Signing Off

Altotonga, Mexico -- Well, this is the week of lasts. And there has been so much to do, so many people to see... And I keep thinking, this is the last time I'll be here, or do this or go there...

Even up till today I have been selling stuff and collecting money and finishing packing, and going here and there and eating with so and so. I go to bed every night so tired, and now I don't even say "Ì'll be back" to my roommate, because I keep going in and out.

Last Saturday I shared my "letter" to them (the youth) taken straight from the book of Philippians. It seems to say everything that I wanted to say, and expressed so clearly what I felt... and so I shared that with them and as well, emailed it. And it was a good afternoon, they tried not to cry, we laughed, shared, prayed and played together.

This week there has been a lot of "bartering"... Janine, don't go. Janine, why do you have to go? Tomorrow will obviously come the worst of it, and I think arrivals start at my house at like 5am. Oh dear.

And so many have told me, I'm coming by... Anyway, I don't know if there is much point in sleeping.

Also, just so you know, my drivers license arrived!! I was a bit concerned about that, but it arrived. Thank you Jesus!!

So, anyway, it's a bit hard to say goodbye to a place that's been your home for almost 3 years... where you walk the streets, and talk to different people in a different language, and buy tortillas and shop everyday instead of driving to a grocery store and buying for the week.

I feel a peace about it, have gone through closure and that, and am excited about the future... and really I can't believe that it's tomorrow that I go.

Anyhow. Those are just thoughts.

Tonight, I'm going to get some taquitos (tacos) and drink a Mexican Coke and light the water heater for the last time. I won't miss that.

I have stocked up on my goodies for the trip, have done good at not reading that book (haven't had time!), and have a box of nice soft Puffs kleenex (thanks Vonda!!)...And in closing up and signing off in Mexico, I know that God has been here, He has worked in many teens' lives, many seeds have been planted, and I know that I myself have changed, grown, been stretched, been strengthened here. And in leaving, I trust that my God will complete the work that He started here. With all my love to Altotonga--