My last week in Mexico

What a wonderful last week it was in Mexico. Bittersweet! I will warn you right now that there are lots of pictures in this blog. I wanted to take pictures of the gifts, drawing and letters so I would always have them : ) I also had a few gatherings this week as people wanted to do one last thing before I left. This will be good for me to look back at later. 

I started this blog by posting the pictures at the Leon airport this morning. Then added descriptions to the pictures on the flight. Now, I am in the Atlanta airport and hoping to finish it before I board my final flight to Kansas. Thanks so much for prayers. It has been a great day of travel so far!

I got upgraded to first class in my first flight. Connection was quick and easy in Monterry. I was a little worried as I only had 54 minutes for a layover there. I had a seat by the exit on the second flight, so had extra leg room. Plus a window seat : ) The guy in the middle moved to another open seat, so had extra space there too. Customs and connection in Atlanta was easy too. As long as the flight stays on time. Hopefully I don't jinx it!

I enjoyed some good American food-chicken strips and french fries and listened to some piano music. It's a little weird to be understanding what almost everyone is saying! It feels good to be back in the United States, but it's also bittersweet as I miss my family and friends in Mexico. They will always have a special place in my heart!

Norma and Ricardo brought me to the airport this morning. We prayed for each on the drive there and we had some tears. We talked about all the cities we had visited and some of our many memories.  Michelle had an exam, so wasn't able to join us. She snuck a sweet note under my door last night and made me cray this morning. 

Last night I joined Ruth and her family for a meal and last visit before I headed out. We enjoyed tacos, jello, ice cream and cookies. I first met Ruth and her husband, daughter, son in law and 3 grand daughters at Pastor's retreat in November. Then her son Josias who teachers music at the school invited me to join them for church one Sunday. I didn't realized until they picked me up that Ruth was his mom. I had already met his family, but didn't know it. So glad that God crossed our paths again. She told me she has a room for me whenever I come back : ) 

Norma, Ricardo and I visited for a bit when I got home last night and exchanged some cards. They printed some pictures for me to take home. So thankful for this family and that they took this crazy American stranger into their home for 10 months. I can't imagine my life without them! Hoping they come to Minnesota to visit sometime, so they can meet the rest of my family and some more of my friends. 

Sunday after church Norma and I enjoyed tacos with Liz, Raquel and a family from the school. Norma and I also stopped to visit our neighbor Bertha before I left. We also enjoyed on last Raspado and watched Matilda : ) 

Sunday morning was bittersweet at is was my last church service. Pastor shared on transitions and how we need to depend on the Lord. Very fitting as I transition back to the states.  He also talked about how when we are obedient God will use us to do extraordinary things. I shared that same thing in my message : ) I was able to say thanks and share some of the things God has been teaching me while here in Mexico. I had many tears when I first started, but made it through. They were tears of joy as God has been so faithful, but also tears of sadness as I am sad to be leaving my family and friends in Mexico. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you Lord for the opportunity to share what you have been doing in my life.

Saturday I joined Raquel and her boys and we had a wonderful day at the waterpark. We got there about 11:30 and didn't leave until 7. Lots of sun and water. This was a great day for my last Saturday in Mexico. Norma, Ricardo and Michelle were going to meet us there, but Norma wasn't feeling well. Check out the pictures below. It was a beautiful water park.

Friday was my last day at the school. I finished submitting lesson plans and an exam, so Liz will have less work to do when I am not there. I don't want her to be stressed. We had a farewell party and enjoyed tacos, pizza and cake. The kids made pictures, gave me gifts and we even did a little dancing. The secondary class wanted me to dance, so they taught me a dance on Thursday. I am not a dancer, but did it for them. I will post a video on my Mexico Missions page later. I shared a few words and then Pastora Maribel, Liz and a couple students shared some words. There may have been some tears.

