My Heart Is Full

Pause for Reflection

2008-06-20T21:39:00.005-05:00

Michael and I's journey officially ended last Friday. We waited on our familiar street corner, where for the last two weeks we stood in our green volunteer shirts to head to work in Guatemala City. Now the street, still strangely familiar under our feet, was empty. Antigua was quiet. Gone were the chicken buses, packed full of Guatemalans, the ayudante leaning out the open door, selling space that didn't exist. Gone were the street vendors, young girls in colorful woven dresses, petit, young hands, but old eyes, years of life hidden in the depths of their murky, dark irises. We stood alone, quiet in our own nostalgic thoughts, waiting for the airport shuttle. We left each other much the same way, walking down separate tarmacs, Michael back to the U.S., myself to Costa Rica for ten days of traveling. Climbing into my airplane seat, I felt a little uncomfortable jumping across three countries to my destination. So many thousands of miles we were on the road, moving through landscapes that changed as we did. I have just now been able to sit and write this last chapter. As if writing it down would close the book, leather tassles wrapping themselves around the cover, sealing the stories as memories, something to uncover years later in a shoebox in an attic, a timecapsule, a forgotten past.

This past week I have been formulating these thoughts into words, cruising through tropical roads on a scooter, acutely aware of myself, my feelings, the sun on my arms as I turned the throttle with a light flick of my wrists, the countryside passing by me unframed by windows, unburdened by air conditioning and music. My mind would linger on little moments. Conversing naturally in Spanish with David, alone in the warehouse, 90's music blaring, counting 50 toothbrushes at a time for hours, laughing at insignificant things, working through our own thoughts alone, but somewhat together.

The stunning beauty of a beach brings me back to my scooter. A rocky peninsula, with searing cliffs, brimming with trees, a deep full green that contrasts with the emerald water of the cove. Moving back into the vegetation, the speed a of my vehicle transforms the greenery into a colorful tunnel. A portal back into my memories. I see Soyver's eyes... Alive with creativity. Affectionate. Excitement. He was not even one of my students from the film class I briefly taught, where the kids, interested, but detached, cared more about impressing one another than learning the lesson. Soyver came behind me and touched my shoulder as I prepared for the lesson with my camera, fascinated in my every movement, sitting with me as I edited some footage. Sitting with me later as I checked an email, a mundane task that somehow he found mesmerizing. Finally gathering the courage to make a request, he quietly asks if we can make a movie. Smiling, I nod, and we recruit his cousin Roberto and walk to the garden. Lost in a childlike reverie, pulsing with imagination, I directed them through a wild plotline, all of us eagerly moving through the story, fluidly. I was affirmed in my passion for filmmaking. Children are our best critics. What is alive inside all of us, they sense and hold onto with zealous fervor. We rushed over to the shade and replayed our movie, giggling at the little images of ourselves that unfolded on my tiny viewfinder.

There. A pelican sweeps into view. I slow my bike to watch as it magestically soars towards the water with purpose, to some hidden destination just beneath the blue expanse of the sea. It's slender neck and beak poised like a dancer in all of her grace.

The night before leaving Guatemala, Michael and I shaved our travel beards, tufts of hair falling to the floor. Somehow, facial hair had become part of our identity on this journey. They connected us together and to those we saw as companions. I remember the moment I gazed into the mirror with such clarity. I remember the face looking back at me. A stranger. I want to ask this vision before me what is behind those eyes that eludes me? What have they seen? What does this man have to say? Who has he become? His expression creased into a grin, joining the reflection to my own. The bathroom light flickered off, enveloping the room into the warmth of darkness.

Camino Seguro

2008-06-04T19:55:00.002-05:00

Like the first day of school, Michael and I left our homestay especially early to meet the Camino Seguro bus to Guatemala City. Lunchbags in hand, we waited by the bus stop eager to begin work. We took unassuming seats behind the wheelwell, you know, not too close to the front to signify seniority, not too close to the back to impose on the "bad" kids. Upon arrival, after some grueling traffic, we navigated our way to the kitchen to begin work with Isabel "el jefe". Immediately I was set to work by cutting the fat off of about 50 halves of chickens as Isabel would butcher the halves into tiny pieces. I desperately tried to keep up with her frantic pace, sometimes resorting to ripping the fat off with my hands. All the chopped meat, fresh vegetables, and spices were added to a gigantic pot to make pepian, a local Guatemalan dish, in order to feed over 500 children during the course of the day. It was certainly gratifying as the children would pop their heads through the serving window, to hand them what could potentially be their only meal of the day. The next portion of the afternoon was spent observing volunteers in the classroom. Michael and I have been charged with the responsibility of helping develop a new training module for new volunteers at Camino Seguro. We will also be leading weekly team building excercises for the volunteers and staff. After taking notes, walking a young boy to the bathroom, helping a young girl with a counting excercise, and marveling at just what the term "rainy season" in Guatemala truly means, I made my way back to the kitchen to help where needed. Mopping floors, scrubbing mountainous cauldrons of their leftover stew, and racing Michael to see who could dice the most carrots (which I clearly won), I paused to reflect on the day. There are many pieces to what enables an organization to effect change. I would normally be the guy to gravitate towards the direct interaction with the children. Yet this opportunity has provided me with the understanding that value and importance, like a glacier, go far deeper than the surface. The bus ride home was warm with conversation, a far cry from the silence of the early morning trip. Michael slept the entire way, then crawled into bed at 6 PM and has yet to awaken as I sit here journaling the day's events. The trip appears to be taking its toll on him! So as not to disturb him, I walked down to the living room to sit with the family. Amparo (the matriarch), sat facing the television, knees touching the screen engaged in her telenovella. Jennifer sat on the couch, doodling romantic musings to her boyfriend Jorge with a freshly shaved red pencil. Oscar, jumped around the room, speaking in a foreign animal tongue, spinning his chinese star around the room, arm shrouded in his Superman wristband. Ingrid sat in the lazy chair watching her two children with one eye and coloring her son's homework with the other half of her attention. Lily sat upright in her own couch, legs sprawled over the armrest, sipping juice, entranced with the soap actor's dreamy eyes and wavy hair. I sat somewhere in the middle, lightly picking at a guitar and marvelling in the peacefulness of this moment. Bliss...

A little update...
Day 3 at Camino Seguro. I have now pretended to lose a finger in a vegetable blender to entertain some kids and scare the living daylights out of Isabel. Tomorrow, I have secured some fake blood to escalate things a bit in the kitchen games. Michael and I have also been helping count the inventory in the Camino Seguro warehouse. I have counted 4400 rubber bands, 2632 paper clips, 845 rulers, 3054 pencils, and 2228 erasers. Tomorrow? Making ourselves available to help wherever needed will always provide exciting and unexpected opportunities. It is the Full Hearts' way of doing things.

gregorio

Antigua

2008-05-29T21:44:00.002-05:00

Nestled between 3 massive volcanoes lies an idyllic Guatemalan city called Antigua. Amidst ruins from ancient earthquakes have sprouted beautiful colored buildings. Connected, as if forming a tapestry of finely woven fabric. Michael and I have settled into this town for the next week to work with camino seguro, or safe passage in English (safepassage.org). This organization was founded to provide dignity and opportunities through education for the children living and working in the Guatemala City Garbage Dump. This organization has been in operation for about 15 years. It is amazing to see what they have accomplished. Today was orientation. We visited the educational reinforcement centers that they have set up around the dump. Beautiful beacons of light amidst some of the most impoverished areas I have ever seen. 60% of Guatemalans live on less than $.50 US a day. The 3000 plus people who recycle the trash that comes off the dump trucks are the poorest of them all. I was speechless as we watched these workers sift through the trash from a safe peak above this crater of desolation and hopelessness. Michael and I left in silence. Committed to whatever project Camino Seguro requires from us. Committed to working so that no child will ever have to stand in that pit, closer to hell than any other human, as carrion birds swarm overhead, trying to distinguish between human flesh and the stench of trash. Check our updated flickr page. You will know what I am talking about.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26885096@N07/

gregorio

Conversations

2008-05-29T21:23:00.003-05:00

Fernando: It's all a jungle out there man. The industry, the factories, the buildings, this beach, this forrest. I just choose the beach as my jungle.

Me: So where did you learn to speak English?
Alejandro: In Texas. I was in Prison.
Me: Really... Wow... What did they get you for?
Alejandro: I was working the construction and didn't have papers.
Me: They locked you up for that?
Alejandro: 74 months
Me: That's just... wrong.
Alejandro: I couldn't see my family or nothing.
Me: But now we are here. And we got to sit on this pier and stare into the dark see, and look at these stars... together... as friends. And now I know your story. I'm gonna remember this story.
Alejandro: If you ever need anything in this city... you call Alejandro. Friends have to look out for eachother.

