Memories of Mexico

Yeah, it was 75 degrees on Thanksgiving Day. And these lovely ladies decided it was an occasion for some bright colors. (L to R: Natalie, Alicia, Kelley)

Mexico. Churros (long stick donuts) and hot chocolate. Mariachi bands in the evenings. Cops on horseback wearing period costumes. A beggar playing a three-stringed out of tune guitar. Scorpions in my laundry bag. Soaking in the hot springs. Sipping a chai tea latte. Oh, Mexico!

Cristina, a native of San Miguel. This sweet girl has a lovely, lovely heart for the Lord and she's an incredibly talented vocalist, actress, and servant. Not to mention the fact that she's just a good dose of plain old fun. We spent some good times together--praying, talking, and keeping several small children entertained/in line for an entire afternoon. How do you keep Mexican children out of trouble for hours? Soccer. Enter Cristina and her mad soccer skills. Let's just say she's handy to have around...

The trip itself was fabulous. I believe our whole team learned a lot about what it looks like to serve as a team, and what it means to give of yourself even when you're feeling crabby/sad/angry/sick/insert adjective here. Most of the team got food poisoning one night...the sad thing was, it was our own food. We never did exactly pin down the culprit, but for now the leftover Thanksgiving turkey is highly suspect.

The Catholic church (cathedral?), a main fixture in town. It sits at the top of the city square and serves as a gathering place/point of reference for pretty much everything.

Several thoughtful people have asked me what the Lord taught me on the trip, and I'd have to say that one of the primary lessons was that He's sufficient. I don't have to sweat it, cause He really is in control. Even little stuff like starting conversations--when I was too scared to just talk to people, the Lord would do it for me and they'd talk to me. Surprise, surprise, Michelle, He can handle that too.