August 1-8, 2010

>> Additional Photos can be viewed at: Mexico 2010

Seven of us, ready at the airport bright and early Sunday morning waiting to get on the plane to Mexico City , then on to Tecamachalco by bus. That’s where we would be staying while on the mission trip to the children's home. I thought about all the many trips by Lighthouse before this one, different faces but all the same hearts. Going to voluntarily be out of their comfort Zone for eight days. I wished that they could all understand right away what this trip would mean to the children at La Familia. Maybe that might make them feel Angels and the Holy Spirit traveling with them.

We all got on, had an easy flight down to Mexico City . Had some trouble changing dollars to pesos but just figured it would all work out. We prayed for “green Lights” at customs which lets you through without checking. You should have seen all the bags. Sheri got checked. The Custom fellows couldn't believe all the food, and craft stuff. But we talked to them about what was going on with us; they smiled and sent us on our way. Two carts full of bags, seven Americans moving fast, like Americans do, to get the bus to Puebla . We had to rush a little but almost immediately got on the bus. Easy trip to Puebla . Another big cart load of luggage and another Bus down to Tecamachalco.

We got to the bus station and started to unload, about ten to twelve of the children from the home were suddenly greeting us with hugs, laughter and excitement. We visited a bit and they went on their way. We loaded the van and headed for the Hotel Del Vale. Everyone got checked in, and we were all hungry. We loaded back up and went to a Taco restaurant to eat. We ordered Gringas and who knows what all. It was all good and we all liked every bit of it as we hadn't eaten all day.

Monday morning, we head out to breakfast. We would have breakfast each morning at “ Sandy's ” in Quecholac, a small village close to the home. We had a three course breakfast. Each day Ted corralled all the desserts we didn't want to take to the home for the children. We ate breakfast every day at 8:30 and had devotional before going to the home. Each member of the team took turns for each of the days we were there.

How good the home looked as we pulled up. More children hugging on us, laughing and jumping up and down to see us. When they saw all the bags, they knew there was going to be a craft thing to do with Sheri, Aileen, Cynthia and Turrisa. Maybe some cooking things in there too, as Aileen always brings something.

We had a meeting and Robert Sawyer, the director of Hogar Amor’s eleven homes, outlined what the team would be doing. We started in making up steel parts for the re-bar strengthening that the second floor walls and roof were going to need. With the project money we had, he ordered steel and block to keep the work going. We all worked hard, with the kids all around us. The staff fixed a big mid day meal and we all enjoyed every bit of it.

We had a meeting that evening with Sylvia and Juan about what were their pressing needs at the home. They hesitated some, but then quietly said that they had almost no money for school supplies and asked if we could help some. We asked how much money they thought would be needed, again quietly she said eight hundred dollars. We all smiled. One of our Church family had sent $900 down with us to “get something for the kids.” Smiles all around. They planed a trip to go to Puebla to get all the things on Tuesday...

Each day we continued our routine. Andrew and I working with the steel. Ted laying square tiles in the courtyard and the ladies helping the children with crafts. The children followed us around some and we all made great little friends. On Wednesday we took the kids to a water park that is close to the home. You'd have to see the pictures to understand the picnic and the fun the kids had. Some of us had some nice naps by the pool that day.

Next day we had a meal cooked by Aileen, Lasagna. All good and every one loved it. Most of the children had never had it before. On Friday we took the children into town for ice cream. I couldn't believe how good and well behaved they all were. They hardly ever get Ice cream and we all enjoyed it together. Had Church service that night. The praise music was great and the energy level was even greater. A special time for all of us.

Friday we had an enchilada Suisse meal, played games and were treated to a performance by the children. We had to do a skit so we did the morning thing that Frank and Bobby do. We had shaving cream every where and cereal all over the table. Kids in Mexico love to see adults do stuff like that. They had some really good laughs.

We asked the staff to join us for dinner at Sandy's that Friday night. They don't get to do that very often so we were honored that they came. We talked and laughed and then said good-byes and headed for the hotel.
The next morning we headed back to Puebla to enjoy the town. We took a great tour of some interesting unusual churches and the Chocula pyramid. Great dinner on the square with a brief cooling rain. Next morning, we headed back to the airport in Mexico City and all made it home just fine.

A lot goes on while on these trips. What I've written are just a few of the things. It's hard to describe the love one feels there at La Familia. Also the understanding of how we've been blessed by being a part of the children's life for a week. The children don't forget and I know this team as well as all the others before them won't forget that they have been close to where God is. How awesome.

Peace,
Marshall