Me: How long have you been traveling?
D: 9 months... In Taiwan, this is a long time to be away.
Me: Buddy... It's a long time to be away from anywhere.
D: I leave to escape my sadness. My best friend die so I begin traveling.
Me: How are you now?
D: Traveling can heal. Things will be okay

Me: What kind of bird is this?
Sergio: It's a baby. Notice its wings. It is just beginning to test them.
Me: It's learning to fly.
Sergio: Yes my brotha!
Me: If you don't mind my asking... What does your tattoo mean?
Sergio: Only the wings of a feather can carry the heart.

Me: Let's write what we are feeling right now and send it out to sea.
Erin: I'll throw it.
Me: Can I read what you wrote?
Erin: It's not meant for us to see. This message is intended for the one who needs it most.

Rob: You gotta come with me right now.
Me: Okay
Rob: Have you ever seen stars like this in your life?
Me: .....
Rob: Let's find a place to lay down.
Me: It's like I can touch them. Do you ever wonder what they would look like from space?
Rob: No man. I'd rather sit right here and wonder. Cause nothing can compare to what I am imagining right now.
Me: Did you see that shooting star?
Rob: Yeah
Me: Why does it always surprise you when they race across the sky?
Rob: Because it is always beautiful

gregorio

Veracruz

2008-05-23T13:55:00.007-05:00

Once again, I am amazed by the kind people of Caritas. I have been sitting on this bus headed for Belize for the last few hours, attempting to illustrate why I feel so connected to the Mexican culture when I am working. I had been wrestling with this thought internally for some time until finally frustrated, I peered out the window into the green rolling countryside of Southern Mexico. I found my answer in the migrant worker, cutting down sugar cane with his rusty machete. I found it in the road worker, rubber soles melting over the hot tar. I found it in the street vendor, slaving over the hot stove. I found it in the young man in the wheelchair with a barrel full of watermelons and a steely resolve. People work here. They work hard. They value it with a sense of integrity I've seen nowhere else. If you want to earn the trust of the Mexican people don't come riding into town in gleaming white vans, pitching a tent and serving bananas and pepperoni pizza. This will be appreciated but it is only charity.

I am certain that the bond created from sweat, from hands and arms working together, no matter the color, is as strong as blood. We worked hard. For five hours we tore down walls, moved 100 lb. bags of sugar, moved shelving units up narrow shaky stairwells, and cleared out rooms to improve the efficiency of their donation process We had our fun too. Priceless moments such as playing basketball with my good friend Luis with packets of tampons (yes I know) and toilet paper wars with Travis and Michael and more tampons (yes I know). We broke bread and shared meals with the staff.

As we wrapped up our work, the Deacon of the Caritas in Veracruz, a kind and noble man whom I have a great deal of respect for, offered to take us to a remote beach outside of town while he took care of some work. So we hopped into his small white Toyota with his white rosary swinging back and forth from its perch on the rearview mirror. We traveled past giant sand dunes and shopping malls, small riverside villages and Land Rover dealerships until we pulled off a sandy road into the driveway of a quaint Catholic church. Turning to face us, smiling behind his glasses with warm eyes, Francisco told us that if we took a right and then headed straight we would reach the beach. He then told us if we walked along the beach we could find many restaurants and stores as this was a fishing village. We only went straight... Covered in grime and blood and dirt, we walked straight until we walked into the glimmering water of the shoreline. We kept walking as the sandy shallows extended out into the distance where dark tanned boys dove for clams and fishermen tested the shallows for a day's wage. Throwing live sand dollars like frizbees which we found at the sandy bottom in abundance, we rejoiced in the ageless fun, the madness of such a rare experience, laughing at the hotels in the hazy distance.

As Travis, Michael, and I scattered to our own private plot of water, I dipped my head beneath the surface to escape the crashing surf, and the laughing children, the distant mopeds and buses. I hung submerged and suspended, drifting towards the shore not by my movements, but as each gentle wave turned I would inch a little closer, toes lightly anchored in the sand. Somehow I had even escaped the noise inside my head, my body laid to rest at a quiet point of the beach.

Check out some photos of the trip at http://www.flickr.com/photos/26885096@N07/

gregorio

Quick update

2008-05-21T01:25:00.002-05:00

We have connected with Caritas in Veracruz and will be working tomorrow separating clothing donations as well as potentially visiting an orphanage and an elderly home. It has been many miles since our last service project and we are anxious to begin working again. Hasta Mañana.

gregorio

Veracruz

2008-05-21T01:03:00.002-05:00

What makes a beach beautiful? Is it pristine sands or crystal clear water? Coral reefs and tropical fish? Yes, I do believe so. However, as I am sitting here, trying to frame my experience of Veracruz over the last 24 hours, I struggle to find words that will do it justice. I would not use any of the terms that typically describe the picturesque beauty of a Carribean resort.. I feel something more. It is a sense of peace that begins at my feet, now connected to the sand just below the water. My feet appear magnified. Ever so often a single piece of seaweed languidly moves over my toes. Back and forth. Ebb and flow. I know where I am. I know I am 'here'. I have never felt more 'here' in my entire life, firmly rooted in the sand. the seaweed crossed my foot again and we both realized that it was not time to go yet. We would leave in our own direction.. on our own time.

Let me take a step back...
Fresh off of 15 hours on a bus, we were eager to set our eyes on the sea. Dropping our backpacks at the hotel, we briskly walked the 9 blocks to the nearest beach. Sandals off, we dashed forward until we delicately dipped our feet into the water, as one would savor the last bite of pie. Curious to see more of the beach, we walked the length until an affable young boatman approached us trying to sell a snorkeling trip. Enter Fernando. Beach Bum. Not a care in the world other than meeting new people and having a good time. We explained that we were hungry and pointed at the myriad of beachside restaurants that covered the beach behind us. Fernando's wide smile momentarily lapsed into a frown, stating that these restaurants ruined his beach. He then asked us if we wanted to see a natural beach. Up for another new experience we shrugged and set off to a hail a cab for... Playa del Norte.

This is the point where my mom probably would have said "Don't do it", and a scary movie plotline would lead the naive tourists to a dark alleyway. However, after a few miles we turned down a dirt road which opened onto a mesmerizing, expansive beach. The cab drove us further down the beach until tiny colorful dots became large beachside tents (restaurants). We chose one that was surrounded by hammocks, for obvious reasons. Setting down our things to feast on fresh seafood, we watched as the sun gathered all the colors of the sky to deliver a breathtaking sunset. After a tiresome game of futbol with the locals (playing in the sand is not easy), we moved our table down to the surf to eat our meal. We threw together a makeshif fire and sat in appreciative conversation for the next few hours. I finally turned towards the ocean to cool off my legs, yet my eyes immediately were attracted to the silver reflection in the water. Following it up to its origin I witnessed a full moon of insurpassable beauty. Reaching my hands up to the sky I tried to sum up my feelings that appeared so raw, coursing through me in this moment. I couldn't help but note the timing of a phrase I gleaned from the pages of my latest read, "The perks of being a Wallflower". The main character, Charlie, is trying to describe a particularly fulfilling moment as it is actually transpiring...

I feel infinite.
Yes. Infinite.

gregorio

San Luis Potosi to Poza Rica

2008-05-21T00:56:00.002-05:00

After a restless night's sleep through some wild mountain passes, I awoke to a strange new countryside. Gone were the cacti forrests and sparse plains. In its place was a lush green countryside. I had my first glimpse of the sea as the sun rose over Tampico. It spoke to me from the distance. I am romantically drawn to the sea. A love affair. Captivation. Weaving back into the forrest, this lover's reunion must wait until I dip my feet in the silky shallows of Veracruz' beaches.

Hours later...
We passed by an old automobile junkyard. It was truly a unique site to behold. Before me was a massive mountain of cars. Yet the rich tropical soil provided its fruits in earnest, reflected by the massive trees that had grown through the cars. As if all fibers, both natural and man-made, had blended into an organic organism. Upon a closer look, like the rungs in a great oak tree, each level of cars wove itself together into a story of its period, like an open book revealing its secrets.

gregorio

San Luis Potosi

2008-05-18T16:55:00.003-05:00

Well nothing much happened today. Time was spent recuperating and walking through the city. We were able to catch up with Madre Lulu, one of the Madres from Casa Hogar who is on a new assignment (a great guitar player I might add too). It was wonderful to hear what she was up to and she was able to provide a contact and place to stay and work at a Casa Hogar in the next stop, San Miguel de Allende.

