At the moment, I'm in the middle of my last couple college applications. I'm applying to Point Loma, Cal Baptist, Biola, Gonzaga, and College of Idaho. Please pray that I can write these last few essays well. In addition if you would keep me in your prayers as I go through all these college decisions. I'd love to go to school down in California, but Gonzaga and College of Idaho are great schools as well. I'm going to have to see what scholarships I get and which situation works out best for me. Please pray for me as I go through these decisions.
On a different note, I've been wanting to remind any readers that you can easily subscribe to my blog. You can enter your email address in the box on the right. After confirming your email address, you'll only be emailed if I submit a new blog update. This way it can save you time, you'll only visit the blog if there's something new to read.
Finally, it's become a little bit more common, but feel free to comment on any of my blog entries. I love to hear feed back; if you like reading about something, let me know. A confidential critic, said that my blog was too repetitive, the stories all the same. To help me avoid this problem, let me know what you like to read, and I'll try to focus more on those stories or details in the future.
Thank you for your prayers and support!
Under His Mercy,
Joel
PS - The last few days have been a taste of what I may experience in the near future. We had our first rain of the year. The power, and thereby the internet went down. Now we've discovered that our well pump is down and could be for a few days. Sounds like we could all be a little bit smellier. Thank God for deodorant!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thanksgiving Day Plans!
Tomorrow, I'll be heading up to San Diego to spend tomorrow and Thanksgiving with my grandparents. Thanksgiving at Papa and Grammys is known for it is wonderful food, and the large gathering at their home out on the ranch. I can't wait to see them and spend Thanksgiving with friends and family!
Today, I got to tag along on a trip to some tide pools, a little south of Rosarito. We had to take two different cars, so I drove a couple of the boys in my intern car. It was neat to just drive and talk with the boys. Surprisingly, we talked the entire way down and they both seemed to have a great time. I was super excited to be able to communicate well with them and that the enjoyed the time in the car.
Once we got there, we had a great time looking at all the little creatures in the tide pools. I was the only one who brought sandals, so I had at least one, sometimes two barefoot boys on my shoulders almost the entire time. Everyone seemed to laugh when I decided to run out, (with a boy on my shoulders), to a far stretch of rocks that was quickly being enveloped by the incoming tide. We went out there, dodged big waves, got pretty wet, and I danced around, (my passenger laughing uncontrollably the entire time). Recently, I seem to be developing into the intern who will take a boy on his shoulders and do something crazy. Whether rock climbing, running to the beach, tide pools or soccer games, I'll always provide a “loco” and fun ride! As I walk out of my room, I’m often greeted with boys wanting a ride. Often, I can't help but smile and acquiesce to their request. :-)
Today, I got to tag along on a trip to some tide pools, a little south of Rosarito. We had to take two different cars, so I drove a couple of the boys in my intern car. It was neat to just drive and talk with the boys. Surprisingly, we talked the entire way down and they both seemed to have a great time. I was super excited to be able to communicate well with them and that the enjoyed the time in the car.
Once we got there, we had a great time looking at all the little creatures in the tide pools. I was the only one who brought sandals, so I had at least one, sometimes two barefoot boys on my shoulders almost the entire time. Everyone seemed to laugh when I decided to run out, (with a boy on my shoulders), to a far stretch of rocks that was quickly being enveloped by the incoming tide. We went out there, dodged big waves, got pretty wet, and I danced around, (my passenger laughing uncontrollably the entire time). Recently, I seem to be developing into the intern who will take a boy on his shoulders and do something crazy. Whether rock climbing, running to the beach, tide pools or soccer games, I'll always provide a “loco” and fun ride! As I walk out of my room, I’m often greeted with boys wanting a ride. Often, I can't help but smile and acquiesce to their request. :-)
Sunday, November 22, 2009
"I am a little pencil"
-Below is a little article I wrote for an annual Cross Road newsletter. Since it was pertaining to my time here in Mexico, I thought I'd pass it along.
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“I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.” ~ Mother Teresa
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). All nineteen years of my life, I had heard these words and had a deep internal longing to fulfill this calling. When I received the opportunity to come down to Project Mexico/St. Innocent’s Orphanage and serve for a year, I realized this was my first chance to finally embrace this Scripture in a real way. Only two and a half months into my internship, having deferred college for a year and put many things on hold, I discovered that it may be one of the best decisions of my life.
