This past week we celebrated the Christmas holidays. It is a really beautiful time to be in the house, although it is really hard to be away from my house.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we celebrated with Posadsas. Posadas are very common throughout Mexico and are used to recall the journey of Mary and Joseph searching for an inn. At the house, the kids walk to different doorways. Mary and Joseph ask for space and are turned away until they reach the last door. At this “inn” there is space and everyone enters to have a party. We celebrate with performances and breaking piñatas and lots of candy.
Christmas Eve is an outdoor Mass. We celebrate in our farm, complete with pigs, lambs and a donkey, just like the first Christmas. After Mass the whole house, including university and high school students, enjoys a special dinner.
This week we will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a late-night dance, and on Jan. 6, the Christmas season officially ends. The kids will receive their presents, as is tradition in Mexico, for Three King’s Day.
My time working here is coming to an end. I leave for Minnesota in two weeks. I can’t believe how fast the time has gone. I am sad to go, and I will miss my girls. But, I am very excited to begin to support the house in a different way. I will be thinking about all of you the next few weeks. Please keep me in your prayers.
Peace. Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Thanksgiving
Last week we celebrated Thanksgiving with the volunteers. Although we are far away from home, we have a lot to be thankful in the family we have found with the children.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Dia de Los Muertos
This past weekend was the best weekend since I have been here. On Friday we celebrated Halloween with a drawing contest, a short story contest and a costume contest. Later, all the volunteers designed a haunted walk through the area of the house where we store our farm equipment. For more than an hour the majority of the kids came through our haunted walk, while year-of-service kids and we scared them.
The next morning we celebrated All Saints Day. On this day we traditionally celebrate the birthdays of all the kids. We started waking the kids up at 5:00 a.m. with the traditional birthday song, Las Mananitas. We started with the youngest kids and moved into the older sections. It was really sweet to watch the younger kids waking up their older brothers and sisters. When we finally had woken up all the kids, we enjoyed a breakfast of cake and hot chocolate. For the rest of the day the kids didn’t have to do chores and had free time.
That evening we celebrated Mass for Day of the Dead. Day of the Dead is a traditional Mexican Holiday celebrated the 1st and 2nd of November to honor the dead. According to tradition on this day the souls of the dead can visit the living and families construct altars to honor their family members. The altars are filled with flowers, religious symbols, pan de muerto (a sweet bread), sugar skulls and the favorite food of the deceased. It is also a way to make fun of death. It is a Christian symbol that we will overcome death through God.
During the Mass we prayed for the dead by name. All of the children wrote the names of their family members in a book of the dead and Father Phil read each name. The church was silent. After Mass Father Phil shared the altar he had build with the kids. The altar was full of candy. We then enjoyed pan de muerto and hot chocolate for dinner.
The next day each section spent the whole day building their own altar for the altar contest. I will post pictures soon. It was amazing!
Peace,
Laura
The next morning we celebrated All Saints Day. On this day we traditionally celebrate the birthdays of all the kids. We started waking the kids up at 5:00 a.m. with the traditional birthday song, Las Mananitas. We started with the youngest kids and moved into the older sections. It was really sweet to watch the younger kids waking up their older brothers and sisters. When we finally had woken up all the kids, we enjoyed a breakfast of cake and hot chocolate. For the rest of the day the kids didn’t have to do chores and had free time.
That evening we celebrated Mass for Day of the Dead. Day of the Dead is a traditional Mexican Holiday celebrated the 1st and 2nd of November to honor the dead. According to tradition on this day the souls of the dead can visit the living and families construct altars to honor their family members. The altars are filled with flowers, religious symbols, pan de muerto (a sweet bread), sugar skulls and the favorite food of the deceased. It is also a way to make fun of death. It is a Christian symbol that we will overcome death through God.
During the Mass we prayed for the dead by name. All of the children wrote the names of their family members in a book of the dead and Father Phil read each name. The church was silent. After Mass Father Phil shared the altar he had build with the kids. The altar was full of candy. We then enjoyed pan de muerto and hot chocolate for dinner.
The next day each section spent the whole day building their own altar for the altar contest. I will post pictures soon. It was amazing!
Peace,
Laura
Friday, October 10, 2008
Milpillas
The house in Mexico does a few outreach programs. Our principal outreach program is to Milpillas, a garbage dump in a neighboring town. Father Phil, our current priest, discovered that there were families living in the dump digging through trash to make a living and the children weren't in school. Father Phil asked all the children at our house if they would be willing to invite the children from Milpillas to attend classes at our school. The children unanimously said yes, except for the youngest children who didn't want to give up the extra treats they would have to give up.
The program has been very successful. One of the Milpillas students has just graduated from the university and another student left for the university this year. Although the garbage dump has closed, we currently have 89 students from Milpillas attending our school.
I went to Milpillas today. Despite all my time in Mexico, I was still shocked by the experience. The people have built their homes on top of garbage. The homes, although many would not use the word home, are built out of sheet metal, plastic, wood, cardboard and whatever else has been salvaged from the dump. There is garbage everywhere and the children walk around barefoot with dirt on their legs and bodies. We met a 16-year-old mother. She used to attend school with our kids, but has since dropped out and has a 1-month-old to care for. The smell was not as bad as I imagined, but I am sure it was much worse when the dump was open and one could smell the garbage from the main highway.
Trekking along to look at the houses, we walked over garbage - abandoned shoes, candy wrappers, plastic bottles and much that was unidentifiable already in the later stages of decay. While walking along, I couldn't help but think that this experience is a daily reality for many people across Mexico and the rest of the world. People are shocked that I have chosen to give up a year of my life to live in an orphanage, an orphanage that has clean drinking water, hot showers, electricity, television, wireless Internet and a guaranteed four meals a day (to name a few of our amenities). In January, I will move back to the states. I will move back to air conditioning, a car that takes me wherever I want and all the opportunity in the world. I wish I could show everyone I know that all the opportunity in the world is not available to everyone in the world. I hope I always remember the lessons I have learned this year and I don't take for granted the blessings I have been given. It is easy to be caught up in our own personal problems and materialism, but I hope people remember, even in the current economic crisis, we are still very lucky.
The program has been very successful. One of the Milpillas students has just graduated from the university and another student left for the university this year. Although the garbage dump has closed, we currently have 89 students from Milpillas attending our school.
