Today was an early morning for the team. But they pulled through.
After pick up at the airport we made a quick stop at Starbucks before heading south across the border. Every time we cross the border is an adventure, and this day was no exception.
Typically crossing in 15 passenger vans the Mexico border patrol will pull as aside, look inside, and occasionally x-ray the van. But this time, they allowed one 15 passenger van to pass without issue but pulled the other van to the side. They then required everyone in the van to get visas, x-ray their individual luggage, and then re-load the van. So half of the group got their passport.
We then gathered at Tijuana Playas. Tijuana playas is a place you can go and walk up and touch the border wall that separates our two countries. We took time to look at the different paintings on the wall, talk to a pastor that facilitates a church service at the wall, and talk about the many complexities of how the border wall affects families, people, and deported U.S vets. It was a very eye-opening experience for the group.
Also, right in the playa area, we ate some amazing churros, ice cream, cand, and locust…yes locust.
Before heading up the orphanage we stopped off in Rosarito for some tacos. Many (all?) said these were the best tacos they had ever had. Yeah…they are really good.
After some time there we then headed south to the orphanage. But our 1st-day adventure wasn’t done yet. As we made our way to the orphanage one of the dirt roads was flooded. It had rained here today. So we had to back up and take a different route to the orphanage. We finally arrived around 4:00 pm.
We unloaded the vans, got settled in our rooms, and then headed for a tour of the orphanage.
Tomorrow we will visit a small town for their Monday Market to get a better understanding of Mexican culture and then head back to the orphanage to start our service work. In the evening we will spend time with the children after they get home from school.
