Blog from Saturday, May 22:
This morning our team woke up and had eggs and toast for breakfast. Then Juana came over and we talked about the overall trip and how we felt it has changed our life. We all agreed that it was going to be extremely hard to leave Esperanza Viva and all the amazing and passionate individuals. Then we headed to the Parián in Puebla. The Parián is a huge outdoor market where there are endless things to buy. We all enjoyed bargaining with the vendors, and all of us found numerous items we loved. After we had finished our shopping, Juana and Alle took us to Vips (a restaurant). On our way to Vips, we ran into two women from Peru that were on The Amazing Race. They tried to sell us these sugar candies, which some of us bought, and the camera man was filming us the entire time. We also saw three more teams and got pictures and videos of them. Juana was talking to one of the producers who was under cover and he said they’re going to Columbia next. Then we went to Vips and had a delicious lunch. After lunch, we went to the orphanage and hung out with the kids for a while. They were all still playing with their prizes from the carnival. It made our team so excited to see the kids enjoying themselves. From there we went to one of the house of one of the staff members for young adult night. There we had praise and worship along with an icebreaker game to get to know each other’s names. Then Kayla and Emily shared their own testimonies which were guided by the Holy Spirit and extremely powerful. Then Josh shared with everyone about loving ones neighbors, and how we need to have compassion for our brothers and sisters, but we also need to help them. After the youth night, we had hamburgers and chicken back at the house. Of course, we also bonded for a while and then went to bed. We all can’t believe how fast this trip is going, and although we are excited to be going home, we are all going to miss Esperanza Viva. Please continue to send your prayers. We can all feel them lifting and guiding us. We love you all and are praying for you.
This morning our team woke up and had eggs and toast for breakfast. Then Juana came over and we talked about the overall trip and how we felt it has changed our life. We all agreed that it was going to be extremely hard to leave Esperanza Viva and all the amazing and passionate individuals. Then we headed to the Parián in Puebla. The Parián is a huge outdoor market where there are endless things to buy. We all enjoyed bargaining with the vendors, and all of us found numerous items we loved. After we had finished our shopping, Juana and Alle took us to Vips (a restaurant). On our way to Vips, we ran into two women from Peru that were on The Amazing Race. They tried to sell us these sugar candies, which some of us bought, and the camera man was filming us the entire time. We also saw three more teams and got pictures and videos of them. Juana was talking to one of the producers who was under cover and he said they’re going to Columbia next. Then we went to Vips and had a delicious lunch. After lunch, we went to the orphanage and hung out with the kids for a while. They were all still playing with their prizes from the carnival. It made our team so excited to see the kids enjoying themselves. From there we went to one of the house of one of the staff members for young adult night. There we had praise and worship along with an icebreaker game to get to know each other’s names. Then Kayla and Emily shared their own testimonies which were guided by the Holy Spirit and extremely powerful. Then Josh shared with everyone about loving ones neighbors, and how we need to have compassion for our brothers and sisters, but we also need to help them. After the youth night, we had hamburgers and chicken back at the house. Of course, we also bonded for a while and then went to bed. We all can’t believe how fast this trip is going, and although we are excited to be going home, we are all going to miss Esperanza Viva. Please continue to send your prayers. We can all feel them lifting and guiding us. We love you all and are praying for you.
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Pictures from yesterday (Saturday):
Dinner at Melotes near the guest house.
The Amazing Race
The team in downtown Puebla
Juana talking to the producer.
Time with the kids.
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Blog from Sunday, May 23:
LAST DAY! Ahhh… This is always the hardest part of the trip for me. I know I can speak for all of us when I say we couldn’t have asked for a better last day here. We started out this morning going to the baptism at the church – how cool! There are 56 people who got baptized. Afterwards we went inside the church for some time to play games such as pool, air hockey, and ping pong. We stayed for a little bit and then headed home to rest for a couple hours before the “despedida” (farewell program) at the orphanage. It was so cute! The younger boys did a dance for us, the older girls did as well, and then Eleazar read us a letter that he had written. I spent a few more minutes with Brian (the boy I sponsor) playing basketball and such before we had to leave. We now have a few hours until we leave the house at 4:30 AM!!! All nighter – here we come! See you all soon!
Todd
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I can’t believe the indescribable trip we’ve had. This trip has truly changed my heart, and Christ has given my soul direction.Becca
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I never expected this trip to impact me as much as it did. I will never forget this experience as long as I live. Thank you to the missionary families, staff, and kids; I can’t thank you enough! This trip has been beyond amazing and I will cherish this trip forever.Steph
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The fact that today is our last day has not sunk in. We all said our good-byes but it still seems like we’ll be going back to the kids tomorrow. I never would have guessed that I would grow to have such friendships with the kids, despite the language barrier we all grew incredibly close. The children and staff at Esperanza Viva have forever impacted my life. I cannot thank them enough for such an amazing experience. Kayla
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Thank you all so much for all your prayers and support while we have been in Mexico! This trip has exceeded all my expectations. The kids and staff are so awesome. Seeing everyone from the orphanage again was so much fun! The memories I made this week will stick with me forever. You can really see God working. Thank you so much!Emily
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This trip was absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for everything. I can’t believe what an impact this has had on me. This place is a home of God and is such an inspiration. We’ll be praying for you and all of the wonderful things you do.Thank you for everything and blessings always!
Jen
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Pictures from today (Sunday)
At church there was a baptismal service.
This afternoon at Esperanza Viva
During the despedida (farewell program)
Saying Good-bye after the despedida.
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