I went to Milpillas today. Despite all my time in Mexico, I was still shocked by the experience. The people have built their homes on top of garbage. The homes, although many would not use the word home, are built out of sheet metal, plastic, wood, cardboard and whatever else has been salvaged from the dump. There is garbage everywhere and the children walk around barefoot with dirt on their legs and bodies. We met a 16-year-old mother. She used to attend school with our kids, but has since dropped out and has a 1-month-old to care for. The smell was not as bad as I imagined, but I am sure it was much worse when the dump was open and one could smell the garbage from the main highway.
Trekking along to look at the houses, we walked over garbage - abandoned shoes, candy wrappers, plastic bottles and much that was unidentifiable already in the later stages of decay. While walking along, I couldn't help but think that this experience is a daily reality for many people across Mexico and the rest of the world. People are shocked that I have chosen to give up a year of my life to live in an orphanage, an orphanage that has clean drinking water, hot showers, electricity, television, wireless Internet and a guaranteed four meals a day (to name a few of our amenities). In January, I will move back to the states. I will move back to air conditioning, a car that takes me wherever I want and all the opportunity in the world. I wish I could show everyone I know that all the opportunity in the world is not available to everyone in the world. I hope I always remember the lessons I have learned this year and I don't take for granted the blessings I have been given. It is easy to be caught up in our own personal problems and materialism, but I hope people remember, even in the current economic crisis, we are still very lucky.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Independence Day
Check out the article I wrote about the Independence Day celebration. Click on the news link on the right. It is the first article, titled "Independence Day."
http://www.nph.org/?page=homes/home.php&org=8&lang=en&fr=1
http://www.nph.org/?page=homes/home.php&org=8&lang=en&fr=1
Monday, September 8, 2008
A looooong overdue update
Hello,
Please excuse the long wait for an update. Since my vacations, I have been very busy.
I would first like to thank everyone who donated books for my girls. I really appreciate it. I was able to give each girl a new book for the new school year. It is great to see the girls reading when I pass through the section at night, and they all want to talk about what they are reading. Thank you again.
It is not too late to send books. My parents will be down this fall and they will be able to deliver them.
A few highlights from the past two months:
My birthday - We celebrated with pizza and my girls surprised me with enchiladas and Las Mananitas, the traditional birthday song and a beautiful card signed, “from your daughters.” In addition, as getting people wet is part of the festivities here at the house, I had an egg broken on my head, was covered in flour and thrown in the shower…all in good fun.
The Anniversary – The Anniversary is a yearly family reunion where all of the former pequenos and their families come to visit. It is really beautiful to see people who have grown up here and moved on to be self-sufficient adults.
Holy Name (my home parish) came to visit and it was fun to see the kids working with our kids because only five years ago I was on that trip.
My brother and his friend came to visit and since then I can’t avoid being called sister-in-law by nearly every girl in the house.
Thanks again for the books. Please pray for our NPH brothers and sisters in Haiti. The country has been hit by three hurricanes in the last month. http://www.friendsoftheorphans.org/s/769/inner.aspx?sid=769&gid=1&pgid=252&cid=1450&ecid=1450&crid=0&calpgid=61&calcid=719
Peace
Patient Trust in Ourselves and in the Slow Work of God
Above all, trust in the slow work of God.
We are, quite naturally, impatient in everything
to reach the end without delay.
We should like to skip the intermediate stages.
We are impatient of being on the way
to something unknown,
something new.
And yet it is the law of all progress that it is made
by passing through some stages of instability,
and that it may take a very long time.
And so, I think, it is with you.
Your ideas mature gradually. Let them grow.
Let them shape themselves without undue haste.
Don't try to force them on
as though you could be today what time
-that is to say- grace
and circumstances
acting on your own good will
will make you tomorrow.
Only God could say what this new spirit
gradually forming within you will be.
Give our Lord the benefit of believing
that his hand is leading you
and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself
in suspense and incomplete.
Above all, trust in the slow work of God,
our loving vine-dresser.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Please excuse the long wait for an update. Since my vacations, I have been very busy.
I would first like to thank everyone who donated books for my girls. I really appreciate it. I was able to give each girl a new book for the new school year. It is great to see the girls reading when I pass through the section at night, and they all want to talk about what they are reading. Thank you again.
It is not too late to send books. My parents will be down this fall and they will be able to deliver them.
A few highlights from the past two months:
My birthday - We celebrated with pizza and my girls surprised me with enchiladas and Las Mananitas, the traditional birthday song and a beautiful card signed, “from your daughters.” In addition, as getting people wet is part of the festivities here at the house, I had an egg broken on my head, was covered in flour and thrown in the shower…all in good fun.
The Anniversary – The Anniversary is a yearly family reunion where all of the former pequenos and their families come to visit. It is really beautiful to see people who have grown up here and moved on to be self-sufficient adults.
Holy Name (my home parish) came to visit and it was fun to see the kids working with our kids because only five years ago I was on that trip.
My brother and his friend came to visit and since then I can’t avoid being called sister-in-law by nearly every girl in the house.
Thanks again for the books. Please pray for our NPH brothers and sisters in Haiti. The country has been hit by three hurricanes in the last month. http://www.friendsoftheorphans.org/s/769/inner.aspx?sid=769&gid=1&pgid=252&cid=1450&ecid=1450&crid=0&calpgid=61&calcid=719
Peace
Patient Trust in Ourselves and in the Slow Work of God
Above all, trust in the slow work of God.
We are, quite naturally, impatient in everything
to reach the end without delay.
We should like to skip the intermediate stages.
We are impatient of being on the way
to something unknown,
something new.
And yet it is the law of all progress that it is made
by passing through some stages of instability,
and that it may take a very long time.
And so, I think, it is with you.
Your ideas mature gradually. Let them grow.
Let them shape themselves without undue haste.
Don't try to force them on
as though you could be today what time
-that is to say- grace
and circumstances
acting on your own good will
will make you tomorrow.
Only God could say what this new spirit
gradually forming within you will be.
Give our Lord the benefit of believing
that his hand is leading you
and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself
in suspense and incomplete.
Above all, trust in the slow work of God,
our loving vine-dresser.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Vacations
I am about to leave for a much needed vacation. I will update the blog after the 16th.
Peace,
Laura
Peace,
Laura
Monday, June 16, 2008
Life Teen retreat
This past weekend I volunteered to help on the Life Teen retreat for 30 middle school students. (As it was my descanso, I will work a total of 26 days in a row this month!) The retreat was amazing, and I don't know if I can even begin to describe it here, but I will try.
