fiesta

yesterday the people from the church we painted held us a fiesta. Before the fiesta there was a gathering in the church. I could not believe how greatfull they all were, thankyou after thankyou.
The night before the bishop was saying how not many people come and support this church. But yesterday there was around 75 of us, 33 from St. Christophers and the rest perishioners. They all looked so proud that this was there church.What really blew me away was that they called us a miracle, a gift from god. To see people from totally different worlds come together to do something like this is truly amazing.
After dinner we all gathered and began to sing and dance. At first not many were doing it but by the end almost all of us were out there together. It was like we had been friends for years, but we had only met some of these people just that night. It was cool how everyone connected even though we couldnt really speak to eachother, and had just met.
As we said goodbye the little girls all began to cry, and then it hit me, that we werent just there to paint this church. We were there to make a difference in ourselfs and the ones we met, we were there to meet new people. I am so thankfull that I ad this opportunity to do this, this was a miracle.

Dia cinco

Today we were invited to the school nearby the church that we are working on in Alejandra, Jose Maria Morelos.They were having a fiesta for one of their teachers who was retiring. They performed dances, poetry and skits. Watching this party made us realize how much respect is given towards teachers compared to the United States. It is hard to imagine such a large party just for retiring in the U.S. because some teachers at our own schools that were retiring barely got a goodbye, much less a party. It was a great experience to learn from a community with such a strong respect for elders and those who dedicate their lives to helping others.

¡Mary Martha and Jordan!

Day Three

This morning we were given the opportunity to sleep in. About two hours later we packed up and were ready to go to the church. When we got there some of the adults were already working and we took up miscellaneous jobs to help. Instead of just painting, Mr.P gave the youth the task of picking up garbage around the soccer field, which is across the street. School on the other end of the soccer field was over, and as soon as the young children saw us picking up garbage, they immediately asked for some rubber gloves and were willing to help us. This job took hard work and a lot of time, but at the end of the day the soccer field was almost done. As someone mentioned, the cleaner area would make the locals feel better about themselves and their community. During our break the youth and many of the school children played various sports; including soccer, football, and frisbee.

As the day progressed, we began to sand and paint the pews. When the adults called the youth to put on the first coat, some of the local kids we had met before became curious and wanted to help. Quickly they ran home and changed out of their uniforms into appropriate painting clothes. Eager to assist us, we handed over our paint brushes and allowed them to participate. They were all very happy as they worked. Once the task of painting the pews was done, Scott and all the youth and our new friends joined at the front of the church to sing and dance. We said our goodbyes and began the hour-long journey through the mountains back to our "home."
As a conclusion to our day, we were graced with the presence of artisans from the area. They brought hand-made crafts for us to purchase.

Buenas noches, and have a good night!

M.P.
M.F.
C.N.

Day Two

Our first full day in Mexico began with a delicious breakfast together, followed by some group song-singing. We then prepared for our first big day in the city. Many of us rode in taxis to church first thing, holding on for dear life as they sped in between other vehicles and through tight spaces. It seemed as if there were no traffic laws at all. Personally, we don't think there was even a speed limit; but all in all, we safely made it to our first destination: Iglesia Catedral "San Miguel y Todos los Angeles." Otherwise known as the World's Smallest Anglican Cathedral. Some attended one out of the two services, but many came to both the English and the Spanish service. For the time in between the two services, some people walked down to the Pasteleria, or the local bakery.
After the second service, assigned groups were able to freely enjoy the sights and sounds of the busy city on a Sunday afternoon. Many noted a family oriented feeling about the town. While we went to lunch at various restaurants, many of the towns people were absent from the roaring city and seemed to be gathered together at their own homes. But by the time we were finished eating and ready to sight see or shop, the city became crowded again. This showed to us the importance of family in the Mexican culture.
As we made our way through the densely -populated, narrow sidewalks, there were many things to observe. One thing that we noticed was the struggle that many families had to go through in order to put dinner on their tables. Children were put to work by their parents as they sold many trinkets including gum, jewelery, hats, purses etc. We as tourists and Americans seemed to be "targeted" the most by the young venders. It was definately hard to avert our eyes from the homeless beggars at every corner.
While some simply shopped, others toured Cortez's palace or other museums, went through the food market, or just enjoyed the unique entertainment all around them. We wrapped up our second day with a local speaker who talked with us about the economy and the lifestyle of Mexico. Quite interesting to many.
Our day consisted of many exciting and memorable moments that we could explain in more detail, but it is very late and the bloggers are about to fall asleep on the computer, so keep posted for our next adventure as we begin our first day of work on the church.

M.P
M.F

The Long Trip to Mexico

As you know, it was the trip today. We went from St. Christopher's to O'Hare and got on our flight. It was a boring trip. Then someone's bags did not arrive. So we waited and went on. We could not find our bus so we waited some more and, finally found it. We went through Mexico City which is very bright and has a lot of graffiti. Then, we got to the countryside with its beautiful scenery and mountains. Then, after that long and boring trip we finally arrived and got settled in. Then we went to the Superama (the Supermarket) and looked around. When we got back we talked to the Bishop and hung out. After that the Stoners arrived.

How's the weather?

In a few days, St. Christopher’s service
trip group will be in Cuernavaca, Mexico embarking on
many of our first service trips ever. As the countdown
of days decreases, I am getting more and more excited,
and impatient for the day that we depart from Chicago.
I know I can speak for everyone on the service trip
when I say that we are all very excited to begin our
journey, especially the youth. Though helping others
is our primary goal, we also hope to be able to change
our perspective on the world around us. What I wonder
is how this trip to Mexico will achieve that. Will it
be change of culture, as we have discussed many times
at our meetings, or just the opportunity to further
ourselves by helping others that will change our
ideas? Whichever it is, I know we will depart from our
trip with a greater appreciation for what we have and
what we can do for others.
[re-posted from last year]