Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Feb 21
Our last day here. The team took time to reflect on our time here. We have all be touched by the kids, the needs of Pan de Vida, the extreme poverty of Mexico (we saw a great deal yesterday) and our time to grow from each other. Everyone is healthy again for our trip home tomorrow.
At church the team sang 2 songs. Rebecca and Sammy did a duet with guitar and flute. After lunch we will be playing volleyball, soccer and basketball with the kids. At 3:30 we will be going to the boys home for more interaction and supper.
It will be a difficult day saying goodbye to all the kids but we know that they are in a safe place that is looking after their needs thanks to all the generous sponsors including those that helped support myself. I can't express the impact your contributions are/will have on these children. Kids that have been abandon, abused, neglected now have a place they call home. A place that provides them with structure, education, hope and love. I can see why it's difficult for some to leave Pan de Vida when they reach legal age.
This concludes my blog. I have had a tremendous time of reflection, grounding and growth. I will return with a whole different perspective. If anyone wishes more details on my experience or what is happening in Mexico, I'd be happy to share with you when I'm back in Canada.
Greg
At church the team sang 2 songs. Rebecca and Sammy did a duet with guitar and flute. After lunch we will be playing volleyball, soccer and basketball with the kids. At 3:30 we will be going to the boys home for more interaction and supper.
It will be a difficult day saying goodbye to all the kids but we know that they are in a safe place that is looking after their needs thanks to all the generous sponsors including those that helped support myself. I can't express the impact your contributions are/will have on these children. Kids that have been abandon, abused, neglected now have a place they call home. A place that provides them with structure, education, hope and love. I can see why it's difficult for some to leave Pan de Vida when they reach legal age.
This concludes my blog. I have had a tremendous time of reflection, grounding and growth. I will return with a whole different perspective. If anyone wishes more details on my experience or what is happening in Mexico, I'd be happy to share with you when I'm back in Canada.
Greg
Feb 20
Today is a better day. Dave is getting his voice back. All the sick people are back on their feet and no new outbreaks. My finger continues to heal slowly.
After breakfast we helped the kids do their chores (sweeping, etc) while other's played soccer. One of the workers is getting married in the gym/chapel today.
As our major work was done, we took the opportunity to go sightseeing. We went to a town called Guanjuata. The town is built in a steep valley with most roads tunneled below the buildings. It reminded me of old Quebec City with is buildings and walkways. The town holds international music and film festivals. It was a real treat to see.
After breakfast we helped the kids do their chores (sweeping, etc) while other's played soccer. One of the workers is getting married in the gym/chapel today.
As our major work was done, we took the opportunity to go sightseeing. We went to a town called Guanjuata. The town is built in a steep valley with most roads tunneled below the buildings. It reminded me of old Quebec City with is buildings and walkways. The town holds international music and film festivals. It was a real treat to see.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Feb 19 - Updated
I'll start the daily post while I have internet access. Heather N left for home today. A bunch of us were up early to see her off. The day started with rain and 3 degrees. By 10:00 the sun came out we hope to hit 20. Janet and Rachel were hit by the bug today. I taped my fingers together so I can continue to work. The middle finger is nice and blue this morning.
Larry finished off the electrical work. A team continued to work on shelving led by carpenter John. The painting team finished painting the courtyard of the girls dorm and started around the back side. The rest interacted with the kids participating in classes. At recess some of us played football and volleyball while others just interacted on the grounds. What a great experience.
I'll finished this day later.
Update:
We worked late into the evening to finish all the work. A team laid 2 truck loads of paving stones. The painting team finished all but the back wall of the girls dorms. While we were waiting for the second load of stones the team had a chance to help the kids with homework. Also a volunteer barber from town came in to give haircuts. There was lots of fun when Reg lined up for hair cut. The barber lifted his hat and noticed that Reg shaves his head. All the kids had a great laugh.
I had the pleasure of meeting a simple need today. On Wednesday, the kids struggled loading the donation truck in the dark. They had a rechargeable flashlight that is worn out. Many chores are started before sun rise or finished after sun set. I brought an LED flashlight and pack of batteries. I decided to pass this to Mary K who is one of the older girls and a leader among the kids. Her face light up at the sight and all the kids around were very excited to see that they had a flashlight.
