South of the Boarder Report - May 2007

Wow things have been really busy here in Mexico. So busy that I forgot to write you in April with an update.

Just before Easter Rich and Meme Thorpe arrived here as full time missionaries. Their presence has been such a blessing. Not only have they helped divide the work load, but also have help us expand the ministry into areas that were not possible because of staff limitations. They are adjusting to life in Mexico quite well. They are making friends with both Mexicans and also the vast English speaking population here around the lake side. We are so impressed with their "go getter" attitude when it comes to practicing their Spanish with the locals. We just know that they are going to learn Spanish quickly.

Since their arrival we have been quite busy helping them get settled and just completing projects that have been waiting for some extra hands. Rich has been really busy painting and repairing misc. items. Meme has been a complete blessing helping with our three little princesses. Rodney continues working 5 to 6 days at the Love in Action Center helping with the children and office work. It has been a real blessing that the office at the center has been completed and he actually has a place to work there.

As for here, we broke ground on the Christian Community Outreach Center in April. An aljibe has been completed. This is a water holding tank that is a must in any facility since water is not constant nor reliable here in Mexico. The aljibe is the first part of the building since it goes in the ground under other construction. The land has been leveled and the building plans staked out. We are in the process of making some last minute changes to the design before we begin additional building. As always we want to thank those of you who are contributing to make this center a reality!

Juan and Fabi continue to do well. His marble business has slowed some to give him a chance to breath for a while. Fabi continues to work with the pre-teen/teenage girls at church. She also does most all of the planning for SHMI and Church events. Their daughters Wendy and Kely as well as our daughter Genesis are on the tambourine team at church and dance during the worship service each Sunday. Although not an official member of the team, our daughter Zion (2) also loves to dance and worship and has been allowed to dance with the girls on Sunday Mornings.

And on a personal note, we are expecting another little princess just any day, so that too may have been the cause that I have forgotten to write. Baby Dutro is officially due June 10th but they say she may arrive any time between now and then.

Please keep us in your prayers! We have a lot of up coming ministry projects and obviously some family projects as well.

We love you guys. Please keep in touch when you can, we do enjoy hearing from you. Blessings, The Dutro's Rodney, Kina, Genesis, Trinity, Zion and Baby Dutro