It’s hard to believe that just a week ago we were packing and re-packing (and perhaps re-packing again) our bags for this mission trip and now it’s almost over. It’s been a very full and fulfilling week for all of us and more than anything we are looking forward to seeing you all (and giving a few big hugs) tomorrow night.
One thing that we learned this trip was flexibility. And today was no exception. We were able to do many things today that were interesting and made us work hard…but not all of it was in our plan when we awoke this morning.
There were a few that began the day by trekking over to the Elderly Home to help with their “Queen of Spring” contest. All of the elderly ladies were getting dolled up and one would be crowned the “Queen” today. We thought to help out with some of their hair and make-up, but the mother superior met us almost as soon as we arrived and put us to work raking up leaves! Well, at least we got to help prepare at least part of the celebration!
The other part of the group went back to continue teaching the “Don Bosco” kids. Some with a bit of worry if we would make it through all that we wanted to cover (like making sure the girls had enough time to finish their sewing project!) We are happy to say that we were able to finish well. Even sharing some authentic Canadian pancakes (the kids helped cooking them) with maple syrup. We ended our morning with a Mass all together with our students. As we headed back to our rooms to prepare for lunch, many of the kids were hanging around because they wanted to give their “favorite” teachers hugs before they left for the weekend. We thought we would get out of the good-byes, but we came back down for them.
After lunch a bit of rest (the siesta took a few of us, while a few of us took a siesta!) we headed back to finish painting the basketball courts of the Mano Amiga school. It went quickly with most all of us pitching in (and with a little help from some of the Mexican custodians) and we were able to finish in time for their Living Stations of the Cross. (Of course, the “Mexican time” was in our favor here as they started about 30 minutes late!)
The Living Stations were moving to watch. It was performed by the High School kids from the Mano Amiga school and all of them stayed very much in character. What was most striking was to reflect on how much they put into it and how they had to understand each step that Jesus took in order to portray it well. It was more than just a re-presentation of what happened; it was also a moment where we were able to see how it was a learning experience for the students.
We ended the night with another delicious meal and our time of sharing. And then we all went to the chapel to pray a decade of the rosary together in thanksgiving for the mission. And here we want to thank all of you who have supported us in many and various ways! Please pray for our safe (and uneventful) travel tomorrow!