We took the 30 kids to another NPH house in Huitzilac (Don't ask how to say it) on Friday and began an incredible weekend of prayer and devotion with the kids, along with a lot of food and activities. The retreat was a hospital theme and we began by registering the kids with a mock examination and giving them a bandage to determine their small group. (See below for a video of my acting debut in Mexico.)
The weekend included a series of skits and small group discussions. My small group was great. It was really awesome to be spending time with a group of kids who wanted to be there and wanted to learn about God, and I was amazed by their honesty. Almost all of the kids shared very personal stories. And as we can only imagine their stories reflected more hardship than most of us will ever experience in our entire lives.
On Saturday night the kids experienced Adoration, many for the first time and the experience was unlike any I have ever seen and powerful for all present.
On Sunday we ended our sessions with affirmations. Each person took turns giving positive comments to the kids. As I passed through the line whispering affirmations, I could almost feel the gratitude of each child.
It was an incredible weekend and I am already looking forward to the next retreat in the fall.
In other news, the washing machine is broken, so I will become an expert in hand washing all my laundry this month.
Please remember to keep me and my kids in your prayers and if you are able please consider donating a book through my Amazon Wish List.
Peace,
Laura
We took the 30 kids to another NPH house in Huitzilac (Don't ask how to say it) on Friday and began an incredible weekend of prayer and devotion with the kids, along with a lot of food and activities. The retreat was a hospital theme and we began by registering the kids with a mock examination and giving them a bandage to determine their small group. (See below for a video of my acting debut in Mexico.)
The weekend included a series of skits and small group discussions. My small group was great. It was really awesome to be spending time with a group of kids who wanted to be there and wanted to learn about God, and I was amazed by their honesty. Almost all of the kids shared very personal stories. And as we can only imagine their stories reflected more hardship than most of us will ever experience in our entire lives.
On Saturday night the kids experienced Adoration, many for the first time and the experience was unlike any I have ever seen and powerful for all present.
On Sunday we ended our sessions with affirmations. Each person took turns giving positive comments to the kids. As I passed through the line whispering affirmations, I could almost feel the gratitude of each child.
It was an incredible weekend and I am already looking forward to the next retreat in the fall.
In other news, the washing machine is broken, so I will become an expert in hand washing all my laundry this month.
Please remember to keep me and my kids in your prayers and if you are able please consider donating a book through my Amazon Wish List.
Peace,
Laura
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Pictures from Taekwondo exam
I am still looking for support for my book drive. I have only received three books!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Books, Books, Books
Since several people have asked how they can be involved and help me with my work, I figured I would post just one opportunity here.
I really want to collect books for my section. In my section of 27 girls, we read every night and many of the girls tell me how much they enjoy to read. The problem is that within my section we have maybe 10 books to share between the girls. I try to provide books when I can, but honestly, I can’t keep up with the demand. I have created a wish list at amazon.com (see link below), and people can help by purchasing one of the books from the list. The book will be mailed to my house in Minnesota and I will be able to bring it back to Mexico with me in July.
To me this is one of the easiest and best things you can do to help my girls. I know that reading was one of the reasons that I have had success in life, and I remember how reading helped me when I was a teenager. I am, also, sure many of you feel the same way.
In addition, we are currently making many cutbacks at the home to save money. If you want to help with a monetary donation for special things for the kids like church retreats, special dinners, activities or graduation, send me an e-mail at lzilverberg@gmail.com and we can work on that, and if nothing else please keep sending your prayers.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/JS1AXZEK0WUT
Peace
I really want to collect books for my section. In my section of 27 girls, we read every night and many of the girls tell me how much they enjoy to read. The problem is that within my section we have maybe 10 books to share between the girls. I try to provide books when I can, but honestly, I can’t keep up with the demand. I have created a wish list at amazon.com (see link below), and people can help by purchasing one of the books from the list. The book will be mailed to my house in Minnesota and I will be able to bring it back to Mexico with me in July.
To me this is one of the easiest and best things you can do to help my girls. I know that reading was one of the reasons that I have had success in life, and I remember how reading helped me when I was a teenager. I am, also, sure many of you feel the same way.
In addition, we are currently making many cutbacks at the home to save money. If you want to help with a monetary donation for special things for the kids like church retreats, special dinners, activities or graduation, send me an e-mail at lzilverberg@gmail.com and we can work on that, and if nothing else please keep sending your prayers.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/JS1AXZEK0WUT
Peace
Monday, May 12, 2008
My first Mother's Day
This past weekend was my favorite weekend so far. We celebrated Mother's Day beginning last Thursday with a special dinner hosted by the male directors. Friday morning, we celebrated with a breakfast in the school. But, the best part was Friday night.
My girls kicked me and the other two encargadas I work with out of the section immediately after dinner. They said they had work to do and we would be welcome back inside the section in a little bit.
A few hours later when we were allowed back inside...the girls greeted us with the traditional celebration song, Las Mananitas, presents, a card and decorations. They had also put together an entire presentation about how grateful they were to have us as their mothers. We were treated to choreographed dances and at the end of it all our own dance in the section. It was so sweet and I was really humbled that they had put in that much effort for us. I didn't realize before the importance of my role in their lives and I didn't realize before how much of a mother I really am. I feel really grateful to have them in my life. I think that the longer I am here, the more I feel that I am receiving just as much as I am giving.
Peace
My girls kicked me and the other two encargadas I work with out of the section immediately after dinner. They said they had work to do and we would be welcome back inside the section in a little bit.
A few hours later when we were allowed back inside...the girls greeted us with the traditional celebration song, Las Mananitas, presents, a card and decorations. They had also put together an entire presentation about how grateful they were to have us as their mothers. We were treated to choreographed dances and at the end of it all our own dance in the section. It was so sweet and I was really humbled that they had put in that much effort for us. I didn't realize before the importance of my role in their lives and I didn't realize before how much of a mother I really am. I feel really grateful to have them in my life. I think that the longer I am here, the more I feel that I am receiving just as much as I am giving.
Peace
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Sometimes it just takes a little extra effort
One of the biggest lessons I've learned so far is that sometimes it just takes a little extra effort. It is easy to get stressed or overwhelmed, but sometimes if you push yourself just a little harder you can make a huge difference.
