Two Days In Tijuna

[Guest Emily Ray]

Hey everyone,

I had a so so day yesterday towards the end as last night my roommate told me that he heard a policeman talking to two men in english who were working right next to my building asking if they had seen a man trying to get a sex change around. The police in TJ are notoriously crooked and will use any excuse they can to try and get money out of you so they won't take you to jail. I have been picked up about five times before in male mode a friend bailed me out for fifteen dollars one time, I bribed them a couple times just let me go, I called their bluff once and after driving me around town for an hour they let me go, and one time I spent 12 hours in jail as my sentence. He probably thinks I am an easy mark and will threaten me with prostitution charges. I am not an easy mark and don't dress as a prostitute. I also read that in mexico I am protected from discrimination for my preferencias.

A good thing came out of it though. last night I was praying about it and felt that the Lord wanted me to go to the church accross the street from my building for Sunday services. I have been listening to His direction lately and it has always turned out for the best, in fact better than I can hope. Well, this morning was no different! I went to the First Baptist Church of Tijuna and received such a warm welcome from them that it really touched my heart. Afterwards I was speeking with a pastor but not the pastor of the church about my problem with this policeman and he reconfirmed what I already knew that the Lord is our protector and none can stand against Him; He then prayed for my protection against all those who might wish to do me harm in whatever way. I feel so much better now. It was really what I needed. I know I am right where God wants me to be. I mean I and my roommate looked for months for a nice place that was close to the border and in a safer, quieter neighborhood. What we ended up with was right accross the street from the a church that is the same denomination that I grew up with. If we look close enough at our lives we can see Him working throughout it; working to help us find our path through the mine field of life. When I accepted myself and all that I am I found the peace that is mentioned in so many verses and hymns. I never was able to feel that peace before. I now know that when I rejected myself I was rejecting the plan He has for me and in may respects I was saying to Him "You don't know what is good for me!" I was wrong and now see how wrong I was and make every effort even if that means missing my favorite SciFi series DR. WHO. Luckliy though after I walked accross the street and read the sign with the times for the services it started an hour later so I saw DR. WHO for the first time since high School and went to church. The Lord is Wonderful!!!

Huggs,

Emily

[JJ]

Huggs and blessings for your courage and your wonderful experiences.

JJ