Hard work!

I have found that it is good for me, and probably others as well, to step outside of my comfort zone once in awhile.  It helps me realize the privileges that I take for granted and helps me to enjoy the simple things in life.  Even though I have traveled to Mexico before, and even specifically to Tijuana, this was a step outside of my comfort zone.  I 'encouraged' myself to speak spanish, to go with the flow a little more when it comes to my dietary restrictions, to break away from my cell phone, to sit still, not plan, not "need" so many things like makeup, snacks, extra sanitation, etc.

I was also pleasantly surprised at the safety that I felt.  I knew the people would be warm and friendly, it is the nature of mexican culture.  But of course I had heard stories of crime and violence and how much Tijuana has changed since I was last there.  I never once felt threatened or unsafe and felt safer there than I do on Capitol Hill sometimes.

Mexico Mission Trek was so refreshing, to say the least.  It was so wonderful to be away from my desk, putting my hands and muscles to good use for a week.  Here are some photos of the hard work which happened to also be a lot of fun!

I wish I had better before/after photos but this is basically at the beginning.  We were building a second half onto a very small existing house which eventually will serve as the kitchen and living space.



As you can see, we built walls and eventually a roof, and poured the roof with concrete.



The below photo shows one of the many ceiling beams that we made.  I am in red in the back, my mentees Alyssa and Kayla are in the front.

Passing cement...so hard and so messy!

Redhawks!  Little Cesar on the left was the highlight of many of our days.  He was a neighbor kid who we really enjoyed getting to know.

We mixed and poured almost all of these bags of concrete in 1 day!

Cecilia and I hard at work.

The roof that we built.  See the beams, I tied more wire than I could count.

Gloves: before and after!

I can't wait to have another opportunity to return.   What a wonderful, rewarding, educational experience.