However this was also a time for an important re-evaluation for Michael and I on our journey. Realizing that six days had passed and we had to reach Guatemala soon, we made the decision to continue on separate from the bus. This was an incredibly difficult decision, but one that we felt needed to be made so that we could continue to do Full Hearts work on our journey, as the bus could do Full Hearts work on their time. So, after many goodbyes, we grabbed our backpacks and headed towards the bus station. Not sure what city is next for us. But we will continue to chronicle our experiences through this blog as the others chronicle their own. Please keep reading about the miracles, relationships, and discoveries along the way.

Gregorio

Saltillo to San Luis Potosi

2008-05-18T16:35:00.003-05:00

We are in the middle of nowhere at a restaurant. It has a Carta Blanca sign out front and is partially painted yellow. If you walk out to the highway, you will see 10 more restaurants that look exactly the same, painting the highway into the horizon. I am sitting at the end of the table watching Travis, Jon, Kelly, and Daniel feast on chicken. I am hungry. I know that I have a wallet full of cash sitting next to me in my backpack. The interesting thing is, is that I have never experienced this. I can´t really recall a moment where I have sat hungry and did not indulge. this only the second day of the fast and I already know that this will be a challenge.

A few hours later...
All along the highway there are horses and goats and cows chained individually to a stake in the median of the highway. A cheap way to keep the grass cut low. We passed by a dead horse a few miles back. Imagine a life chained in one place, watching life travel past you 60 miles an hour in each direction. Wondering what it would be like to be in the driver´s seat. There have been times when I have felt stuck. I have realized though that we hold the keys to our own chains. There are certain institutions that see it in their best interests to keep us tied down. To keep their grass cut low.

A few more hours later...
I was sitting at the front of the bus and Jon and I were discussing the future, or more so, lack thereof, when suddenly something didn´t sound right in the engine. We pulled off to the side of the road at a Buenos Aires fried chicken restaurant that had KFC and Chicken Express advertisements, yet for some reason, I don´t think that it was a part of either chain. Sensing an opportunity to take a much needed bathroom break I walked to the front door and was disheartened to discover that this baño was for customers only. I reached into my pocket and felt my 5 pesos before asking the cashier how much a piece of chicken would be. They gave me an odd look before responding "9 pesos". Looking at the change in my hand, I turned and walked back out to the bus, all the while thinking of bathroom 'alternatives'. As I got back to the Cortez, one of the men from inside approached me and asked what we were doing. After talking about the trip and introducing everyone, I relayed my story of needing to use the restroom but not having enough money to buy anything. He reached into his pocket and was about to give me what few pesos he had so that I could buy a piece of chicken. I quickly refused him, saying that I only needed to use the restroom, which he then responded to by walking me inside the restaurant. I pointed at the sign that said "customers only" and he smiled saying that he knew the owners. After relieving myself, we ended up spending the next half hour learning about each other. As a sign of our friendship, I gave him a bumper sticker to sign and a Full Hearts wristband. As we were saying goodbye, he looked to me and said "You know... it is looking like rain, I would be honored if you and your friends would stay the night at my house." Knowing that we needed to move on, I respectfully declined, but was nevertheless deeply moved. This is Pedro. Silver Capped teeth. Great Smile. A good man. A conversation and friendship taht wouldn´t have happened if I had just walked in and casually dropped a few dollars to use the bathroom.

Gregorio

Saltillo

2008-05-18T16:19:00.003-05:00

Desperate to find a place to rest our heads, we pulled off the highway, drawn into it by the large sign that said "jacuzzi". For $50.00 a night Jon, Kelly, and Daniel were able to stay in an opulent suite, while the rest of us on a vow to remain faithful to our pact slept out in the bus.

Morning came, and Daniel popped his head into the bus with a proposition to climb the mountain that backed up to our hotel. It is amazing what the morning light reveals around you. I rolled up my sleeping bag and then opened the back door to brush my teeth. I am sure it was a sight to see. Here was this Gringo with a full red beard(I can´t explain why I have dirty blonde hair and a red beard)standing out of the back door of the bus in his underwear (his only pair) brushing his teeth in the parking lot of a fancy highway hotel in a 1974 Cortez Bus. I wonder what went through the heads of the staff at the hotel.

Daniel, Alex, Travis, Michael, Kelly and I began our hike to the top of a nearby mountain (hill, but I add this for dramatic effect). A few deep cacti needles in our legs, and a satisfying sweat later, we made it to the top. The view that awaited us was nothing short of spectacular. The city of Saltillo unfolded below us surounded by mountains. A piece of rock extended out into the expanse of the morning air. Travis quickly stepped out onto the ledge and entered into his own quiet, reverent, rapture. Deciding to find my own quiet perch, I set off around to the other side of the mountain. I was rewarded for my patience with an equally magnificent view, but one that contrasted the other side. Down below in the foothills of the mountains was a community of families living in obvious, extreme poverty. Here I was, witnessing them go about their daily lives from the clouds. Which is how I think most of us experience poverty. Distant. Disconnected... I was sitting on a mountain that separated the industrialized from the poor. What if we could move those mountains? What would a world look like without barriers separating us from connecting and sharing. Loving and living. Together.

Gregorio

Monterrey to Saltillo

2008-05-18T16:10:00.004-05:00

So after Alex, Michael, and I made a pact to fast off of $.50 US dollars a day we learned that the neighborhood we were delivering goods to was actually the Tamale capital of the world. We were devastated that we could not wind back time and make our pact after dinner. Yet, we decided to put all of our money together, $1.50, and was the lady what we could buy. It turns out that we could buy 5 tamales (with a sixth for free). Oh boy, we relished our tamales, cutting them into little pieces to make it look like more food. Yet we were still a little hungry. I was just through concocting a plan to persuade the kind ladies to donate some more tamales when one of the women came by and dropped two gigantic tamales in front of our eyes. Try and explain that...

Leaving for Saltillo in the bus, I stole a short moment to peak my head out of the window to say goodbye to the city that had been so good to us today. Looking across to the hills in the distance I watched as distant lights danced across silhouettes of hilltops like moving breathing lanterns in the still evening air. Upon leaving this city I am content from a good days work but eagerly anticipating the next step of the journey. It is hard to stay present when there is so much ahead of us. So many miles, opportunities, and challenges lie before us. Each with their own purpose, fulfillment, and revealing wisdom. I can only hope that I am able to take a moment and reflect, to be still, and to allow the full weight of this experience set in.

Gregorio

Monterrey

2008-05-18T15:55:00.004-05:00

I am soaked in fruit juice, tired, sweaty, but probably the most fulfilled I have been in a long time. I am so amazed by fate. If there hadn't been problems with the bus, Michael and I would not have gotten on in Nuevo Laredo. We would have not gone ahead to Hotel 402 in Monterrey and we could not have met the hotel staff who got us the contact for Caritas. Caritas is an organization that has food banks, orphanages, etc. throughout Mexico. Today we worked at the food bank for Caritas here in Monterrey. From 6 Am to 4 PM, the Caritas Food Bank fills trucks with leftover food from grocery stores which they then take to the poorest neighborhoods in Monterrey and distribute for 1 peso a family. We saw a small glimpse of this massive operation and loaded 5 trucks with tons of vegetables and fruit. It was tough work. However, we made instant friends sweating with the workers. After we finished, they heard that a few of us were going to try and live on 5 pesos a day ($.50 in US dollars) until we reached Veracruz (more on this later). They were amazed and proceeded to give us a crate of peaches, a crate of plums, and a crate of jicema (a mexican vegetable), four gallons and four cases of water for our fast. Michael, Alex, and I had made a pact to only eat excess of 5 pesos a day if food was worked for or given to us. This was done in an attempt to try and experience a lifestyle away from instant gratification and self indulgence that I know has characterized much of my life.

We now have contacts with Caritas throughout Mexico for the rest of our journey to serve with. We have permanent relationships in Monterrey to send volunteers and to begin multiple projects in the near future. I can honestly say that we were doing Full Hearts work, or whatever you want to call it. Amazing. A woman told me in Nuevo Laredo that you would need at least a month to plan ahead before working and volunteering in these cities. She was wrong. When you simply seek to help others, opportunities will present themselves in the most uncanny and magnificent ways.