We also watched a video that one of the other teachers made. They shared it on my facebook page if you want to check it out. Then the teachers and some parents watched a video I made. I already watched it 3 times with each class, so I went and played bingo with the preschool class. I will see if I can post my video on facebook later too.

All that to say Friday was such a special time of saying good bye. So many hugs and love! Thank you Lord for all these relationships at school. I went with Liz after school and we enjoyed Raspados and watched a movie. Always so good to spend time with Liz and MIa. 

My family went to Guanajuato Friday evening, so I packed up most of my stuff and did a little cleaning. My room was looking empty and sad. Glad I did that Friday so I could enjoy the rest of the weekend. 

Thursday we enjoyed smores at school as a special treat before I left. I also brought a picture of Minnesota for the kids to color so they would always remember me. We were able to watch a video I made of our year. So fun to see how much they have grown since the beginning of the year. Check out pictures of smores fun below. 

Earlier in the week I gave the kids a keychain from Minnesota, so they would always remember me. They were so thrilled to get this keychain. Some of the kids made me a pictures after I gave them their keychain.

Liz was sick this week, so I had to use my google translate a little more, but we made it through. While we missed her it was also nice to have the class to myself before I left. 

Thursday night Norma's mom and sister came over for supper and we watched a movie. I made a smore for them to enjoy.  Then Fanny and Mirian stopped by with a cheesecake. Fanny and I used to study once. a week or every other week when I first came, but we haven't studied much since I came back. It was nice to be able to say see you later : ) 

Wednesday I went to pray time all by myself as Norma was gone. Another bittersweet night as it was the last prayer time. 

Tuesday I took the bus to have tacos with a few teacher friends from school. Then we walked around and took some pictures. We had our own little photo shoot thanks to Lilli's husband and Lilli. I also had my first motorcycle ride. It was only like 3 or 4 blocks, but it was fun. Check out pictures below. I will post a video on facebook : ) 

Lilli was telling me I need to find a Mexican man to marry and stay here. I told her we have 5 days to find one. Good news, we didn't find one : ) She told me she will take pictures and send them to me and I. can tell her ugly or not ugly. LOL! 

Sunday at lunch Norma, Raquel and Liz were telling me I need to find a man in Minnesota and marry him. Then bring him back to Mexico with me. My mom kept telling me if I found a Mexican man, I would need to bring him to Minnesota. Let's see what God has planned  : ) 

So yes, that was my last week in a nut shell. I will probably post at least one more blog as I will have some thoughts that come to me this week and will share how my transition home is going. 

Praise God gave me strength these to get through these last 10 months. He was always with me.

Praise that God was able to use me in more ways than I could have every imagined.

Praise for the many prayer warriors.

Praise that I was able to share Sunday and it went well. 

Praise for a great, but bittersweet last week in Mexico.

Praise for the many relationships and memories that were created in Mexico.

Praise for a great day of traveling and little blessings.

Pray as I transition back to the United States.

Praise that I get to spend time with family in Kansas before spending time with family and friends in Minnesota.

Pray for my family, friends, staff and students in Mexico as they adjust to me being gone.

Pray that they finish the school year strong. July 3rd is their last day

Pray for construction of the school and financial needs. 

Pray for God to continue to guide and direct His plans and will for my life.

Feel free to check out the many pictures from this last week!

Just chilling at the airport in Leon

Norma, Ricardo and I at the airport

Sad to be leaving

So thankful for Norma. She has been my rock in                         Mexico

Heading into the airport

A few pictures of our drive to the airport

One more picture at the house

Michelle and I : ) She had an exam today, so couldn't com with to the aiport

My bedroom is so empty and sad

Michelle slipped this sweet note under my door last                                                             night. Made me cry this morning.

Norma gave me this sweet note last night

The front of the card from Norma. She bought it,                                                         but it's handmade. Beautiful!

