friend to the hospital for her post-operation check-up, then we (the guys, myself and Kathryn, one of our two adopted daughters) went to see Denzel Washington's new movie, Dejavu. We had a good time.. watching the movie and eating caramel corn..... Carson and Rob finished it off! Today, I took Kathryn, Cole and our friend, Irmita, to Ciudadela, the artisan market downtown. Kathryn had never been, so I wanted to take her to buy some Christmas gifts. I bought a few myself!! We ate some quesadillas and some other Mexican food, then shopped some more.. we had a great time looking around! On the way, we saw some "sights"... there was a protest downtown of some campesinos.. a NUDE protest (a fairly common occurance!!)... undies only!! You'll see a picture of it.. I chose to take it of the men because the women looked REALLY naked and I missed them (whew!!!!!). Tonight, we went to Miguel's for our Bible Study together. We studied "The prodigal son" and had good discussion! Irma fed us a wonderful meal when we finished our study! Also, she sells scarves, gloves, hats, etc... at the market 3 days a week. I asked if I could see her products... we enjoyed buying some of her "wares" since it's so cold here right now.... lots of nice Christmas gifts for friends!!

Game night with good friends on Thanksgiving night!

Cole, Irmita, and Kathryn at Ciudadela

Irmita, Kathryn, and Tina... enjoying lunch at Ciudadela

Mexico City's "believe it or not" protest downtown.. yes, it happens frequently!!

Happy Thanksgiving 2006

Happy Thanksgiving, family and friends!

We have had a nice Thanksgiving day--- missing being with our families in Nashville, but enjoying our mission family and friends here in Mexico City. About 35 of us got together to celebrate Thanksgiving at the Sloan's home. It was a perfect day to eat outside-- enough sun to keep the cold down!! We all took 2 dishes to share.. with 2 of our missionaries providing the turkey and ham. I took my standard dish-- corn pudding, along with Mississippi Mud Cake! It was all eaten with not much left behind. I am adding some pictures from our Thanksgiving day with our mission family-- Enjoy!

Tina and Cheryl Collins-

Rob talkin' fish n' football

Cole with Paul and EunJee

good friends at MCCA

Cole and Carson