As a treat we went for hamburgers not to far from here for supper. It was a long day finishing all our major work. We are very please with all that was accomplished and the opportunity to show our love to the kids by our interactions at the same time.
Only 1 injury today. Larry had a collision when his wheelbarrow was struck by another. His wrist and arm are swelled. He is sore but able to keep working. No new cases of flu today.
Larry finished off the electrical work. A team continued to work on shelving led by carpenter John. The painting team finished painting the courtyard of the girls dorm and started around the back side. The rest interacted with the kids participating in classes. At recess some of us played football and volleyball while others just interacted on the grounds. What a great experience.
I'll finished this day later.
Update:
We worked late into the evening to finish all the work. A team laid 2 truck loads of paving stones. The painting team finished all but the back wall of the girls dorms. While we were waiting for the second load of stones the team had a chance to help the kids with homework. Also a volunteer barber from town came in to give haircuts. There was lots of fun when Reg lined up for hair cut. The barber lifted his hat and noticed that Reg shaves his head. All the kids had a great laugh.
I had the pleasure of meeting a simple need today. On Wednesday, the kids struggled loading the donation truck in the dark. They had a rechargeable flashlight that is worn out. Many chores are started before sun rise or finished after sun set. I brought an LED flashlight and pack of batteries. I decided to pass this to Mary K who is one of the older girls and a leader among the kids. Her face light up at the sight and all the kids around were very excited to see that they had a flashlight.
As a treat we went for hamburgers not to far from here for supper. It was a long day finishing all our major work. We are very please with all that was accomplished and the opportunity to show our love to the kids by our interactions at the same time.
Only 1 injury today. Larry had a collision when his wheelbarrow was struck by another. His wrist and arm are swelled. He is sore but able to keep working. No new cases of flu today.
Feb 18
The rains and cold weather continue. Yesterday we didn't hit 10 degrees and this morning we started at 3. Normally this is the dry season so this is very unusual. Quite a few team member slept right into 8:00 breakfast. The work and activities have finally caught up with us.
We received another batch of paving stones which a team quickly laid. There is too much mud to work on the pit. A team fixed the pump and the rest went back to painting the girls dorm or working on shelving. We got most of the courtyard painted today.
At recess we played hockey again. I was holding the stick in 1 hand when it got hit by a slap shot. The impact twisted it in my hand and I sprained 3 fingers. The middle one the worst. It's swollen badly and a light shade of blue. Reg pulled his back playing football yesterday so is limited today.
Tonight we had a church service. A few of our team did a card board testimony for the kids. A worker here help translate the words for us. It was really cool. After the service we treated the kids to party (pizza, pop, cheesees and pretzels). All the kids had a great time and we had an even better time serving and interacting with the kids. After we cleaned up I went to say good night to the young boys. There was a boy (about 5 or 6) that was sitting by himself crying. I sat with him and tried to figure out what was the matter. From what I could tell he either didn't get pizza or an extra slice. I could tell he was hungry, shy and a bit intimidated by the other boys. I think he might be the older brother that came in last week with the 4 year old I mentioned earlier. He was so sad that I ran back to the worker dorm and grabbed a cereal bar that I had brought. After eating about half he started to come around. It must be so hard for these kids to be all alone and having to survive even in an environment that protects them like Pan de Vida. They come from such horrific backgrounds with emotional scares.
After diner we had our usual devotionals and testimonies. We continue to grow together in our studies and sharing. The world is a small place and many of us can relate to the many trials and tribulations of each others journey. We are truly bonding as a team, supporting and encouraging each other. What was said at the beginning is truly coming to life. This trip is really to interact and support the kids first, grow personally and as a team second and lastly to work. I can't begin to express the perspective this has awakened in me on our purpose in life and the master plan God has for us.
Dave is starting to catch this cold.
We received another batch of paving stones which a team quickly laid. There is too much mud to work on the pit. A team fixed the pump and the rest went back to painting the girls dorm or working on shelving. We got most of the courtyard painted today.
At recess we played hockey again. I was holding the stick in 1 hand when it got hit by a slap shot. The impact twisted it in my hand and I sprained 3 fingers. The middle one the worst. It's swollen badly and a light shade of blue. Reg pulled his back playing football yesterday so is limited today.