In mere months, I have already had a lifetime’s worth of experiences. Despite previously taking Spanish courses, in reality, I did not have much of a Spanish background. By God’s grace however, I am quickly picking it up; a challenge for sure, but an exciting one – definitely a “rubber meets the road” situation. Getting to travel around in the local area and learn about the culture has been fascinating. Most importantly, I have gotten to know the boys here at the orphanage, as well as the devoted staff. Every one of them is an amazing individual, each of whom I am learning a tremendous amount from. In the near future, I’ll be helping find families in need in the community, whom Lord willing, we’ll be building houses for in 2010. In addition, I’ll be working with groups who come to build homes, while continuing to assist with construction jobs around the orphanage.
While at Cross Road, we focused on vocation. According to Mother Teresa, “Many people mistake our work for our vocation. Our vocation is the love of Jesus.” I know all of us yearn to embrace the call to love, whether in our own homes and cities, or on the other side of the world. To quote Mother Teresa again, “God doesn’t require us to succeed; he only requires that you try,” and “To show great love for God and our neighbor we need not to do great things. It is how much love we put in the doing that makes our offering something beautiful for God.” If you’re looking for a tangible place to serve, a real place to do something beautiful for God, I definitely recommend considering Project Mexico. This last June, I had the privilege of being on a team of alumni CrossRoaders who met up from around the nation to build a house together. I was so excited to hear that there is another group coming down this next summer as well. All who have been here will agree – although you head south of the border praying you will be a blessing, in the end, you return home incredibly blessed.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Breaking through
Since my little bartering adventure, the boys have kept me pretty busy.
Saturday, I woke up early and went with the little boys rock climbing. This was a different adventure than when the older boys went. The little boys were a little bit tougher to control. Everyone had to look over the edge down to the rocks far below the cliff. We had a couple boys fall and swing on the rope. It was completely safe, but we had a few boys who had their breath taken away for a few seconds.
Sunday, after chapel, I sat and listened to my Chargers win another game. The Chargers do a great job recently of making you write off the season, only to come back and win a few to make it interesting. Let’s hope it continues.
Monday, Madi had set up a kayaking excursion with the boys! It turned out to be a very fun day. However, I got a little taste of Mexico at the same time. Madi had it set up with a marina a little south of Rosarito, that we would be able to come and launch into the little bay. She had set it up and then double checked with them later that it was alright. Both times she got an ok, and that it would be no problem. But, when we showed up bright and early Monday morning, the guard said the supervisor wasn’t there and that he couldn’t let us in. After pleading with the officer for 20 minutes, we finally gave up and headed for other water. We came to a lagoon just inland from the ocean. During the rainy season, it runs out into the ocean. Yet, still having no rain to date this fall, it was a low. The lagoon was also located near a run down town, and all the run off from the town collected in the marsh. Therefore, as we were paddling, only a few of us realized we were paddling through sewage and pretty nasty filth. However, being that it was salt water, and we were in kayaks, we were able to have a good time, despite the smell.
Tuesday, I helped out in the states moving one of our staff members.
Today, was a lot of little jobs, running a car to the mechanic, going by the store, working on the chapel and so on.
Some overall notes:
- Spanish is a very funny thing. One day you think you’re finally getting it, you’re talking easily and understanding others. The very next day however, you can feel like a fool and can’t put two words together - good luck understanding other people. How it works I don’t know, but trust me it’s day and night, day to day.
- Had deep fried chili peppers today. It ended up being a very spicy good meal.
- Speaking of food. Down here, they have these jalapeño cheetos. This tasty morsel has quickly become my favorite bag of junk food. Don’t worry mom, I’ve only had two bags since I got here. Not very accessible.
- Last, and best of all, the younger boys seem to really be opening up to me. I guess that with so many people coming and going from the ranch during the year, and very few people staying long term. The boys have to hold back, and keep from trusting everyone. Finally 2 ½ months in, I’ve gotten to the point were the boys will come to me and want to talk to me about what’s going on in their lives. By far the greatest reward I’ve received from my time here. Thank the Lord, I’ve got six more months.
Saturday, I woke up early and went with the little boys rock climbing. This was a different adventure than when the older boys went. The little boys were a little bit tougher to control. Everyone had to look over the edge down to the rocks far below the cliff. We had a couple boys fall and swing on the rope. It was completely safe, but we had a few boys who had their breath taken away for a few seconds.
