26 days and counting...

Yes! We are 26 days away from going home for Christmas! We are all 4 more than ready to get on that plane and head home for 3 weeks of vacation with our families and friends. Today, I am listening to Christmas music from home... 94 fm The Fish, is playing Christmas music all day long and I am lovin' it! Cole got me hooked up to that! He's always finding fun things on the internet! I've been baking cookies this morning to take to Bible Study and to Barb's house. Barb Carter, MCCA's director and our friend, has invited us over to "trim" her Christmas tree, so the boys and I are going over there later on to help, then we'll go to our Saturday night Bible Study with the Reyes family.

Rob has been in Honduras all week, since last Sunday, and he'll be coming home tomorrow! yeah! We've missed him a lot this week! I am sorta jealous today.. Rob's taking some of our precious friends, Francis and Adoni and their girls, to Pizza Hut, then, tonight, he's taking Oscar and Daniela Carcamo, some of our other dear friends, to our favorite Tegus restaurant, Palacio Real. We really love our friends and family in Honduras! They always make us feel so loved!

We've stayed busy this week.... the boys turned in their final drafts of their Research papers, Orthodontist appointment, ladies b-day celebration of November b-days, English Bible Study, Praise team practice, movie-going, Student council-sponsored Christmas movie at the school, Discipleship, and more..... Last night, Cole, Kathryn, and I watched our first Christmas movie for 2006---- Christmas with the Kranks, which was fun.. even though Kathryn slept through it.. hard week! ha!!

A few pics from the week's events...Monday night B-day celebration at Chili's with missionary ladies.. celebrating Janell and Cheryl!

Carson at work; Cole on the phone with Mimi.. talking about Christmas, Christopher and more....

Judith, Norma, Janell, Me, Marisol and Yelena (not pictured--Sarah and Maria)- My Thursday Bible Study table group

Off to Waldo's... our Mexican dollar store!!

Mi Esperanza update

Well, the Mi Esperanza event is over.... yet, for some, it's only the beginning of a new way of life. We had 3 successful nights of Mi Esperanza in the home of Miguel Reyes and family. On Thursday night, there were 8 people who had been invited plus 6 "regulars". Most of these were family members who haven't yet felt comfortable coming to our Saturday night Bible Study. Rob said they were very attentive and didn't rush off like we expected. Miguel gave his testimony at the end of the program, then they had some good discussion. We wanted to make it as non-threatening as possible so they'd be more open to coming to our studies. On Friday night, 6 of the same 8 showed up.. then there were 9 more "regulars". I gave my testimony, then Sori (Rob's secretary) shared, as well. On Saturday night, we had 4 guests, then our family, Miguel's family, and Kathryn. We watched the movie (1 1/2 hours), and talked about it when it was over. We had no voiced decisions shared, but we told Miguel and Irma that it was the work of the Holy Spirit to change lives! Miguel's sister asked me for a Bible, so we bought her one of her own. She didn't have any idea where to start with her new Bible. I suggested that she read the book of JOHN first. Pray for her heart to be open as she reads! This was a WONDERFUL outreach event for Miguel and his family, and a great chance for them to share Christ with their families. We have no idea of the results in all of Mexico, but will share them as we hear. Thanks for your prayers during these days!!

Kathryn (our teacher friend), and other "jovenes"/youth at the Mi Esperanza movie in Miguel's home

Week in Guadalajara

I have just returned from spending a short week in Guadalajara, Mexico at the MAC Region Homeschool Conference. I was called in at the last minute to "fill the shoes" of our dear friends, the Chafins, who were unable to go. I helped with communications/details with the hotel during the meeting, and with testing 1st graders in Achievement tests. I was also able to help out in the MK classes while parents were in workshops. I really enjoyed the week... being in a different place, doing a different type of work, and being around missionary friends all over the MAC Region. I got to help "judge" the Children and Youth Bible Drills (something I have missed doing for years!) They also had a showcase in Thursday night, in which the MKs shared their talents and some science projects/experiments.

It was a fulfilling week for me, although I REALLY missed my 3 guys. It looks as though they survived the week w/o me.. clothes are clean, dishes are put away (thanks to the Poulettes for feeding them several nights!!), and homework got done!! The weekend will be quite busy because Rob leaves on Sunday morning for a week of travel in Honduras.

