June 4-11, 2024
The delegation from the Presbytery of Plains and Peaks consisted of 13 representatives from three different congregations. Westminster Presbyterian, Fort Collins, CO, were represented by Brad and Cindy Cassens and Jacquelyn and Calvin Bransen. First Presbyterian Church, Gordon, NE, were represented by Rev. Sue Spencer, Breanda Beliel, Anita Easton and Kayli Rose. United Presbyterian Church, Fort Morgan, CO, were represented by Bruce and Cathy Bosley, Jill and Daisy Longacre and Mike Gross.
We gathered in Ft. Morgan on the evening of June 3 to get to know one another a little better because all of our preplanning gatherings were on Zoom. We shared a meal, packed our extra supplies into extra suitcases and worshipped. Then we were off to get a little rest before arriving at DIA at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday we flew to Cancun and we were grateful that it was an uneventful flight. Once we arrived in Cancun, we were met by Erly Cen, one of our hosts from Yucatan Peninsula Mission. A large van that we filled with our luggage and supplies transported us to Leona Vicario, Quintana Roo, Mexico, which is about 35 miles SW of Cancun. We arrived at Casa Americano (American House) mid-afternoon and were greeted by Wilian Cen. He and his wife Erly are the directors of this mission.
We learned about the sleeping accommodations and were given a time to unpack. Then we were off to the school, YPM Institute and Universidad. We were given a tour of the facilities which included seeing the cenotes on the property. Cenotes are deep sinkholes in limestone with a pool that is at the bottom that are found in Yucatan Mexico. We learned about the students that attend the school and where they come from. The last stop on the tour were the unfinished classrooms. This would be our focus every morning for the next four days.
Wednesday through Saturday were our work days. The day began with breakfast at 7:00 a.m. and then the short walk to the school. Our task at the school was to clean, prime and paint the ceiling and walls of the three new classrooms, and the east side of the exterior including columns. We were instructed by Juan, a Commissioned Pastor in training from one of the village churches. He is a professional painter and kept us busy mixing paint, helping us roll the larger areas and “dancing with us” as he showed us how to keep the paint smooth.
We worked until 12:30 and then made our way back to Casa Americano for lunch. Next it was time for the sewing seminar. Sewing machines were taken to the school and a classroom was transformed into a sewing class. Fifteen women from Leona Vicario came to the afternoon workshops. They made two pillow cases and a pair of women’s shorts with various material that was donated from a sewing shop that Cindy was able to obtain. Some of the women were skilled seamstresses and were able to help the other new learners. Cindy and Cathy were the lead instructors but most of our ladies took turns helping. The men supplied the muscle and took pictures of their fantastic work.
Dinner was at 6:00 p.m. and Vacation Bible School started at 7:00. Children from the surrounding neighborhoods came with their parents for music, a Bible story, and crafts. The ages were from preschool to middle school age. It became quite the family affair as the parents jumped in to help with craft time for the younger children and visited with neighbors if their children were old enough to do the craft by themselves. Breanda and Sue were the leaders of the VBS time.
Following Vacation Bible School we had a time for devotions. Many houses in Mexico have porches on their roofs to cool off in the evenings. We held our devotions in a similar place. We sang hymns acapella led by Sue and Cindy. We told stories, shared about our day and discussed a Bible verse each evening. On Saturday we did a foot washing to remember to serve one another. We shared in the Eucharist on our last night with tortillas and mango juice as the elements. The mangos were from the tree that was above our porch.
Sunday, we went to Puerto Morelos for church. We worshipped in an English and Spanish church. The music and message were heard and sung in both languages. They had a great praise team and we enjoyed fellowship with the congregation after the service. Lunch was at a local restaurant called El Pelicano (The Pelican). We ate on a patio that overlooked the beach and sea. We enjoyed the afternoon shopping in local shops and swimming or hanging out on the beach.
Monday, our last day in Mexico we were tourists. We boarded the Mayan Train at 7:00 a.m. and went to Chichen Itza. This is the site of the great Mayan pyramids. Our guide spent three hours with us giving us the history and religious significance of the pyramids and how the settlers came from Chile all the way to the Yucatan. We learned about the devastation of the Spanish Conquistadors which led to the demise of the great civilization. That afternoon we had the pleasure of swimming in one of the largest cenotes in the Yucatan. That evening was bittersweet as we knew the next morning would be busy preparing to leave but also re-telling stories of our amazing week.
We would like to thank The Presbytery of Plains and Peaks for their generous donation, the local congregations and businesses that made this trip possible. A special thanks to Wilian and Erly for being such gracious hosts. If you would like to help this mission, we are currently trying to replace some of the older sewing machines. Checks can be sent to Bobbi at the Presbytery. Other donations can be sent to YPM USA.org
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