The other day when we had swimming lessons with the girls, there were several girls that were not interested. They were complaining and not listening and wanted to leave. At first it was easy to be annoyed and upset, but when I chose to work with them in the pool and help them learn to swim, the day was so much better. They were excited and worked hard and wanted to learn more. Those same girls are excited for there next swimming lesson and want to practice swimming races when we have free swim.
So I guess from here on out when it is hard, the key is to work harder.
Peace.
The other day when we had swimming lessons with the girls, there were several girls that were not interested. They were complaining and not listening and wanted to leave. At first it was easy to be annoyed and upset, but when I chose to work with them in the pool and help them learn to swim, the day was so much better. They were excited and worked hard and wanted to learn more. Those same girls are excited for there next swimming lesson and want to practice swimming races when we have free swim.
So I guess from here on out when it is hard, the key is to work harder.
Peace.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Is it all worth it?
As in any job, there are days when it is difficult, when nothing goes right and you get to wondering, "Is it all worth it?"
Lucky for me, after an especially difficult day when I had worked for 13 hours and dealt with teenage girl drama, I had my answer. As I was saying good night, I was amazed by how they had all transformed. They were no longer angry at me for telling them what to do, they were no longer upset about boyfriends or friends, itstead, they were sweet and grateful to be loved. And as I went around to their beds and heard "Goodnight mommy," "I love you," "See you tommorrow," I knew that nothing could be so difficult to make this not worth it.
Peace,
Laura
Lucky for me, after an especially difficult day when I had worked for 13 hours and dealt with teenage girl drama, I had my answer. As I was saying good night, I was amazed by how they had all transformed. They were no longer angry at me for telling them what to do, they were no longer upset about boyfriends or friends, itstead, they were sweet and grateful to be loved. And as I went around to their beds and heard "Goodnight mommy," "I love you," "See you tommorrow," I knew that nothing could be so difficult to make this not worth it.
Peace,
Laura
Monday, April 7, 2008
Wrestling
My family just left last week. It was really amazing to have them in town and to share part of my experience with them. Although, I can tell you that a year felt a lot longer once they left.
They were here for a week and we went to the pyramids in Mexico City and spent some time in Cuernavaca. Danny and Dad did wrestling clinics for the kids even though Danny was fighting some stomach problems. The kids loved it and it was really awesome to see the connection they made with the kids in such a short amount of time and with their limited language skills. Danny was very popular and I only receive about 50 questions and comments about him every day...Your parents and your brother they left? Where did they go? When are they coming back? We didn't want him to leave? You are my sister-in-law right?
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Lent / Easter
Please excuse the lack of updates recently. Between the internet difficulties and the kids being on spring break, I haven't had a chance to write.
We just finished the Lenten season with our Easter celebration last Sunday. The entire season is very unique in the house. On Fridays, instead of giving up meat, the entire house gives up tortillas. The logic is that the kids wouldn't notice the meat missing anyway.
Holy Thursday is the night we remember the last supper and in the house we honor this with a special dinner for the whole family.
Good Friday is a silent day, which means we can't play music or watch television all day.
Last Saturday, we celebrated Sabado de la Gloria and remembered all of our baptisms with a giant water fight for three hours.
Sunday was Easter and we celebrated with a sunrise Mass, dougnuts, hot chocolate, chocolate eggs and an egg hunt with a grand prize of $50.
I will update again soon. My parents are coming to visit this week and will be offering wrestling clinics to the kids. I will be sure to post pictures.
Peace
We just finished the Lenten season with our Easter celebration last Sunday. The entire season is very unique in the house. On Fridays, instead of giving up meat, the entire house gives up tortillas. The logic is that the kids wouldn't notice the meat missing anyway.
Holy Thursday is the night we remember the last supper and in the house we honor this with a special dinner for the whole family.
Good Friday is a silent day, which means we can't play music or watch television all day.
Last Saturday, we celebrated Sabado de la Gloria and remembered all of our baptisms with a giant water fight for three hours.
Sunday was Easter and we celebrated with a sunrise Mass, dougnuts, hot chocolate, chocolate eggs and an egg hunt with a grand prize of $50.
I will update again soon. My parents are coming to visit this week and will be offering wrestling clinics to the kids. I will be sure to post pictures.
Peace
Monday, March 17, 2008
No Internet
Right now we are having technical difficulties with the Internet. I will update when it is more consistent.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
La Pijamada
Saturday night we had a giant sleepover for ALL the girls in the house. It was really fun to see them just being kids, especially after all the hard work from the Junta and exams. We put out mattresses and blankets in the school and had a BBQ and played games and watched movies all night. We also had a fogata (bonfire) and roasted marshmallows. The girls love their marshmallows lit on fire and charred. So imagine 200 or so girls with sticks and flaming marshmallows. And as everyone wanted to roast my marshmallow for me, I had to try very hard to describe the fine art of roasting marshmallows. One of the older girls roasted it for me and it was nearly perfect. But of course, one of the younger girls saw that it wasn't black yet and proceeded to "fix" this for me.
After the bonfire, some of the girls from my section were dancing on the soccer field to the music from the town dance. I joined them and have started to learn cumbia.
It was a great weekend, but exhausting and I am looking forward to relaxing on descanso. I think my Spanish is improving and I am learning a lot every day. I think the biggest thing I am learning is to put others first. It doesn't matter if I like my marshmallow golden brown; if a kid wants to roast it for me, I should let her. If the girls want to play chess for 3 hours, I should. And sometimes it means that you get up early, even though the extra sleep would be amazing because someone else is depending on you.
Peace
After the bonfire, some of the girls from my section were dancing on the soccer field to the music from the town dance. I joined them and have started to learn cumbia.
It was a great weekend, but exhausting and I am looking forward to relaxing on descanso. I think my Spanish is improving and I am learning a lot every day. I think the biggest thing I am learning is to put others first. It doesn't matter if I like my marshmallow golden brown; if a kid wants to roast it for me, I should let her. If the girls want to play chess for 3 hours, I should. And sometimes it means that you get up early, even though the extra sleep would be amazing because someone else is depending on you.
Peace
Monday, February 25, 2008
Pizza fiesta
Last night we had a pizza party for the girls that didn't receive reports from school. This week only 10 girls had reports, so I guess that is an improvement. It was a lot of fun. It was my descanso weekend so I just bought the pizza and soda and met the girls at dinner time. The girls were amazing. They helped me carry over all of the food and waited patiently for me to arrive before they started eating. Nobody took more than they were supposed to and they were all very polite. (I consider this very successful for 19 teenage girls)
Everyone had a great time and it was fun to do something special for the girls. We had a few birthdays over the weekend and so we were able to celebrate that as well. The girls sang the traditional Mexican birthday song, "Las Mananitas." At the end of the dinner they all thanked me and gave me hugs. It was really sweet.