We'll be heading out shortly to attend the 2nd night of MI ESPERANZA at Miguel's house. Rob said there were 7 new folks there last night... Pray for God's Spirit to move and that they will come to realize their need for Jesus in their hearts and lives. More to come on that...... stay tuned tomorrow!!Hotel Primavera where we had the Conference

Two of the sweet MKs with whom I had the privilege (and lots of laughs) to work/test

Enjoying the culture

Today, we took our missionary friends, Winston and Cheryl Collins, with us to introduce them to "hamburgesas al carbon" (a hamburger stand). They have the BEST hamburgers cooked on an open fire. Miguel and his family took us there after the TaekWondo tournament last Saturday, and we LOVED it! The hamburgers are "melt-in-your-mouth" and cheap-- less than $2.00 each and with your choice of toppings. When we went with Miguel, we fed 12 people (drinks included) for less than $30.00. Today's lunch was about $5.00 for both of us to eat! Dad, you'd LOVE these burgs! Anyone who comes to see us can look forward to this cultural event. Rob made fun of me for taking pictures, but this was truly a cultural event! Afterwards, the Collins and myself walked through the Tiangis (tents with vendors selling their wares). Rob had to get back to the office to do an interview, but we decided to take advantage of a beautiful day and ANOTHER cultural occasion. We took a taxi home (which was ANOTHER cultural experience!)

The Collins with Rob and myself

Hamburguesas al carbon (hamburgers on the grill)

Tiangis/Open Market.. where you can find just about anything.. from batteries, to makeup, to fruits and veggies, to clothes....... "cheaper by the dozen".

Halloween, the Day of the Dead, and beyond

Friendly "trick-or-treaters" to our house



Halloween.... that word brings back happy, childhood memories for me. I remember gathering with friends and family in our neighborhood, and going door to door "TRICK OR TREAT"-- we chanted, and just hoped for some good treats. For years and years, we followed this tradition, and never felt any evil in what we were doing. I remember sitting in the middle of our living room floor, seeing who got the best treats, and trying to trade off a bag of popcorn for a candy bar.... Any of you remember those times?
Things are quite different around Mexico. For 3 consecutive days, people are celebrating the "Dia de los Muertos" or "Day of the Dead". Stores are decorated, homes are decorated inside and out, and all types of things are being sold in the stores to celebrate this well-known "ritual".
A little bit of history from a Mexican website.... "More than 500 years ago, when the Spanish Conquistadors landed in what is now Mexico, they encountered natives practicing a ritual that seemed to mock death. It was a ritual the indigenous people had been practicing at least 3,000 years... It is celebrated differently depending on where you go. In the larger cities, families build altars in their houses and outside, dedicating them to the dead. They surround these altars with flowers, food and pictures of the deceased. They light candles and place them near the altars."

Last night, we had "trick or treaters", young and old. There were at least 30 who came and shouted "Queremos Halloween" or "We want Halloween (candy, to be exact). For the next 2 nights, we'll have more trick or treaters... it's a 3-day festivity! I wasn't prepared last night with candy, so I was scrounging around the pantry to find things to give out. I think I'll go out today to buy more candy so I'll be prepared. I am also going to pass out the Gospel of John and just PRAY that someone will read it and their life be changed. Pray for that, okay? Thanks!



A part of the "Dia de los Muertos" decoration.

Sawdust art made to celebrate the day.

Older "trick-or-treaters"

Hope we have lots of "visitors" tonight.. we went to Wal-Mart and loaded up!

Fall is in the air.. or is it smog?

Hey friends and family! Sorry it's taken me so long to add to our blog page. I have had trouble logging in (I am sure it was an error on my part), but I think I get it now.

All is well in the Torbert household these days. We've been super busy with work, ministry and with school. The boys had Friday, October 27th, off from school due to Parent/teacher Conferences. Rob and I went to the school to talk with the high school teachers, and we also received grades for the boys' first quarter. We are quite pleased with most of their grades-- all A's and B's. Now, they are working through their first research paper of the 2006 school year. Their rough drafts are due on Monday, November 6th, so we ask that you remember them during this next week of work.

We celebrated Rob's 49th b-day at the office and with friends. The ladies in the office fixed one of Rob's favorite Mexican dishes, "Pastel de Tamal" (Tamale casserole.. more or less). He was a "happy camper" with that wonderful surprise!