Tonight we had a church service. A few of our team did a card board testimony for the kids. A worker here help translate the words for us. It was really cool. After the service we treated the kids to party (pizza, pop, cheesees and pretzels). All the kids had a great time and we had an even better time serving and interacting with the kids. After we cleaned up I went to say good night to the young boys. There was a boy (about 5 or 6) that was sitting by himself crying. I sat with him and tried to figure out what was the matter. From what I could tell he either didn't get pizza or an extra slice. I could tell he was hungry, shy and a bit intimidated by the other boys. I think he might be the older brother that came in last week with the 4 year old I mentioned earlier. He was so sad that I ran back to the worker dorm and grabbed a cereal bar that I had brought. After eating about half he started to come around. It must be so hard for these kids to be all alone and having to survive even in an environment that protects them like Pan de Vida. They come from such horrific backgrounds with emotional scares.
After diner we had our usual devotionals and testimonies. We continue to grow together in our studies and sharing. The world is a small place and many of us can relate to the many trials and tribulations of each others journey. We are truly bonding as a team, supporting and encouraging each other. What was said at the beginning is truly coming to life. This trip is really to interact and support the kids first, grow personally and as a team second and lastly to work. I can't begin to express the perspective this has awakened in me on our purpose in life and the master plan God has for us.
Dave is starting to catch this cold.
Feb 17
The most humbling day of my trip so far. Heather H, John G, Reg, Gerrid and myself rose at 6:00 to join the kids trip to the market to beg for food. The 5 of us plus 4 girls piled into the back of the 3 ton truck along with empty crates. First we stopped in Los Angeles to pick up 5 boys and the off to the market across town. The market is about 6 square blocks of wholesale vendors (mostly produce). I was amazed at the quantity of everything from onions to oranges. Upon arriving we broke into teams. Heather H and I went with 2 girls and 3 boys. The girls would go ahead of us asking the vendors for donations. They passed several vendor that they know from experience will not provide any support. I was shocked by all the vendors that said no when there was so much to offer. A few vendors provided good produce (50 pound bag of carrots) but most provide the over ripe goods. At one stop a vendor provide lots of fruit and vegetables. The girls immediately starting sorting. We ended up with 5 crates of good produce and 2 crates of rotten which we left. The girls were amazing. I fought back tears many times as I watched these kids get turned down or be given discards. We spent from 7:30 to 10:00 begging. Then it was back on the truck as the kids needed to get to school. Needless to say the trip back was a lot tighter than the trip there. We ended up with about 40 crates full of produce. On our way home we stopped for donations of chickens (about 12) and huge bag of pork rinds (deep fried). In Mexico they make a rice soup and add in the pork rinds. When we got back we helped off load the truck before heading off to work.
The rain started around 9:00 and didn't stop all day. One team finished off laying the floor foundation in the hole while another continued laying a retaining wall. A team staeted building shelves in the boys dorm. I went back to painting the girls dorm. The painting team had moved into the court yard where we had shelter from the rain. For recess we played floor hockey in the gym with the kids.
Everyone was exhausted by the end of the day. After diner a few of the team went to a small town near hear to see the sites. Unfortunately due to the rain most of the outdoor activites were shut down.
Another 2 people down today (Heather R and Peggy) plus John G and I are fighting a cold. The septic pump is losing it's prime again. Ira will be up all night trying to keep it going so that the temporary tank doesn't overflow. I went to bed right after devotional as I am catching a cold. Unfortunately something went wrong with my laptop overnight and I can't break through the firewall. We will have to use the office connection tomorrow.
The rain started around 9:00 and didn't stop all day. One team finished off laying the floor foundation in the hole while another continued laying a retaining wall. A team staeted building shelves in the boys dorm. I went back to painting the girls dorm. The painting team had moved into the court yard where we had shelter from the rain. For recess we played floor hockey in the gym with the kids.
Everyone was exhausted by the end of the day. After diner a few of the team went to a small town near hear to see the sites. Unfortunately due to the rain most of the outdoor activites were shut down.
Another 2 people down today (Heather R and Peggy) plus John G and I are fighting a cold. The septic pump is losing it's prime again. Ira will be up all night trying to keep it going so that the temporary tank doesn't overflow. I went to bed right after devotional as I am catching a cold. Unfortunately something went wrong with my laptop overnight and I can't break through the firewall. We will have to use the office connection tomorrow.
