Saying Goodbye To A Dear Friend (Photos from the Trip): Manage It (Victorious in Christ) Monday

When we found out that Cristina had passed away, I called Jerry right away.  We had talked of going down to Mexico for the funeral, but Jerry wasn't able to get away from work.  Dane thought about going, but in the end, he stayed at home and covered for Mr. Tiemann, his boss, so that he could go.  I found out about Cristina around 9:00 a.m. on Monday, and we flew out at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday.  It was crazy.  The Lord really blessed in allowing us to go and be with the De Hoyos family.  His hand was so evident.  Though it, of course, was a very sad event, it was a really good trip, start to finish.  Flights were smooth, and we even got in early.  It was such a sweet, loving time with their family and extended family and brothers and sisters in the Lord.  I can't describe what it was like to be there.  It does not seem real.  We will miss Cristina greatly, but what peace to know we'll see her again in heaven.

One good thing:  Kelsey and I LOVE to FLY!

All our flights were smooth, and we even got in early!

The family in prayer before the service.

The room was large and the air conditioning was loud, making it difficult
for me to hear the Spanish clearly.  I only caught snippets. But enough
to understand the feeling.  Some shared in English, which was nice.
Kelsey did really great on her Spanish on this trip.

The De Hoyos family requested Ryan to sing "Mama."

Different men were asked to share.
Here is Donnie Barr with Josué translating.

Alfredo on the right with his brother Guillermo, who was sharing.
We loved meeting Guillermo and Emma and their family.
I hope they come up to Minnesota for a visit, as we
invited them to do.  (Side benefit: they speak excellent English; they live in the U.S.)

Alfredo's brother, Ricardo, looks so much like him, that some of us thought it was him at first.
A very, very nice man.

Cristina's brother, Jesus.

A "professional-sounding" brass quintet played during the service on Tuesday night.

Mark was asked to share.  He spoke of Alfredo's love for his wife
and their example of a loving and faithful marriage.
Dickmar translated.

The De Hoyos family.  There were about 100 or more people at each service.
The family sat or stood at the front throughout.  First the casket was closed, then opened
and people could file by. They had people share, some music, a slideshow of her life,
and most moving of all, a video message spoken by Cristina herself,
 made about 3 weeks before her death.
Left to right: Alfredo, Josué 23, Dany 15, Kriss 26, Zelina 25, and Dickmar 28.

Next day: Wednesday graveside service.
We started at the funeral home and then walked across the street over to the cemetery.

It was a beautiful, well-kept cemetery.

The service first was under the tent. Two brothers shared and when the
Mayor of Montemorelos (Don Francisco) arrived, Alfredo asked if he wanted to share, and he did also.
He is a well-respected and beloved former mayor, and one whom
we've met and worked with on missions trips before.

Then the casket was opened and people were allowed to file by,
then it was closed for the last time and they carried it over to where
they had just the immediate family say their goodbyes
as they lowered it into the ground. This was perhaps the most difficult time for the family.

Horatio Martinez, (standing on the right). He is a gem!
What a joy to get to know his family better on this trip!

Lupita, the widow who owns the store in Vista Hermosa.

The following photos were taken at the hotel where Alfredo hosted a very delicious, formal, authentic Mexican dinner after the service at the gravesite on Wednesday.

Marcela, Kelsey and Linnea after the formal dinner at the hotel in Linares
which Alfredo hosted following the graveside service.

Alfredo's parents.

Ken and Theresa Myers from Sherman, TX. We sat at the same table.
It was such a pleasure to meet dear friends of Alfredo and Cristina's.

Cristina's family

Donnie Barr sharing a moving testimony

Haniel and Linnea (Hani made a wonderful slideshow
with photos of Cristina that was presented at the funeral service.)
There were services on Monday and Tuesday nights, and
on Wednesday at the gravesite.

Hani and Kelsey

Doña Marta, and her daughter Marta (hugging)
Alfredo's sister-in-law Rocio in background

Zelina and Kelsey

The enormous and beautiful flower arrangement in the background
was only one of about 15 or more of equal size. Tradition is that you
throw the flowers in a pile on top of the casket in the grave.

Lynn and I (a little worse for crying)

Doña Marta

The release of emotion and the joy of family.
It was so great to meet Alfredo's and Cristina's families; we enjoyed a lot of laughter with Alfredo's brothers and their families.  Here is one time in the De Hoyos kitchen.

Sweet Kriss saying Goodbye as we drove off

We stayed in a hotel in Monterrey, MX, before flying out
on Thursday morning. I love these mountains (in the background).

The Tiemanns (and two of their 11 children)--"Best Traveling Companions"

(Link to Mexico Missions Trip 2009)