A month in Mexico, my first two weeks of work, and Pope Francis

Well, I have officially been in Mexico for one month and two days. I wish I would have been better at writing down different tidbits of my days here because after working for two weeks straight all the days sort of merge together. Two weeks ago myself and another new volunteer moved into our new apartment with a volunteer that has been here for 6 months already. After unpacking the first night and settling in I already felt at home. 

The new fish pond that was from my first day on the job.

One of the beautiful kids from Miacatlan

A quick reminder that I am the Project Assistant for both homes. So myself and the Project Coordinator create, plan, and see through various projects that either homes need. We have about 20 current projects that are mainly construction projects, repairing things around the homes, and purchasing supplies for the children, schools, and various items for the home. 
I have enjoyed learning about the Mexican business culture and how it differs from the United States. My first day on the job was baptism by fire. Myself and the Project Coordinator went to the Miacatlan home to oversee the installation of a multipurpose pond whose membrane was donated by a donor from the states. It will be used to irrigate crops, store water during the rainy season to help put out fires during the dry season, and breed fish for the children to eat. The donor and her family came down to oversee it as well. It was wonderful to hear about her story about falling in love with NPH and the fundraising/donating process. We also met with a couple different contractors, architects and had other various meetings- all in Spanish.. Luckily my boss speaks English and translated what I didn't understand (which let's be honest- it was most of it). We have been down to Miacatlan a few other times for various projects and the rest of the time in the office has been spent working on projects, laughing, and attempting to teach me Spanish. 

Some of the kids from the kinder section in Miacatlan

The second half of the days I have spent with the kids who have stolen my heart. On "long week" after working in the office from 8:30-1:30 we work from 4:00-9:00 with the kids. From 4:00-5:00 we hang out with them, 5:00-6:00 is homework hour where we either just chat with them or help with any homework- so far I am only able to help with their English homework, 6:00-7:30 are activities- each day they vary, but most days there is dance, futbol, basketball, music, volleyball, and running, and T/Th the girls have a program called Chica's that my roommate runs. My favorite to participate in so far has been running. Then we serve them dinner from 8:00-8:30 or so then bed at about 9:00. One of the highlights of each day is going around the girls dorm and saying goodnight to them. During "short week" after the office we work from 2:30-6:00. We serve lunch, hang out with them, and then help during homework hour. I love just hanging out with the kids, kicking around a soccer ball and attempting to speak Spanish to them. My Spanish has gotten better in the past few weeks, thanks to many of the kids who have been helping me, but I definitely have a long long way to go. During the working weekend in between long and short week it was a lot of relaxation. After the long school week the kids just want to relax. I watched my first telenovela, ran around, and just continued to get to know them. On Superbowl Sunday my roommate and I thought we were going to have to beg them to put on the game for us, but when we went downstairs they had it on the big screen. It was pretty entertaining to hear "si, si, si," or "va, va, va," ("go, go, go") being yelled during a football game, but nonetheless it was wonderful to share the experience with them. Overall, my first two weeks of work were filled with many emotions, but the two most prevalent feelings were joy and love. One of my best things is how many hugs I give and receive throughout the day, even from kids I haven't gotten a chance to talk to yet. It's truly wonderful! I can already tell that these kids are going to completely capture my heart.  

One of the beautiful girls that has become one
of my many Spanish teachers and running
buddies.

After two long weeks of work it was finally the weekend off. Emily (my roommate), Kevin (a Miacatlan volunteer), and I made a journey to see Pope Francis in Mexico City and boy was it ever an adventure. Never again will I be able to say that I slept in the city center of one of the biggest cities in the world. We decided that in order to see Pope Francis up close we would join many others in sleeping in the zocalo. Around midnight we got in line and at 2:00 we were in the zocalo with a sheet for warmth, a backpack as a pillow, and a lot of excitement for the morning to come. To say the least we were very unprepared to sleep in 40 degree weather. At one point when we were trying to sleep Emily decided it would be a good idea to use a chip bag that was unopened for a pillow. Later in the evening we decided to switch pillows and when she realized I wasn't getting comfortable with the chip bag (because who would?!) she said "I can use the chip bag as a pillow, I have gotten used to it." Probably the best quote that came from the weekend. The time finally came for Pope Francis to start his journey to the Cathedral (in the zocalo). He first stopped at the Mexico City Palace (also in the zocalo) to meet with the Mexico president and many Mexico leaders and diplomats, as well as give a speech. If you have time you should read through it, it was very well writen (Pope Francis welcoming speech). After all night of waiting and hours of standing we finally saw the Holy man himself. It was very quick (30 seconds to a minute) but just so powerful to be in the presence of one of my favorite people in the world. We estimated we were about 150-200 feet from him and six rows from the security fence. So sleeping overnight in the zocalo was worth it not only for the experience, but also for being so close to Papa Francisco. We didn't do much the rest of the weekend since we were so exhausted from our Saturday adventure. But we did go to the Cathedral for mass on Sunday, wandered around the zocalo, and explored Chapultapec Park (the Central Park of Mexico City). 