Feb 16
The day started with a light sprinkle of rain and clouds. After breakfast we went to work. We ran out of paving stones Monday. The paving stones are made to order in Mexico so we had to wait for another batch to dry before they could be delivered so no laying stones today. The hi-hoe came in to dig the hole for the new sistern. After the hole was dug out a team started to fill in the foundation for the floor. Unfortunately they only had 1 truck load of material to work with. The remainder of the team continued painting the girls dorm. We finished 2 sides. Great progress by all. As usually we broke at recess to play and interact with the kids.
A few of the team members are fighting bugs which is running it's course. First Marie, then Bob.
The rains started at 4:00. We are expecting 2 full days of rain. We were to visit the boys but due to the rain it didn't work out. In stead we met the senior girls in the dining hall for a bible study from the "Purpose Driven Life" and songs. The session was led by Brenda one of the girls with Bobbie helping to translate. It was so wonderful to interact with the senior girls in a close setting.
A few of the team members are fighting bugs which is running it's course. First Marie, then Bob.
The rains started at 4:00. We are expecting 2 full days of rain. We were to visit the boys but due to the rain it didn't work out. In stead we met the senior girls in the dining hall for a bible study from the "Purpose Driven Life" and songs. The session was led by Brenda one of the girls with Bobbie helping to translate. It was so wonderful to interact with the senior girls in a close setting.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Feb 15
Today we saw all the kids dressed for school. They have a fleece sweater uniform and a collared shirt. Unfortunately there was rain this morning so the flag ceremony was canceled.
A few of us went on a tour of the entire facilities. Brian led us through the entire compound including the boy and girls dorm. It amazing to see the kids possessions all fitting into 2 small cubby's. We saw the dining hall and kitchen. What an amazing job the workers do to prepare meals from limited sources. They were almost out of fruits and vegetables. Wednesday is market day. The children will be preparing to beg for donations. They take a 3 ton truck. On a good week they will bring the truck home full. Whatever they get will be their main food supply for the week. The orphanage can afford to buy some staples like rice, cereal, pasta but these are used sparingly to balance the nutrition for the children.
Today was our first work day. The team tackled several projects including building a large rebar box for the new septic tank sistern, putting up molding in a new worker appartment, painting the crown on the girls dorm, laying paving stones, fixing a retainer wall that was knocked down by a truck and starting to paint the outside wall of the girls dorm.
During recess we stopped all work to play and socialize with the kids. Break was around 10:45. Many of the kids had snacks to tie them over to then end of school at 2:30. They have their main meal at 2:30 and then the boys head back to their off site location.
We finished working just before 6:00. A solid day. For diner we had a hot dog roast and heard the testimonies of 3 girls. What amazing stories of broken families and how they came to the safety of Pan de Vida. A true blessing to us to hear how God works miracles.
A long day. I'm sure tomorrow will bring more excitement.
Greg
A few of us went on a tour of the entire facilities. Brian led us through the entire compound including the boy and girls dorm. It amazing to see the kids possessions all fitting into 2 small cubby's. We saw the dining hall and kitchen. What an amazing job the workers do to prepare meals from limited sources. They were almost out of fruits and vegetables. Wednesday is market day. The children will be preparing to beg for donations. They take a 3 ton truck. On a good week they will bring the truck home full. Whatever they get will be their main food supply for the week. The orphanage can afford to buy some staples like rice, cereal, pasta but these are used sparingly to balance the nutrition for the children.
Today was our first work day. The team tackled several projects including building a large rebar box for the new septic tank sistern, putting up molding in a new worker appartment, painting the crown on the girls dorm, laying paving stones, fixing a retainer wall that was knocked down by a truck and starting to paint the outside wall of the girls dorm.
During recess we stopped all work to play and socialize with the kids. Break was around 10:45. Many of the kids had snacks to tie them over to then end of school at 2:30. They have their main meal at 2:30 and then the boys head back to their off site location.
We finished working just before 6:00. A solid day. For diner we had a hot dog roast and heard the testimonies of 3 girls. What amazing stories of broken families and how they came to the safety of Pan de Vida. A true blessing to us to hear how God works miracles.
A long day. I'm sure tomorrow will bring more excitement.
