Saturday Noon

I am fighting off my first nap of the day...or at least trying to hold off until the official siesta time! Many of the boys went out to dinner with either their whole fraternity or several larger groups last night. Some went to restaurants and others went to homes. A couple of them experienced the famous "burro", which is a burrito as large as your forearm. We are not going hungry!!!!!!!!

Last night all of the boys were back to school by 11:00. One of them said that the people that they were with were going to a party after they dropped him off...and I said that is exactly the reason that they were dropped off. Didier, Chris and I were at Andres' parents last night for dinner with the other Brothers, Ana Marie and Rolando's parents. Andres and Rolando are exchange students who are in Jefferson City. Well, their kids were just leaving for parties at 10:00 at night. It is a whole different culture. More European in that late night thing. More on that later.

At 11:00 we had night prayer. I had ask the kids at morning prayer to think about the accountability held by the first world countries for many of the problems which exist in developing countries. I told them one of the results is that we are in Hermosillo rather than the villages. The drug war in some respects is because of America's drug habit. We aren't pulling the triggers, but...we are the market that is being fought for. And what is the real cost of having roses in February for Valentine's day. Or a diamond in that engagement ring...or $2.50 gasoline in our tanks. These things are subsidized by the poor in many countries. So I asked them to reflect on their lifestyles throughout the day. Then last night we prayed our day and then they went off with their Bibles and journals to write down their reflections. Just to let you know, they prayed for you, knowing you are worrying about them. I am very proud of the way they are really trying to make the best of all the change in plans. As one of you wrote: God knew about the mission being cancelled even before we came, yet we came, so this is part of a greater plan. So, I am trying to get the boys to figure out what the plan is for them. Yesterday morning while I was blogging the boys knew we were supposed to have prayer...so they went into the chapel by themselves and one of them lead the prayer...with out us. So stuff is happening. It is what they do when we aren't looking that really is indicative of what kind of kids they are. And they are making you all proud so far!

We had morning prayer this morning at 8:00 and then off to taqueria El Chino, yes that does translate into the Chinaman's taco stand. The boys are getting very adventurous in their menu choices. Some had beans for breakfast others have taken a liking to tongue. Today they branched out from barbacoa and cabeza to chicharones. I didn't have the heart to tell them what that was...but it is boiled pork rind in either red or green sauce. Pretty fatty. Pork rind, like all food should be fried to be properly enjoyed!

Didier and I met with about 11 families for 2 hours this morning. They are all interested in sending their children to either O'Hara or Helias. We talked about the schools and the cultural differences. I told them that I didn't know of a family who didn't have an 11 or 12 pm curfew for their kids...not just sending them out then. The parents like that. We had a really good conversation. Some of the parents had been exchange students themselves, so naturally want that experience for their children. Being bi-lingual has so many advantages, especially here in Mexico for both higher education and career choices. We tried to explain our difficulty is really finding host families. So start spreading the word. We are working on a meeting time so these students can meet our boys. Not all of them are on mission, most are. But I thought a more focused time would be good. They can introduce each other and hear about the schools for a student perspective. O'Hara has a student down here this year, so I as sure they have heard stories from him. But a variety of perspectives is always better.

We are probably headed for our worst meal yet...hamburgers at 1:30. Ick. We should have the final schedule for the week today. Some of the kids saw it last night. We will decide then what to do. I already know the kids want to stay. It seems that over half the kids will be here next week...so there will be at least 150 kids around.

The parents I was with last night lamented the cancellation of the mission, they pretty much said what we have been hearing from everyone, that the area we are in and were going to weren't the problems, but they said some parts of Mexico have gotten dangerous, so they too, said it is better to error on the side of caution.

The people have been wonderful hosts. Even the parents at the meeting this morning said if we need more hosts for the kids, just to call them. So we are being well cared for. I'll try to get more photos posted today.