Training, Building, and a Goat

A lot has happened since my last post. In my first week, I met my Project Nexus Team (the intern group I'm a part of - henceforth referred to as "Nexus" or "the Nexus"), learned a lot about interacting with other cultures, leadership, communicating with different kinds of people, conflict resolution, etc. There were plenty of those get-to-know-you games or games that show how your team functions as well. I really enjoy the company of the other Nexus (Alex, Ali, Sam, Matt, Brian, Nick, Sarah, Kelsey, and Anna) .

The second week was house-building training. We crossed the border, set up camp, ate some tacos, and built an Amor Ministres house as a team. Howie, an Amor field team member, helped us out by watching us work and giving us advice at the end of each workday on how to do things better or differently.

Our site was very difficult - there was little room and needed lots of leveling, but we finished by the end of the 4th day. This was possible with the help of a small army of neighborhood children, who helped us by doing some lighter tasks. I had never interacted with the kids or families much on previous trips, but I did so more this time, which I'm really glad about. So much of Amor's goal is building relationships and trust with the Mexican people that ignoring the families is a really big mistake.

Tuesday this week, Edgar (father of the family) walked up the street with a neighbor, carrying a goat. They tied it to a post downhill from the worksite, and it sat there baaaahhing until Thurday when it wasn't there anymore. The family cooked us lunch on Thursday, which was delicious and certainily the most delicious goat I've ever eaten (and the only).

Tijuana is an interesting city. I've eaten at several taco stands, which are fantastic and almost have a sense of where major steets are. Our worksite was very close to the border - we could always see the wall in the distance, and sometimes we'd see a border patrol jeep or helicopter on the other side. Tijuana has very poor and very rich parts. After a week in the dirt and shacks, we did some shopping at Costco, where the wealthier people of Tijuana go. That was a very surreal experience - one I was not mentally prepared for, as I have only seen the poor areas of Mexico before.

I'm about to lead a group across the border, so I have to go.

Keep the Nexus team and Our Lady of Angels Church (the group I'm assigned to help this week) in your prayers.

Adios,