This morning we woke up to some unpleasant surprises. Yesterday was a
day of many flavors, and not all of them quite so delicious. We had some
new and exciting types of icees including mango chile and jalapeno!
For dinner we ventured to the taco stand where Miranda, Bruce, Meghan
and Christine were brave enough to try the grilled jalapenos which,
they would tell you, is quite the experience to say the least. All
that to say, most of us woke up with rumbly tummies and fried
tastebuds. Our mission for the day: finish the house. Our walls were
up, rooms made and windows cut. All we had to do was nail siding on
the inside walls, trim the door and windows, install the door and
windows and - oh yes, paint. Lots and lots of paint. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to complete all we needed to
but we will get er done asap.
A few days ago we had an unforgettable experience that we didn’t get a
chance to blog about and share with you. A friend of ours, Santiago,
lives here in Mexico and is helping with the build and providing us
with many laughs along the way. On Monday, a dear friend of his and
his wife lost their baby daughter to sickness due to being born
prematurely in a developing country where they unfortunately do not
have the technology and care we are blessed with in North America. We
had the unique opportunity to bless the family by easing their burden
in the process of digging her grave. So, after work on Monday we
traveled on our trusty bus to the cemetery to begin. What a sight.
Each grave that we looked at had huge memorials to the loved one laid
to rest there. It was not uncommon to see some with huge fences,
cement walls and gates surrounding the graves to keep them safe. When
we discovered that the grave would take longer than we thought the
decision was made that Bruce, Darren, Shane (one other person helping
us out with our build) and Santiago would stay and finish. The whole
experience hit everyone in a different way, but equally hard.
We are scheduled to finish the house, furnish it and dedicate it to
the family tomorrow. We can’t wait to see what is in store for us in these next couple of days.
From Mexico,
Meghan and Lauren (for everyone else!)
I am blown away to hear how things are going. So sad about the couple that lost their child but I’m glad that our guys could help in some way. We are so proud of you all for the dedication you are showing to this family and to their community. May God bless you all as you finish up and travel back to your loved ones here in Canada.
Take care and know that you are on our minds constantly,
Corinne
PS - hugs & kisses to Bruce & Jenna from home
Firsts… way to go Megs for representing! Dad and Lisa would be equally proud of you!!!
My heart is overwhelmed as I think of all of you in Mexico… you are being the change… and as you all drive away from your loved Mexican home in the next few days, I just want to challenge you to see that this can be done here… in your loved Canadian homes.
I am praying for each of you specially, that when God speaks to your heart… and you know that He will, that you would not harden your hearts, (Heb. 3:7,8) but allow His voice to renew and shape you.
Love you all… especially you Jason… we miss you at home… but we’re so proud of you!!
Bon
Hi to all!
The house is more that I imagined you could build in 3 days. I’m so proud of you all and so excited for the family that you are building it for! I would love to see their faces when they get to move in, whew, too wonderful!!
Meg, I’m so proud especially of you and praying that this experience will leave a lasting, forever impression on your heart!
Enjoy every last minute of your time left. Wishing you all a safe and speedy trip home (I heard that the bus ride was especially long!)
Jason, don’t worry, all is well at home, they’re all safe, just missing YOU!
Take care, love and prayers, Shirley
What amazing and stretching experiences for you all! Been praying for you all every day and feeling very excited about what God is doing in each and every life that you are touching, as well as your own!
Enjoy your day off tomorrow - you deserve it!
I know that you are not so excited about coming home, but we are looking forward to hearing all the great stories!
Cindy
I am very proud of you, Kristen, and your wonderful dad!!
You guys are such a blessing. That must have been difficult and emotional to be in the cemetary, digging for this little one. As one who has been at the graveside of a little one I am sure the parents were grateful. Way to be used by God.
Dione
Wow your experiences look great. I am going down with my parents to do a Habitat For Humanity project in Veracruz next summer, and your photos make me even more excited about the trip. Thanks.