Mexico Expeditions
Monterrey- AUG 2002
Bermejillo - OCT 2002
Bermejillo - MAR 2003
Bermejillo - AUG 2003
Bermejillo - MAR 2004
Monterrey - AUG 2004
Bermejillo - APR 2005
Zihuatanejo - APR 2005
Bermejillo - AUG 2005
Monterrey - NOV 2005
Casas Grandes - JUN 2006
Monterrey - OCT 2006
Bermejillo - OCT 2006
Bermejillo - JUN 2007
Ensenada - JUL 2007
Ensenada - MAR 2008
Torreón - APR 2008
Roma Texas - MAY 2008
Casas Grandes - JUN 2008
Roma Texas - JUL 2008
Ensenada - AUG 2008
Ensenada - MAR 2009
Veracruz - JUN 2009
Veracruz - JUL 2009
Veracruz - OCT 2009
Veracruz, October 2009
On October 13th, our group of eight flew out of Las Vegas to our destination of Veracruz, Mexico. We met up with three more people living in Veracruz to make our group a total of eleven. We worked hard with two different LDS Stake organizations to complete work on five different family homes. We had some very humbling experiences. This trip was different in that we had many local neighbors, friends, and many strangers working together to complete the jobs. I was impressed to see that when we were willing and showed up to help, it encouraged the local people to do the same and be there to help each other.
The people of Veracruz are a loving people who want to help each other better their lives but lack the resources, not the desire, to do this. FFHE provided the supplies and willing, able people from Utah to help. With these things, the people were more than willing to be there and help with the work. There were many times during the week when there were so many people there to help that we found ourselves visiting families and learning from the locals easier, more effective ways to get the job done. A highlight of my week is always the afternoon meal — not only are we given great authentic food, but it is a wonderful time to relax and enjoy the company of the people we are serving with. Our meal is prepared for us by the people who we are serving. This is a great way for them to feel like they are also serving and both end up gaining from the experience. It is amazing to work side by side with a man or woman mixing cement on the dirt and then sit down next to them in the air-conditioned church room and share a wonderful meal of traditional picadas and horchata! Anything is bearable when you can follow it up with a great meal.
This trip we were able to plan and participate in a family health conference. A committee made up of people living in Veracruz and Utah prepared a conference with such topics as diabetes, heart conditions, influenza, and safe food-handling to name a few. The topics were taught by local doctors, participants from Utah, and other Veracruz locals. This was a first and we learned a lot about what to do in the future. In the end, everyone who attended the conference appreciated what was planned and provided. This is definitely something we want to continue.
On Sunday, we went with different church leaders to visit people in their own homes. Each group was able to go to at least two different families homes and spend a little time getting to know them. This was a wonderful experience. It was raining so hard, but the people were so loving and accepting and welcomed us into their homes.
This was an amazing trip and many wonderful relationships were built, not only between Utah and Veracruz, but also between individuals. We are all trying to do the best that we can, and maybe in the process make it a little easier on someone else. Another fantastic expedition to Veracruz!
Anne rebuilding shovels
Yoatzin & Anne filling buckets
Eating a meal together after a hard day's work
Los Tiburones!
Amada, Anna & Mandi
Huesos, the FFHE mascot
