We arrived in Mexico on saturday around mid-day. Getting through the airport was much easier this year. The girls loaded up in one van while the the boys loaded up in the other. We all got settled in our homes quickly. The homes consist of window units and fans..not real ac. Some of us have hot water, some of us do not and water pressure is lacking. While everyone of us has a place to lay down and a pillow for our heads, again, it isnt the "comfy" of home. But you know what? NONE of us are really concerned about any of these things. We are blessed and we KNOW it.
First thing on the teams agenda-find lunch. The boys met back at the girls house-which is our normal meeting place. We headed out on foot for lunch-Los Otates. It is one of the groups favorites. Los Otates is open air. There are a few working old ceiling fans to move the warm air around. The seating consist of picnic tables and plastic chairs. The employees are so kind and the food is awesome. Again, not what we would refer to at home as a "nice" place to go eat, but we love it.
We headed back to the girls house for our meeting with the full time missionarys who alternate living here year round. It was brought to our attention that some changes are happening here. Some of the changes are good and some are not so good. The safety issues and concerns were higher on the list than normal. We are sad to hear about somethings going on here but are thankful for the heads up.
Finally it was time to head to the campus. For those of us who have been here before we were not only full of excitement to see the Angels but we were ready for the new team members to meet them. As we walked closer to the campus my heart felt like it was going to pop out of my chest. Once inside the excitement filled the campus. Here is what you need to know. Not all of the members on this team can speak Spanish. Some of our members can speak only words, others can converse in broken sentences and then Laura K the translator(who is such a blessing for all of us) has no barriers. Some of the Angels can not speak English, some can only say a few words and others can converse in broken sentences. BUT, when we are all together, there is only ONE language. We communicate with each other with very few issues at all.
It is amazing to see the Angels flock to the familiar faces. SMILES everywhere. It is also amazing how quickly they take in the new folks. It is our new folks who are actually more intimidated than the Angels. Of course, my heart burst when I saw my baby boy Jose Pepe running to me with the most precious smile. He kissed me and in English told me he loved me. It didnt take long for him to lay eyes on Preston. It was awesome because Macy got to meet Jose as well. The games started and so did the laughter. Everyone had a great time. It was about 20 mins before we were suppose to leave that we became food for the mosquitos. It was awful. Yes, we were all covered in bug spray but the bugs just plowed right thru it.
I had already told Jose Pepe good night when he appeared again. He said "LiLi I love you". He then wanted to make sure we(sponsors and our sponsor children) were still going out the next night. Laura was quick to insure him that was still going to take place.
On the walk back to campus I ask one of the new members what she thought. She could hardly speak. Her voice was full of emotion. She stated that she did not have an emotional connection when she got here so she didnt think it would be emotional but she was wrong. She also stated "there is an emotional connection now."
Sunday we attended church with the Angels. I love it. Listening to the singing, all in Spanish of course, is beautiful.
Sunday evening the sponsors that are members of our team, me and Preston , The Evans family and Laura all got to take our sponsor children to dinner. After dinner we took the kids to the square. It was so nice to get some one on one with the kids.
As we prepare for the week I am so excited. This week is going to be amazing. It has started off on such a great note. The kids are eager to learn and we are eager to teach. We are here to teach them English and to show them love but I always leave here feeling like I was the one who learned so much and am so loved.