There is no such thing as a small miracle... only miracles.

gregorio

Freedom

2008-05-18T15:50:00.003-05:00

Freedom... To be free. In the land of opportunity, this is still an entirely rare and unique feeling to experience. It exists. This is not disputable. However, it is usually an idea tossed around in history classes, or to justify our postion on matters of foreign policy. When is it real though? When is it more than just ideology and nationalism? I don´t believe that you can seek freedom. It is in the 'not' doing where freedom is a colorful frescoe painting within grasp. I have now affirmed that nothing can prevent you from experiencing this Earth on your own time, on your own schedule. The act of deliberately 'not' planning reveals my true path to me more clearly than I have ever witnessed before. Freedom is the act of walking this Earth in every which direction. Unguarded and Unburdened. This is Freedom.

gregorio

Mexico to Belize

2008-05-14T10:34:00.004-05:00

And so it begins... After two weeks of preparation without time to stop or think or breathe we are off. We can now focus on the enormous task at hand, driving our 1974 Cortez bus the entire length of Mexico to Belize.

To provide a few introductions, my name is Greg, a little over one year ago I started a little non-profit with a group of friends to attempt to do something about the overwhelming poverty and neglect among children in Nuevo Laredo. One year later, we are curious to see where else we can involve ourselves to be agents of positive change. I will be joined by 6 of my closest friends, Michael, Kelly, Daniel, Alex, Travis, and Jon (who you have already read about on here). You will hear about their experiences and perspectives as this trip progresses.

The bus is actually on its way to meet Michael and I in Nuevo Laredo (little car trouble in San Antonio). Michael and I will be catching a bus to Veracruz. Michael and I have a much longer journey planned to continue south from Belize to Costa Rica doing more Full Hearts work..

And so it begins... We could not have gotten here without your generous support. So please keep up with our crazy adventures on this blog.

With a full heart,
gregorio

Day 25 and 26

2007-07-10T23:18:00.000-05:00

I missed quite a few days of updates due to the internet being down. After inquiring about the problem, I found out that I´m really lucky it worked as long as it did uninterrupted. Apparently it goes down very frequently. It has me a little nervous now because I have a scholarship application due tomorrow that is absolutely critical.

I don´t remember much about yesterday other than it may have been the hardest day of work I have ever had. It was the day for the concrete. After a weekend of frustration trying to find wood to frame for the concrete, I had to wait until Monday morning. I woke up early and went searching for a decent deal, only to end up settling for what I think was entirely too much. I know the lumber cost here is high, but it was absurd. Upon returning I had one hour before the concrete truck was to arrive. I was hoping that this time the Mexican culture of being late would work for me. Of course though, they showed up early when I had half of the framing done. To make matters worse, the concrete truck could not pass through the gate. Picture this - concrete truck parked at the gate, me rushing trying to get the floor framed with subpar wood that was cracking and splitting, and being told that we would need to haul the cement in by wheelbarrow. The gazebo is about 80 yards (not a short distance over rough terrain) and the wheelbarrow was less than quality.

Feeling quite frustrated and helpless, my brain went to racing trying to figure something out. I stopped to think and heard a tractor in the distance. I figured the tractor must have a big bucket on the front and it could make it through the gate. I was desperate and took off running to chat with the hombres operating the tractor. After running through mud and receiving looks from Madre Heno that were saying I was crazy, I found two guys taking a break in the shade. There was hope - the tractor would work perfect for what we needed. Now I just needed to use my broken Spanish to ask these guys for the favor. I can only imagine they were a little perplexed having a gringo trying to speak Spanish and asking them to use their tractor to haul concrete. But, it worked. They agreed and I paid them each 20 bucks for their time. They even helped shovel the concrete once it was down.

But once it was down the real work started. I am thankful we didn´t have to wheelbarrow it in - I might be dead right now. After trying this method and that method to get the concrete smoothed and in place, Ephrian showed up and lent us his wisdom. It still took hours of incredibly hard work to get that concrete right - turns out we needed more. I thought, no big deal, we´ll go get bags and mix em up and throw em in. Not true.

Here in Mexico they don´t have ready mix concrete. They have rocks, and they have concrete mix. The method for mixing is to spread the rocks on the ground, pour the mix over the top, mix it all together with the shovel, spray sections down with the water hose, mix it all again, and again, then shovel into the wheelbarrow, then pour, then spread, then level. Over, and over, and over again.

I have blisters that I´m sure will never go away. I have aches and pains that will be with me for weeks to come. After another trip for more, more mixing blah blah blah, we were done. I could barely stand in the shower and had no trouble falling asleep.

That was yesterday.

Today I woke up early for Erika, Paola, and Karina (three sisters) Christening. I believe that´s what its called - its the Catholic version of Baptism. It was definitely an interesting experience. After the long walk back and a bowl of cereal, I was out again. I slept until 2, got up for lunch, and layed back down again. The only thing I did today was take Marisol to her doctor appointments and put up 4 boards on the gazebo before dark.

Tomorrow I should get really far on the gazebo. Now that the concrete is done everything else is a downhill battle. After hearing story after story from Ephrian about worse situations for building than what we had, I´m actually quite thankful for the experience yesterday. When the project is complete, I will definitely look back and remember the blood, sweat, and tears it took to get the thing constructed. I definitely have a newfound respect for the tools we enjoy in the US. Working without them in an environment that necessitates them even more made me realize how lucky we are to have access to a Home Depot pretty much anytime we need it.

I´m off to take care of my wounds and get some more rest before a long day in the sun. If anyone is free this weekend and wants to do a little work....

Day 22

2007-07-06T23:07:00.000-05:00

Today was again very frustrating as far as the construction end goes. Although I am confident things will be rolling tomorrow, I have a hard time understanding why they couldn´t today. As the end of the trip is nearing, I am beginning to get nervous that this project will be unfinished when we leave.

All of the plans have been set and promises have been made to me at this point. The concrete should be poured tomorrow and I should be receiving all the tools I need. Peggy is coming into town tomorrow and I´m going to make sure she gets the point across that I am feeling a little bit of pressure about time at this point.

I spent some more time cruising the city with Ephrian and some nap time on the trampoline. I watched Mr. and Mrs. Smith with all the girls and then relaxed and listened to my MP3 player while detailing my car. Today felt more like vacation than a humanitarian aid trip. Oh well, a week of long days awaits.

More and more I am becoming very accustomed to life here. After only 3 weeks this really is beginning to feel like home. It´s going to be somewhat of a culture shock when I return to the hustle of school and friends. In a way I´m looking forward to it, but in a big way I´m not looking forward to having to leave.

Anyone ever heard of ketchup on pizza? Ya, me neither.

Day 21

2007-07-06T23:00:00.000-05:00

Day 21, three weeks. It absolutely does not seem like I have been here that long. On the other hand, its hard to imagine I haven´t been here longer.

Today was rather eventless. I have more or less assimilated into everyday life while waiting on the concrete to be poured. I run errands with Ephrian, help with chores, and play at playtime. I feel like I´m just another resident now.

We did finish everything we can do with the gazebo in preparation for the foundation. The posts are up and now its obvious just how big this thing is going to be. The concrete quote was quite a bit more than expected but it´s do-able. I´m excited about the next step being completed. The frustration has been mounting trying to get this part done. The language barrier and the culture of ¨mañana¨ is starting to wear on my patience.

On the bright side, it gives me a lot of free time to explore the city and more time to get closer to the girls. I feel like I could get just about anywhere in Nuevo Laredo that I needed to go. I´m even quite certain people are starting to recognize me as the American in town.

Hopefully tomorrow will bring progress...

Day 20

2007-07-04T22:40:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning somewhat late but got the much needed rest I was lacking. I feel a hundred times better and am quite sure I have kicked the sickness.

It rained hard and almost all day so no work was accomplished. Other than running around town with Ephrian to do errands and some cleaning, most of my time was spent playing cards or chatting with the Madres. Fun did commence once the sun set.

I got the go ahead from the Madres for the fireworks. It was so much fun I can´t even explain it. I had hoped I had Peggy´s video camera but I think I left it in her truck this past weekend. Its the only way the story could be told. All the girls had a blast and it was no different for me. It really made me think about when I was a kid and out at the lake doing fireworks. Just seeing their eyes light up when something happened that wasn´t expected or when someone got a little too close - priceless fun.

Afterwards the older girls stayed up and a water balloon war broke out. It lasted some time and I´m not too sure Madre Heno was happy about it. The girls were - they had a blast. Tomorrow should be a blast picking all the trash up from the night.

Now its showers and bedtime. Very simple day for sure, but I think it was needed. I hope the rain will stop and give us some time to work. It´s starting to worry me that we may not have time to finish this thing before heading back.

I hope everyone had a fun and safe fourth, I expect to hear stories. Buenas.

Day 19

2007-07-04T11:15:00.000-05:00

Today was interesting in many aspects. Hopefully that will come through in this attempt.