Friday, February 22, 2008
By Archbishop Oscar Romero
It helps, now and then, to step back
and take the long view.
The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts,
it is beyond our vision.
We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of
the magnificent enterprise that is God's work.
Nothing we do is complete,
which is another way of saying
that the kingdom always lies beyond us.
No statement says all that could be said.
No prayer fully expresses our faith.
No confession brings perfection.
No pastoral visit brings wholeness.
No program accomplishes the church's mission.
No set of goals and objectives includes everything.
This is what we are about:
We plant seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations that will need further development.
We provide yeast that produces effects beyond our capabilities.
We cannot do everything
and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.
This enables us to do something,
and to do it very well.
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way,
an opportunity for God's grace to enter and do the rest.
We may never see the end results,
but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker.
We are workers, not master builders,
ministers, not messiahs.
We are prophets of a future not our own.
and take the long view.
The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts,
it is beyond our vision.
We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of
the magnificent enterprise that is God's work.
Nothing we do is complete,
which is another way of saying
that the kingdom always lies beyond us.
No statement says all that could be said.
No prayer fully expresses our faith.
No confession brings perfection.
No pastoral visit brings wholeness.
No program accomplishes the church's mission.
No set of goals and objectives includes everything.
This is what we are about:
We plant seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations that will need further development.
We provide yeast that produces effects beyond our capabilities.
We cannot do everything
and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.
This enables us to do something,
and to do it very well.
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way,
an opportunity for God's grace to enter and do the rest.
We may never see the end results,
but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker.
We are workers, not master builders,
ministers, not messiahs.
We are prophets of a future not our own.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Language barriers
My girls after lunch: We want to pray.
Me: Okay. See you Monday.
My girls: No. (Make the sign of the cross)
Other encargada: You were confused.
Me: Yeah, most of the time.
Me: Okay. See you Monday.
My girls: No. (Make the sign of the cross)
Other encargada: You were confused.
Me: Yeah, most of the time.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Finally, a break so I can update this
Last weekend was my first official work weekend and it was really fun, but a lot of work. To start off with 20 / 28 of my girls had bad reports from school so they were all castigadas (Essentially like grounding - no going outside and no television). So I am starting a new program in my section. All of the girls that have good reports from school will get to have a special dinner with me. It is really awesome because a lot of the girls are telling me that they are going to do really well so they can come to the dinner.
On Sunday, I made cookies with the girls that had good reports and we had activities. I got a chance to know one of the girls, Lucero. She is a very sweet girl but she tends to be a loner and she can get upset easily (like most teenagers). She is new to the house and has only been here three months. We talked for a little while and she told me that she really likes to write. I told her that was wonderful and that I would love to see some of what she has written if she ever wants to share it. The next day she wrote me a story and showed me several things she has written. She is very talented and was so excited to share her work. One of the benefits of being a volunteer is being able to find ways to connect with the girls in new ways. There are 28 girls in my section and with only two caretakers they can't all receive the individual attention they need.
Monday was a holiday and the kids weren't in school. (I now have an idea of why my mom was disappointed when we didn't have school). They didn't have anything to do so I brought over the DVD player from the volunteer section, made popcorn and watched Pirates of the Carribbean. The girls were excited, but the best part was that all the girls were so grateful. They all thanked me for sharing my movie and for buying them popcorn.
So overall, it was a very rewarding weekend although very exhausting. Tonight I went with some of the girls to Life Teen, a religous program for teenagers. Well anyway, I am off to play volleyball. Lent starts tomorrow so we have Mass at 6:30 in the morning.
Peace
On Sunday, I made cookies with the girls that had good reports and we had activities. I got a chance to know one of the girls, Lucero. She is a very sweet girl but she tends to be a loner and she can get upset easily (like most teenagers). She is new to the house and has only been here three months. We talked for a little while and she told me that she really likes to write. I told her that was wonderful and that I would love to see some of what she has written if she ever wants to share it. The next day she wrote me a story and showed me several things she has written. She is very talented and was so excited to share her work. One of the benefits of being a volunteer is being able to find ways to connect with the girls in new ways. There are 28 girls in my section and with only two caretakers they can't all receive the individual attention they need.
Monday was a holiday and the kids weren't in school. (I now have an idea of why my mom was disappointed when we didn't have school). They didn't have anything to do so I brought over the DVD player from the volunteer section, made popcorn and watched Pirates of the Carribbean. The girls were excited, but the best part was that all the girls were so grateful. They all thanked me for sharing my movie and for buying them popcorn.
So overall, it was a very rewarding weekend although very exhausting. Tonight I went with some of the girls to Life Teen, a religous program for teenagers. Well anyway, I am off to play volleyball. Lent starts tomorrow so we have Mass at 6:30 in the morning.
Peace
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Nuevos ingresos
On Tuesday night, the volunteers had a dinner for the nuevos ingresos (new arrivals). It was a chance for the 11 new arrivals to get to know the volunteers better and understand that we are here if they need anything. The dinner was so much fun and I think the kids really appreciated it.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Back to work
Today I got back to work after a weekend descanso. But now I am about to get the "real feel" for being a volunteer because I won't have another break for 15 days.
Anyway, I had a really great day in the section. ( I selected primeros and worked with them last Thursday and Friday) Today was a breath of fresh air because my first day in the section was quite a shock. One of the girls left to go home with her parents, but before she left she tried to steal as much stuff from the lockers as she could. On top of that two of the girls ran away, including the sister of one of the encargadas in my section who is also the sister of my Goddaughter. Thankfully, Maggie was found last night and wanted to return to the house.
As I am sure you can imagine, the first day had me a little concerned, but the girls in my section are really sweet. One of them had me translate a letter to her Godmother into English and they all bring me treats from the tienda. Today was really fun because I felt a little more confidant with my Spanish and was able to joke around with the girls. All the girls ask about my boyfriend (novio) and the ones who have met him like to brag that they already know him.
I am very excited for the next year. I know it will be challenging, but I think the rewards will far outweigh any hardships.
