Puebla City

Our final night in Mexico was spent in Puebla City, where we saw an amazing Spanish church; colorful markets; and had a lovely last dinner together. 

Churches, city halls, and relaxation

Today is our last day in Mexico; tomorrow we will leave in the morning to come home to you all! We are spending the day sightseeing, visiting the towns of Cholula, Atlixco, and Puebla City. We are absorbing as much art, culture, and food as possible before returning home!

Last two days in Mexico

Yesterday, we spent half the day clearing the field for amaranth, so that the next group who visits can plant the seeds. It's a very fast growing grain, so very soon the community will have delicious grain to eat and sell!

The afternoon was our last day at the school, and the girls helped the students make picture frames for Father's Day. Everyone was sad to say adios, but the girls felt good about helping the kids as well as the community field.

Mt. Popo

Here's a picture of Mt. Popo! We are always on the lookout for an opportunity to get a good group picture with the volcano, but this will have to suffice for now!

Home-stay reflections

The students reflected with their home stay families their experiences in immersing themselves in traditional rural families in this area. Each of the girls articulated what they learned, such as appreciation for the comfort in their own lives, as well as a deep respect for the struggles and achievements of the families.

Field work and kids

We spent half our day today working in the amaranth field, and the other half working with the students. The girls are staying with host families tonight, and we are excited to hear their experiences tomorrow morning!

Cats!

I can't help but post this picture of a kitty next to the tattoo I have of my own two cats, Fred and Ginger. It's been so fun to watch the students dive completely (dare I say, immerse?) in the culture here, including interactions with the local dogs and cats. It's neat to learn about the students' pets, and for them to learn what pet ownership looks like in other countries.

Second day at Tecuanipan

The students spent the day at Ina and Manuel's farm and school in Tecuanipan, spending half the day working to clear a field (which will be planted with amaranth)

and the other half working in the school's after school program. We even caught a quick glimpse of the volcano, although it quickly hid behind the clouds.

Ina, Manuel, and Tecuanipan

After our visit to the school for the blind, we journeyed to the neighboring town of Tecuanipan to meet Ina and Manuel, a couple who are living models of sustainable living as well as living in solidarity with your community. Their house is made in a traditional adobe style, small and efficient, and their toilets are dry composting toilets. Ask your daughter about these awesome toilets when she gets back; there isn't space enough here to extol all their virtues! Today was the first day working with local kids in an after school program, housed in a school built on Ina and Manuel's property, again sustainably built.

The girls finished off their night reflecting on the ways in which their lives might be different if they lived here, and the depth of their empathy, compassion, and personal articulation were outstanding.

Visit to the school for the blind

This morning we visited a community school and resource center for people with visual disabilities. We learned about the different programs and services offered, and we also got to try our hand at creating Braille text.

A teacher and participant at the school, Frederico, led us through an exercise that showed how reliant most people are on their eyesight.

Technology

In our team breakfast meeting, known to be the best meetings, we agreed that the girls will only use their phones to take pictures until Thursday, when they'll be able to check and respond to emails. We're hoping that this unplugging will allow everyone to fully engage in what they're doing and who they're meeting. The blog will be updated daily, so you'll still know what we've been up to!

First day in Puebla

We arrived safe and sound to Cholula this morning, and were shown many sights around the city by our gracious guide, Miguel. We saw pyramids (and learned who among us is claustrophobic while traveling through the tunnels); walked to the top of another pyramid to visit a church; and spent time in a local market.

Everyone is happy, healthy, and excited for tomorrow!

Hello everyone!

I don't know about you, but I am SO excited to get our delegation started on Saturday! As the internet and our schedules permit, we'll update this blog with pictures, stories, and other fun stuff. Happy reading!