A quick trip to Mexico City

For those who don't know, Mexico City holds a small part of my heart. I lived there for 8 months while on a YES team, (20 years ago). It was my first cross cultural experience, first time away from home, first time living with others who weren't my family. It grew me. It put a fire in my heart for cross cultural ministry.  It was a part of the reason Nathanael and I are in Belize today.

we went to the Mexican border 2 years ago as a family

Three years ago I was able to go with Shirley Hackman for my first visit to Monte Maria Tierra Prometida.  It was a wonderful time. I felt honored to be a small part of their women's ministry.

one of the many lovely decorations, it says Bienvenidas (welcome)

For two years, it just wasn't possible to go. This year, our neighbor mentioned it wasn't expensive to fly from Chetumal Mexico to Mexico city. As I looked into it and discussed it with Nathanael, it seemed possible for me to go to the women's conference again.  I got the plane tickets and didn't put too much more thought into it.

This came into play when I got up at 4am to get the plane. Nathanael drove me to the bus station and I sat, and sat. The bus didn't come until 6am. Apparently it is the first bus that goes to Chetumal. I am accustomed to time changes after a flight not before.  The long bus ride, which lead to a very full bus,  continued on. At the border crossing from Belize, I came to the horrific realization that I had already missed my 9am flight. We are one hour before the time in Mexico. My gross miscalculation cost me my flight, or so I thought. I knew there was nothing I could do, more than pray so that's what I did.

view from the plane, always causes me to cry

At the border the bus driver helped me find a taxi driver. In the taxi I discussed the best way to get pity from the employees at the airport. We both felt that crying might be my best bet. This was a comfort since I was already crying.  When I got to the airport, the taxi driver asked if the airplane had left yet, it hadn't.  God delayed the plane for me!  I arrived safely in CDMX about 3 hours after my scheduled time. I was just so grateful to not have missed my flight.

SO many eggs!!! 

The airport brought many feelings. I really haven't ever traveled alone. I also was navigating in my second language all day. Thirdly, I am accustomed to "small town" everything. The man who dropped me off at the airport knew the plane hadn't left because there is one plane that leaves to Mexico city. There is one waiting room, 3 guards at security.  The entire population of Belize seems like it could fit in a tiny corner of Mexico city.  Thankfully, I was picked up at the airport by natives of Mexico City.

Note card on one of the special gifts from the women at Monte Maria

I had a fast but fruitful visit. Friday Shirley and I got to spend the day together, I actually got to hug her and have a latte! It had been almost 9 months. :)  Let me tell you that the "in person" is so much better than Skype.

Latte Cup emptied. I also drank gads of tea, enjoying the cool weather to it's fullest!

Saturday and Sunday Shirley, Beth, and I attended the Congreso de Mujeres.  It was a time of blessing. It is humbling to worship with so many.  It is encouraging seeing what God is doing through them. It really is an honor to be a visitor to Monte Maria. It is one of the few times in my life I feel like a princess.

Some of the women who helped us and made us feel special this year

The speakers and prayer people stayed at the guest house. What an honor to meet them one on one. I had heard of Marta Estrada, she was just as lovely in person as her fame portrays. I am enjoying reading her memoir.  Walli, a native of FL who lives in the Bahamas is a dynamic speaker who has a passion for women's ministry. She is gifted in singing. She also encouraged everyone to go out for Taco's Saturday night. What a treat!

The display at the front of the church the sign says "Go in Peace" 

Sunday evening I again navigated the airport alone. I bid farewell to friends who feel like family, and a part of my heart.  I returned to a different part of my heart, a part that is growing on me. Belize holds our calling and our family. I am so thankful for the short trip, I am also thankful to be back in Orange Walk.

Edited to add: The Alabanza (worship) and preaching from the Sunday at Mote Maria.:

(if you look closely you can see me)

Preaching: