A group of students, their fathers, and faculty are currently spending spring break on a mission trip near Vera Cruz' Mexico.
Photos sent from Mexico More pictures are added occasionally.
Saturday
The group is in Mexico, on the bus and heading to the mountains. They
have the same bus driver as last year and Fr Michael met them in Mexico
City. Paola called this morning to say the village is anxiously
awaiting their arrival.
Sunday
We loaded the truck with some roofing supplies and about 2/3 hiked
down to the next 2 villages. One group stayed and roofed a house in
Rancho Nueve. We completed 3 roofing projects in all and some very hard
work preparing the 2 housing sights. Plenty of energy and bodies to
throw at the projects. Then we hiked back up the mountain and even the
old guys made it. The group split into 3 groups for lunch at 3 different
homes. The people are always so excited to prepare and serve the boys
food. Pretty big appetites. Has been foggy all day with one very brief
partial lifting. No complaints, no illness and no sickness to report.
Doesn't get much better than that. Just going to evening prayer
Monday
Lots of activity all over the village this afternoon. We were split
into 6 groups. The house sites this year are requiring a lot more site
prep. We are going to have some catch up to do. Had another very good
lunch. All prepared on homemade charcoal. Even some grilled jalapeno
peppers. Finished three roofs and started another. Found a little
sawmill so was nice to have extra boards to support the heavier tar like
roof panel (in place of tin). The boys had a chance to share candy and
little toys with so many kids today. Before mass had a little skit about
David and Goliath. Then played games. Probably 50 to 60 kids. Filled
the blue church (was pink last year) for mass.
Tuesday
Just finished up evening prayers. There was great progress today on
the houses. The frame is up on one and all the concrete work is done on
the other. Everyone pushing hard so they have a chance to climb the
mountain on Thursday. Think some of the roofing crews learned a thing or
two about donkey paths. Couple of the houses only had access by path.
One of the houses only had a tarp on it. Most everyone seems to be doing
very well. Might offer a few prayers for Father Dan. He was not
feeling to well today but was still able to pull off Mass. Had Mass
going in 3 villages this evening.
Wednesday
Another morning hike down the mountain to start the work
day. Finished a few more roofs today. Good thing we can buy a little
lumber in town (cut to order - sort of). Not sure what holds up some of
the houses. Also recycled more nails than I ever thought possible. Made
some very big progress on the 2 houses. One is nearly complete. The
other is going to take some time tomorrow (which is a good excuse for
some of us who don't do well above 12,000 ft). Not easy when you get
some wrong parts and no Menards or Lowes around the corner. We were told
to be @ mass @ 6:30 pm and don't be late. We forgot that means 7:30 in
Mexico. Could have finished a project. After mass handed out all the
donation items. So many thankful people from kids, mom's, dad's and
grandparents. The boys really enjoyed giving those gifts. About 2/3 of
the group headed up the mountain tomorrow. The rest of us staying closer
to 8000 ft.
Thursday
Leaving Rancho Nuevo by about 9:00am and will drive to Mexico City
and visit the pyramids. Lots of hard work this week, now time for some
relaxation.
Friday AM - Had a late dinner after mass last night.
Girls wanted to take a lot of pictures (and again this morning after
breakfast). Had mass this morning and loaded the bus. Currently about 3
to 4 hours to the pyramids. After pyramids will have some dinner and for
some a very missed shower and bed. Tomorrow morning will go to Our Lady
of Guadeloupe then catch the afternoon flight.
Friday PM - We are at the Riazor Hotel and all I
heard was what the order was going to be for showers. It is very new and
quit a change from sleeping bags. Lot of laughs about not being able to
sleep with out all the animal noises. We had a good visit to the
pyramids. The boys really enjoy climbing to the top of the Sun pyramid
and negotiating purchasing souvenirs. We hope to celebrate mass at the
Basilica tomorrow morning. Then get to the airport for our afternoon
flight.