Today was our last full day here!
This week has been a great week of conversations and stories.
Today we finished up pouring the concrete slab, constructing and delivering bunk beds to a refuge shelter (parking lot with no contact), painting, and other small jobs around the orphanage. Students have worked really hard. One student said they didn’t think they would work this hard, but glad they did.
After the morning work, a small group of students went to Tijuana to deliver bunk beds. We didn’t go into the shelter, but stacked the wood in the parking lot then allowed people in the shelter to pick it up and carry it into the building, a contactless delivery. Thank you to those who donated to these beds. We hope to deliver more next week.
The rest of the students went to a local taco shop for some great carne asad tacos (you can’t ever get enough tacos).
Then this afternoon we had a pizza party with the children in the orphanage outside on the picnic tables and soccer court. Students colored, did sidewalk chalk, jumped rope, and played soccer.
Tonight we had our last team time and allowed students to share their experience this week. It has been great to see these students grow. Believe it or not, most (maybe all) are so thankful that they didn’t have their phones this week. New friendships were formed while others were strengthened. It is amazing what you can learn about yourself, others, and this world without a cell phone. These students were grateful to not have them with them.
Tomorrow we will head home. It is our plan to leave here at 9:30 am. It is about a 45 min drive to the border line. Once in line, it could take us 45 min to 3 hours to cross. The border is so unpredictable. Once we cross I will email everyone like I did when we arrived. Our first stop will be exit 10 for lunch.
Please monitor the flight status of our flight as we will not update you if our plane is delayed.
Lastly, this week has been a good and intense week, especially without contact with home. Students react differently when they get home. Some will talk for three house others will need a little time to adjust from the dust and dirt of Mexico to a nice clean room at home.
It is our hope that through this blog and the photos you have been informed at least a little bit of what has happened and you will be able to have informed conversations with your students.
So here are questions to consider asking your student about the week:
- What was it like crossing the border?
- What was the border wall like?
- What was your favorite work site, and why?
- Who did you meet from Mexico and share a little bit about who they are?
- What is something you learned?
- What was the most impactful part of the trip?
- What stories stood out to you?
It has been a joy having your student on this trip. It was our hope that they grew as a person and discovered more of who they are.
Thank you!
