From Here to There and Back Again: A Mexico Tale

I have discovered that there is very little margin in my life right now. Perhaps that is why the trip to Mexico was such a welcome change; there was continual margin in my life down there. Yes, there were things that had to be done at certain times, but there was also the openness to sit and talk with friends for hours, to laugh about old stories, and to share life. The reason this posting is so late is due to the fact that ever since I returned every moment has been filled with work, homework or completing tasks that need to be done. Unfortunately, the times I have had to spend with friends and family has felt rushed as I think of the endless to-do list. However, that is not what this post is supposed to be about.

My return to Mexico was very quick, but a nice way to bring closure, albeit two and a half years late. It started with being greeted by a group of teenage girls at the airport, after a long day of travel. No problems through immigration, although I was asked a couple of times if I was sure I was just visiting (I think this had more to do with where I was going than with me). I am looking forward to who is going to be on my plane from Houston to Buenos Aires, Argentina because my last two flights have involved groups of young people returning hom

e. From Houston to Quito, Ecuador I was surrounded by an Ecuadorian dance team (teens and early twenties) returning from a competition in San Diego and this time I was surrounded by high school/college students returning to Oaxaca after a month in America on a language exchange.

Flying into Oaxaca felt like returning home in a sense. I was so excited to be back. I arrived on Children's Day and the Sunday service the next day was evidence of the importance that is placed on celebrating children in Mexico. We sang very energetic worship songs and then welcomed the special guests- the clowns!!

The rest of the service (which I should mention, was held at a hotel with multiple swimming pools) was dedicated to entertaining the children through silly games and chistes (jokes). They were finally released to swim and a whole lot of fun ensued! We took the opportunity (as

visitors) to sneak away to the Tlacolula Sunday market and the surreal feeling of being back in Oaxaca ensued. It was strange to be back walking familiar ground after so long. Throughout the week I got to meet the 3-year-old living with and being cared for by one of my friends, meet the two daughters that have been born to a couple on staff since I have been gone (they are adorable!), catch-up with friends, cheer on a couple of girls now in university, help assess some of the little girls as the mission gets ready to start its own school this coming fall, drive into Oaxaca once again, help with homework, hang out in the Zocalo and actually say goodbye when it was time to leave.

I am curious to see what God does with this trip. I have to admit that I didn't want to leave. I love Mexico with a deep part of my heart and I have been wondering lately what that means for the future. I wish I could go and visit more frequently. It definitely feels like a second home even after all this time. I know part of it is because I became so familiar with the area, but there is also a tugging at my heart when I am there. We shall see. But for all of those who were curious about the trip- it was just a week to visit old friends and gain some closure to a trip cut short two years ago. It was a good trip, and now I am back. From here to there and back again. Thank you Lord for the opportunity to visit friends and family, even if for a short time!

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