Sunday, after chapel, I sat and listened to my Chargers win another game. The Chargers do a great job recently of making you write off the season, only to come back and win a few to make it interesting. Let’s hope it continues.
Monday, Madi had set up a kayaking excursion with the boys! It turned out to be a very fun day. However, I got a little taste of Mexico at the same time. Madi had it set up with a marina a little south of Rosarito, that we would be able to come and launch into the little bay. She had set it up and then double checked with them later that it was alright. Both times she got an ok, and that it would be no problem. But, when we showed up bright and early Monday morning, the guard said the supervisor wasn’t there and that he couldn’t let us in. After pleading with the officer for 20 minutes, we finally gave up and headed for other water. We came to a lagoon just inland from the ocean. During the rainy season, it runs out into the ocean. Yet, still having no rain to date this fall, it was a low. The lagoon was also located near a run down town, and all the run off from the town collected in the marsh. Therefore, as we were paddling, only a few of us realized we were paddling through sewage and pretty nasty filth. However, being that it was salt water, and we were in kayaks, we were able to have a good time, despite the smell.
Tuesday, I helped out in the states moving one of our staff members.
Today, was a lot of little jobs, running a car to the mechanic, going by the store, working on the chapel and so on.
Some overall notes:
- Spanish is a very funny thing. One day you think you’re finally getting it, you’re talking easily and understanding others. The very next day however, you can feel like a fool and can’t put two words together - good luck understanding other people. How it works I don’t know, but trust me it’s day and night, day to day.
- Had deep fried chili peppers today. It ended up being a very spicy good meal.
- Speaking of food. Down here, they have these jalapeño cheetos. This tasty morsel has quickly become my favorite bag of junk food. Don’t worry mom, I’ve only had two bags since I got here. Not very accessible.
- Last, and best of all, the younger boys seem to really be opening up to me. I guess that with so many people coming and going from the ranch during the year, and very few people staying long term. The boys have to hold back, and keep from trusting everyone. Finally 2 ½ months in, I’ve gotten to the point were the boys will come to me and want to talk to me about what’s going on in their lives. By far the greatest reward I’ve received from my time here. Thank the Lord, I’ve got six more months.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Tenga solo veinte dollars, no puedo mas
A funny thing happened yesterday in the border line. I was driving a visitor back across to the states. For a while, I wanted to buy a blanket from Mexico. I wanted it to be clearly Mexican so that when I came back to life in the states, I could always remember my time in Mexico. Well for months I had waited knowing that eventually one of the shop owners would walk up to the car with the blanket I wanted. Finally, yesterday a man came up and asked if I wanted a blanket. I asked how much this one large blanket depicting the Mexican flag would cost. He glanced over, kind of raised his eyes and said, “for you, $60”. I shrugged, I only had $20 that I could spend. I just couldn’t pay more. He shook his head and said that he could sell it for $40 but no less. For better or worse, I was persistent. I only had $20 to spend, and if that didn’t work, I didn’t need the blanket. For about ten minutes he persisted, running along side the car as I slowly moved along the line. Slowly, but surely the price continued to drop, from $40 to $35, $32, $30. About this time, he went grabbed the blanket and with one of his assistants unfurled this blanket/flag and showed me what a great blanket it was. He asked if there was any other blankets I wanted for less. Continually, I explained I wanted that blanket and I could only spend $20. If that didn’t work, it was no problem, but I couldn’t pay more. $28, $24, $22, and finally rather furious, he tossed the large blanket in the car. I handed over my $20 and he stomped off. He went over and talked to a couple of the other shop owners and started ranting to them. They both looked my direction and glared. I had to laugh with the visitor I was driving. I had told them multiple times, I didn’t need to buy it. I only had $20. I found it crazy though, that in the end I got the price down to two thirds the price.
Just as an encouraging note, the entire conversation with this shop keeper was in Spanish. The blanket doesn’t matter much, but being able to communicate in Spanish was really encouraging. I realize the grammar wasn’t perfect, and I’m sure I stumbled and used a couple wrong words here and there. But he still understood what I meant and what I wanted. Just tonight again, I shared the story with one of the older boys. He understood and laughed at the story. Just this morning I was joking around with the little boys. I understand most of what they talk about, and I am really beginning to enjoy getting to know them on a more personal level.