Papa in front of the Cathedral.

Mexico City Cathedral 

View of Mexico City from Chapultapec Park

So, my first two weeks of work were wonderful and I can already tell that I am going to learn an immense amount about Mexico business, Spanish, and love within the next 11 months. I can't wait to see what is to come. Please continue to pray for the children- especially for God to mold their hearts during this Lenten season, the NPH staff and volunteers, and for Pope Francis' words and impact on his visit to Mexico to implement changes throughout the country. Thanks for bearing through the longer post. Until next time!

God bless,
Katie 

Week two in Mexico

The second week in Mexico flew by. In fact, I am worried that this entire year will be like that. Most of the week wasn't too exciting. We attended language school, had orientation, embraced the sunshine, and studied our Spanish at night, we didn't have much time or energy left to explore. The end of the week came and I couldn't help but have a huge grin on my face and think "Gracias a Dios es Viernes"- Thank God it's Friday! Not only were we done with language school, but it meant that next week we would start working with the kids and in the office, in addition it was a long weekend- Friday Feb 5 is "National Constitution Day" so we get today off from work. 

The weekend was the by far the best part of the week. On Saturday three of us went to the Zocalo and wandered throughout the various markets that they have on the weekend. While wandering we found a Chocolatier. It was beautiful and delicious. As we sipped our chocolate drinks I couldn't help but feel like I was in the movie "Chocolat"- If you haven't seen it carve out some time in your week, turn on Netflix and fall in love with Johnny Depp and chocolate all over again. Saturday night was one of my favorite nights here. Two of my fellow volunteers (on their weekend off I have to add) organized a "pijamada fiesta" (pajama party) for the ninos, there were about 20 of them. The weekend before one of the volunteers had a pajama party for the girls and the boys asked if they could have one too. It consisted of a lot of popcorn with chili salsa, chips with chili salsa, coffee and 8 hours of movies. Some of the ninos brought their mattresses from their dorms and piled them in the middle so they could all comfortably lie down as they watched the movies. I wish I would have taken a picture because it's hard to imagine a bunch teenage boys sharing about eight mattresses, but it was adorable. 

On Sunday morning myself, Jessi (a fellow volunteer), Celso (a member of Jessi's former host family), and drove to Puebla, Pueba, which is about a two hour drive from Cuernavaca. It is a city filled with cobble stone streets, multicolored buildings, and an insane amount of churches. The city, even for Mexico, is incredibly Catholic- the full name of the city is Puebla de los Angeles, "People of the Angels." After walking around the city and eating Mole (which the city is known for) we adventured to Cholula, Puebla. Cholula is a city west of Puebla and it is known for the amount of churches- for roughly 200,000 residents there are 37 churches plus a bunch of small chapels within the city. One of the famous churches in Cholula is Santuario de la Vigen de lost Remedios. It is a beautiful church whose architecture is stunning. The church is known for the Virgin Mary blessing and being dedicated to the poor. Finally, it has a phenomenal view of Popacateptl (Popo)- one of the biggest active volcanos in Mexico. We could see smoke coming out of Popo, it was very cool. Pause reading this blog and Google "Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedies," it's breathtaking. As we watched the sunset behind Popo I couldn't help but reflect on my first two weeks in Mexico. I was overcome with all the blessings I have experienced so far. God is good. After the sunset we went back to Puebla and explored the city at night for a little while. We went on one of the biggest ferris wheels in the world and we were able to see the city and much more at night, 'twas lovely.  

And here I am, about to embark on week three. Today two of us moved into our permanent apartment for the year on the NPH property and the other two volunteers move to the other orphanage in Miacatlan tomorrow morning to start their work with the younger children. On Wednesday we start working with the kids and in the offices. I am very excited to begin this next part of my Mexican adventure. Stay tuned and please continue to pray for the ninos, NPH staff and the volunteers. 

Dios Bendiga (God Bless),
Katie 

Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios

Sunset with Popo 

Santuario de la Vigen de los Remedios 

A nonactive volcano next to Popo,
Izaccihuat is Nahuatl for "White Woman,"
reflecting the four individual snow-capped peak which
depict the head, chest, knees and feet of a sleeping female. 

The Chocolatier

Just a gringa having some coffee
from the Gringo Cafe

Una Semana en Cuernavaca (One Week in Cuernavaca)

The much anticipated move has come and gone. I arrived in Mexico on 1/16/16 and have loved being immersed into the new culture. My week has been very busy filled with language school (M-F from 9:00-1:30), orientation after school, a lot of exploring, and even a day trip to the city Taxco. 

One of the other things I have loved about Cuernavaca so far is how many markets they have. The first day here a few volunteers that have been here for half a year took myself and another new volunteer to two markets- one by NPH and one by the Zocalo (the city center). This is where I discovered the very delicious and very cheap Michelada. It is beer (usually Corona), tabasco sauce, worcestershire sauce, lime and a sweet chili sauce around the rim. It is only about $2.00. At a book market in the city I found where I can get the rest of the Harry Potter books in Spanish. I will be revisiting this market after I finish the first one my sister, Bri, got me for Christmas (Thanks Bri :)). There is also another market by the property that has a liter of fresh juice for only about $1.50, an abundance of fruits and veggies and very delicious quesadillas.  

