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This year, for Spring Break, we joined 20 others from Nazareth Lutheran, Orchard Hill and St. John churchs on a
Mission Trip. These churches have 9 Mission Trips that go out every Spring Break.
We joined 20 others on a Mission trip to San Rafael, Mexico. This was an inter-generational trip ranging from
6 years to 48 years of age. We would be working with the pastor of a Youth Center in San Rafael. For the week,
we would stay at the Youth Center and live with the people of San Rafael.
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Before entering Mexico, you must purchase insurance for your vehicles. If you are staying in Mexico, the US insurance
does not cover you. This is a real company.
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Just over the border, was a stop. Lots of interesting foods and drinks
that we cannot get in the states.
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| We stayed at the Youth Center in San Rafael.
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Besides working, there was time for fun. The kids play a game of tag with a soccor ball. |
| Jump rope was also popular
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Dan and Ashley jump doubles.
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| The group brought craft items with them. This was popular to making bookmarks, bracelets, etc.
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ISAI is deaf and mute, but an amazing artist. One of several paintings he displayed at the Youth Center.
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| The females slept on one side of the center, the males on the other side of the curtain.
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Some of our group with a few local kids.
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| We learned a new card game using Spanish cards. There are no 8's, 9's or Queen's
in their deck. Don't ask why.
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Most days, we had small group discussion. The males decided to have group in a tree
on day. What a great location. Just big enough for the 6 of us.
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| Walking around town.
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One of our service projects was putting in a basketball court at Juans' home. This would be used
by the local kids to play. There are not cement trucks, so all concrete must be done by hand. We also
had to break rock for the base of the court.
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| Juan has a nice home just out of town.
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The overhang was appreciated in the heat of the day. The cistern on top of the house holds water as there is no running water
to the house.
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| The rock layed out and starting to add the concrete mix.
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The group with the finished court
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| We added our own modifications to the court.
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We modified and fabricated a new backboard and then installed. The court works well.
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| Dust devils were common
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"Q" and Juan. Q has come down here since 1993.
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The following day, we headed to Saltillo. We saw the marketplace,
a beautiful cathedral, and the museum.
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| Near the end of the museum, was an artist making clay sculptures. He made clay hats, vases, and
a few animals. Everyone got something to take with them. There also was another artist making jewelry.
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We had supper at "POLLO LOCO", yes the Crazy Chicken. Really good, you take the chicken off the bone,
and put it on corn tortillas. The fresh, homemade corn tortillas are better than anything we can get here.
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| The next morning, many got up and walked Natan to school. He thought it was great!
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Thursday's project was painting part of Juan's house. All the furniture was taken out of the rooms.
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| 3 rooms were painted including the ceiling.
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This is the kitchen where all of our food was prepared for the week.
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Thursday night was a worship service. Part was done in spanish and part in english.
The music alternated versus between english and spanish. Q lead the band that night.
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Juan is an incredible speaker. Q interpretted for those of us who didn't speak spanish.
Even without his interpretation, his passion and message came through clearly.
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| This sign doesn't look like much, until you realize it states - don't make fires over the road!
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