Just as an encouraging note, the entire conversation with this shop keeper was in Spanish. The blanket doesn’t matter much, but being able to communicate in Spanish was really encouraging. I realize the grammar wasn’t perfect, and I’m sure I stumbled and used a couple wrong words here and there. But he still understood what I meant and what I wanted. Just tonight again, I shared the story with one of the older boys. He understood and laughed at the story. Just this morning I was joking around with the little boys. I understand most of what they talk about, and I am really beginning to enjoy getting to know them on a more personal level.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Navidad Angels!
I just came from a Mexican staff meeting. At the end of the meeting we all drew names for our Navidad Angels game. All of us are given a person that they are to get small gifts for through the Christmas season. The finale is a Christmas party on the 27th of December. After the couple months of waiting everyone gets to see who their Navidad Angel was! I'm excited, haha it's quite the serious game. You had to go into a corner and look at it, and NO ONE else could see your piece of paper. haha... let the games begin!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
A different world
Today, I was focusing on doing check-ups on the Project Mexico vehicles. I was working on a car that had almost bald tires. The radio was tuned into a country station, the artist singing about, “The Red, White and Blue”. I was using the air compressor to blow out of the vents in the car, because they constantly are getting clogged with Mexico’s dust. As I do so I hear horses, I glance over to the road, and see two men riding horses up the dirt road in full gallop. I sat back for a second and thought; “only in Mexico would you have a combination of all of those things”. Yet my humor about Mexico was quickly moved to a different note only a few minutes later.
After finishing the vehicle check, I drove the car over to Karen and Madi’s house. I knocked on the door, and talked to Karen about a couple car details. Karen then asked if I had heard about one of our Mexican staff members who had their house burnt down last week. This staff member is still here working with us, I didn’t even notice a change. Seeing the shock on my face, Karen explained to me, that I’ll get used to hearing about some pretty disappointing things in Mexico. House fires while not “common”, happen quite more often than in the states. The main reason why is due to the poor wiring of houses. Many people will often wire their own house. This along with older, and less affective electric tools and appliances create a greater likelihood of a fire or other dangerous accidents.
Continuing, Karen shared with how things like that, people’s houses burning down, is accepted here. There are things that people take as, “normal” that we in the states would think was anything but normal. Karen told me about one house that she was helping build. The neighbors of the family Project Mexico was building the house for, had a small 10 year old daughter. They had notice a lump growing on her throat and saved just enough money to go to the doctor to find out what was wrong. The doctor explained that it was a cancerous tumor, and that the girl would be fine if given the right treatments, otherwise she had a year or so to live. The family had spent every last peso getting the girl to the doctor, and had nothing left for the operation and treatment. Sadly they had no other options. The girl was like any other 10 year old, except that she had been given a death sentence, (at least in Mexico). Had this girl been able to get treatment in the states she still would be living today.
This was one of a few stories Karen shared. It shows how much we take for granted up in the states. If the girl had been in the states, things would have been different. First, the family almost certainly would have had a better paying job, (even if it was minimum wage). Secondly, she could have had access to the treatments. Finally, if the family was not able to cover the costs, and they were uninsured, there is always the possibility of charities, churches and other places that they could have turned to for help. Down here, people are on their own. Every time I drive along the international road in Mexico, right along the border, I think to myself how people are not even a mile away from each other, yet people are worlds apart. It’s a different world down here.
After finishing the vehicle check, I drove the car over to Karen and Madi’s house. I knocked on the door, and talked to Karen about a couple car details. Karen then asked if I had heard about one of our Mexican staff members who had their house burnt down last week. This staff member is still here working with us, I didn’t even notice a change. Seeing the shock on my face, Karen explained to me, that I’ll get used to hearing about some pretty disappointing things in Mexico. House fires while not “common”, happen quite more often than in the states. The main reason why is due to the poor wiring of houses. Many people will often wire their own house. This along with older, and less affective electric tools and appliances create a greater likelihood of a fire or other dangerous accidents.
Continuing, Karen shared with how things like that, people’s houses burning down, is accepted here. There are things that people take as, “normal” that we in the states would think was anything but normal. Karen told me about one house that she was helping build. The neighbors of the family Project Mexico was building the house for, had a small 10 year old daughter. They had notice a lump growing on her throat and saved just enough money to go to the doctor to find out what was wrong. The doctor explained that it was a cancerous tumor, and that the girl would be fine if given the right treatments, otherwise she had a year or so to live. The family had spent every last peso getting the girl to the doctor, and had nothing left for the operation and treatment. Sadly they had no other options. The girl was like any other 10 year old, except that she had been given a death sentence, (at least in Mexico). Had this girl been able to get treatment in the states she still would be living today.
