Hey Everyone! It's been three days since we got back and there are still many, many thoughts and memories rolling around in my head. I miss every single child that we got to know really well. We spent multiple days just hanging out with the kids in the street. That was the hardest to leave behind. Even though there was a major language barrier between the kids and me, I was able to connect, get to know, and understand what they wanted. However, I make it seem like getting to understand what they wanted was simple; it was the complete opposite. There were many times when two girls who I grew really closeto my heart took my head in both hands and shook it back and forth, showing me that it was frustrating to try and explain. Simple gestures, like a heart for love and a thumbs up for good, made communication so much easier. The food was delicious; Thank you to Pastor Enrique and his many friends at the pool for grilling us authentic Mexican food. The sleeping quarters were perfect for what we needed; Thank you Pastor Juan for the accomodations.
One of my favorite days in Mexico was Sunday, the full day we spent there. The church service at Pastor Juan's church was amazing to be a part of. It was interesting to see that people came in and felt comfortable with being there. It was really cool to see how much Pastor Juan and other musicians get into the music and message. It is so hard to explain your thoughts and feelings that you experienced, but I know I will never forget the feelings that I had there.
As I looked over the pictures and blogs today, there was a definate pain in my heart. The memories are still very easy to picture and I often find myself thinking of what the kids are doing in right now. I know that we went down there to help spread the Word and help with construction, but I think that I was there to change my life as well as theirs. I really got to know two girls from my neighborhood, Ezmerelda and Johanna. They were always waiting for me when we got up in the morning and when we got by from eating at night. During the day, they were very content with piggy-back rides and vueltas (spinning in circles). They absolutely loved playing frisbee and Drip, Drip, Splash, which is a spin-off of Duck, Duck, Goose, only with water. By the end of the trip, both girls were calling me their sister and their best friend, which hit me very hard.
On the way home, I was told a story. There was this child at Perla's church the night that we were saying our goodbyes. One girl was saying adiós, but she was soon corrected by Hector. He said,"No adiós, hasta luego."-No goodbye, see you later. Please help support Mission: Mexico so the Atonement Youth will soon return. Each and every one of us have touched the children from all over in Monterrey and Apodaca. I think it is safe to say that every one of us have been touched in some way, too. I would like to thank Jesus for keeping us safe throughout the trip and for the great time we had with the kids.
Jessica Norstog
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