While SNTE (National public school workers syndicate) went on strike for indefinite time and has it been 3 weeks so far, Palenque Presbyterian churches gathered dozens of parents for a 4 day seminar on "Blessed Parents."

A family ministry team (rep. John & Shirley Winds, CRWM missionaries) from Merida, Yuc., facilitated us the subject "as clear as crystal water" on how to raise our children feeding them Christian values and learning from them our parental identity. What importance do we have as parents of 21st century? Pastor Alejandro Estrada & Marilu who raise 3 teen daughters extolded the seminar to the skies and made decision to improve their upbringing tasks. Pastor Adarcilio Hernandez (3 yrs of ministry in Palenque) unhesitatingly stood up to share his stubbornness to father his 3 teens who daily learn to adjust to different cultures. Sister Nicolasa encouraged herself to become a better mother. Turning the leaves of the Bible, every participants came to agree on its teaching. They made a parental vow to acknowledge and exercize this indisputable priviledge of being parents. We witnessed pleasant moments session after session.

In the next room, VeggieTales movies attracted children from toddler to early teens. They enjoyed fresh popcorns and orchard water. Brian(2), among others, caught my attention. He was laughing at personified veggies; crying as the story develops into scary-scenes; and most of time he ran in between settees causing his mom chase after him. She was playerful with him, a good mother. This is God's family.

[click on the top picture for more pictures]