This was one of a few stories Karen shared. It shows how much we take for granted up in the states. If the girl had been in the states, things would have been different. First, the family almost certainly would have had a better paying job, (even if it was minimum wage). Secondly, she could have had access to the treatments. Finally, if the family was not able to cover the costs, and they were uninsured, there is always the possibility of charities, churches and other places that they could have turned to for help. Down here, people are on their own. Every time I drive along the international road in Mexico, right along the border, I think to myself how people are not even a mile away from each other, yet people are worlds apart. It’s a different world down here.
Monday, November 9, 2009
it does catch up to you
While, I did have a pretty busy Friday, both Saturday and Sunday, I didn't have to do much. However, I'm feeling a little worn down, and I'm fighting off a cold. (Don't worry mom I'm downing the Emergen-C and fluids as much as I can.)
Today, I put some icons up and did some rearranging of items in the chapel. It required a lot of drilling, hammering and tightening. Surprisingly, it ended up taking all day. However, I'm learning to be a little self-sufficient when it comes to these projects. I'm the guy on the orphanage who is supposed to take care of those jobs. I had to figure out what drill bits to use, what nails, screws, and tools to use. I know it sounds simple, and it is. But it's still progress for me. Tomorrow, I’m working on the cars on my own.
Today, I put some icons up and did some rearranging of items in the chapel. It required a lot of drilling, hammering and tightening. Surprisingly, it ended up taking all day. However, I'm learning to be a little self-sufficient when it comes to these projects. I'm the guy on the orphanage who is supposed to take care of those jobs. I had to figure out what drill bits to use, what nails, screws, and tools to use. I know it sounds simple, and it is. But it's still progress for me. Tomorrow, I’m working on the cars on my own.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Farewells, Haircuts and Chicken?
Tomorrow, we will be bidding farewell to another member of our family, Alex Papulis. Alex has now been an intern at the orphanage for the past year. In the past year he has accomplished a tremendous amount. In only the last three months he transferred from being a Project Mexico intern to more of an Orphanage intern. The difference being that he began focusing more on the boys, and their education, instead of the construction part of our ministry. In only a few months, he has taught the boys a number of valuable computer skills. The improvements in the boys typing, math, reading and spelling had been impressive. His work has definitely made a huge impact.
Over the last two month’s he’s mentored me and that’s been a great blessing. I’ve definitely been eased into my jobs instead of being thrown immediately into the race. This past week he has been training me with different programs on our computers here. At the same time he gave me a crash course class on programming… in Spanish. Double Whammy! While my slow mind has had a hard time trying to catch up, he’s been very patient. I feel much better about stepping into his place and eventually taking over with the boy’s computer education.
All this to say that we will all miss him, and we are all indebted to his work while at Project Mexico/St. Innocent’s Orphanage.
To celebrate Alex’s time here, I was able to go out with a few others today for lunch at a restaurant that’s specialty was Chicken. Wow, it definitely lived up to its reputation. After a fantastic meal, there was one piece sitting in the middle of the table. We all looked at each other, all full, but not wanting the final piece to go to waste. In the end we pushed the piece Alex’s direction, and he finished the tasty morsel off, with no problem.
Afterwards, Fr. Michael and I went out for haircuts. We had gone last night, but were beat there by a bus full of boys… from St. Innocent’s no less. We decided to come back today instead of waiting the couple hours it would take to have all the boys get their haircuts. Again, I have to rave about the haircut, I felt like I should have been paying $25+ for the haircut instead of $5. With the haircuts, we’ll all be looking sharp for our Christmas picture coming up this Sunday. No worries, I’ll be posting those pictures when I get them. :-)
Under His Mercy,
Joel
Over the last two month’s he’s mentored me and that’s been a great blessing. I’ve definitely been eased into my jobs instead of being thrown immediately into the race. This past week he has been training me with different programs on our computers here. At the same time he gave me a crash course class on programming… in Spanish. Double Whammy! While my slow mind has had a hard time trying to catch up, he’s been very patient. I feel much better about stepping into his place and eventually taking over with the boy’s computer education.
All this to say that we will all miss him, and we are all indebted to his work while at Project Mexico/St. Innocent’s Orphanage.
