It's not about me...

There are no words to describe the day we had today. We laughed and we cried. Unfortunely, I can only speak for the Green team, which is all of the seniors on the trip, plus Kaylee, Kayla, Danielle, and I. We started the day off by heading out to the local university. It was huge! no one knew exactly how many students were on campus. Too many to count, we were told. We planned to preform our dramas and speak to the students. After a morning worship service, we were all pretty pumped about heading out. But as the vans pulled into the parking lot, we all had second thoughts. The students stopped and stared as a group of 20 white, blonde, American kids went walking through their campus with mouths gaping and eyes wide with fear. We met up with some of the Christian students on campus and walked around handing our flyers to invite them to our program. At least, that's what we thought they said. As I listened to the translator speak over and over, I finally figured it out. They were declaring, "Hello! These people are from the United States! They speak English. Come practice your English with them today at 1pm!" But whatever works! Along the way, a small group of girls (Kaylee, Kayla, Danielle and I) got invited to a party. "Free beer!" it said. It starts in 15 minutes-I hope we won't be late! we also got invited to a Indian Dance class. That's tomorrow morning.

As we started doing the dramas, the students flocked to us like mosquitoes to one of those electric lights. We counted over 200 people! They were so engaged in the entire performance, and reacted to each and every scene. They stared with eyes open wide at the boldness with which our drama depicted the story of Christ. Afterwards, we invited them to talk in small groups. We had barley stepped off the stage when we were swarmed with people. You will just have to ask your own child about those conversations. Each was unique, and everyone was extremely moved. We stayed for a few hours, ate lunch, then loaded the vans once more.

We then went down to a bridge where a bunch of homeless people were living. This experience is extremely difficult to describe. I will do my best to put it into words.

There were about 15-20 people living by this bridge, including a small baby about a year old named Alexander. Most had a rag that they had soaked in glue, and would hold it up to their mouth and breathe it in. It is a cheap drug that stops the hunger pains. The boys started up a pretty intense game of soccer while the girls simply sat and listened. I heard stories of abuse, drugs, rape, unwanted pregnancies, and hopelessness. Our hearts broke for these people, and several wept as we prayed over them.

There is not much more to say about that. I know I have never been more thankful for a sleeping bad and a hard floor awaiting me at our host house. We are healthy, and we are fed. We have a bed, loving families, and have the hope of Christ within us. For what else can we ask? We are now at the church eating some wonderful homemade quesedillas (Spelling?). We are going to head back to the host homes soon, and try to get some extra sleep. Tomorrow we are heading two hours out of Mexico City to witness to a small village. Thank your for your prayers, and we miss you all. We will let you know how the party was! ;)

~Beth (I love you Mom and Dad!)