Our Day Monday
August 15, 2008
Please pardon the delay in posts. Between our extremely full days and a sketchy internet connection, we’ve had our hands full. Muchas gracias.
Our team arrived at the Atlanta airport with plenty of time to spare. There were no complications on either flight, first from Hartsfield (ATL) to Bush (IAH), and then from Houston to Queretaro. Upon arrival in Mexico, we were greeted by Whitney, Martin, and Edith, each of whom had driven to the airport to provide us with transport to the city. Our team jumped in to three cars, and the trip (journey) began in earnest.
We have been blessed with outstanding accommodations at the Plaza Camelinas and although we may feel somewhat over privileged we are quite close to the Horizonte Church itself. The eight of us, along with Whitney, ventured out for a sabroso meal of tacos and then went off to bed.
After a good night sleep we convened on Monday morning and headed over to Horizonte. For most of our team, it was our first time there, but those members who had previously visited were amazed by many of the physical improvements which had taken place. We were taken on a full tour of the grounds. By Edith before enjoying breakfast together this had been prepared by Yolanda with help from Eduerdo. The team then studied a devotional from Liz and were given further cultural do’s and don’ts from Julian.
From the church, we headed out for a PLUNGE (scavenger hunt) activity. We hopped aboard a bus and headed to the city center. Those who had not been to Queretaro were appointed leaders and given a guide for a tour of sorts. The trip took us through several places, by historical buildings and beautiful fountains, as well as giving us the opportunity to sample some helado and experience a market, where vendors prominently displayed knock-off designer handbags and chicken heads could be found for purchase by visitors. A not so short bus/taxi ride returned us to the church.
After another delicious meal – tortilla soup and chicken with poblano pepper sauce – the team met in the office to discuss/plan the objectives of our trip. Through conversation with Edith and translation provided by Julian and Jeremy, it became apparent that the members of the church are fatigued and feeling over burdened. A retreat where we might instruct or advise them would likely be of little value in meeting their true needs. As a result, we spent most of the afternoon discussing ways we might encourage them or give them a chance to have fun and relax (i.e., ways to love on them, which seemed to be buzzword phrase of the day). Ideas and activities were white boarded, with the bulk of the details to be nailed down tomorrow.
After a respectable rainstorm half the team headed to dinner with the other half following behind shortly after David was able to put together a cool video for the team blog. Our statements were filled yet again and it was off to bed to rest up for tomorrow.