Last Sunday, October 22nd, Tina participated in an AVON Walk against Breast Cancer. Five of our ladies from this side of town headed downtown with 9,000 other women and girls to help raise support and awareness. I have never seen so much pink in all my life (not one of my favorite colors, but...). We walked 5 km. in downtown Mexico City. There was also a 10 km run. It was a fun time for all.... and for a great cause. One of my friends (former IMB missionary), Sandra Sasser, is a breast cancer survivor, so she led a large group of ladies from Capital City Baptist Church, where I go to Bible Study on Thursdays. God blessed the day with beautiful weather!
Here are some of the ladies from our mission and from the school. LOVE THAT PINK!

Amy, Julie, Kathryn, Tina and Cheryl

This is Kathryn, the 5-6th grade teacher at MCCA, Amy, a friend who lives and works in Puebla with university students, and me... finishing the 5 km walk. We had a LOT of fun talking and taking pictures along the way (no reason to rush things.. ha!). Amy and Kathryn are like daughters to me (I am old enough to be their Mommas!! ha!). In fact, when I am with them, Mexicans often ask me if they are my daughters... boy, do I feel old!!

This past Saturday, October 28th, our family was invited to attend a TaekWondo Tournament with the Reyes family. Oscar and Miguel are both in advanced levels of TaekWondo, and were able to compete against some of the best. We spent the entire day watching the competitions.. from 5-6 year olds, to adults around our age. (at times, Rob wanted to get up there and join them, but I reminded him of his age.. ha!!). Oscar won 2nd place in "battle", and 1st place in "arms". Miguel won 1st place against black belts. It was an exciting day! ABOVE: Oscar in action. BELOW: Miguel and his instructor/friend after the

competition.

Praises and Prayer Requests from MX City- The 4 Torbs

Dear faithful friends and prayer warriors,

Buenos tardes to one and all from Mexico City... one of the largest, most highly populated cities in the world! It has been a while since we've sent an update and we want to let you know what's going on in our lives.

This morning, Sunday, October 1st, we attended First Baptist Church, Satelite, one of the largest Baptist churches in the city (and probably, the country). They have 4 Sunday services, and each one is packed, yet... there are STILL over 98% in this city who are lost without Christ. I was (again) reminded of the lostness of this huge city even in the midst of so many believers! I want to share what impacted me this morning. We were able to be a part of the baptism service, which occurs every 2 months. There were over 15 people who passed through the baptismal waters... at least 1/3 of those were men! As we observed this ordinance, tears of joy flooded my eyes, as those grown men (and the others) audibly professed their faith in Christ. With each baptism, came more joy... from oldest to youngest! How easy was it for those 15+ people to confess Christ as their Savior and Lord? Many are now being rejected by family and friends, yet they have the assurance of eternal life. Many are now serving the Lord like never before, and they, in return, are leading others to know Christ. I was urged to think about those with whom I need to share Christ... Are WE, as believers, regularly seeking out those who need Christ? Once again, I pray that we will be motivated to share that which we've been given... eternal salvation and hope!! At the end of this baptism, the pastor called for those in the congregation who want to be baptized to publicly confess Jesus, as Lord, in December... at least 30 people walked forward as prayer was lead on their behalf.. many will change their minds due to family rejection, yet most of those will follow the Lord in this ordinance. Pray for those lives to be forever changed!

PRAISES

* Cole and Carson are doing very well in school. We are grateful for their teachers. Continue to pray that they'll be disciplined in their studies throughout this year.
* We've just finished the first 13-week discipleship study with Irma and Irmita Reyes. They are growing in the Lord daily, and we are grateful.
* Rob continues to meet with Miguel Reyes on a weekly basis in discipleship.
* Our house church network had its first baptism several weeks ago. We saw 2 young people follow the Lord in believer's baptism in a swimming pool. There were about 30 people present to witness this
happy occasion. We had a taco feast afterwards!
* Rob has returned from his travels to Panama. We thank the Lord for safe travel and good meetings!
* Our Saturday night Bible Study continues to grow. We had 14 people in attendance 3 weeks ago. On the average, we are having 10-12 people in our study. Miguel and his family desire for their other
family members to come to know the Lord.
* Susana, a Catholic lady who has been attending our previous house church, has prayed to receive Jesus as her Savior and Lord. She is grateful that God revealed Himself to her through HIS Word of
Truth. She desires to follow the Lord in believer's baptism soon.
* Perry and Susan Davis are here this week from Atlanta, GA. Every year, Perry gives a week of his time/vacation to help Rob with computer issues in the mission office. Perry and Susan are true
servants of the Lord, and we are thankful for their friendships and support in quite ways. THANKS, Perry and Susan!