Greg
Feb 14
Valentines Day! What a day of love displayed today. The day started off early today. Most of the guys were up 6:00. We are blessed with having families on this trip. Marc won the prize for the most creative valentines. He spelled Heather and a heart with cheerios on the table. Larry shared his cards from home. Rebecca handed out Princess cards to everyone. Good thing Gerrid bought Val the rose yesterday. Clearly we are all blessed with love of family.
After breakfast, a group went for a walk up the road. Brian (head of Children of Hope) led the guys to see to new potential sites for the boys. One about 3-4 acres was right next door and another about 7 acres was a few properties down. Brian has had conversations with the owner of the 7 acres. Apparently his asking price is about $450k Canadian. Land is not cheap as the city is growing up to Pan de Vida. The next major purchase and build will need to be for the boys. They will be returning to Pan de Vida in 2 weeks from their offsite location. Pan de Vida can no longer afford to keep a second location for the boys. As the current boys dorm is limited they are trying to find homes or other orphanages for 10-20 of the oldest boys.
The boys began to arrive from their offsite location. After our walks we had Sunday School at 10:30. Bobbi and Ira shared their story of how they came to be living at Pan de Vida. What an amazing story of calling and commitment. They are just learning Spanish. I don't know how Ira handled all the negotiating for purchases, labour, etc without any Spanish the first year and half.
Church started at 11:30. With all the boys back the service had over 150 people (adults and kids). A great service of signing and sharing. Heather read a letter from Don McIIlwraith. A lady shared how she is on a mission trip to Rome. She was a child of Pan de Vida. What an amazing story to hear not only about her ministry but also how thankful she was for simple things in Mexico and Pan de Vida (water, showers, food, safety, etc). The service ran late due to all the extras.
We had lunch at 1:30. Spaghetti. After lunch we went to play with the kids. A group gave out stickers. A few kids covered themselves with the stickers. The boys played football. A few of us guys played football with the girls. A few of the Pan de Vida girls play on a flag football team. You have to see them throw. Thirty yards, straight as an arrow and perfect spiral. Others played tag, handed out heart shaped suckers and just visited with the kids. The 7-11 opened up for a while. It's a canteen for the kids. We shared snacks. There is a prize draw for free bags of Taci's. The kids latch on asking for the bag hoping to win a free bag. Before we knew it was 5:00.
A few of our team gathered to sign before supper. Supper was the best tuna fish in a pita I have every tasted followed by cake.
There as a birthday a week ago for one of the boys. After diner they strung 2 pinatas across the compound for the boys. What fun and excitement!. We were all out watching. After the pinatas we played chase, gave shoulder rides and visited with the boys. There was a new boy. Four years old who just wanted to be hugged and carried. He was here for about 1 week. The "Def" which is the child authority in Mexico rescued him along with his brother. He broke my heart.
The kids wore us out. We played until they had to go to bed.
After devotional Brian shared some of the current needs at Pan de Vida. It seems the biggest need right now is commercial washers. Currently all the kids laundry is done with used household washers. The team will decide in a few days about all our collections will go.
Everyone stayed up playing games tonight. I learned how to play spoon. It was a lot of fun with 10 people.
What a totally amazing day.
Greg
After breakfast, a group went for a walk up the road. Brian (head of Children of Hope) led the guys to see to new potential sites for the boys. One about 3-4 acres was right next door and another about 7 acres was a few properties down. Brian has had conversations with the owner of the 7 acres. Apparently his asking price is about $450k Canadian. Land is not cheap as the city is growing up to Pan de Vida. The next major purchase and build will need to be for the boys. They will be returning to Pan de Vida in 2 weeks from their offsite location. Pan de Vida can no longer afford to keep a second location for the boys. As the current boys dorm is limited they are trying to find homes or other orphanages for 10-20 of the oldest boys.
The boys began to arrive from their offsite location. After our walks we had Sunday School at 10:30. Bobbi and Ira shared their story of how they came to be living at Pan de Vida. What an amazing story of calling and commitment. They are just learning Spanish. I don't know how Ira handled all the negotiating for purchases, labour, etc without any Spanish the first year and half.
Church started at 11:30. With all the boys back the service had over 150 people (adults and kids). A great service of signing and sharing. Heather read a letter from Don McIIlwraith. A lady shared how she is on a mission trip to Rome. She was a child of Pan de Vida. What an amazing story to hear not only about her ministry but also how thankful she was for simple things in Mexico and Pan de Vida (water, showers, food, safety, etc). The service ran late due to all the extras.
