47 volunteers took a short-term mission trip to Misión Mazahua February 25 - March 3, 2004. Leaders Wayne Olson and Jack Brown were joined by Congregational Christians [NACCC] and their friends from California, Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, New York and Massachusetts. Among the team was 2 doctors, 3 nurses, 3 therapists, a couple of engineers, as well as musicians, an artist, 7 teens, and 15 veterans of previous Misión Mazahua trips.

Following is the daily report emailed back regarding their activities:

After many hours of travel we arrived at Mission Mazahua tired and hungry and very excited to begin our work. Nobody was lost and everybody is safe. We are starting our visit with great enthusiasm and energy.

Our team has been assigned to the various workgroups.

Our workgroups include:

Benditos Rodantes ­This group has been asked to help our friends in wheelchairs. Spanish for Holy Rollers (terrible pun but expect more!) This group includes Occupational Therapists, Nurses and those with a special talent for helping our friends.

Solar Ovens ­ One renewable resource that Mexico never runs out of is sunshine. Clearly we want to leverage that and this group is building a design that, in the noonday sun, can boil water faster than your microwave. These ovens will be sold in the local market to provide a source of funds for the Mission and address a real need in the local community.

Medical ­ With 2 doctors, 3 nurses and 3 occupational therapists this group will be addressing needs out in the community.

Sorters ­ Sorting the many donated items is a job in itself. These people are aligning the many donations where they can best be used.

Computers ­ A few of us are addressing the computing needs of the Mission. Like any moderate size organization the Mission has a significant need for old-fashioned administration. They also use computers in the outreach training they do for the local community.

Thanks again for your support. Many of you have loved ones in a foreign land and it is pretty tough to communicate. We plan to give you some flavor of what is going on and will try to send you a report every day.

As usual we started the day off with the brightest of suns and the crispest of mornings.

It is Friday and we are planning a fun-filled, sun drenched day at Tepetongo (the local water park). We all board two buses full of enthusiastic participants who look forward to a day of waterslides, wave pools and barbeque. The laughter and enthusiasm of the kids, as well as the adults filled the theme park all day long. More fun seemed to be had by the adults as
they bulleted down the water chutes while screaming at the top of their lungs.

We all adjourned at about 3:00 to a bar-b-que where we savored the juiciest beef and hot peppers and cactus-a treat in itself.

After eight hours of sun, water and fun it was time to head back to Mission Mazahua. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and friendships formed were made stronger this day.

We thank the Lord for yet another perfect day and a safe water-logged, sun-burned ride home!

On a different note, Pastor Steve gave a short sermon in chapel today. Some of the people who didn’t go to the water park had the opportunity to visit a 111 year old lady living in the mountains. She lived in a very small wooden hut type structure that was just large enough for a small twin size bed and a fire pit. She slept on a mattress made of cardboard scraps, with her 74 year old daughter. She is a possible candidate for the Guinness world record as longest living female. Her case is currently being investigated. We also visited a group of friends who showed us how tortillas were made, and treated us to a delicious lunch of quesadillas and a potato cactus mixture. It was interesting to note the different dress of the
Mazahuan women, noting that the elder women usually wear the traditional colorful dress, while the younger women wear western clothes. We then went to visit a family that had three handicapped children. They were just ready to go for therapy, which they have done for
five years. An ambulance came to take them. The older daughter, who was 15 years old, was riding in a wheelchair. On the way back to the hacienda, we stopped and visited Jessica (an American Missionary who is on staff with the hacienda), who was teaching English to a group of children. The outing was quite an experience. We very much enjoyed seeing and experiencing the true Mexican culture.

Report done by: Mick B. and Henry W.

The following report was prepared by the youth group from First Congregational Church of St Johns, Michigan

Oddly enough, it was freezing in Dallas. With a 3 hour layover, we had our introduction to Mexican food at Chili`s (wink-wink). Flying into Mexico City was awe-inspiring. The city stretched as far as the eye could see. We spent Ash Wednesday in Mexico City. We were able to eat at a nice restaurante, our first taste of authentic Mexican food, and now we know there is much more than Chili`s.

Despite our exhaustion, we did not sleep on the 2.5 hour bus ride to the Hacienda Tepetitlan (Mission Mazahua) because the city and landscape were captivating. About 40 people from across the country gathered in Christ’s name and have brought 15 wheelchairs and approximately 35 suitcases overflowing with donations (Thank you congregation for supplying 4 of those bags).

We have delved deep into Mexico’s culture and it is vastly different but magnificent. The Hacienda Tepetitlan is a window into paradise in this rural and desolate place.

Thanks to the good Lord we have not been sick (too much), and have been able to work hard for own fuzzy feelings. Thanks again to the congregation for your support.

Buenos Dias,
Vienen con Dios

PS ­ Wait until you hear about la tobagon de muerte.

Mick Marcus, a friend of First Congregational Church of Clarkston writes concerning our travel day to the mission and our first full day:

It has been an amazing 24 hours to say the least. With the safe arrival of some 47 enthusiastic participants into Mexico City airport our journey to Mission Mazahua had begun.