It all started off with mass again at the neighborhood church. During vacation from school, the girls attend mass every day at 8am. I felt aches in every muscle again, and was getting very skeptical as to whether or not I was ever going to get better. The long walk there and back did not help with the problem.

Afterwards Chris and I made a trek over to the US to retrieve necessary paperwork for crossing materials that we had left on accident. Afterwards we went to the mall to walk around in rememberance of our past life as Americans. It was less than as fulfilling as I had hoped it would be. We also went to the post office to check the PO Box the Madres have for collecting donations and help from the US. All in all it was nice to be back to nice roads and easy living, but I started to miss Mexico minutes after crossing over.

Texas A&M International University is located in Laredo. I was curious so I toured the campus before heading back. It was incredibly interesting. The buildings were very nice, the campus was quite large, and deer grazed on campus like squirrels do in College Station. I´m not sure exactly why, but being there made me feel really good on the inside. I guess it says something for the Aggie spirit. I was somewhere so different and relatively far away, yet still felt like I was at home with the maroon and white, the Texas A&M insignia, and the Block T stickers everywhere.

After the quick tour we stopped by for fireworks for the girls tomorrow. Even though I´ll be out of country, I´ll still be celebrating July 4th. Hopefully anyways - we will need to get permission from the Madres first.

Crossing back was no problem and returning to the orphanage was nice. I worked on the gazebo until the rain came, showered, and passed out.

Tomorrow will be fun, and I WILL be well.

Day 18

2007-07-02T23:07:00.000-05:00

Day 18 started off extremely early. I had to wake up early to remove all the seats from the van in order to haul the lumber across the border after mass. Mass was good, but again I woke up with an excruciating headache. I´m not sure what is causing them now, but I hope it subsides soon.

The trip across and back was an experience in itself. Although I didn´t know all that was being said, I know it took quite a bit of wheelin and dealin to get the go ahead to cross the materials cost free. Madre Heno was with us and that helped a great deal. I feel very lucky to have gone through the experience though. I saw parts of the internal offices that very few people will ever see. The culture here is very different as far as the law goes. Any rule can be bent as long as the protector of the rule sees it fit. Today was our day - we got the go ahead for all the material.

We crossed into Laredo, picked up the material at what ended up being a few different places, and headed back. Initially we were told we would have to pay $100 fee, but Madre Heno took care of that and we were sent through for free. Once back it was obvious it was going to rain. That meant unloading (the back doors of the van wouldn´t close with the lumber in), securing from the rain, and a bit of time to relax and enjoy the cool weather.

I have been asking Ephrian if he would let me take him out to dinner for a while now and we finally got a chance today. After dropping Madre Ester off at the bus station for her 12 hour trip home, we took him to a rather nice restaurant called ¨El Rancho.¨ The trip there was anything but easy. Here in this part of Mexico they don´t have something we take for granted in the US - drainage. The entire city was underwater from an hour of modest rain. It had to be one of the single most odd things I have ever seen. I cannot even imagine what it looked like the few days it was pouring nonstop. So, next time it rains where you are, stop and look at how lucky we are to have well thought out drainage systems. Here everything settles into the low spots, most of which are the streets.

We enjoyed some amazing food and some amazing Mariachi music at El Rancho. It was a lot of fun hanging out with Ephrian away from the work atmosphere. We spent quite a bit of time there so it is now very late and must get to bed for an early work day in la mañana.

I wish everyone could taste the tacos I had tonight.

Day 17

2007-07-01T21:23:00.000-05:00

I´m not sure why, but I woke up with a terrible headache and felt really bad. It didn´t help that it was extremely hot and there was a lot to do. Like every other day though, all it took was getting going and everything was alright.

I loaded all the medical supplies we have stocked up into the truck to take to a Colonia I had never been to before. We also packed a few boxes of tacos and some other snacks as well. I had not even had time to get the sleep out of my eyes and we headed out. When we got there it was not at all what I imagined. The church was enormous and the entire area was decorated for a huge fiesta. Our intent was to come and stock the clinic - what we got was a huge party for about 100 kids first communion. They do not take it lightly. The kids were dressed in beautiful dresses and very sharp little suits. Peggy informed me that they would be celebrating for the whole day. I got to meet the priest for a short period of time. He had many things to attend to but said he would give me a call sometime this week to fill me in on some things that we may be able to do to help out while down here.

After celebrating for some time, we headed to the market for vegetables and fruit for some other orphanages. For the first time I´ve been here, people were really rude to me. I think they saw how much we were buying and assumed we were either showing off or doing something disruptive. Everyone acted like we weren´t there and purposely stayed in our way the whole time we were there. The music inside was incredibly loud, making for an even more uncomfortable setting. I was impressed however with the price for everything. We basically filled the back of a large pickup truck up with fruits and vegetables for $141. We then delivered the goods to the orphanages and brought the rest back here to the Casa Hogar.

Today was a special day for Mexico. Their soccer team was playing in the Gold Cup against Ecuador and won 2-1. In order to celebrate, we played our own soccer game. Again my team won, of course. Due to the game though we missed out on a play with the little girls and visiting one of the other orphanages. It exhausted me and I should sleep well after a big dinner and a big day in the sun.

Tomorrow is the big day in Laredo picking up all the materials for the gazebo. Wish us luck dealing with the border patrol when crossing. It´s going to be complicated.

Hope all is well wherever you are.

Day 16

2007-06-30T23:35:00.000-05:00

Today was unlike most in the beginning. I woke up at 7:30 feeling quite perky and walked over for breakfast, only to find that everyone else was still asleep. It didn´t take long for the hustle to start, so it wasn´t much of a waste.

Breakfast was interesting with all the people from Austin. Again, great food. Again, so much different when there are other people here. The Madres told me it was important that I sit down and let them serve me because I was a ¨resident¨ now and shouldn´t interfere with the guests. I thought that was kind of special for them to say and made me feel really good about the impression they have of me being here.

After breakfast Chris and I did our laundry and then filled up two laundry baskets full of water balloons. After showing off my pinpoint accuracy with a rubber waterbomb, I realized the Madres weren´t really happy with the girls being drenched. I then fell asleep while talking to everyone and apparently napped most of the afternoon away. By the time I woke up it was time to head out to the Colonias for mass and the fiesta. Unfortunately, I didn´t wake up in time to play soccer with all the kids out there, but I promised them I would very soon. There were also errands to be ran with Ephrian, and he needed me for an extra driver to get them all done.

After loading up a ton of food and drinks, tables, and candy of course, we headed out. At mass it was pretty much what I expected - a lot of kids, 10 or so families, and then a bunch of people waiting around for the food. I´m not sure why exactly, but people there are very shy about getting together in groups. I can think of some possible reasons, but I would be assuming. Afterwards some really great people stuck around to talk and I played more with the kids that I know. Sapo (you know who you are), no matter how many times I tell them you aren´t here right now, they keep asking for you.

Afterwards we stocked the library that we put in place with more books and visited some of the families that couldn´t make it due to one reason or another. It´s a tough place to get around and with any kind of disability it is impossible to get around. Again and again though, I see nothing but happiness in the face of the kids out there. The adults look quite a bit more worn down but who can blame them. Years of that kind of living has to wear on the body and the soul.

Then it was back to Casa Hogar for dinner and movies. On Saturday nights the older girls get to stay up late and watch TV or do whatever they like. Tonight it was Just Married and How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days - in Spanish. I will never get used to dubbing. Seeing Matthew Mcgonaughey´s mouth move with a Mexican voice coming out is too odd for me. It was a lot of fun though and it gave me a chance to get a lot closer to some of the older girls that normally get very overtaken by the little ones.

It´s now very late, and I´m very tired. Tomorrow is another big day and I am really looking forward to it.

Day 15

2007-06-29T23:09:00.001-05:00

I wish I could say the day started off like it ended up. I woke up and immediately knew I had a sinus infection. I get it two or three times a year and its always the exact same feeling. I thought about all of the hassle it would take to get antibiotics, and then went back to sleep until 11.

I woke up and realized that in Mexico, no subscription is needed. So off to HEB I went with one of the guys from Michigan that speaks much better Spanish than I do. They eneded up costing me $40 for 12 pills. I think I got the American price. Oh well, they are working quite well.

While with Larry, he told me many stories about trips to Guatemala, the interior of Mexico, and the rest of Central and South America. He is a ¨retired¨ hippie by his own account, and has been doing humanitarian aid work for years and years. He had some incredible stories of close calls, hilarity, and a lot of heartwarming accounts of the things he and his friends have accomplished. He was truly an inspiration and a great person to talk with.