On another note, I am getting to know my Goddaughter's family better and I am more amazed by them every day. I work with the oldest sister in the section and Maggie (the youngest girl) is really wonderful. Tonight she was telling me how Marce (my Goddaughter) had shown her pictures of me. And tonight at dinner the youngest boy came over to see me and give me a hug. I feel very blessed.
Peace
Anyway, I had a really great day in the section. ( I selected primeros and worked with them last Thursday and Friday) Today was a breath of fresh air because my first day in the section was quite a shock. One of the girls left to go home with her parents, but before she left she tried to steal as much stuff from the lockers as she could. On top of that two of the girls ran away, including the sister of one of the encargadas in my section who is also the sister of my Goddaughter. Thankfully, Maggie was found last night and wanted to return to the house.
As I am sure you can imagine, the first day had me a little concerned, but the girls in my section are really sweet. One of them had me translate a letter to her Godmother into English and they all bring me treats from the tienda. Today was really fun because I felt a little more confidant with my Spanish and was able to joke around with the girls. All the girls ask about my boyfriend (novio) and the ones who have met him like to brag that they already know him.
I am very excited for the next year. I know it will be challenging, but I think the rewards will far outweigh any hardships.
On another note, I am getting to know my Goddaughter's family better and I am more amazed by them every day. I work with the oldest sister in the section and Maggie (the youngest girl) is really wonderful. Tonight she was telling me how Marce (my Goddaughter) had shown her pictures of me. And tonight at dinner the youngest boy came over to see me and give me a hug. I feel very blessed.
Peace
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Chores
I can honestly say I have never worked this hard in my entire life. We are preparing for the upcoming International Meeting and that means no activities, only extra chores. My body aches and my skin is drying out from the cleaning chemicals. (I recently added an amazing pair of yellow rubber gloves to my closet.)
Yesterday we cleaned the tables and benches in the comedor and today we scrubbed the floor on hands and knees. These chores don't include the daily sweeping that all the volunteers do. But, really I don't have much to complain about. The chores go by quickly and the girls are fun to work with.
Today I worked with primeros. It is a really great section and the other year of service encargadas are very nice and helpful. I actually got a run in this morning after the girls went to school with one of the encargadas. We went running right as the sun was coming up and it was really beautiful.
I spoke with the director about working with tthe Secundaria girls and she was very supportive. So wish me luck. Any advice for raising teenagers would be much appreciated. I already have a new appreciation for my parents. I am going to make my selection tomorrow, once I have had a chance to sleep on it. I am looking forward to the opportunity. I am prepared for the challenges and I know that I have a chance to really get to know the girls in my section.
My life here is not all hard work. Last night we had a volunteer dinner with the directors and other volunteers. I was on the cooking team and it was wonderful to have a well balanced meal instead of the typical meal of beans and totillas. (That was actually the dinner tonight.)
Peace
Yesterday we cleaned the tables and benches in the comedor and today we scrubbed the floor on hands and knees. These chores don't include the daily sweeping that all the volunteers do. But, really I don't have much to complain about. The chores go by quickly and the girls are fun to work with.
Today I worked with primeros. It is a really great section and the other year of service encargadas are very nice and helpful. I actually got a run in this morning after the girls went to school with one of the encargadas. We went running right as the sun was coming up and it was really beautiful.
I spoke with the director about working with tthe Secundaria girls and she was very supportive. So wish me luck. Any advice for raising teenagers would be much appreciated. I already have a new appreciation for my parents. I am going to make my selection tomorrow, once I have had a chance to sleep on it. I am looking forward to the opportunity. I am prepared for the challenges and I know that I have a chance to really get to know the girls in my section.
My life here is not all hard work. Last night we had a volunteer dinner with the directors and other volunteers. I was on the cooking team and it was wonderful to have a well balanced meal instead of the typical meal of beans and totillas. (That was actually the dinner tonight.)
Peace
Monday, January 21, 2008
Life in secundaria
Today I received a glimpse of what my life will be like if I work in Secundaria...Wow! Secundaria is the three sections of older girls in Miacatlan; they are teenagers. Right now I am leaning toward working in Secundaria. I think this is the group that needs my help the most and I think there are so many more opportunities to interact. I am a little nervous because everyone says this is the toughest age to work with, but I really felt good about it. I am going to have a meeting with one of the directors to discuss my options.
Anyway, my day began at 4:45 a.m. I went to the segundo section of Secundaria and helped supervise chores with the other encargada. At 6:30 the girls ate breakfast and then went to school at 7. I had time to quickly down three cups of coffee before I had to do sweeping chores at 8. At 10, I helped set up and serve breakfast. From about 11 to 1, I had time to do my laundry and read. Lunch was at 2 and then the girls had to work in the fields for two hours helping to pick the corn. After that they studied, showered, ate dinner, read, prayed and went to bed. Needless to say my 15 hour day has left me exhausted!
But, the best part of my day happened at the end. I was talking to some of the older girls about me and my life. They asked about my Goddaughter and I told them I had known her for six years. They then asked what group from Minnesota I used to come down with. I described some of the people in the group and they remembered them. And Then to my surprise, they wanted to sing songs they had learned from our group years ago. They remembered the words. I was totally floored. We came down for one week at a time and are remembered more than six years later. I am so proud to have been part of those groups and I am so proud to know that the work we did was valuable.
Well, I am off to sleep. I am doing the same thing tomorrow with terceros and then with primeros (other sections of Secundaria) on Wednesday.
Peace
Anyway, my day began at 4:45 a.m. I went to the segundo section of Secundaria and helped supervise chores with the other encargada. At 6:30 the girls ate breakfast and then went to school at 7. I had time to quickly down three cups of coffee before I had to do sweeping chores at 8. At 10, I helped set up and serve breakfast. From about 11 to 1, I had time to do my laundry and read. Lunch was at 2 and then the girls had to work in the fields for two hours helping to pick the corn. After that they studied, showered, ate dinner, read, prayed and went to bed. Needless to say my 15 hour day has left me exhausted!
But, the best part of my day happened at the end. I was talking to some of the older girls about me and my life. They asked about my Goddaughter and I told them I had known her for six years. They then asked what group from Minnesota I used to come down with. I described some of the people in the group and they remembered them. And Then to my surprise, they wanted to sing songs they had learned from our group years ago. They remembered the words. I was totally floored. We came down for one week at a time and are remembered more than six years later. I am so proud to have been part of those groups and I am so proud to know that the work we did was valuable.