Our first stop incorporated nourishment for our bodies as well as our souls. A unique restaurant in the heart of Mexico City called the Tile House. There we got acquainted with the friends we would be sharing our experiences with for the next week. After some good food and much laughter, we started our sojourn to the mission. We arrived around midnight, tired but enthusiastic of what lay in store.

Our first morning was welcomed by a joyous gathering of songs in Spanish and in English. We were introduced to the athletic director, Richard St. Denis, who gave us a short, but inspiring sermon. A hearty breakfast followed and then for the newcomers, a tour by Mission Mazahua’s founder Lisa Cortez-Fritz.

We were then assigned our chores for the day and divided into groups as a team. Some were delegated to the Solar Oven Construction Project, while others were assigned to assist the Special Friends of the “Holy Rollers.”

After several hours of work, (that turned out to be more fun than any day I had ever spent on a job assignment), we all adjured for another festive and very filling Mexican prepared lunch.

It was then time to participate in the sports challenges. We all gathered on center court, where we volunteers were annihilated in games of wheel chair racing and maniac volleyball by the highly competitive residents of the mission. After leaving, with our tails between our legs, we had free time to do whatever. Some read, some socialized, some rested, but all rejoiced in a day that so far, had been truly remarkable.

Dinner followed, with the culmination of a bonfire with everyone singing the praises of the Lord and the miracle of life He has bestowed to each and everyone of us here at the mission and throughout his universe. We now retire to rejuvenate for yet another day of God’s work.

Day 3

Our days here start very early and end very late. Everyone joins in each morning at Chapel singing to the goodness of the Lord and that goodness flows through each and every face we see before us. Our sermon this morning was truly inspirational. It touched upon a very thought provoking question ­ are we Pilgrims, who take risks in life, fearless and inquisitive in our goals or are we tourists ­ just along for the ride. After three days here at Misión Mazahua, I see nothing but Pilgrims. Fearless, loving, spiritual, missionaries doing the Lords work.

Team efforts abound in our daily assignments accompanied by laughter, kindness, and joy. From building 70 solar ovens to providing physicals and medicines to the sick, there is unconditional love in every touch, every smile, and every word spoken.

We break for some traditional Mexican culinary delights three times a day and it is then that we share our stories.

Tonight, the mission campers honored us volunteers with, “La Grande Fiesta”. We were all individually escorted into a dining area set up for royalty. A truly breathtaking display of their unique talents and festive nature. The tables were adorned with fresh red roses atop the whitest linen tablecloths. Everyone was dressed in their Sunday best, although it was a Saturday night. The food laid out before us was more than your traditional Mexican feast ­ it was a gift of love.

The evening culminated in a noise filled, balloon popping choir of songs, dance, and laughter
celebrating life and its homage to the Pilgrim’s in all of us.

Day 4

This morning was yet another early rising for all ­ some getting out of bed to cold showers (brr!). Today was different in the sense that it was a day strictly set aside for the volunteers to experience the true flavor of Mexico.

We were the tourists today and we were excited as to what the day had in store. After a quick breakfast, we set off to explore the surrounding villages and savor the sights, smells and feel of our host country.

Our first stop on the itinerary was a small but quaint town called San Felipe and its traditional Sunday market. There you could find pottery, CDs, clothes and even dog food at a reasonable price. We had one hour to dispose of most of, if not all of, our pesos.

After bulleting through the market we where off to the town of Taxpaco and the church La Magdalena. There we were greeted with such enthusiasm and warmth that it was worth the journey. We celebrated the love of Christ: two cultures, but one in God - no barriers, no
judging, no hostilities, just pure love. Our gracious hosts, the Mazahuan Indians, then laid out a traditional lamb feast for our delight and nourishment for our continuing journey ahead. We had plenty of opportunities to sing, talk and laugh with the church family.

Our next stop was for more shopping and sightseeing in El Oro, Mexico. A historical and fascinating little town, El Oro was known in the past for its “gold rush” phenomenon. It also houses “The Palace of El Oro” (the Presidential Palace), where we were honored with a private tour.

After our tour, it was back on the bus to our last little village, called Tlalpujathua (don’t ask how to say it). We had time to walk around this mountainous village, where the steep inclines and large cobblestones made walking difficult. At the top of the hill in the town was a giant cathedral, complete with a crypt in a side room. Compared to the desolate desert surrounding the mission, the lush green mountain splendor was very welcome to our eyes (they said the water was better too ­ you could even see to the bottom of the water ditches, versus the green muck we`ve seen in local streets).

As the sun set, we settled into a nice evening at El Socabor, the local restaurant. I believe our group was the largest they had ever seen, yet they accommodated with all the graciousness that has been our blessing for our entire sojourn. We sampled a few different types of soups, including Norberto´s favorite, Aztec soup (which was very spicy).

Upon returning to the mission, a final unplanned surprise awaited us. Looking up into the clear night sky, we saw the moon surrounded by a brilliant aura that stretched in an orbiting circle. Some called it a ¨moonbow¨. The air here is so thin, which allows us to see far in any direction.