Afterwards was a lot of kicking the soccer ball around until I made the trip to the border with Ephrian to take the Michigan folks back. It was sad to see them go - it was a lot of fun having them here.

Today was Madre Ester´s last exam and graduation from the university she attends. While she was away, the girls along with Chris and I prepared a surprise party for her return. Before she made it back, Peggy and about 18 other people from her church showed up with a ton of food. The girls told me they wanted to challenge the guys that came with those people to a soccer game. I did, and we won 8-0. Madre Ester finally arrived and the party began. It was a lot of fun and we had some really good food. It was actually quite interesting. The food was Mexican food, and was really good, but the girls didn´t like it as much as I thought they would. They are used to the food they eat here and weren´t really into it all that much. I was. It was taquitos, guacamole, grapes, mango, and other stuff I was too full to eat.

Afterwards, we watched the lightning storm in the distance and said our goodbyes to the people that came from Austin. I pulled out my computer and sat with a few of the older girls that stayed up later and showed them a bunch of pictures on my computer. Most were of the girls and the trip last time. They had a great time with it, and started really missing a few of the guys that aren´t here with me right now. Guys, if you read this, you are missed.

After reflecting on the day, I realized what a good time it was. After waking up miserable, it really turned around. This weekend should also be a lot of fun. The plans at the Colonias are great and I am excited about playing soccer with all the kids out there.

On a sidenote, I kind of tricked the girls today when I left to take the people from Michigan back to the border. I thought I was being obvious about the joke, but apparently some didn´t know. I said that I was leaving and I would see everyone next year. When I got back, quite a few of them were upset but at the same time glad to see me. Some of the girls that had not talked to me much made a BIG effort to spend time with me afterwards. I feel bad about upsetting them, but it made me feel really good to see how much I was missed.

I do miss everyone, I promise....

Day 14

2007-06-28T22:44:00.000-05:00

Wow, it was weird typing in day 14. It absolutely does not feel I have been here that long. I feel so at home here now and I´ve acclimated to the routine so much that each day just seems to fly by.

I woke up this morning knowing that all of the prep work had to be complete and 100% ready to go by the end of the day. After a quick breakfast I got started and realized that it wasn´t going to be all that hard to accomplish. It got even easier when the people from Michigan showed up and lent us a hand. Everything was easily done by lunch, and oh what a lunch it was. Today we feasted. I don´t even know how to explain what it was, but it included me eating two hole jalapeños, a lot of some green vegetable I have never seen before today, and a lot of fideo that was delicious.

Afterwards we had the cakes that I had gotten for the girls. It was a surprise and I think they really enjoyed it. Afterwards, many of the girls started calling me their ¨padrino¨ which means ¨godfather¨ in Spanish. Its really nice to see what a nice gesture means to these girls.

Shortly thereafter the guy who does construction here, Juan, and two guys from the US who help out a lot, Jim and Rick, came by and scoped out what was needed for their trip back tomorrow. They were great guys and I really look forward to hanging out with them this weekend. Peggy is coming down with 18 people from her church and we plan to do quite a bit this weekend. I know the plans include mass and a fiesta at the Colonias, a pizza party, and some other surprises, but I´m sure more events will ensue.

After a couple hours of playing what was basically ¨keep away,¨ Ephrian, Chris, and I went out to the Colonias to check on the condition of the roads for this weekend. They were still in pretty bad shape but we found some ways to get around it. We also informed quite a bit of the people about the events for the weekend. Most of the kids wanted to make sure that I would be there to play soccer with them at some point. Speaking of the kids, I was really impressed with how much English the kids out there know. They definitely had a great time laughing at my broken Spanish and were very proud to be able to repeat much of what I said in English. Everytime I go out there my heart grows for this country. Those people have absolutely nothing, but are so happy and so full of life.

When we got back, all of the sisters were on the computer in their pajamas. I walked in and got a little freaked out , but they said to come on in and we had a lot of fun trying to get something to work for them on the computer. Apparently I helped a great deal, but I have no idea what was going on except that it was something for a class that one of them had.

Good times, always. Buenos veces, siempre.

Day 13

2007-06-27T21:43:00.000-05:00

This morning I woke up late. Really late. I had a lot of emails to write last night, washed my car, and couldn´t go to sleep after I finally laid down due to my mind racing about this and that. I ate my breakfast at 10:30 and got a little bit of work done before I took off with Ephrian to run all over town for food, auto parts, pick up the cakes for the girls, pick up a vehicle that was at the shop, and then pick up some girls from school. It was a lot of fun seeing yet more of the city I had never seen before.

The most interesting part I had never seen before was driving down the road that runs parallel to the Rio Grande. Seeing Texas just over the river and the contrast between the two areas so close together really got me thinking. I have almost gotten used to the poverty here and have acclimated a great deal to the way life is lived on this side.

After an intense soccer game, we all headed to a piano concert by a man from somewhere in Mexico. He was absolutely amazing. He played music that came from the past 300 years of Mexican history. I have never seen anyone play the piano as well as he did, TV or in person.

After more soccer here I am, fighting off monstrous mosquitos by the dozens. I can´t take it anymore and have to go. Tomorrow is our last day to finish the work before the concrete is poured so it should be tons of fun. Buenas.

Day 12

2007-06-26T23:21:00.000-05:00

Today was a day of emotion on both ends of the spectrum. Starting this entry off, I´m not sure how it will come out.

To begin the day I had no appetite and could barely eat breakfast. I had no idea why and didn´t think too much of it - its happened many times before. But, as soon as I took my first swing of the pick axe, I busted my toe open. I already felt like the day wasn´t going to go my way so Chris and I decided that maybe we should focus on other things for the day. We decided to try and fix up the covered parking and realized that the material we used was tearing and that it was not going to work due to the wind. Bummer. After taking it all inside we rode around with Ephrian to pick up the few girls that were still in school and then headed back to find that a couple of families from Michigan had arrived.

At first I was a little taken back by how many of them there were and was worried about how everything was going to work with them being here. But, after a short time, I realized that they were awesome people and would be a lot of fun to hang out with. After a lot of conversation we decided to work on getting my car out of the mudhole it had been in since Sunday. It seemed as though it would be a fairly easy project, especially with all of the willing hands to help. I was wrong. It turned out that the reason my car sunk at that spot was because a water pipe had busted and was continuously feeding water into the area. I had been wondering why that was the only spot not drying up! After hours of Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, etc. etc., I finally convinced everyone to give in and we called a tow truck. At this point I am mentally and emotionally exhausted - and watching 4 nuns, a bunch of girls, and 3 families in the mud doing everything they can to get my car out of a sinkhole was no help.

The tow truck came and it looked as though the operator was maybe 16 or 17 years old. Let me tell ya, I felt comfortable. He ended up spending a good amount of time figuring out the best way to do the job and did a lot better than I probably would have. But, although it was the best way, it did do some damage to the plastic on my car. It is out though, and for that I am very thankful. Watching my car slowly sink into the mud was seriously wearing on me.

Afterwards I was finally able to eat and relax somewhat. For the first time on the trip I didn´t feel too good and was missing the ease of life in the US. Shortly thereafter though, I was reminded of what brought me here.

I have been wanting to get Mariana something for her birthday for a couple of days now and finally had a chance to do so. Ephrian and I decided to go to the Pasteleria (bakery) to get a cake for all the girls and to have a fiesta for Mariana. Afterwards the plan was to go to AutoZone to get carwash and other things needed to clean my car. The drive to get anywhere takes some time due to the inconvenient road system in place here. This turned out to be a great thing this time. I had time to get into a conversation with Ephriam about his life, where he had come from, why he was here, and what his goals in life are. The conversation became very deep and I learned a great deal about him. I found out that Ephrian does not get paid for the work he does here. He is reimbursed the equivalent of $90 a week by the schools that the girls go to for picking them up and dropping them off everyday. Keep in mind, Ephrian spends almost his entire day doing things for this place and works harder than almost any man I have ever met. I found out that he has been working here since he was 14, he is now 32. In the middle of the day while the girls are at school he works as a mechanic down the street to be able to make ends meet. He does not have to work at the Casa Hogar, he does not get paid for it. When I asked him why, he told me that ¨he loves the girls with all his heart and that he feels like they are all his sisters.¨ He has had many opportunities to take much higher paying jobs, but he stays here and gives his life to make these girl´s lives better. Without his help this place could not exist and these girls could not have half of what they have. Needless to say, by the end of the conversation I was very touched and I had been changed forever. His sacrifice is like none I have ever seen before.