To celebrate Alex’s time here, I was able to go out with a few others today for lunch at a restaurant that’s specialty was Chicken. Wow, it definitely lived up to its reputation. After a fantastic meal, there was one piece sitting in the middle of the table. We all looked at each other, all full, but not wanting the final piece to go to waste. In the end we pushed the piece Alex’s direction, and he finished the tasty morsel off, with no problem.
Afterwards, Fr. Michael and I went out for haircuts. We had gone last night, but were beat there by a bus full of boys… from St. Innocent’s no less. We decided to come back today instead of waiting the couple hours it would take to have all the boys get their haircuts. Again, I have to rave about the haircut, I felt like I should have been paying $25+ for the haircut instead of $5. With the haircuts, we’ll all be looking sharp for our Christmas picture coming up this Sunday. No worries, I’ll be posting those pictures when I get them. :-)
Under His Mercy,
Joel
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
I walked with Legends
Today, Project Mexico and St. Innocent’s Orphanage bid farewell to two pillars of our organization - Mike and Kat Applegate. They are taking off for home in Colorado after five years spent here at the orphanage. Together they have promised to return on occasion to visit, and to help out with projects. Over the last few weeks I’ve gotten to hear bit by bit stories of their celebrated time here. Last night we had a dinner to celebrate their time at with Project Mexico. One person said that if there was any couple that embodied service, it would be Kat and Mike.
In the last few months, I’ve gotten to know them both. Every moment spent with them, I wanted to have more time. If you have met them, you know what I mean. If you have not met them, pray that you do one day. Both of them are very deep people, with stories behind their eyes. When you got the privilege of hearing one of their many stories, you were wrapped up in the story, wanting to hear the details. You can look around the ranch and see their physical mark they’ve left on the orphanage. Houses, and buildings, many of which they had a hand in building . But the relationships they had created with the boys, the staff both American and Mexican was amazing. As a few staff gathered to give them hugs goodbye today, I couldn’t help but admire their great imprint left with their incredible lives. At different points in your life, you meet people who inspire. Kat and Mike fall in that category. As they drove off, I felt that for two months, I had walked with legends.
In the last few months, I’ve gotten to know them both. Every moment spent with them, I wanted to have more time. If you have met them, you know what I mean. If you have not met them, pray that you do one day. Both of them are very deep people, with stories behind their eyes. When you got the privilege of hearing one of their many stories, you were wrapped up in the story, wanting to hear the details. You can look around the ranch and see their physical mark they’ve left on the orphanage. Houses, and buildings, many of which they had a hand in building . But the relationships they had created with the boys, the staff both American and Mexican was amazing. As a few staff gathered to give them hugs goodbye today, I couldn’t help but admire their great imprint left with their incredible lives. At different points in your life, you meet people who inspire. Kat and Mike fall in that category. As they drove off, I felt that for two months, I had walked with legends.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Ronald Reagan Quote
"You and I have a rendezvous with Destiny"
I heard this on the radio Saturday, celebrating the 45th Anniversary of the speech that essentially launched Reagan into the political scene. A very inspiring quote to say the least.
I heard this on the radio Saturday, celebrating the 45th Anniversary of the speech that essentially launched Reagan into the political scene. A very inspiring quote to say the least.
Rock climbing on the edge!
When people heard that I was moving down to Mexico for nine months. I had a number of them mention that I was going to be living on the edge. I would be facing dangers in a different country. Well I definitely was on edge Sunday, climbing with the boys. We drove out about an hour from the ranch to this canyon. Madi has gotten a number a lot of climbing equipment donated, and we were able to all go and have a great time. If you get a chance and can look at the pictures below you can see. There were two different routes. One was more of a stair stepper, and the other a straight cliff.
Initially, I thought the cliff was impossible. Looking at it, it looked like an immediate and direct ascent to the top of this 35 foot cliff. However, we had a few adventuresome boys take at it, and reach the top. Everyone in the group really impressed me with how they pushed themselves to the top of their respective climbs. Almost all the boys were climbing with ropes and harnesses for the first time. With that in mind, they all did a tremendous job.
There was time at the end for me to make a quick sprint to the top, (if I could). As I climbed I noticed how my height was a great advantage. There were some handholds and footholds that I was able to reach, that I’m sure all the other boys would not have been able to reach. With that in mind, it still was very difficult for me to get to the top. How they did it with less reach blows my mind. We have some guys here who have some very strong fingers, toes, and minds to conquer the ascent.
