Cooking with Chris

Frank and Susannah, who some of you may know, approached me a few weeks ago and asked if I would be interested in giving cooking classes to them and others from YLM and San Pablo. I thought why not. Last Friday, we had our first class. Basically how it works is each student (8 is enough for one class) pays 5 dollars plus the cost of the food is split between each student (which last week ended up being 3 dollars per person).

We made Italian Chicken Rolls with parmesan pasta, and everything turned out well. I showed them how to split the chicken breast, pound them thin, stuff, roll, and bread them, while having them do some pounding and mixing of things. After the chicken went into the oven, we started the pasta, and just talked about general cooking things. It was a good learning experience, and a fun time for fellowship. I need to figure out a way to show them crock pot meals, since I can't make it work like you see on a television show, when they put something in the oven, go to commercial, and when the commercial is over, the food is done.

Next class we are going to have pan seared fish (probably tilapia) with penne pasta, roast jalapenos, and a light cream sauce.

Plans are to have classes every two weeks. Other requests have included crock pot meals, shrimp scampi, steak, and barbecue. Depending on future interest, I may have to hold 2 classes during each week, which would be ok by me.

Have a Blessed week.

New Year, New Resolutions

Well, this year I actually decided to make some resolutions, with the honest intention of sticking to them. So if you have some extra time in your prayers, perhaps you could lift up a couple of these for me.

1. Read the Bible in a year (I have tried this before, and I always quit during Chronicles, but I found a really cool chronological plan where I am already reading bits and pieces of Chronicles so it is manageable.) One thing that I noticed the other day is that it really is Chronological. I had to read Genesis 25:12-26 before reading Genesis 25: 7-11, and when you look at it, that is actually the correct chronological order. (odds of success 95%)

2. Read a book per week. One of my Facebook friends did this last year, and I thought it sounded cool. I am going to have to choose small books though, because of school. So far, I have finished 2 and am 1/3 of the way through the third and we have not quite hit two weeks yet, so in good shape. Let's see what happens now that school is back in session. Erin asked if a book of the bible counted, what is your opinion? (Odds of success 70%)

3. Blog again. Enough said. (Odds of success (65%)

4. Lose 2 pounds per week (It doesn't necessarily have to be 2 per week, but I want 104 gone by 12/31/12). Even if I don't hit this number, I will consider it a success if I can lose half of that. (odds of success 50%)

5. Keep my 4.0 in school. Classes are getting tougher, work is getting busier, and now I have to exercise and read too, so which one is going to win out? Not this one. I make myself do schoolwork at least one hour per day, and more if needed to make sure I am doing well. And, a friend of mine graduated college with at 3.9799 so that is my motivation to beat her :). (odds of success (99%)

Have a great week, hope you are enjoying your new year.

Sharing Jesus in Anapra

For the 7th time, students, faculty, and chaperons from Mayer Lutheran High School spent their New Year in El Paso under the theme of Sharing Jesus in Anapra. This year, 33 people made the 26 hour bus ride from Minnesota to El Paso to experience this "life changing event" as one student commented on her evaluation. The students in attendance represented nearly 15% of the student body, and watching how they model their faith and love for others is an inspiration to myself, and maybe to others.

Once again this year, the group divided into 3 groups, with each group building a house, and finding time to interact with the children and families nearby. The group brought plenty of activities and crafts to keep a small army busy, and more candy than you see at a grocery store before Halloween. Each site saw the house built in 4 days, and the love of Jesus and Minnesota shared with many. As the week drew to a close, and sadness came from the group because they had to leave, an explanation from Acts 20 about how the citizens of Ephesus were weeping because of their love for Paul, and they knew they would never see him again, that it would be ok for them to shed tears because of their love for their friends in Anapra, but to remember that they would see them again soon.

Welcome back to the blog, and Blessings on your week.

Working on the drywall

A little bit of hanging around enjoying the sun

More interior work

A daily highlight included climbing the mountain right behind our job site, here are some pictures from up top.

Our casa tucked right in there

We had some extra time, so those at this casa chipped in to buy some paint

I'm Back

Okay, I have neglected this long enough. Now that Erin has left the mission to return to St. Louis and work for Concordia Publishing House, her sister Kara suggested that I should start my blog again because there are some people who would like to know what is happening around here. So I will make an honest attempt to do so. Hope you enjoy, and remember to check back occasionally.