After lunch, at 12:30, my four youngest students return for Science. Then to end our day we all join together once more for either P.E., Art or Music. I must tell the truth and say that this is my most favorite part of the school day. It is always great to step away from the books and be in a different element with the kids.

The kids seem to be getting use to and adjusting well to their new school environment. We are all having to learn each others personalities and what works well and what pushes buttons. We are in very tight quarters.
I am praying that through this experience we learn how to love each other better and that that love will spill out of us. I also hope to help instill in each child a love for learning as God has called us all to be learners. Learners from those younger and older. Learners from books, experiences, people and Him. Learners of hard things and easy things. Learners of things of interest and things we feel no need for knowledge of.

THE RAIN CAME TUMBLING DOWN

Rancho Casitas has a new look to it. On and off for 4 days it poured buckets of rain. Every dry creek became an overflowing roaring rapid. They grew to be 8+ feet deep and wide in areas. Each family was trapped in their own home…no way to cross by car or by foot. God again had his hand of protection over us all and the ranch. There was damage, but nothing that can’t be fixed or replaced. The men worked hard with the tractor to fix the roads so we can continue to have visitors.
If you haven’t heard already, there were also great benefits to the rain. I was able to do boogie boarding and boat racing for P.E.. Also the hills are now a glowing green and beginning to bloom with flowers. It is a beautiful sight!
My prayers during this time were really for the people in the communities and continue to be as so many homes were flooded or washed away.

LOFTHOUSE LOVE
It was an incredible Valentines gift to have a group of dear friends and family come to the ranch and give my lofthouse a little TLC (tender loving care). We did not complete the projects we set out to do, but the time of fellowship and laughter was what I was in need of most anyways.

The electrical was ran for someday when I get a generator. Insulation and paneling was put in place downstairs. But there is still a floor to be laid, ceiling panels to go up, and trim to finish it all off on the downstairs. The upstairs has yet to be touched. I think one more weekend and we can knock it all out.

Also, I am excited to say that a nearby shower house is being completed as well. The pipes and copper tubing were worked on and again will probably be wrapped up in a weekend. I think that weekend is just around the corner. My home church is sending a group down to do a build in the community and some have volunteered to hang back to help me finish up my lofthouse projects. I am stoked!

THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE RANCH
Over Christmas break I rescued a 3 month old little lab mix from the Redlands Animal Shelter. Her name is Revy.
She actually chose me. As my dear friend and I brought her into a play pen to see if we would be compatible, she ran around like crazy but then jumped up only in my lap. I had no choice but to take her home.

She is fitting right in at the ranch chasing cows and scaring off horses. During the day she sits on the step of the school house and waits for me. At night she snuggles down at my feet, but by morning she is up around my head. She is a big snuggle bug! And can you say spoiled?

For Financial Support : Hands of Mercy
P.O. Box 7818 Redlands, Ca 92375 (Please put #008 on memo line)
For Personal Letters or Care Packages : 633 Garfield Way Redlands, Ca 92373 (Mail will be delivered to me every month)

Dear friends, family, and partners in ministry,

Happy New Year and Seasons Greetings. The end of a year is a great time to reflect on how we are living our lives and on what God is doing to transform us. I, probably like you, tend to remember what I should forget and forget what I should remember.
Almost every week I have the opportunity to talk to groups at Rancho Casitas. I try to always remind groups that we as the American church have a greater need to give than those in Mexico have to receive. While the needs in Mexico are real and sometimes seem urgent, I must agree with Jesus that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Many of the groups faced “well meaning” opposition to their ministry trips to Mexico this year, but found that they were especially blessed for their demonstration of faith.
October brought a brush fire that threatened both the Johnson and VanNes homes here at Rancho Casitas. The fire came within about 100 feet of both structures. Mexican firefighters, military and friends all joined in to fight the fires and save the homes. Thank you for your prayers during the fires.
The gift of lofthomes continues to meet the needs of families that lack adequate housing. God has used the little lofthomes to change lives on both sides of the border. It is our prayer that stepping out in faith to serve in Mexico will open doors for many to serve in other countries around the world. For example, in our family, Shelby (18) was able to serve in Ethiopia and Shirlee (19) is preparing to go to Kenya with a team from Biola. Both girls are enjoying their time at Biola and doing well in their classes.
Jen Dahlin has joined our team in Mexico and in addition to hosting groups, is helping teach the missionary kids here at Rancho Casitas. Jen is a credentialed schoolteacher and it is a blessing to have her here. Cade (15) and Colton (14) are both in high school and Jen is helping tutor them while Sue is starting Shaina (5) in Kindergarten. Sue is also helping out in the school at Pastor Bogar’s church in El Zorillo on Fridays. She is teaching English to three different classes while Shaina attends the Kindergarten class for three hours. Shaina really loves going to school.
We know 2009 has been a challenging year for us and for many of you as well, but we know that God is faithful to bring new growth and fruit even in times of pruning and trial. We truly covet your prayers and are so encouraged by those who come to visit us. Thank you for your support and may God richly bless you in 2010.

The McCoys

John 15:1,2 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”

427 S Center St., Redlands, CA 92373
Email: mccoycoffee@gmail.com