Back of the card from Josias, the music teacher at school

Note from Josias

Front of card from Josias

Sweet basket from Roxy, one of the parents at school. She gave                                                                     me some of the best hugs. I told her she hugs just like my                                                                                 family and friends, so it was a little piece of home : ) 

Coffee mug from Rosa and Rafael

Other side of mug

Sweet plate from Pastor Francisco and Maribel. I will have to                                                     take a better picture when I take it out of the plastic

Andrea, one of the students, gave this to me on                                            Sunday at church

Poncho from the school

Poncho from Josias

Norma and I having one last Raspado : ) 

Bertha, our sweet neighbor. She gave the best hugs                                                                                         too. I specifically remember my birthday when I                                                                                         was walking home and she happened to be in her                                                                                             garage and wished me a happy birthday and gave me                             the biggest hug.

Andrea and I with her sweet gift. She was always a                                                             great helper in our primary class. 

Me and my Mexican Family : ) 

Kaleb and I. He gave me the biggest hugs on                                                                                                 Saturday and Sunday. He is like a nephew to me. 

Jacob, Raquel and I

Angelina and I

Roxy and I with her sweet gift

My fan club : ) 

Couple parents from school, some staff, Joe &                                                     Corinna and my family

Sweet Dani had to make sure he got in our group                         picture

Dani and Axel, couple students from school

Oh my sweet Dani : ) 

Last Worship at the church

Driving home from a beautiful day at the water                     park

Jacob fell asleep while trying to eat goldfish                                                                                                 crackers on our way home. Look at my red nose! I                                                                                       even put sunscreen on like 4 or 5 times. Thank                         goodness!

Cave at the waterpark 

Being silly in the cave

Raquel laying in the water 

Fun picture of the Safari area at the water park

Just chilling with Jacob

Selfie  by the pool

Crazy gorilla

Oh no, the hippo is going to eat us

Few pictures from the Safari area. I loved all the                         animals.

                    

Raquel letting the minnows clean her feet

I tried for just a minute, but couldn't do it

They make it look so relaxing

Couple views of one of the pools

Beautiful waterfall

Our table with our snacks and belongings

Raquel and her boys 

I guess I had to have my picture taken too : ) 

Selfie 

Other tables for people to hang out at 

View of the other pool

Chilling in the little kid's pool

Another pool view 

Few pictures at the entrance of the water park

Jacob taking a nap on the way to the water park.                                                                                         The first time I went with Raquel and her boys he                                                                                     cried as he sat with me. Now we are besties : ) 

Front of shirt from teachers and primary class

Back of the shirt. Each hand has a name with it too. 

All the gifts from students : ) Thankfully they are                                                             small, so they fit in my suitcase

Sweet note from Ari

Ring from Liz

Sweet note from Liz

Luis, one of the secondary students, put all these                                                                                 note in a little envelope with some confetti

Another note from Luis

Little bear made out of a washcloth with a pencil from Axel

Picture from Dani

Sweet picture from Axel

Back of frame from Ian

Picture frame from Ian

Sweet card from Mariana

Front of card from Mariana

Few more notes and pictures

Leslie traced the Minnesota keychain I gave her

Puzzle that I get to put together when I get home.

Some more pictures and notes

Mia even colored my shoes in this picture the same                                                                     as my real shoes. She is so detailed : ) 

Couple more pictures 

Flower from Milan

Some more notes

Chocolates from Angel

Coin purses from Dani and Ruth

From Abraham. Could be turned into earrings or put on a necklace

I think Ian gave me this flashlight

Cute elephant and coin purse from Sofia

Couple more notes

Cute unicorn from Damian

Another note

Beautiful flower from Jacob

Paper with Raquel's note

Sweet note from Raquel

Picture from Dani

Picture from Fanny

Cross Necklace from Norma. She said she has it it for like 20 years. 

Inside the box from Jacky, Ester and David. Those are me : ) 

Front of box thatJacky, Ester and David made. Jacky is one of                         the most creative people I know! 

