Thanks for the Memory

I was singing that old song (way older than me), “Thanks for the Memory” last night. I remember Bob Hope crooning his famous theme song “Thanks for the Memory", that he originally sang in a 1938 movie and went on to end his TV variety shows with it.

I was thinking about it because my cousin and I have relived so many childhood memories that included our time here in Red River, NM. I remembered that drive here and the two of us from the back seat, belting out the 1960 song by Anita Bryant, “My Little Corner of the World”.

On Monday, we took a little stroll in the town area and the memories rolled on. As we walked by the Red River Stables, we remembered when we went horseback riding from those stables. Myra’s horse was obedient but mine was stubborn and kept stopping to eat grass. It was so hard to get him to move along. Then, in the intersection of town, he decided to lie down right in the middle of the street. I was mortified. It was almost too much laughter – at this age – if you know what I mean! I was told that I should feel very fortunate the horse didn’t buck me off before he went down. I was very grateful. I told the stable keeper our story. She laughed and agreed that's the way it was, but now they lead the horses to privately owned land and slightly up the mountain. No longer can riders go it alone and certainly not go down the streets of the town.

BTW – pictured here – right in the middle of town are deer that apparently didn’t get the memo about critters not coming into town. On the other hand, maybe deer are excluded!

I was raised as straight-laced as I could be which meant that I didn’t get to go to movies, but thanks to my Uncle Dewayne and Aunt Marie, I saw my first movie in Red River. If my memory serves me correctly, it was “Cimarron”. Myra pointed out that the "Alpine" is where the theater used to be. She also pointed out the cabins where we stayed, as well as the community center where we attended a church service there. I remember the square dancing and Disney movies shown there. The center is closed now because of the pandemic. Myra pointed out the little shopping square where we were entertained by Indian dances.

Oh, what precious memories we have shared but none compare to the strong faith that we were all raised in. Our families were believers in Jesus and were determined to serve Him with all their hearts. Best news ever was when we were talking about our own children and grandchildren who are carrying on the faith traditions that were instilled in them by us.

The sweetest of memories are those that include the blessings of faith – through many ups and downs of life – the one constant that remains – unchanging and unwavering. Sure, there are changes in this enchanting and vibrant little town of Red River. There is no longer a theater here, horses can’t be ridden on the streets, the community center is closed because of Covid, and all must wear face masks. Changes. We’ve changed also.
One thing does remain and stays the same. That one thing – rather, that One all-knowing, all-seeing and all-loving God and His unchanging ways. Thanks for the memories and the joys of the past, but living in this here and now is a great place to be with our God Who has never left us or forsaken us and will be with us forever, In the meantime, thanks for the memories!

"The memory of the righteous is a blessing...." Proverbs 10:7

School of Champions

Our 2nd day was still in progress as we made our way to the School of Champions. The School originated for “the Children of the Dump” to bring relief and hope to needy children and families living in and around the garbage dump areas of Puerto Vallarta. The adults and children picked through the garbage each day for food and to find items they could sell. With no water or electricity, they were forced to move their flimsy shacks every few days as the garbage was bulldozed towards them. It was a low level of existence for them. While the parents and older children worked, other children had to take care of the babies. The children didn’t attend school and without an education, were destined to repeat the cycle of poverty as their parents before them had.

Unless you can see it with your own eyes, it is unimaginable – mainly because we are people of so much “plenty”. It’s easy to say, “What a shame”, and go on our way. But, God shows up with His people and organizations that go the distance in making a difference. Perdon y Amistad Church supplies volunteers and vehicles for the program. Now, with the feeding program to help the children to concentrate and learn, getting the children into school, and keeping them there, is a major priority.

Funds were raised to build a community center by the dump. Thus, the School of Champions was born. The School, just two blocks from the entrance to the dump, is where students from primary schools in the area are taught Math, English and Computer skills in an after-school program. The School of Champions was created to raise the hope and expectancy for a better future for these children.

And, in this place, they can hear the good news of Christ, so it was where Staci Wallace and Tony Bouie spoke into their precious lives. Alexia Wallace sang, Payton Wallace & Joshua Sinclair gave their testimonies. Our hearts were so touched when the kids responded to Staci’s question “What is your biggest prayer request?” One child said, “For my dad to get out of jail”. Another, “for money for food”. Another, "for my mom to get well". But the one that touched us the most, was one precious boy’s reply, “for you not to forget us!” Then Staci asked them to write down their prayers and what they wanted to do in their future. And to our joy and delight, they wrote true hopes and dreams: “to be a professional soccer player”; “to be a veterinarian”, “to be a doctor”, “to be an artist”. What once represented hopelessness to them, through the dedication of difference-makers, these children now see themselves as winners and achievers. After the service, we fed the children.

At the conclusion of this day, we made our way back to our hotel -- drenched and exhausted from the heat, and weary from the long day……but we could not have been more inspired and exhilarated from having seen these precious children’s faces – aglow with love and thanksgiving – energized with a place that they felt love, respect and protection. "Being a miracle" is not only a blessing to the ones we're giving to, but somehow, the satisfaction of having helped someone, brings rewards that money can't buy and no one can ever take it away from us. What could ever compare to "being a miracle" in someone's world?