PRAYER REQUESTS

* Tina's sister, Cindy Hardin, is going through some medical tests this week. Pray for her health to be completely restored, and for peace of mind.
* Miguel and his family members are dealing with rejection and ridicule from their family members who are not believers. They have shut them out of their lives (unless they need something), and won't
come to the Bible Study. Pray that Miguel and family will be persistent in their invitations, as well as in being the "light" to their lost family members. We attended a special dinner for them on
Thursday night, celebrating 21 years of marriage. They were prepared for a house full of family and friends, but no one showed but Rob and myself, and his two workers. Pray for Miguel to be
encouraged and to continue growing in his faith, in spite of family problems. Pray that Miguel and his saved family members would desire to follow the Lord in believer's baptism. They attended
the baptism we had in September, but weren't ready to be baptized themselves. Pray for the work of the Holy Spirit in their personal lives. Pray for our sensitivity to their reservations.
* Rob's work as Strategy Support Coordinator continues to be a huge job, especially because his office partner is still on stateside, but will return mid-November. Pray for Rob to have wisdom in all the
decisions he has to make on a daily basis (relating to over 60 family units in Mexico and in Middle America). Pray that Rob would be encouraged, and that his faith would be strengthened.
* MCCA (Mexico City Christian Academy) is in need of another ELEMENTARY teacher for the school year 2006-2007. If you are interested (or know someone who might be interested), please contact
Tina- robtorbert@prodigy.net.mx or call 615-866-4108, our Nashville-based phone. You can view the school's website at: http://www.mcca-mexico.org/ This is a HUGE prayer request at this time!
* Tina is serving as mentor to two new teachers at MCCA on Mondays and Tuesdays. Pray for wisdom and discernment. Also, pray for Tina as she serves on the MCCA School Board, that decisions would
always be made to honor the Lord.
* Rob will be traveling to Honduras as soon as his passport is renewed and returned. Pray for wisdom as he is in the process of selling properties that are no longer needed in all parts of Honduras.
* We still own a home in the states. Pray for us as we make wise decisions concerning repairs, finances, etc. It is difficult to deal with some issues being away from home. We are so grateful to Rob's
Dad, who takes care of things for us on that end. Pray for him to have wisdom, as well.
* Unite with us in prayer for a special and unique event that will take place in November. This is an opportunity to reach the entire nation with the gospel message, a united effort of the Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association and all the participating evangelical churches of Mexico. Pray for Mexican Christians to unite in prayer for “Mi Esperanza Mexico” (which means “My Hope Mexico”).
This telecast campaign uses the strategy, called “Operation Matthew” based on the Scripture passage in Luke 5:27-32 in which Matthew invites his friends to his house for the sole purpose of
introducing them to Jesus. The evangelistic programs will be televised during the evenings of November 9, 10 and 11. Pray that 20,000 churches become involved in Mi Esperanza Mexico. Pray
that 300,000 homes be used in Operation Matthew. Pray that 1,000,000 new believers result from this project. Pray for many new churches to start, as well.
* As always, pray for us to have a passion to reach the lost of Mexico City. Pray for opportunities to share Christ with those with whom we come in contact. Pray for the Holy Spirit to move as we reach
out to those around us.
* Pray for our spiritual health. Satan attacks all of us in different ways. Pray for protection and discernment in our personal lives. Pray for our children, Cole and Carson, as they continue to grow in
Christ.

Thank you for faithfully praying for our family. Thank you for lifting up our families in the states as we are away from them. Thank you for showing you care in so many ways... phone calls, emails, letters, and financial gifts. Please continue to give through the Cooperative Program in our Baptist Churches. As you know, the Lottie Moon Christmas offering goes 100% to support missionaries all over the world. We thank you for giving!! Pray is a vital part of our standing firm and staying on the mission field. We count on your continued prayers, friends!

With much love and gratitude,


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

Saturday night Bible Study- Sept. 9th- our house

Saturday night Bible Study on Independence Day in MX