Cheese cake from Andrea

Container with cheese cake from Andrea

Liz, Mia and I enjoying Raspados after school on                     Friday

Balloons from the primary class

Norma and I at my farewell gathering

Mia and I. This girl has such a love for learning. It                                                                             think she is going to be a teacher someday

Abraham and I

Damian and I

Liam and I

Sweet decorations by Jacky 

Jacob and I

Liz and I in our matching shirts

Secondary boys. The girls were both gone

Sweet note they made on the board

Good bay : ) 

Liz and I with her sweet note and ring

The secondary boys with a beautiful Minnesota                             picture

Ian and I. So proud of this boy. He used to hate                                                                                             writing in his notebook. After all my hounding, he                                                                                         was such a hard worker and didn't any reminders the                                                                                     last couple weeks. I think he just needed a little extra                                                                                     love. Thank you Lord for the reminder to be patient                                     and give extra love. 

Fanny, Miriam, Chubs and I with a delicious                                                                 cheesecake they brought over

The delicious cheesecake

Stella and her smore

Norma's mom and her smore

Big group hug

Norma's mom and one of her sisters

Norma and I

I found someone sleeping in my bed : ) Rebecca snuck in my                                                                         room. She wasn't there very long, but had to take a picture to send to the family

Smores fun with the secondary class

Watching the video I made

Sweet note from Raquel and the preschool class

Smores fun with the preschool class

Group photo with Raquel and preschoolers. I am                                                         hiding behind all of them : ) 

My sweet Dani

Ruth and her Minnesota picture

Ian and I

Ester gave me a kiss : ) 

Dani and all his stickers

Sofia made me a picture

Angel made me a picture

Milan and his Minnesota picture

Smores fun

Sofia and her Minnesota Picture

Andrea and her Minnesota picture

Angel enjoying his smore

Keyla and her Minnesota picture

smores fun

Angel and his Minnesota picture

smores fun in primary class

Ester getting ready to enjoy her smore

Ruth coloring her picture

smores fun

Watching the video I made of our school year

Last day in primary class

Preschool class with their Minnesota keychains

Silly face

Secondary class with their keychains

Fun night our for tacos with Ari, Lilli, her husband,                                 Jacky and David

Riding the bus to tacos

Flowers from Norma : ) 

Decorations for Michelle's Birthday

Flowers from Michelle

Sweet Ester made me a picture

Sweet Andrea made me a note

Sweet Sofia made me a picture

Sweet Angel made me a couple pictures

Silly faces

Primary class with their keychains

Birthday basket I put together for Michelle

Norma and I with my necklace she gave me

Flowers from Virdi

Came home from Joe and Corinnnas to this picture on my desk

Sweet note with the picture

Joe and Corinna in our matching shirts

Farewell party

Apparently something funny was said or happened

Delicious cake

Few pictures of the kids giving me gifts and pictures

Wonderful ladies serving food

Time to eat : ) 

Wonderful servers

Enjoying food

Yummy food

Tuesday night out with the girls and Lilli's                                                                                                         husband. We had our own little photo shoot thanks                                                         to Lilli's husband and Lilli : ) 

Ari is now on the bus with us for tacos

My last night at the house. As I was packing Norma came in and wanted to get a few pictures. 

Dinner with Ruth's family

Josias and I with my _____ and card

Norma's note translated 

Liz and I after church. So thankful for her and her                                                                 translating as well as her friendship!

Maribel sent this to me after the church service. Sarah, This is                                                         not good bye, but see you later. Mexico is your home. 

Giving hugs at the farewell party

Sweet Ruth

My last day of school

My sad face

More hugs

All my Mexican kids : ) These students showed me                             so much love!

Norma, her sister, her mom and I

Ricardo and Michelle joined the picture

My first motorcycle ride with Lill's husband

I look a little frightened here. I wasn't sure if we were going back to Floresta or     what we were doing : ) I will post a video on facebook. 

Norma and I hanging in the back seat on the way                     home

Family supper last Sunday night

Group photo after the spelling bee