First day of work

For me there is nothing like the first day of work in Mexico although this year it was at an altitude of approximately 7000 feet. After a beautiful ride to La Ascension we were greated by Fr. Tony as well as a band. After a few pictures in front of the church we surveyed the work site, got into small groups, and began the physical part of our journey. We worked until noon, took a break for lunch and then walked with Fr. Tony to the President´s (Mayor of Cuautla) palace (City Hall) and were welcomed to the city by Presidente C. Sergio Rodrigo Valdespin Perez. After some words of welcome, a short history of the city and area, and group and individual pictures in his office we returned to the church and our work.


As the weather was sunny and about 80 the work went quickly even with a number of miscommunications on my part due to my extremely limited grasp of the language. A number of local school children dropped by towards the end of the day and to our suprise Fr. Tony had taught them some English and introductions were made. Before we knew it our first day of work was complete and it was time to board the ever comfortable and air-conditioned Volvo bus for the ride back down to Cuernavaca.


As I reflect on our first day of work, being part of this group, and what has brought me to Mexico I continue to be thankful for these opportunities to serve and how privileged I am to receive these gifts. I am truly blessed. Steve Petrie