Last Sunday at dinner we were introduced to the kids. There are about 150 of them ranging from ages 15-22. I haven't interacted with them too much since we have been busy with school and other various activities, but I can't wait to get to know them as the year continues! For prayer before dinner they say my favorite prayer of all time- St. Francis of Assisi's Prayer along with the Lord's Prayer. I have been practicing them in Spanish so that I can pray the prayers with them soon. 

Learning the language (I came down with very, very little Spanish) has been a bit more challenging than I imagined, but I can already tell a difference. I can't speak much of it yet, but I can understand a lot of conversations, which has been wonderful! "Poco a poco" has been a phrase muttered everyday between my roommates and I- "little by little." 

The new NPH volunteers and
 I outside of the NPH church

During orientation one day we were able to explore the zocalo. It was there that we saw the church where NPH was first thought of a little over 60 years ago. A homeless boy stole from the collection basket during mass and the police called Fr. Wasson (the founder) to testify. Instead he decided to take the boy into his home and was provided food, clothes, school, and home for the boy. After that the police called Fr. Wasson whenever they caught a child stealing from the collection basked or who needed help. The first year they had 30 children and have grown exponentially since then (20,500+ children have grown up in an NPH home)! The church was beautiful and quaint. 

Finally, on Saturday we went to Taxco. A fellow volunteer's former host family was wonderful and brought us there. It was about an hour and a half drive up the mountains (we got to about 6500 ft above sea level). Taxco is known as the silver city and it was beautiful. I saw the most breathtaking church I have ever seen and was in heaven when in the jewelry stores. One of the jewelry store owners who was showing us different parts of the city from the balcony stated that Taxco is known for panoramic views and boy was he right. Since Taxco was built by the Spaniards all the architecture looks like Spain and there are cobblestone streets everywhere. I can't wait to go back and explore the city. 

Overall I have been in bliss in Cuernavaca (the City of Eternal Spring). The tacos, the warmth, the chirping birds and being immersed into the language have been just as wonderful as I could have imagined. All the volunteers, staff and children have also been so welcoming to all the new volunteers. I already feel at home :) 

This next week we will be continuing and finishing language school, then one more free weekend and after that I will begin my work with the kids and as the Project Assistant for the two homes. Please continue to pray for the children, the staff of NPH, and the new volunteers as we acclimate to our new lives. Stay tuned! 

God Bless,
Katie 

The view from my apartment's rooftop. I don't think I will ever get sick of this view.

The first of many sunsets.

Michelada

There is artwork like this all over.

Taxco Cathedral

Taxco Cathedral

Taxco

Inside the NPH church 

Man plans, God laughs

“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

One of my favorite proverbs is a Yiddish Proverb: “Der mentsh trakht un got laht”- Man plans, God laughs. If the past few days haven’t been proof of that I don’t know what is. Long story short, I have a lot of people to see in my final weeks in America and two cars broke down in 24 hours in attempt to see some of them. After the first car broke down I was reflecting a lot on what my plan was over the years. If you would have asked me five years ago where I would be today I am positive I would not have told you I would spend a year in Mexico. About a year ago I remember telling a coworker who was going on a vacation in Mexico that I had no interest in ever going there. Man, that must have made God laugh. However, He knows best and I could not be more excited for the adventure that I am about to embark on!

As mentioned in the “about me” section I have wanted to find a long term volunteer opportunity for about five years now. A couple months ago I found Nuestros Pequeños  Hermanos (Our Little Brothers and Sisters), or NPH for short, and fell in love with their mission.

“NPH transforms the lives of abandoned and disadvantaged children with homes, healthcare and educational programs, making a positive impact in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

It’s pretty hard to not fall in love with it if you ask me. Within a few short months everything fell into place and in 10 days I will be venturing to Cuernavaca, Mexico (50 miles south of Mexico City) for a year. NPH has two Mexico homes (one for younger children and one for teenagers) and Cuernavaca is the teenager’s home.

Aside from getting my butt kicked in Fútbol, I will be the Project Assistant for half the day and the other half I will be hanging out with the kids and serving them either lunch or dinner. I plan on explaining my position after I have settled and have a better grasp on my roles. Overall, when people ask how I am feeling the only emotion I have used is excited. I can’t wait to see how the pequeños change me, to fall in love with a new culture and language, for the trials I will face and grow from, the new family and friends I will make, and to serve God, His children and bring His word with me. It’s going to be a great year!

Stay tuned as this gringa moves south of the border to the City of Eternal Spring.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11

God bless,

Katie

Praises:

• For Fr. Wasson (founder of NPH) and all the hard working staff, volunteers and benefactors that have helped mold NPH into what it is today.
• For God’s plan for all of us, for it is way better than we could ever have in mind.

Prayers:

• For God to keep help keep the future volunteers safe as we travel to Mexico.
• For the Lord to help us surrender our wants and desires to best serve and love Him and the children.