Initially, I thought the cliff was impossible. Looking at it, it looked like an immediate and direct ascent to the top of this 35 foot cliff. However, we had a few adventuresome boys take at it, and reach the top. Everyone in the group really impressed me with how they pushed themselves to the top of their respective climbs. Almost all the boys were climbing with ropes and harnesses for the first time. With that in mind, they all did a tremendous job.
There was time at the end for me to make a quick sprint to the top, (if I could). As I climbed I noticed how my height was a great advantage. There were some handholds and footholds that I was able to reach, that I’m sure all the other boys would not have been able to reach. With that in mind, it still was very difficult for me to get to the top. How they did it with less reach blows my mind. We have some guys here who have some very strong fingers, toes, and minds to conquer the ascent.
Chanting
I mentioned in my week overview that I have started chanting. It has definitely been a new experience. A week ago when I stayed after matins for the service, I had just wanted to simply observe. But I quickly learned that if you stand at the chanter stand you need to participate. Since then, I’ve been eased into the chanting. Only two months ago I would have said chanting in English was something I didn’t really know. Now English seems like a breeze compared to the Spanish. While, it’s been humbling at times for sure, I’m trying to take it with the mentality that if I don’t push myself out of my comfort zone, I’ll never grow. I’ve got to test those boundaries, and keep pushing so I can improve, both in Spanish and as a person.
Happy Birthday Ellena!
Thursday, the 29th of October was my little sister, Ellena’s birthday!!! Happy Birthday Ellena! I can’t believe it, but she turned 13 years old! I know when she reads this she’ll probably be embarrassed. But I fully remember going to the hospital as a 6-yearold and sitting in the waiting room when Ellena was born. Sometime after mid-night I remember, Jordan and Isaac and I got to go into the hospital room and saw our brand new baby sister.
While my family reads my blog and gets updates on what’s happening. Ellena checks it daily. Every time I’ve gotten to talk to her, she mentions reading the blog. So I have to give a shout out to one of my most avid readers!
While my family reads my blog and gets updates on what’s happening. Ellena checks it daily. Every time I’ve gotten to talk to her, she mentions reading the blog. So I have to give a shout out to one of my most avid readers!
A week of stories
Monday, I was kept pretty busy. I had to put a large icon up in the church. Luckily I was able to have Mike help me with that. Looking at the chapel this weekend, it was nice to look around and see a number of things that I had helped put up or clean up. I’ve been put in charge of the chapel cleaning since I got here, so to see it looking better and better is exciting.
The second half of the day, I tried to focus on Spanish. After spending some time on my own with Rosetta stone and a few of the other many programs I’ve been using, I shadowed the boys. Karen was having a class on handwriting, so I sat in on the class. Listening, I tried to translate, mentally, as much as I could from the class. Since I knew what she was talking about generally, I was able to pick up the words I knew, and piece together what she was saying. After that class, I sat and watched an Animal World video with a couple of the other boys. Anything and everything Spanish helps. As I’m writing, I’m listening to a talk show in Spanish on the radio.
Tuesday, the flu that I was fighting off for a few days finally hit. While it’s not fun to be sick, it was nice to finally get a day to sleep. I hadn’t realized how much, I grown fatigued internally. The entire day I laid low, and I felt a world better come Wednesday.
Wednesday, was a patchwork of jobs. I spent the morning watering plants, and then working with Mike a little bit. He’s been organized the Project Mexico warehouse last week. It looks fantastic now, but he put a full week and a half’s worth of time into cleaning it up. As he and Kat, take off in the next couple days. Their imprint on Project Mexico will remain. Both have contributed so much to Project Mexico and St. Innocent’s Orphanage over the last five years they’ve been here. We are all indebted to their great work.
In the afternoon, I had to organize a number of icons in our chapel. Like I mentioned above, all the projects in the chapel are exciting to do as the chapel is constantly being improved.
Thursday, I drove up with Kat and Madi up to the states for the meeting. I did a couple cleaning jobs around the office. Then my amazing Grammy dropped by and donated a bunch of fresh fruit. She and I then went out and grabbed a coffee and got to catch up for an hour or so. We also made a call to Ellena for her birthday!!!