Well, I am off to sleep. I am doing the same thing tomorrow with terceros and then with primeros (other sections of Secundaria) on Wednesday.
Peace
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Day 1
This last week has flown by. On Tuesday we went to a water park near the house with some of the kids. The excursion was for all of the kids who didn't receive visitors last Sunday. It was an opportunity for the kids to spend time with their NPH family.
On Wednesday we enjoyed Cuernavaca by going to a movie at the VIP theater...complete with leather recliners and food service.
Thursday was our last day of language classes. And today we moved. (I will be posting a picture of my new luxury suite soon) Most of our day was taken up with orientation. We were not the only new arrivals. The house received eight new kids today. The transisition process can be a difficult one and many of the kids spend the first few weeks crying.
During the afternoon I spent time in the chicos section with one of the other volunteers. The boys are all about six and 7-years old. They are a handful and she is amazing because she truly is a mom to those boys.
Next week I will be choosing which section I want to work in. There is an opening in kinder (the youngest section) and the older sections. I will write again when I know where I will be working.
Peace
On Wednesday we enjoyed Cuernavaca by going to a movie at the VIP theater...complete with leather recliners and food service.
Thursday was our last day of language classes. And today we moved. (I will be posting a picture of my new luxury suite soon) Most of our day was taken up with orientation. We were not the only new arrivals. The house received eight new kids today. The transisition process can be a difficult one and many of the kids spend the first few weeks crying.
During the afternoon I spent time in the chicos section with one of the other volunteers. The boys are all about six and 7-years old. They are a handful and she is amazing because she truly is a mom to those boys.
Next week I will be choosing which section I want to work in. There is an opening in kinder (the youngest section) and the older sections. I will write again when I know where I will be working.
Peace
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Visitor's day
Today was our first day out to Miacatlan. Although I have been out there before, it is always amazing to see. It was visitor's day and the whole day turned out to be a bit overwhelming but very fun.
Visitor's day happens twice per year. It is a chance for family and friends to come and visit the children at the home. It is important for the children to maintain the relationships they have outside to home. However, NPH reminds the children that their family is at the house. The NPH family is there every day, not every six months. It is a difficult day for everyone. In the morning it is sad for the children who don't receive visitors and in the afternoon it is sad for the children whose family has to leave.
We arrived at the house this morning via the Pullman (Bus). Ross (volunteer coordinator) dropped us off at the bus station and told us to get off the bus when we saw the house. We arrived shortly before 9 a.m. and there were already families lined up outside the gate. The children line up on both sides of the walkway leading to the main patio and start waiting for their family. After a brief tour, we were told to go meet kids and help entertain them. I found my Goddaughter Marcela. She was so exicted to see her family. She was sitting on the side of the walkway with gifts for her cousins. Although her family did not arrive until almost noon, she waited patiently. I asked her if she wanted anything to eat and she said no because her family would be bringing lots of food.
Mostly I sat with the kids and tried to feel useful. My iPod was a big hit, although the kids will only listen to Daddy Yankee, Shakira and Juanes. One of the boys from kinder (five and under) sat on my lap and listened to music for a good half hour. At lunch time we helped serve food to the kids who didn't receive visitors.
We are back in Cuernavaca tonight. We officially move out to Miacatlan this Friday.
Peace
Visitor's day happens twice per year. It is a chance for family and friends to come and visit the children at the home. It is important for the children to maintain the relationships they have outside to home. However, NPH reminds the children that their family is at the house. The NPH family is there every day, not every six months. It is a difficult day for everyone. In the morning it is sad for the children who don't receive visitors and in the afternoon it is sad for the children whose family has to leave.
We arrived at the house this morning via the Pullman (Bus). Ross (volunteer coordinator) dropped us off at the bus station and told us to get off the bus when we saw the house. We arrived shortly before 9 a.m. and there were already families lined up outside the gate. The children line up on both sides of the walkway leading to the main patio and start waiting for their family. After a brief tour, we were told to go meet kids and help entertain them. I found my Goddaughter Marcela. She was so exicted to see her family. She was sitting on the side of the walkway with gifts for her cousins. Although her family did not arrive until almost noon, she waited patiently. I asked her if she wanted anything to eat and she said no because her family would be bringing lots of food.
Mostly I sat with the kids and tried to feel useful. My iPod was a big hit, although the kids will only listen to Daddy Yankee, Shakira and Juanes. One of the boys from kinder (five and under) sat on my lap and listened to music for a good half hour. At lunch time we helped serve food to the kids who didn't receive visitors.
We are back in Cuernavaca tonight. We officially move out to Miacatlan this Friday.
Peace
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Back to school / A brief history
The past few days have only confirmed my suspicions that nothing will ever go like I think it will and living in Mexico is quite an adjustment. I am back in school to study Spanish for two weeks at a language school in Cuernavaca. It is amazing how only six months after graduating, I have already forgotten how to be a student. I am in level three out of five and it is incredibly frustrating. On my first day of class, it felt like I had forgotten all the Spanish I know. I haven't studied Spanish since my junior year of college and it is very evident. It is even more frustrating communicating in Spanish outside of the home. There are times when I am completly lost. I only hope that my language ability won't hurt my abiltiy to be an effective volunteer in Miacatlan.
We take a bus to and from school and today was the first day we got on the right bus. In the afternoon we translate letters from Spanish to English. The past two nights we have lost electricity in the whole neighborhood. We rarely have internet and the showers are usually luke warm, although occasionally they are just cold. I feel like I have no idea what is going on. But mostly I am just enjoying the experience of it all. Text messages and e-mails are always welcome and they really brighten my days.
This Sunday we will be going to the house in Miacatlan (where the younger kids live) for visitor's day. Visitor's day happens twice per year and it is an opportunity for the kids' families to visit. Many of the kids have aunts, uncles grandparents or other relatives that come to visit. It is an emotional day and I really don't know what to expect. I will be sure to write more after Sunday.
Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos (NPH) is the name of the organization I will be working with. NPH was founded in 1954 by a Catholic priest from Arizona, Father Wasson. Father Wasson was working in a church in Cuernavaca when a small boy stole from the collection box. Instead of testifying against the boy, Father Wasson was given custody of him. By the end of the year Father Wasson had 32 boys in his care.