We had lunch at 1:30. Spaghetti. After lunch we went to play with the kids. A group gave out stickers. A few kids covered themselves with the stickers. The boys played football. A few of us guys played football with the girls. A few of the Pan de Vida girls play on a flag football team. You have to see them throw. Thirty yards, straight as an arrow and perfect spiral. Others played tag, handed out heart shaped suckers and just visited with the kids. The 7-11 opened up for a while. It's a canteen for the kids. We shared snacks. There is a prize draw for free bags of Taci's. The kids latch on asking for the bag hoping to win a free bag. Before we knew it was 5:00.
A few of our team gathered to sign before supper. Supper was the best tuna fish in a pita I have every tasted followed by cake.
There as a birthday a week ago for one of the boys. After diner they strung 2 pinatas across the compound for the boys. What fun and excitement!. We were all out watching. After the pinatas we played chase, gave shoulder rides and visited with the boys. There was a new boy. Four years old who just wanted to be hugged and carried. He was here for about 1 week. The "Def" which is the child authority in Mexico rescued him along with his brother. He broke my heart.
The kids wore us out. We played until they had to go to bed.
After devotional Brian shared some of the current needs at Pan de Vida. It seems the biggest need right now is commercial washers. Currently all the kids laundry is done with used household washers. The team will decide in a few days about all our collections will go.
Everyone stayed up playing games tonight. I learned how to play spoon. It was a lot of fun with 10 people.
What a totally amazing day.
Greg
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Feb 13
The day began at 8:00 for breakfast. Pancakes and real Canadian maple syrup. Yes the bottle made it safe in my luggage :-). After breakfast Dave did the devotional. Next we planned the work for the day. The guys tackled the septic pump, a toilet, cleaned the workshop, some wiring and finally painting the crown on the second story of the kitchen, and girls dorms. The ladies cleaned the kitchen, dining hall and played with the kids. Not all the kids are here during the weekend as some are housed offsite.
I found out that some parents stay in touch with their kids. They are at Pan de Vida as the parents are having difficulties. Orphanages in Mexico are a combination of Child Services and Foster Care in Canada. There were at least 2 sets of parents that came to visit with their kids.
There are 115 sponsorable kids at Pan de Vida plus about 20 more that have become adults. The adult kids work here - teaching, care taking, etc. The kids touch your heart. They want lots of hugs and play. They are always smiling and playing. They could pushed in a swing, play tag, throw a ball etc all day.
Lunch was at 2:00. They have the big meal for lunch (fish today). After lunch we went to town to look around for a couple of hours. When we arrived back home we had diner. After diner we went back to town to see "football americano". Seven of the boys age 16 and 17 play on a competitive tackle football team. They play all out and tackling much harder than what we see in high school football.
Night devotional was done by Peggy followed by testimonies from Peggy and Heather N.
Everyone got lots of sun and a chance share love with the kids. A great way to start our time here.
Greg
I found out that some parents stay in touch with their kids. They are at Pan de Vida as the parents are having difficulties. Orphanages in Mexico are a combination of Child Services and Foster Care in Canada. There were at least 2 sets of parents that came to visit with their kids.
There are 115 sponsorable kids at Pan de Vida plus about 20 more that have become adults. The adult kids work here - teaching, care taking, etc. The kids touch your heart. They want lots of hugs and play. They are always smiling and playing. They could pushed in a swing, play tag, throw a ball etc all day.
Lunch was at 2:00. They have the big meal for lunch (fish today). After lunch we went to town to look around for a couple of hours. When we arrived back home we had diner. After diner we went back to town to see "football americano". Seven of the boys age 16 and 17 play on a competitive tackle football team. They play all out and tackling much harder than what we see in high school football.
Night devotional was done by Peggy followed by testimonies from Peggy and Heather N.
Everyone got lots of sun and a chance share love with the kids. A great way to start our time here.
Greg
Feb 12
Well as predicted I was packing late into the night. The little sleep I did get was broken with excitement and anticipation of the trip. It's seems we all slept about the same (go figure). Kim was a great sport when I woke her up at 3:30 so I could get a Tim's before boarding the shuttle bus to the airport.