After a fairly rotten day and being discouraged by a series of events, I saw again what makes this place so special to me.

Day 11

2007-06-25T21:41:00.000-05:00

Luckily the rain held out for another day. It looks as if the cool spell has passed and the heat has returned to stay. I do miss the cool weather but I am glad to be able to get some work done.

Today a great deal was accomplished. The dirt work is now almost complete and prepped for the concrete. As simple as that sounds, it was a trememndous undertaking. The gazebo is not small, and the ground is not soft. Everything from concrete pillars to bricks to old rusty pipes was found in every spot we needed to dig. Three hours later my hands are still ringing!

Ephrian and I made the trip out to the block making factory to pick up the blocks for the foundation. I got to see the big machines that they use to press the block. I also got to see a big part of Nuevo Laredo I had never seen before. It was obvious that the excessive rain had taken its toll on the people in this area. So much was scattered all over the landscape and there wasn´t one road that hadn´t had atleast one area washed out. We also met up with a friend of the Madres from church to get the maya (metal grid to hold the concrete together). He was very thankful that the rain had stopped and he could return to work.

After returning and working until dinner time, the excitement of the day ensued. Today was Mariana´s birthday (she is one of my very favorite here) and I wanted to give her the birthday presents I had planned to give her. I went out to the room I am staying in to retrieve it, and what do I see? A 4 plus foot long snake making its way into my room. This snake was no slouch. Once it heard me coming it moved faster than I have ever seen a snake move. I took off running and called one of the older girls to come see it so that I would know what word to use when telling the Madres. Problem was, she thought I was playing a joke on her and she just ignored me! After some convincing and pleading, she agreed to take a look. The snake had settled halfway into the doorway, so she thought it was small and told the Madres there was a SMALL snake in the doorway. Madre Hac, like a soldier, grabbed a big wooden pole and proceeded into the room while Chris and I are outside freaking out. Madre found it hiding behind a water cooler and began smacking at it with the stick. From outside I see the snake striking the stick as high as 3 or 4 feet in the air. Finally, the snake attacks and NARROWLY missed the valiant Madre. She stepped outside and I pleaded with her to not go back in, but, she pushed me aside and went back in to finish the job. At this point I´m thinking she has lost her mind! But, less than a minute later she had slayed the serpent. Its head was no more and I could then tell this was not her first rodeo.

Needless to say, I felt a little small after the whole situation. Picture this: me standing outside with a look on my face that I´m sure can´t be described, and a nun inside battling a snake. Anyways, animal control was called and I was lovingly ridiculed by a bunch of girls.

I seriously doubt I will be getting any sleep tonight.

Day 10

2007-06-24T22:34:00.000-05:00

It finally stopped raining today! Everything got started off with mass at the chapel on site. It was really nice not having to go anywhere to get to church. The priest was really cool and said some really nice things about me to all the girls. He didn´t know I was able to understand most of what he was saying and I didn´t let on.

Afterwards it was a series of one vehicle after another getting stuck in the mud while the visitors were trying to leave. Afterwards we got started on the gazebo. The heat was back in full effect and the ground in that spot was almost concrete already. I got them all done though, and most of the other dirt work as well. Hopefully we can have the concrete poured and begin construction by next Monday.

As always there was a lot of play time with the girls on the trampoline and various other games. The girls did go to bed early because they are all waking up at 5am to get ready for school. Tonight with the Madres was great again. Every day I feel like I am getting more and more fluent. For a good 2 hours I talked and joked with the Madres about everything from the gigantic mosquitos to pretty much my life story. One major thing we talked about was the cultural differences between the US and Mexico. Its really interesting to hear their perspective on the social issues facing the two countries.

Tomorrow should be filled with work if the rain will again hold out. Salud a todo.

Day 9

2007-06-23T23:53:00.000-05:00

Again, rain rain and more rain. More playing, more English classes, and more trying very hard to find something to do. I basically spot cleaned the building today just to keep myself busy.

One very productive thing that did happen today was Juan, the guy who owns the construction company here in Nuevo Laredo, came by and gave me all the prices for materials. He is also letting us use his tools and a lot of his materials for free. The guy is really smart and is incredibly nice for all that he is doing. He has even volunteered to bring most of the materials across the border himself at no cost. I honestly don´t even know if we could get it done without his help.

Hopefully we can get some work done after church tomorrow. It has now reached an all time record high precipitation count for Nuevo Laredo and is not supposed to stop for a couple of days...

Day 8

2007-06-23T23:33:00.000-05:00

Another day of rain and another day of getting next to no work done. Most of the girls didn´t have school so it meant a full day of just playing with the girls and taking siestas. The rain is nice for the heat problem, but it is seriously putting a damper on our work.

A lot of the girls have become interested in taking advantage of my ¨English classes¨ and have joined in with the group. I go through their English homework with them and come up with vocabulary lists. In fact, I gave one of the sisters her first exam tonight and she only got two of 56 words wrong. I was very impressed!

I can definitely tell we are into the inner circle now. They stay up after the girls have gone to sleep and laugh and joke with us about anything and everything. Madre Heno has a sense of humor that is extremely effective, but very intimidating. She acts very stern to set up the jokes - I can´t tell if she´s upset or if she´s joking - and then comes the laughs - mostly at me for getting worried that she was serious.

Other than that its kind of slow. I´m still waiting on the rain to stop so I can get out to the Colonias and so we can get started on the preparation for the Palapa.

Day 7

2007-06-21T21:40:00.000-05:00

Today was interesting in that we had no projects or anything that we could do. We just woke up and started reading English-Spanish Dictionaries until it was time for the girls to come home from school. I did learn a lot but I wish there was a better way. I helped a lot of the little girls with their homework. It was mostly handwriting and pronunciation exercises. It was nice knowing that I knew more Spanish than atleast some people here, haha.

The Madres finished up sewing the covers for the parking and we got one side put up. It looks good but will look better once we have all the hardware. Then I spent a lot of time just kicking the ball around with the girls until it began to rain. I suggested watching a movie to the Madres and they agreed. Scooby Doo 2 was the choice and it was a lot of fun.

Most of the girls don´t have school tomorrow so breakfast will be late and there will be a lot of time to work on my Spanish. I try to stay in conversation with atleast a few people at all times to help improve my speaking abilities. It seems to be working so far, but when they begin to speak fast I understand next to nothing.

Buenas noches a todo.

Day 6

2007-06-21T21:37:00.000-05:00

Today was kind of slow due to the lack of things to be done. By the time I woke up, Madre Heno had already finished sewing two pieces together. The problem was, they were the wrong two pieces. I spent a couple of hours taking out 22 feet of stitching and then helped with the sewing to make sure the correct pieces were going together. It was an example of how delicate differences in language are. I had explained what I needed many many times, and still I wasn’t getting exactly the correct thoughts across. For technical projects, I will be drawing detailed pictures from now on.

As soon as the first large piece was done, the rain came. After that there was absolutely no project to work on. I volunteered to pick the girls up from school (they were extremely excited about that) and take Miriam, one of the oldest, to work. She is working at a dentist’s office as part of her curriculum to become a dentist. I was nervous for about an hour straight. In Mexico, no one stops at stop signs or red lights and no one has any regard for other people driving. Close calls are the norm and no one seems to care. It doesn’t help that most people walk and that means pedestrians all over the already poorly maintained roads. Another problem is the lack of planning in design. There are no big roads to help get places. It’s all small roads with no rhyme or reason. Getting directions from someone who knows NO English, while dealing with all of that, was a hell of an experience.

The Colonias trip was cancelled due to the rain. The roads are hard enough to drive when they are dry, but when they are wet they are impossible. So, the rest of the day dragged and I spent a lot of time talking to a few of the girls and trying to improve my Spanish. Tomorrow I plan on trying to learn a lot more so that I can begin holding conversations with the people I will be working with on the construction of the gazebo.

Buenas noches.

Day 5

2007-06-21T21:36:00.000-05:00

To start, I finished the holes for the covered parking (no small task, the ground here is basically cement) and cemented the poles into the ground. I also got the fabric we are using for the cover cut and ready to be sewn. I know everyone here is looking forward to the completion of this project. Even early in the morning, when the girls go to school, the vehicles are extremely hot. When they get picked up, it’s almost unbearable. Tomorrow Chris and I are going to meet David and his wife at the Colonias and the Madres will do the sewing for us.

