Hey Everyone,

I wish that this post held fun stories and pictures of cartoons, but it does not.  Yesterday we first heard about a group of people who have recently moved to Parras.  They call themselves los zeta's basically mean "the Z's".  They are part of a large mafia group that operates all over Mexico.  We had not been told, or heard about any of this until yesterday so...

They are a very dangerous group and have started kidnapping people for ransom demands here in Parras.  They do not attack tourist, because it is to difficult to get anything in the end.  They do how ever target persons whom they percieve as wealthy.  In the past few days many of the middle and upper class families have packed up and left due to the threat of violence, often being a literally threat... "give us money or we will take you son or daughter".  Last night and tonight, the older kids told us of how many of their classmates families have left town. 

As you can imagine this is quite concerning for us.  When I drove the kids to school they point out the guys, the cars, and tell me that those are the bad guys.  One girl observed that the z's in general were cute.  Anyway... tonight after lengthy conversations with Karina, Alise and I, and a call to Roger the Vida Nueva president (who happens to be Alise's father) we all agreed it is better for Alise and I to go to Texas for the time being. 

Us being here increases the danger to the children and to the home.  If we are not here, there is no obvious indicator that say's the home has money.  If we are here, then we become the source for the funds they desire.  Most Mexicans believe that all American's are rich.  So tomorrow Thursday Sept 11, we will drive to TX.  (yes right into the path of hurricane Ike, yes the lord has a sense of humor.  We will be with Alise's parents and will evacuate with them if need be). 

So what can you do?  Pray, Pray, Pray. 

Pray that the Mexican Army (the only group that can touch the Zetas) will respond to the needs of this town.  Pray that God will intervene and that these men will stop hurting others for their own personal gain. 

Pray for the Home.  Pray for the Children, pray for Karina, pray for Alise and I.  We do not want to leave, and telling the children tonight that we needed to go, was  horrible.  To tell them just 3 months ago that we are here to stay at least for a few years, only to wait 4 months and have to leave them here... while we go to safety... it is hard to accept.  Our being here right now, is worse for them. 

We hope that this passes soon, we will be in regular daily communication with Karina.  This is a small town, when the other families return, and the threats stop, everyone will know immediately.  Keep us in your prayers.  God Bless!  Feel free to email us if you have any questions or concerns...

Chad & Alise