Our days so far are indescribable ­ one has to be present in the now to feel the love of our hosts, our friends and our God.

DAY 5

Today not only begins a new day, but a new month as well. As in each day, we look forward to it with anticipation and excitement as to what God has in store for us.

Our “Special Friends” left us today, but not without a celebration of their lives and what they have brought to us volunteers. This morning’s chapel saw several of the Holy Rollers sharing their testimonies, causing quite a few teary eyes.

It is truly humbling to be surrounded for five days among some 36 wheelchair-ridden individuals whose laughter and insatiable lust for life shines through. They were honored with diplomas and gifts for their indefatigable efforts and triumphs of this week´s activities. Their families were there to see their achievements and the pride on their faces was truly rewarding.

Many of the Holy Rollers and deaf students were anxious to introduce us to their families, and one of our team went around with a Polaroid camera taking family portraits and giving them to them ­ since most don´t have cameras or access to a portrait studio, these pictures might be some of the only family photos they will ever have.

Dinner awaited us at 7:30pm, but the feast from the afternoon’s celebration left a lot of us still stuffed. It was an early evening, where we could rest, relax and think over what we had learned.

Several of the teens, led by Pastor Justin, spent the night sleeping on the roof of the mission out under the brilliant stars. It was cold, and only a few stayed for the entire night, but it was something to remember.

During this week, we have truly cut ourselves off from the familiar world. We have no knowledge of world news ­ no papers or TV in the mission ­ and making a phone call or sending an e-mail is reserved strictly for important business. It is strange to think that
two days later, none of us know who won the Best Picture Oscar at the Academy Awards, or whether the situation in Haiti has gotten better or worse. Yet although we grumble a bit at not having our familiar technologies and necessities, we recognize that by getting away from these things for a week, we are truly able to concentrate on what we´re sent here to do and to learn.

Other, simpler pleasures take the place of our traditional entertainment. Some of us are increasing our Spanish speaking skills, joking with the Mission staff out in the courtyard. Others elect to go for long walks in the clear air, amazed at how far we can see in both night and day. A nighttime basketball game took place shortly before midnight, laughter and
groans echoing across the valley. Reading, playing cards or dominos, shopping at the small Mission store, or just spending a lot of time talking seems to pass the time perfectly.

I cannot help but remember a quote by Kahlie Gibran´s The Prophet, which exemplifies the people we have shared our lives with this week.

“There are those who have little and give it all. These are the believers in lift and the bounty of life and their coffers are never empty.”

Day 6

Today is our final full day here at Misión Mazahua. Although all of our, “special friends” have departed we must stay behind to finalize last minute details.

After an extraordinary buffet style breakfast, we are filtered out to our designated areas and chores.

The fifteen individuals assigned to build the solar ovens or “solar stoves”, took on the final stages of construction with fastidious determination. Within four hours, we had built thirty two stoves. Since the Mazahuan women are the primary meal-makers in the family, the stoves are a much needed asset.

Our incredible medical team, Dr. Joe Beaman (General Practioner) and Dr. Jean Seay, (Child Adolescent Psychiatrist) were tireless in their compassion and knowledge attending many of the sick. Aided by three incredibly talented and giving nurses, Laurie, Catherine and Lisa, the staff saw over fifty patients, many who suffer from malnutrition, ulcers, polio, depression and bleeding colostomy’s. For some patients, it was the first time ever for seeing a doctor. Our staff seem to live this week in a state of exhilarated contentment, fueled by their passion and commitment to helping those less fortunate.

The youth in our congregation decided on a more adventurous venue. They challenged themselves with a two-mile hike up one of the tallest ridges near the Mission. From the apex, they were able to view one of the most glorious sites overlooking the valley. There is something very serene when in tune with nature and all of God’s creations. It is a moment that we appreciate the beauty of this world.

Our final troop, journeyed on a mission of goodwill. Six of our missionaries happily delivered some well needed school supplies, tables, chairs and baby strollers to Calvario del Carmen, a small impoverished village some ten miles from the Mission. Even at the depth of poverty, these people opened their hearts and arms to our group and shared their meal.

We have all learned valuable lessons while here at Mission Mazahua. For myself, the writer of our daily newsletter, I have regarded the actions and time spent here as miracles in the making. I have been privy to the marvelous changes brought out by both sides; our
“special friends” and our missionaries. The act, true act of giving unconditionally, transforms desperate, unhappy people into joyous, useful ones. I have learned, in helping others we help ourselves and to place ourselves and our lives in the hands of God, secure in the knowledge that he will not fail us, if we too do our part, is the greatest lesson of all.

I want to thank all on this trip for my inclusion into this incredibly spiritual and rewarding journey. My two roommates, Sharon Evans and Dr. Jean Seay, I personally wish to thank for being my, “Guardian Angels” and as a newcomer, appreciate their patience, laughter and late night talks.

-Michele "Mick" Bernier