Esperanza Days 1 & 2 ~ July 26 & 27, 2014

Hello readers,
The flight to San Diego was great!  Walking across the border was eye opening, there were so many people wanting us to buy something from them.  As soon as you walk into Mexico it's like an instant change from roads to houses, it makes you stop and think how fortunate you really are.  There were so many more people trying to get back into the US rather than going into Mexico.  Yesterday we just got settled in and waited for the other youth group.  Later that night we walked down the Taqueria and ate dinner there.  The food was very good and they cooked right in front of us!
     Today we woke up and took most of our first one-minute showers. Then we had some breakfast that a few people from St. Louise had made for the group. Then we went to Church right down the street for the 10 O'clock mass. Could not understand a thing luckily we knew the order of how mass goes and Kelsey had printed out the readings and homily for us, so we still got something out of the mass. Later after some cards and relaxing we went to the market which is about a 30 minute drive. What you see when driving is eye opening the extremes from rich to poor are very visible. Some times you see run down homes and dirt roads, other times you see resorts and huge houses up on the hills with asphalt drive ways. Once we got to the market we split up into two groups and made our way through the market. Comparing it to Pikes Place we would say it is a little more pushy but in an interesting way. some places seemed to really try to get you into their shop by telling you what they have and how good of a deal they have, but they are all very similar in pricing and some items you saw in every store. But it was good fun trying to bargain for a good deal on their "hand made" blankets and back packs. Everybody got something and when we left we all seemed happy with what we got. We headed back to the Posada which is very nice and currently have two hammocks set up, are playing soccer and waiting for dinner. Looking forward to tomorrow and the work.

Bailey M, and Josh

On the Plane, ready to go to Mexico!

So many bags at the San Diego Airport.

Crossing into Mexico at the border.

So excited to be at Esperanza's Posada!

Our wonderful Sacred Heart group.

We're a bit goofy.

Mass at St. Anthony's church down the street from the Posada.

Getting our soccer on in the Mexican heat.