El Morro

We successfully finished our first mission trip on Thursday... YAY! We painted the teacher apartments, landscaped the entire school, landscaped three yards for the elderly, painted two other houses for the elderly, and put on a successful Vacation Bible School. We got a lot accomplished, the kids left full and happy, and our leader was happy with the week. Take two on Sunday night. :)

It was a little bittersweet watching them all leave on Thursday morning. There are quite a few of them who I connected with greatly, and I'm excited that I'll be able to see some of them when our team travels to South Texas next Sunday. Apparently part of the group is cooking us authentic Mexican food. :) :) Unfortunately, the rest of the staff also departed Thursday morning at the same time, and only three of us are left in New Mexico for the group arriving tomorrow night. I can't even tell you how lonely it is with everyone gone. I only met these people three weeks ago and I already miss them greatly! We have truly become a family... even with all of our differences. I can't wait to see all of them again for mission trips in Joplin at the end of the summer. :)

Because the group left on Thursday morning and the next one doesn't arrive until Sunday night, we have been able to relax and enjoy some of the features in New Mexico. Yesterday we were able to hike a 2.5 mile trail at El Morro. It was BREATHTAKING. Pretty strenuous getting up there for a second, but well worth it with the views. There are ruins at the top of the trail, and that was also extremely interesting to see. I took about 50 pictures and can't wait to share them!

This past week was very busy, to the point where I didn't realize that I hadn't updated this in awhile. I am doing much, much better. We have been hiking and found a local gym that lets us go for free, so that has taken a lot of stress off of my back. Although I miss home greatly, I am really enjoying my experience here and the opportunities I have been given. I have two weeks until I'll be flying into Atlanta for the night, so that is getting me through.

Thank you for all the prayers, thoughts, and words of encouragement. :)