The adventure began. Only 2 people with misplaced tickets. One when we were still in Waterloo (easy trip to get the ticket) and the other at the airport (it was in the backpack). One of the vendors I work with happened to be travelling to Jamica. He noticed first the orange shirts and then me. I appreciated the opportunity to share what we were doing.
This was my first trip to Mexico. For those that have travelled to Mexico before you can appreciate the “magic button”. If this is new to you let me explain. Once you have your bags and have cleared immigration you wait in line to push the “magic button”. If it lights green you are in the country – keep walking. If it lights red you get a special trip to the search police. Unfortunately the person in front of me got the red light. I eagerly stepped forward thinking there is no way that will light red two times in a row. There is only 1 officer station in front of me. But luck would have it I got red as well. My mind was racing. Fifty pounds of nothing but donation for Pan de Vida. How am I going to explain it? Well lucky for us the orange shirts saved us. The guard asked what was on our shirts (WMB – Pan de Vida 2010). I explained that we were going to visit an orphange. With that he put his hand in and out of my bags and said have a great day. The Lord is good.
Next stop, money exchange. Wow there are a lot of exchanges in the airport. I can't imagine how much currency must flow through here. We went looking for the best rate – 12 pesos on the dollar and exchanged our cash. We were met by Ira who is the caretaker at Pan de Vida.
Next was lunch. I wasn't daring enough yet so stuck with McDonald's and then off to the highway coach for the ride to Pan de Vida. Over lunch we heard how the septic tank has collapsed over the past few days. Ira said he was up to 2:00am trying to get it set up. Looks like we might have some muddy work ahead of us if the weather stays dry.
The coach took us through Mexico City on our way out of town. I'm not sure what I was expecting. When we flew in I saw poverty and skyscrapers. Dirt streets and lush boulevards. It reminded me of India with one tenth the population. You could tell that most people are lower to middle class and proud. There were almost no homeless and certainly no beggers. Little shops lined the streets selling car parts, drywall, etc (just like India). There were street vendors too (almost clean enough to try).
We soon left Mexico City on a highway to Queretaro. Three hours through the country side. The land is a dark sand/clay. The farms are small and look like they are managed by hand. The highway was smooth (90km/h) with proper ramps. Very America's.
We stopped in Queretro for diner and had Tapa's (not sure if I spelled it right). They are a small build your own soft taco. Basically shell, meat (chicken, pork, beef), a variety of sauces (hey Darren the green is chilli) roll and eat. A little rice milk (a most a sweet liquid rice puddingto kill the heat and your set to go. Totally awesome!
Fifteen minutes more on the bus and we arrive at Pan de Vida. It's in the country so totally dark. A few kids are out along with the team from Winkler, Manitoba to greet us. Because of the overlap of the 2 teams, we are sleeping in the school the first night. We unpack and then start roaming the grounds. There is a band practice going and kids are playing. The grounds are large (I believe 7 acres). There is an auditorium, dining hall, boys dorms, girls dorms, worker dorm and workshop and the school. They yard is mostly paving stones with some repaved asphalt. It's amazing that all this was built by volunteers over the past 10 years.
The night air was cooling so I went back to get my fleece. I notice something moving in the shadows …. A big pig and look there's another roaming the grounds. I thought they were allowed to roam but I was mistaken. Soon the kids noticed and the chaise was on to get them back in their pen. Using car lights to light the field the kids were running everywhere after the pigs. What fun :-)!
After a while of greetings and roaming, we had devotional (led by Sammy) and 2 testimonies (Larry and Paul). Ira popped in to say that the septic pump was not operating proper and that he was going to work on it. If he needs help he'll call us. It will be a long night for him. Then it was lights out at 10:30 our time. A long first day filled with new wonderful adventures.
Greg
The adventure began. Only 2 people with misplaced tickets. One when we were still in Waterloo (easy trip to get the ticket) and the other at the airport (it was in the backpack). One of the vendors I work with happened to be travelling to Jamica. He noticed first the orange shirts and then me. I appreciated the opportunity to share what we were doing.
