Project Serve

From March 13-20 a group of eight came from Canada to serve JPC Mexico. My job title was 'Cordinadora', which meant planning the trip before they got here, and basically running the show the whole week. I was also the translator for the group, since none of them spoke Spanish very well. I had never done anything like that before, besides the experience I have from being on short term mission trips. I was really excited for the responsibility, and I had so much fun!! Although it was stressful at times, and I hardly ever had a moment to rest, it was a wonderful adventure in which I was blessed and learned a few new things.

The group consisted of 4 youths and 4 adult leaders. Each morning we worked at a church for a few hours; helping to stucco the Sunday school room and paint practically everywhere else. After lunch we held a sort of VBS childrens program where we performed a skit each day and provided a simple art activity that included a verse which related to the story in the skit. In the evenings we visited a few of the teams from our 'futbol' league. Two evenings we visited the team that I coach, Mirador.


It was so awesome to witness the Canadian youths interacting with the Mexican 'chavos'. Even with the language barrier, I was able to see relationships forming. Speaking of language, that was also a blessing. In just a few short days I noticed that most of the group was easily picking up common phrases and trying to learn more. It was also a blessing for me to interact with the adult leaders on the trip. I get so excited when I have the opportunity to receive wise advice from those who´ve been doing ministry for longer than I have.

Corn Soup and Conversation

Right this instant I feel very full. A few minutes ago I finished off a bowl of 'crema de elote' accompanied by toast and a good conversation with my host mom, Celia. We talked about family mostly, and a bit about her military career. She's retired now, but spent over 20 years serving as a social worker. If you met her you'd be able to tell right away she had military background. She's strict, firm, has a no-nonsense attitude, a proud stature, really good posture, and ready to give out her expert advice, about anything. I think God was making a joke by putting us in the same house. Someone up there is laughing.

The first week or two that I was living here I was a bit afraid of her, but eager to adjust to her rules. That enthusiasm faded quickly when I realized how many rules there were. As we've gotten to know each other, most things have gotten less awkward. I'm learning more and more how to make her happy. Like when I clean my room. That's right mom and dad, I've finally learned how to keep my room organized! You can send Celia your thank-you notes.

Sometimes I still need to remind myself to be patient with my 'mamasita mexicana'. It's a rare occasion when I can tinker around in the kitchen without her giving me advice about how to cook something, or the correct way to wash out a pan. A few weeks ago after I got home from a futbol practice I was a bit hungry and decided to make myself a scrambled egg. That's all I wanted. One scrambled egg. As I was preparing my snack, Celia came in to offer me something to compliment my mini meal. Ham? No thank you. Cheese? No, just want an egg. Avocado? That's about the time when I glanced over and realized what was doing. She was standing in front of the fridge with the door open, offering me everything we had. No thank you. No, really, this is fine.

I know she's doing it out of love, and I feel silly sometimes complaining. Thankfully we've been able to establish a good relationship that's more than just tenant/hostess. I've discovered she has a silly side too. One night Taly and I were coming home late (though not too late, I have a 12am curfew), therefore entering very quietly so as not to wake up Celia. As we were shutting the door behind us, Celia stepped quickly from around the corner with a "Boo!". She totally startled me, but after I got over my momentary shock, I almost died of laughter.

This is just one of the relationships that I've formed here. Even though I still have about two months left, I've found myself thinking almost daily how much I'm going to miss Monterrey when I leave. Guess I need to be thankful for the time I still have and make the most of it!