Since that first child NPH has grown to have homes in nine Latin American countries. The house in Mexico has around 800 children. Our children are never adopted out. This is done for several reasons. We keep our kids close to thier culture, close to their existing family including brothers and sisters and we offer them stabilty that they may never have had in their young lives.
The younger children live in Miacatlan and when they begin high school they move into Cuernavaca. After high school graduation our children give a year of service back to NPH often working as encargados (caretakers). If the pequeno wants to go onto college he or she gives another year of service back to the home. NPH will then provide for education as high as the pequno wants to go. Many of our children have gone onto become doctors, lawyers, dentists as well as tortilla makers and taxi drivers. The most important thing is that the children are now able to support themselves and their families.
I hope that gives a brief explanation of where I am working. If there is anything I can clarify or anything I should elaborate on, let me know and I will include it in the next post.
Peace
We take a bus to and from school and today was the first day we got on the right bus. In the afternoon we translate letters from Spanish to English. The past two nights we have lost electricity in the whole neighborhood. We rarely have internet and the showers are usually luke warm, although occasionally they are just cold. I feel like I have no idea what is going on. But mostly I am just enjoying the experience of it all. Text messages and e-mails are always welcome and they really brighten my days.
This Sunday we will be going to the house in Miacatlan (where the younger kids live) for visitor's day. Visitor's day happens twice per year and it is an opportunity for the kids' families to visit. Many of the kids have aunts, uncles grandparents or other relatives that come to visit. It is an emotional day and I really don't know what to expect. I will be sure to write more after Sunday.
Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos (NPH) is the name of the organization I will be working with. NPH was founded in 1954 by a Catholic priest from Arizona, Father Wasson. Father Wasson was working in a church in Cuernavaca when a small boy stole from the collection box. Instead of testifying against the boy, Father Wasson was given custody of him. By the end of the year Father Wasson had 32 boys in his care.
Since that first child NPH has grown to have homes in nine Latin American countries. The house in Mexico has around 800 children. Our children are never adopted out. This is done for several reasons. We keep our kids close to thier culture, close to their existing family including brothers and sisters and we offer them stabilty that they may never have had in their young lives.
The younger children live in Miacatlan and when they begin high school they move into Cuernavaca. After high school graduation our children give a year of service back to NPH often working as encargados (caretakers). If the pequeno wants to go onto college he or she gives another year of service back to the home. NPH will then provide for education as high as the pequno wants to go. Many of our children have gone onto become doctors, lawyers, dentists as well as tortilla makers and taxi drivers. The most important thing is that the children are now able to support themselves and their families.
I hope that gives a brief explanation of where I am working. If there is anything I can clarify or anything I should elaborate on, let me know and I will include it in the next post.
Peace
Monday, January 7, 2008
Adventures in travel
Hey all. I had every intention of starting to write this before I left for Mexico, but preparing to leave the country kept me very busy. Anyway, I am finally here and today was my first full day in Cuernavaca where I will be staying for two weeks for orientation. I am staying along with two other new volunteers at the high school home before my work begins in Miacatlan as an encargada (caretaker) of the younger kids.
My first day was very low-key which was a nice change from the hectic day I had yesterday trying to get to Mexico. To start off with, I had been skiing all day Saturday and didn't arrive in Phoenix until well after midnight Sunday morning. I was exhausted but still had to finish packing and get in order any other last minute things. Sunday morning I left for the airport later than I had planned and once at the airport I discovered that my bag was overweight and US Airways was making no exceptions. I was standing in the check-in line with both bags open frantically trying to find a place for the extra eight pounds. Everything was still okay. The flight was oversold, but I would likely get a seat and despite having to carry-on a few extra pounds, the hardest part of the day was over...little did I know.
I arrived at my gate with plenty of time to spare. The flight was delayed, but that was no big deal. I waited patiently as my flight started boarding. Once I had seen a few groups board, I knew I should go and check with the gate agent about my seat assignment. She told me to wait and I stepped aside. Finally, as the last stragglers boarded the plane, I was informed that I will not be on the flight because they have no more room. I was at a complete loss because they were talking about not getting me out until the next day and I had no way of getting a hold of Ross (volunteer coordinator). Luckily, I was able to contact the executive director's daughter of Phoenix Friends of the Orphans and she helped me to contact NPH (Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos, where I am working). Meanwhile US Airways rebooked me and another woman to Cabo and on to Mexico City.
I arrived five hours later than I was supposed to on a domestic flight from Cabo while my luggage arrived on a different international flight.
Needless to say, my day was not the day I had envisioned when I had booked my 3-hour direct flight to Mexico City. I took most of the day in stride and good humor. I had to remind myself that that is the nature of life. It is unpredictable and I have a feeling my new job will demand even more flexibiltiy than one small re-routed flight.
I will write again soon. Peace.
My first day was very low-key which was a nice change from the hectic day I had yesterday trying to get to Mexico. To start off with, I had been skiing all day Saturday and didn't arrive in Phoenix until well after midnight Sunday morning. I was exhausted but still had to finish packing and get in order any other last minute things. Sunday morning I left for the airport later than I had planned and once at the airport I discovered that my bag was overweight and US Airways was making no exceptions. I was standing in the check-in line with both bags open frantically trying to find a place for the extra eight pounds. Everything was still okay. The flight was oversold, but I would likely get a seat and despite having to carry-on a few extra pounds, the hardest part of the day was over...little did I know.
I arrived at my gate with plenty of time to spare. The flight was delayed, but that was no big deal. I waited patiently as my flight started boarding. Once I had seen a few groups board, I knew I should go and check with the gate agent about my seat assignment. She told me to wait and I stepped aside. Finally, as the last stragglers boarded the plane, I was informed that I will not be on the flight because they have no more room. I was at a complete loss because they were talking about not getting me out until the next day and I had no way of getting a hold of Ross (volunteer coordinator). Luckily, I was able to contact the executive director's daughter of Phoenix Friends of the Orphans and she helped me to contact NPH (Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos, where I am working). Meanwhile US Airways rebooked me and another woman to Cabo and on to Mexico City.
I arrived five hours later than I was supposed to on a domestic flight from Cabo while my luggage arrived on a different international flight.
Needless to say, my day was not the day I had envisioned when I had booked my 3-hour direct flight to Mexico City. I took most of the day in stride and good humor. I had to remind myself that that is the nature of life. It is unpredictable and I have a feeling my new job will demand even more flexibiltiy than one small re-routed flight.
I will write again soon. Peace.
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