Mexico: Days 6 & 7
Buenos tardes! (Good evening) It’s Sarah here to finish off the week with an update on the last two days of our trip! Yesterday, the day dawned cool and overcast after downpours and roaring winds whipped through the village of Memay during the night. Though the day had just begun we could already see the hand of God guiding our trip. We had previously learned the night before our departure that if it rained the next day we would be forced to ride a bus for 15 hours in order to return to Oaxaca instead of enjoying a 30-minute flight back to the city. However, God prevailed and in the morning we learned that it was clear enough to return to Oaxaca via plane. Another answered prayer in uncertain circumstances. The journey back through the mountains to Amoltepec was if anything exciting, but uneventful. Fortunately, once we arrived to Amoltepec we had to wait for little more than 20 minutes for the first plane to arrive. Kirsten, Mr. Ross, and myself, along with two local people were the first to take the short trip to Oaxaca. Shortly after Chase, Hiram, Kyle and Dan and were later followed by Abby, Olivia, Jon and Amos. The first two sets of flights were the first to return to the house and spent the time showering, unpacking, and simply relaxing while waiting for the last flight to arrive back to the house. Never again will we take for granted a shower when seeing the difference after taking one! Eventually everyone arrived back at the Ross’ house and once everyone had freshend up we sat down to lunch and had a group devotional led by Abby and I and afterwards, left for some sight-seeing and shopping in outer and downtown Oaxaca. Around 4 o’clock we arrived at the ruins of Monte Alban, an ancient city built by the Mayans, of which provided us with a great amount of “photographic moments”. To say the least, many of our memory cards became close to full after our walk through the ruins. Afterwards we went to visit Neri, the pastor of the church in Oaxaca, and to freshen up with some refreshments. Finally, we made our way over to downtown Oaxaca and spent much time running around to different markets and vendors trying to find gifts for family and friends. Unfortunately, only so much time was allowed, but I believe that many of us found our necessary gifts. Walking through the downtown area brought on many emotions. Much of such emotions centered on our excitement and awe in the differences presented by the city. We stopped at many different vendors and saw many sites, but for me, the most provoking emotional experience was having the walk by the beggars and hear their pleading for money. Of course none of us realize whether their pleading was truly necessary or not, but it really helped to enforce the thoughts of thankfulness in each of us. We need to also remember that Christ places each of us in a specific environment for specific reasons, but it was still difficult to accept and remember that Christ’s Will is perfect. We finished off the day, by eating at a local taco stand were we were fed tacos, quesadillas and house specials, each of which was delicious. Returning to the house, we sat in the living for a while, simply relaxing and eventually turned in for the night to prepare for another day.
Early this morning, we woke for a spectacular breakfast, had a group devotional led by Chase, and then headed off to finish painting the church we started at the beginning of the week which was recently planted by Edgar in a nearby town. After finishing we returned to the Ross’s home and ate lunch and then spent some time napping, talking, playing Dominos, and reading until around 5 o’clock when friends and neighbors of the Ross’s came over in order to work at preparing for the upcoming VBS. We cut, traced and colored many signs and cut-outs to be used during the VBS. I think that it’s safe to say that many of us will be glad to never have to see a pair of scissors for a long time. Finally, we sat down for possibly the most delicious dinner yet (tasty tamales, which are corn husks, filled with meats, a corn mash, and spices). Now we sit, talking and likely playing Domino’s once more, and eventually packing so that we can easily wake at about 5 in the morning to leave for our flight to Housten. We plan to arrive at around 5 o’clock in the afternoon at the Cleveland Airport, so for those of you picking us up, thats about the time to be there. Moms and dads be sure to have on hand our favorite foods (oh Kraft Mac N’ Cheese (hint! hint! 
) and a bath ready to go when we arrive home. Also some listening ears may be needed to hear all about our adventures.
We all like to thank each and everyone of you who took the time to pray for all of us during the week and for your thoughts and contributions to our trip. Nothing would have occured without and each everyone of you and for that we are most grateful. We cant wait to share our experiences and would love to ask for one more day of prayer in that we would travel safely tomorrow and to always remember everything that we saw and learned on this trip. Again thank you for everything and we will see you all stateside!
-Sarah
