This is an addition to a previous blog done by "Chavez & Consuela" about their experiences in the city of "Mexico". This is now a place for you to follow those who are sharing their stories about travel with a heart's purpose. You may want to go back to the previous blog to refresh your memories, because we will be using some of the same names, for security purposes. The group that gave you this address can provide that one as well.
This is "Ricky" and "Lucy", accompanied by "Rosa", and we are excited to be in "Mexico". We thank those of you who helped us with our transfer in New York City, as the change between airports went smoothly. We left town at 8:05 am on Jan. 1st and arrived in "Denver" at 5:30 am on Jan. 2nd. We were met by "Pancho" and "Gabriella", who took us along to a place of rest and orientation. There we met "Diego" and "Juanita" and their three kids, who work in another city. We will be spending some time with them again when we start our journey home. After spending the night, we traveled on to the home of "Miguel" and "Bianca". "Consuela" had warned us about the cuteness factor of their children, and she was right! Playing with them was very enjoyable.
There was a man who had come to "Miguel's" house looking for food, and "Miguel" had shared a story with him. He invited "Miguel" to come to his village, along the river, to share more stories and to meet his family. We were blessed to be able to go along on this first visit to the village! "Pancho" drove, with "Miguel" calling his new friend several times and being assured that we were very close. After a couple of hours of bouncing around in the back seat of the truck, and numbing various body parts, we were able to find the right village (though now several other villages can tell of a visit by white strangers). When we left, a man who guided us out (only 1 hour in the dark across dirt trails) told us that years ago, the village had bought a potion to spread that would confuse government officials trying to find the village; guess we looked like we fit the category!
We were warmly welcomed and escorted into the man's home. He introduced us to his wives, his father and two other men who had come to meet us, and the walls were quickly lined with women and children wanting to hear and see us, with those who could not fit in the room trying to look in from the windows. Imagine one of your classrooms with 40 people in it, only with no lights, covered windows, a dirt floor and only one door for ventilation. Up close and personal! We were given something to drink, followed by ceremonial tea, and "Miguel" and "Pancho" told them of our purpose for coming. After hearing another story from "Miguel" and allowing "Ricky", "Miguel" and "Pancho" to "speak" over them, the house and the village, photos and video were taken. That caused excitement! The children sheiked with joy every time the flash went off, and adults were lining up mothers and other relatives to be in the photos. As the sun was going down, they invited us to stay longer, but we thanked them and headed back to "Miguel & Bianca's" house.
The next morning, we continued on our travels, arriving at "Mexico" in the afternoon and settling in. We will continue to update this blog as we go along; Rosa is going to share about our meeting with officials from the hospital.
Thanks to all of you for your prayers! We can really feel your presence.
Ricky