This was my first trip to Mexico. For those that have travelled to Mexico before you can appreciate the “magic button”. If this is new to you let me explain. Once you have your bags and have cleared immigration you wait in line to push the “magic button”. If it lights green you are in the country – keep walking. If it lights red you get a special trip to the search police. Unfortunately the person in front of me got the red light. I eagerly stepped forward thinking there is no way that will light red two times in a row. There is only 1 officer station in front of me. But luck would have it I got red as well. My mind was racing. Fifty pounds of nothing but donation for Pan de Vida. How am I going to explain it? Well lucky for us the orange shirts saved us. The guard asked what was on our shirts (WMB – Pan de Vida 2010). I explained that we were going to visit an orphange. With that he put his hand in and out of my bags and said have a great day. The Lord is good.
Next stop, money exchange. Wow there are a lot of exchanges in the airport. I can't imagine how much currency must flow through here. We went looking for the best rate – 12 pesos on the dollar and exchanged our cash. We were met by Ira who is the caretaker at Pan de Vida.
Next was lunch. I wasn't daring enough yet so stuck with McDonald's and then off to the highway coach for the ride to Pan de Vida. Over lunch we heard how the septic tank has collapsed over the past few days. Ira said he was up to 2:00am trying to get it set up. Looks like we might have some muddy work ahead of us if the weather stays dry.
The coach took us through Mexico City on our way out of town. I'm not sure what I was expecting. When we flew in I saw poverty and skyscrapers. Dirt streets and lush boulevards. It reminded me of India with one tenth the population. You could tell that most people are lower to middle class and proud. There were almost no homeless and certainly no beggers. Little shops lined the streets selling car parts, drywall, etc (just like India). There were street vendors too (almost clean enough to try).
We soon left Mexico City on a highway to Queretaro. Three hours through the country side. The land is a dark sand/clay. The farms are small and look like they are managed by hand. The highway was smooth (90km/h) with proper ramps. Very America's.
We stopped in Queretro for diner and had Tapa's (not sure if I spelled it right). They are a small build your own soft taco. Basically shell, meat (chicken, pork, beef), a variety of sauces (hey Darren the green is chilli) roll and eat. A little rice milk (a most a sweet liquid rice puddingto kill the heat and your set to go. Totally awesome!
Fifteen minutes more on the bus and we arrive at Pan de Vida. It's in the country so totally dark. A few kids are out along with the team from Winkler, Manitoba to greet us. Because of the overlap of the 2 teams, we are sleeping in the school the first night. We unpack and then start roaming the grounds. There is a band practice going and kids are playing. The grounds are large (I believe 7 acres). There is an auditorium, dining hall, boys dorms, girls dorms, worker dorm and workshop and the school. They yard is mostly paving stones with some repaved asphalt. It's amazing that all this was built by volunteers over the past 10 years.
The night air was cooling so I went back to get my fleece. I notice something moving in the shadows …. A big pig and look there's another roaming the grounds. I thought they were allowed to roam but I was mistaken. Soon the kids noticed and the chaise was on to get them back in their pen. Using car lights to light the field the kids were running everywhere after the pigs. What fun :-)!
After a while of greetings and roaming, we had devotional (led by Sammy) and 2 testimonies (Larry and Paul). Ira popped in to say that the septic pump was not operating proper and that he was going to work on it. If he needs help he'll call us. It will be a long night for him. Then it was lights out at 10:30 our time. A long first day filled with new wonderful adventures.
Greg
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Welcome!
This blog will chronicle my journey to help the children of Pan de Vida in Queretaro Mexico. Thanks to my many supporters $4100 was raised.
Final preparations are well under way. The team will depart from 2 points on Friday - Tim Horton's at Davenport and Northfield Friday at 4:30 am and 4:45 am at Ottawa and River Road. If you want to send us off, I'll buy the coffee :-). The goal is to be at Pan de Vida by 7:00pm.
Greg
Pan de Vida web site: http://www.freewebs.com/pandevida/index_en.html
Supported in Canada through the Children of Hope organization: http://childrenofhope.info/
Final preparations are well under way. The team will depart from 2 points on Friday - Tim Horton's at Davenport and Northfield Friday at 4:30 am and 4:45 am at Ottawa and River Road. If you want to send us off, I'll buy the coffee :-). The goal is to be at Pan de Vida by 7:00pm.
Greg
Pan de Vida web site: http://www.freewebs.com/pandevida/index_en.html
Supported in Canada through the Children of Hope organization: http://childrenofhope.info/
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