My experience in Mexico from February 28th to April 9th 2018 was fantastic.
New discoveries, new emotions, new encounters; Initiatives and projects totally un-”edited”, that have left an indelible mark in my heart. It all started after arriving in the little city “El diamante”, a tranquil oasis of nature where you can have moments of true sharing.
Thanks to the peacefulness of the place, I immediately managed to get in tune with the environment without having to adapt. However, It wasn’t all sunshine and roses at the beginning. In fact, starting on the third day I had to endure a bad stomach problem that was most likely related to the food . Not only that, but I found myself more than two thousand meters above sea level which made me feel very weak at times.
Fortunately, however, all this lasted only a few days. In fact, as early as the fifth day I was back in good shape..
My typical day consisted of work every day from Monday to Friday, from 10 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon at Estancia Juan Pablo II, a kindergarten school located in Acatzingo. After that, I would attended the evening mass together with the other members of the community. My main job was to teach English to the children, but of course I ended up doing a lot more. I served them lunch, I helped them to eat, I stayed with them during recess and I danced and sang with them!
Sharing these moments together, I felt a strong the sense of paternity, and it goes without saying that I became incredibly bound to these children. In fact, it was hard for me just to greet them without tears coming to my eyes.
During Easter, I was asked to play the role of Jesus. It was a sensational experience to play the role of our Lord and to transmit to all the faithful the suffering what he experienced for each of us. I also had the opportunity to be part of the choir, and to participate in leisure time organized by the youth. In short, I was fully integrated into the dynamics of the community.
One of my fears was that I wouldn’t get a chance to see anything or meet anyone outside “El Diamante”. That i would not get to know the surrounding environment and its inhabitants, but thanks to some people who accompanied me during my stay in Mexico, I got opportunities to visit other places and to meet local families. All in a climate of deep friendship and family. I’m so grateful for this!
The end of my stay was beautiful, I served in a village called Contla, one of the many affected by the earthquake. Working for the reconstruction of collapsed houses for five intense days, I was able to test myself. I supported hardships and discomfort that tested me. Without this experience, I would not have felt so gratified.
In conclusion, I want to express my profound conviction that nothing is achieved if we do not give ourselves completely. The secret is to throw yourself out there without fear, to the very best who you are.
God is always with us!
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