My amazing wife turned chaos into a well organized kitchen. She took what she had and made it work. We even had the neighbors over for dinner and Bible study last night.

In this area of Mexico they use tile-covered concrete counters and close-in the front underneath to make a sort-of cabinet – there is no overhead storage at all. I added a shelf to make the under-cabinets a bit more functional using parts from a bookshelf broken in the move.

We rebuilt and re-purposed another part of the broken bookshelf and put it on the counter to make a usable china cabinet. It holds the glasses and dishes we use most often. Once I had these basics in place Tonyia went to work organizing dishes, pots, pans, plastic-ware, mixing bowls and small appliances.

We ran out of room for dry food storage. So we re-purposed an old bookshelf that has been in my family over 50 years. Tonyia used some small Mexican style runners she had to dress it all up.

We are changing how we look at living. I believe our theme and one of the big lessons for successful Mexico living is “made due with what you have.” But really, a better way to look at it is “God will provide” but maybe not in the way we expect. It has opened us up to look for His provision in a more creative way than we did in Ennis.

We cannot just run down to Walmart to buy a cheap shelf. Food here is cheaper, but many other things we take for granted in the US is either not available or very expensive.

This brings a scripture to mind; “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2

To prove the kitchen’s function we fixed spaghetti with a salad last night and had the neighbors over. Jesse, Chuy, Karen, little Jamie and Karen’s sister Lapeta enjoyed the meal with us on Tonyia’s best Fiesta-ware plates.

In addition to food and fellowship we sang hymns, and had a prayer time. Jesse lead a study on being in the spirit during prayer in light of what Paul says in Ephesians 6:10-20. Verse 18 sums it up nicely “Pray in the Spirit always with all kinds of prayer and supplication.”

We cherish your prayers. It is my prayer that we will shine the light of Jesus as we serve Him in Mexico. Life is more abundant in His will.

God bless,

Stephen & Tonyia Williams
Missionaries for Jesus in Mexico