The most interesting thing that has happened so far on this trip happened tonight. There are many times when I don’t really have anything specific to do, especially after the girls go to sleep. Tonight after they were sleeping, I was sitting with all of the Madres and I asked them if there were any projects that they would like me to work on when I am idle. After a bit of laughter amongst themselves, they said that they would like me to conduct English classes for them. I was all for it. I began right then and taught them some of the basic differences between the languages, the alphabet (the way to say the letters), numbers, and quite a bit of vocabulary. I told them I was going to make a list of vocabulary and give them a test next week! They definitely got a kick out of it and agreed to study.

Late tonight Ephrian (the guy who drives the girls to and from school and does a lot of work at the orphanage) will be driving 2 of the girls and 2 of the Madres to Victoria, Mexico. They are going for some kind of conference. I couldn’t quite make out exactly what it was, but I am nervous about their safety. I am sure everything will be ok, I just can’t help but worry about it.

I promised Lupita I would help her with her English homework tonight, so that is it from me.

Day 4

2007-06-21T21:33:00.000-05:00

Due to the lack of sleep I have been getting, I basically went into a coma and didn’t wake up until about 11 this morning. I felt terrible but David and his wife were happy about it and glad we got some rest finally. After a nice Chinese buffet lunch we headed over to the hardware store and loaded my car down with concrete, post-hole diggers, and other hardware needed to install the covered parking. Afterwards it was time to head back to Mexico and get started working – I thought. We got back and apparently the girls had overdosed on sugar and were not going to let me do anything but play. After the trampoline, basketball, soccer, football, card games, some game I never got the hang of, 4 square, hopscotch, some other weird game, and then goodnights, I finally got to work on digging the holes. And that my friends, is almost an impossible task. The ground here is so hard it might as well be concrete. We’ll see how the rest of that goes tomorrow.

It feels as if we haven’t gotten that much done during the time we have been here. But, we actually have. Most of the planning is done, contacts have been established, and we are getting used to the hot weather. I look forward to completing some projects so that I can feel like we have fully accomplished something. Other than that, my Spanish continues to improve and I think I am finally getting the hang of conjugating my verbs on the fly. It took quite a bit of practice but it seems to be getting easier everyday. I hope all is well in the Estados Unidos con mi amigos y mi familia. Adios.

Day 3

2007-06-21T21:27:00.000-05:00

Today started off with mopping up rain for an hour. Typically the windows for most of the rooms here stay open at night to help with cooling. Last night however, Nuevo Laredo had the heaviest rain it has had in 40 years. Everything, including my computer, was soaked. Thankfully nothing was damaged. I headed off to pick up the family that was staying at the hotel and made it back in time for breakfast. I then narrowly escaped getting my car stuck in the mud to get out and head off to church with all the girls.

Church was very interesting, as it was last time. I don’t understand a word being said and it seems as if it is tailored for children. It’s a lot of fun doing all the dances and singing the songs with the kids, but I’m looking forward to developing my Spanish skills so that I can know what’s going on. One thing they do each time is the ¨tren¨. Three lucky kids get inside this cardboard locomotive and all the kids line up behind and dance to a song about a train. Its a lot of fun for the kids.

After church we came back to the orphanage for lunch. As always it was delicious (hot dogs and macaroni and cheese). Peggy and I discussed plans for the summer with the Sisters and worked out a timeline. For the night we would go over to Laredo, Texas and meet David Morales. He is an amazing person and very gracious. He also owns a hardware store. He knows just about anything and everything and everyone we need to be able to accomplish great things here. I can already tell he will be a tremendous help and a valuable contact. We ate dinner as we talked about our ideas and dreams for Nuevo Laredo. His ideas are very closely related to mine and he has a lot of the same mentalities as I do. I am beyond excited to work with him and his wife down here.

Day 2

2007-06-21T21:24:00.000-05:00

I think Chris would agree, the heat definitely hindered the night’s sleep. It’s hard for me to imagine that I will eventually get used to it. But, I’m sure I will.

We saw the girls today at breakfast and it was exactly what I imagined: non-stop. It was tough when I had 5 other guys with me. Now, it’s just about impossible to keep up with the whole group. As crazy as it is, I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be.

Today started off with breakfast and then a pool party with all the girls. They were split into two groups at two different times, but it still got me very worn out – and sunburned. The meeting with the architect went very well and she will be sending the plans for the azebo soon. I really missed being here and I really missed the girls. Having a day for fun before all the work starts was really nice.

After lunch we went to a Festival Musica that was held in the city theatre. The play depicted all the parables in the Bible, but with a comedic twist. Although I could understand very little of what was being said, it was very entertaining. The actors ranged from elementary school children to older high school and possibly early college age kids. The acting and singing was phenomenal. I was absolutely impressed at the skill and energy the kids had throughout the entire 3 hour show. The night ended with dropping all the girls off and going out for what Peggy called “our last meal.” She’s referring to the fact that we will be eating here at the orphanage for every meal from now on and will not have many chances to eat out like tonight. In observance, I ate quite a bit more than a normal person should eat.

The Spanish is definitely coming along well. I spent a lot of time talking with the older girls and they are teaching me a lot. I think it just hit me tonight that I will be here for 2 months. I’m excited about it and curious at the same time. We’ll see…

Day 1

2007-06-21T21:20:00.001-05:00

After a day full of snags, we finally made it. We crossed the border about 10:30 and got settled in by midnight. Chris and I are trying to get used to the heat right now. There is no AC in the building we are staying in for the summer and that has me worried. From someone who likes it cold when its time to sleep, this is going to take some serious adjusting.

The girls don’t know we are here and will undoubtedly be surprised in the morning. I got to talk to one of the oldest girls, Lupita, tonight before heading to bed. She assured me the girls will be very happy to see that we are here. They are also unaware of the pool party we have planned for tomorrow. Peggy has put together beach bags/purses for each girl with toys, drinks, snacks, and a towel embroidered with their name. I cannot wait to see their faces.

Peggy and I are also meeting with the architect for the orphanage tomorrow. We will be discussing plans to build a gazebo on site to provide MUCH needed shade for the summer. Currently the only shade outside is under the trampoline. Hopefully we can get the project underway soon. Other projects will follow soon afterwards.

For anyone I haven’t told, I am here with a guy from Austin named Chris Alexander. He recently graduated high school and will be going into the Coast Guard soon. He has already been a big help and is also excited about everything that we have planned for the summer.

Pictures and updates soon

An Introduction

2007-04-03T01:59:00.000-05:00

My name is Greg. I am joined by seven close friends who recognized a problem. I see "problems" every day. Things that aren't right, that shouldn't happen. Unjust. Unlawful. Inhumane. But like many of us, I feel for a second, and then it slips from the foreground of my consciousness. And that's okay. Because we are all human, we can't shoulder the entire world alone. Can we really make a difference anyways?

This is the beginning of a story of how 8 young twenty-somethings aspired to feel more. To help more. To love. How a girls' orphanage in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico filled our hearts and inspired us to change. Upon reading you may be surprised to find that this world exists but a stones throw from our border. The stories of these girls are all heartbreaking. But as quickly as your heart wrenches, their smile can mend it. We hope that our experiences and their stories will also move you to action. But we don't ask for much more than your time and a few dollars. And together we can shoulder the burden of the world, one child at a time.

A beginning...
Nuevo Laredo, Mexico is the most dangerous city in North America...
A major entry point for drugs into the U.S. The drug cartels have owned this town for some time. Three cartels ran the show for many years. But one of the cartels fell from its high seat, resulting in an imbalance of power. What was previously an area of ironic peace, erupted into a violent drug war. Kidnappings and murders. Fear became very tangible. Carlos n' Charlies, Cadillac Bar, and Senor Frogs were once popular night spots for college students, traipsing across the border to party, became eerily quiet and empty.

In contrast to the exodus of tourists from Nuevo Laredo, something else was happening here. Thousands of families from the interior of Mexico and Central America flooded the border towns trying to reach America to survive from poverty. Yet far away from the front lines, Americans were writing policy to tighten security at the border (we are not making political insinuations here... seriously... this is not our mission). Many families were left in an odd sort of limbo in Nuevo Laredo. Those that were determined to stay together, were reduced to living in cardboard shanty towns like the colonia Blanca Navidad (which you can read about later) in extreme poverty. If they chanced reaching America, the father would cross the border leaving a family behind, many times these men would never be seen again. They would start over in America leaving their family in Mexico to starve. Or if they stayed, men would join the drug cartels, a bleak future of death or prison. The mothers would ultimately choose prostitution to make ends meet.

This is how most children would become orphans in Nuevo Laredo. And there are a whole heck of a lot of them too.

(To be continued... look forward to our first interaction with the orphanage, how we got started, the colonias, and profiles of some of the girls')

Please let this blog be a source for inspiration, entertainment, and realization.

With Full Hearts,
Greg