---As a side note, having my grandparents here in San Diego has been a great blessing. When I first came down, I stayed with them for almost a week. Since then they’ve helped with a few different things. When I had to get my Sentri pass, they helped with getting some of the paperwork needed together. I’ve also gotten to see them a couple times since I’ve been in Mexico and went out to breakfast with them a couple weeks ago.
Friday, was a similar to Thursday. I went up and spent the day doing a lot of office work. In the afternoon I had to make some phone calls on behalf of Project Mexico. It was pretty neat when I got to talk to a few people I hadn’t seen in a while. One of which was our pastor’s daughter Tatiana, and an intern from this summer, Alexandra!
Saturday, was cleaning day. The morning was spent cleaning the chapel. However in the afternoon, I went and played volleyball with the boys. Say what you like about futbol/soccer being their best sport, these boys are very good at volleyball. I was impressed. I assumed that my height would give me a clear advantage, however, they still stuck in, each game was quite a challenge, I ended up losing the majority of the time.
Sunday, I helped chant in matins, and actually stayed at the stand for the liturgy. The last two weekends I’ve chanted for vespers, matins and the liturgy. It’s definitely helped with the Spanish, but also worked on my humility at the same time, (a couple of the things I read, did not come out the way they were supposed to – to say the least). Later, after some more intense volleyball, I went with Madi, Geoff, Kat, and the older boys to a canyon to climb. Another cool group experience that was very exciting and fun to be a part of.
The second half of the day, I tried to focus on Spanish. After spending some time on my own with Rosetta stone and a few of the other many programs I’ve been using, I shadowed the boys. Karen was having a class on handwriting, so I sat in on the class. Listening, I tried to translate, mentally, as much as I could from the class. Since I knew what she was talking about generally, I was able to pick up the words I knew, and piece together what she was saying. After that class, I sat and watched an Animal World video with a couple of the other boys. Anything and everything Spanish helps. As I’m writing, I’m listening to a talk show in Spanish on the radio.
Tuesday, the flu that I was fighting off for a few days finally hit. While it’s not fun to be sick, it was nice to finally get a day to sleep. I hadn’t realized how much, I grown fatigued internally. The entire day I laid low, and I felt a world better come Wednesday.
Wednesday, was a patchwork of jobs. I spent the morning watering plants, and then working with Mike a little bit. He’s been organized the Project Mexico warehouse last week. It looks fantastic now, but he put a full week and a half’s worth of time into cleaning it up. As he and Kat, take off in the next couple days. Their imprint on Project Mexico will remain. Both have contributed so much to Project Mexico and St. Innocent’s Orphanage over the last five years they’ve been here. We are all indebted to their great work.
In the afternoon, I had to organize a number of icons in our chapel. Like I mentioned above, all the projects in the chapel are exciting to do as the chapel is constantly being improved.
Thursday, I drove up with Kat and Madi up to the states for the meeting. I did a couple cleaning jobs around the office. Then my amazing Grammy dropped by and donated a bunch of fresh fruit. She and I then went out and grabbed a coffee and got to catch up for an hour or so. We also made a call to Ellena for her birthday!!!
---As a side note, having my grandparents here in San Diego has been a great blessing. When I first came down, I stayed with them for almost a week. Since then they’ve helped with a few different things. When I had to get my Sentri pass, they helped with getting some of the paperwork needed together. I’ve also gotten to see them a couple times since I’ve been in Mexico and went out to breakfast with them a couple weeks ago.
Friday, was a similar to Thursday. I went up and spent the day doing a lot of office work. In the afternoon I had to make some phone calls on behalf of Project Mexico. It was pretty neat when I got to talk to a few people I hadn’t seen in a while. One of which was our pastor’s daughter Tatiana, and an intern from this summer, Alexandra!
Saturday, was cleaning day. The morning was spent cleaning the chapel. However in the afternoon, I went and played volleyball with the boys. Say what you like about futbol/soccer being their best sport, these boys are very good at volleyball. I was impressed. I assumed that my height would give me a clear advantage, however, they still stuck in, each game was quite a challenge, I ended up losing the majority of the time.
Sunday, I helped chant in matins, and actually stayed at the stand for the liturgy. The last two weekends I’ve chanted for vespers, matins and the liturgy. It’s definitely helped with the Spanish, but also worked on my humility at the same time, (a couple of the things I read, did not come out the way they were supposed to – to say the least). Later, after some more intense volleyball, I went with Madi, Geoff, Kat, and the older boys to a canyon to climb. Another cool group experience that was very exciting and fun to be a part of.
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