the last two weeks

Forgive me for not writing more frequently. For better or worse, things seem to be becoming more and more routine down here. Day to day the stories I used to find new and different, are becoming more normal. I believe that this is a good thing. However, to anyone reading it’s provides less and less to write about. However, I’ll try to summarize what’s been happening the last couple weeks.
The few days after I returned to St. Innocent’s, were filled with a lot of futbol, and hanging out with the boys. All the boys were off for two weeks, some a little bit longer than that. So the few days they were off after I came back, I tried to spend as much of it as possible with them. This definitely helped with the Spanish to say the least.
This past week was spent getting ready for the groups coming on Thursday and Friday. Thursday, a group from Florida came down. The leader of the group is actually a friend of mine, Mero. I had met him in Montreal a few years ago. It was cool, because, his mother and two sisters had come in the group as well, so I got to meet almost his entire family. Mero himself wasn’t able to come until Friday morning. I went and picked him up from the airport, and we were able to catch up a bit on the drive down into Mexico and to the work site.
Friday we were able to stucco a second layer on a house that had been built this past summer. The family we helped were very grateful. The mother and two daughters tried to help us whenever they could. I was able to talk with the two little girls and hear what they were doing in school. I put one of them on my shoulders and then the other girl wanted a ride too. The sound of the girls’ laughter was one of the purest sounds of joy I’ve ever heard. It amazes me sometimes how much we take for granted. The simple things in life, these children took such great pleasure from.
In the evening we had a group come from St. Andrews in Riverside, CA. Those who have read since I arrived may remember me mentioning the Sunday I drove up there in September. The community up there is really inspiring, and Fr. Josiah, Kh. Catherine and their entire family are amazing. Speaking of which, Aiden, Victoria, and Anastasia Trenham were among the group. Saturday both groups worked side by side on two different houses. The chapel was very full that night as we all gathered for Vespers. Following dinner the Riverside group returned up to the states.
Sunday we celebrated a reader’s service with the sad absence of Fr. Michael and the family. Afterwards, Madi, Deanna, the group and I went out into Rosarito for the afternoon. Going through the shops was nice, but it was very sobering to see two women sitting outside asking for a nickel or two. I can spend a dollar or two with out giving it a second thought, when a dollar or two could make their day.
Returning back to the ranch, we had a debriefing for the group. After dinner and evening prayers we headed down to the campfire. I pulled out my guitar and played a bit as the group’s final night faded away like the sparks from the fire.
After the group left Monday the rains came, and since then it hasn’t really stopped. We’re having another El Nino year here and for the next couple weeks we should have quite a bit of rain. Driving in the mud is a lot of fun for sure, but here the rain might as well be a blizzard. Everything stops down in Mexico when it rains, especially if you live off the pavement. I had to run out and do a couple jobs, not even five minutes out there and I was soaked to the bone. Yet as I escaped into my room, and took a nice hot shower I realized how lucky I was. Minutes away people couldn’t escape the cold, in their huts put together with cardboard and boards. The water they couldn’t keep out would create a muddy mess in their dirt floors. Yet here I was complaining?

Part Two

Being back here at St. Innocent’s has been really wonderful. While away in the states I found myself missing my Mexican brothers, and wishing I were back in the desert near the sea. Driving back here to Mexico, it quickly felt like I was driving home. It brought a smile to my face, as a few of the boys ran up to give me a big hug.

The day I got home, we had two big soccer games. I was able to play with the older boys, and either they’re getting better, or I’m loosing my touch, because I felt I was a step behind. Whatever the case, it still turned out to be a very fun afternoon.

Thursday, I helped the Nasser’s pack. It’s really sad to know that they’ll be leaving soon. I had a great time packing books with Elena. Taping the boxes was the highlight, and Joshua and Elena would debate upon who should have the privilege of taping the next box. Afterwards, I headed up to the States for our US staff meeting. At the end of the day, everyone went out together for dinner in San Diego. Following Dinner, we all headed to the Yova’s for a great dessert. We had the blessings of having summer interns, Jenny, Mary, Charity, and Niko here. They all were here for a while over Christmas, break and you could see the great friendships they had created with all the boys.

Friday, I woke up at my new scheduled wake-up hour of 6am. After prayers and breakfast, we all bid farewell to the Jenny, Mary and Charity as they had to head up to the states to catch flights back home. After watching an amazing sunrise, I set my mind back to Spanish lessons.

Shocking as it is, I’m just about half-way done with my time here in Mexico. Honestly, it scares me. Granted, the time down here has been fantastic. I have learned so much, and it had been an experience of a lifetime. However, I feel there is a lot more that I can do - in particular with my Spanish. My communication is pretty minimal right now, I really should know more by now. But I guess there’s nothing but time to slow me down. In addition, I’ve had a couple friends and staff members kindly remind me that I need to focus and learn a little quicker. As I begin part two of my time here, one of my main goals at the beginning remains intact. LEARN SPANISH! Well I’ve got a little more than 4 ½ months left. Here we go!

Thank you for your prayers,
Joel

I'll be home for Chr... New Years!

I'm home! Happy New Year! Feliz Neuvo Ano! Thanks to the wonderful generosity of my grandparents, I was able to sneak home and surprise my family for New Years Eve. The last few days have been wonderful, catching up with everyone. Today, I went to St. Johns for church, and I was able to see everyone. I spoke a little bit about my time at Project Mexico/St. Innocents. Due to the wonderful generosity of our parishioners, we were able to raise a sizeable amount money for the orphanage. More than I expected due to the financial situation these days.

It's been a great being home. I'll be flying home on Tuesday and back in Mexico on Wednesday. I'll be sure to write once I get back.

God Bless,

Joel