Home Sweet Home...two weeks later....

Hello. Derek here.

I am back from Mexico, although truthfully I got back 2 weeks ago. What can I say? Things are busy.

Picture #1: This is an example of the foundation trenches we were digging. Unfortunately with reports of H1N1 and drug violence, Tijuana is not the most popular destination at the moment. In fact, the group we worked with saw an 80% decrease in American volunteer groups this past year. An 80% decrease means that the 20% that do show up work even harder. There were lots of houses that needed foundations, so we were in the trenches with shovels and pick-axes digging them out.

Picture #2: This is what I looked like after four days of digging. Also I have a moustache.

Picture #3: This is what happens when a pick axe falls on you when you are digging.

Picture #4: This is the family that we built the house for. They were so great and were right down there with us digging.

Picture #5: This is Lily and her older sister Reina. Their dad worked for the organization that we built with. They couldn't pronounce Derek so they decided to call me Paco. We played Life, Monopoly, and ate ice cream.

Picture #6: Although we didn't finish the house, we did get a huge chunk done. When the houses eventually are finished, this is what they look like.

However, the trip came with a price. This is what I missed:




I also missed Bobbie Jo's birthday, but I don't have a picture of her sitting alone on the couch eating pizza. When I called her on her birthday, that's what she told me she was doing.


While I did miss one of the greatest games in Twins history, one of the greatest games in Vikings history, and my wife's birthday (I got her flowers on the 5th and a fake Tijuana designer purse so hopefully I covered my bases there), I wouldn't give up a minute of my trip. It was such a great experience and I am so thankful that Trinity let me go.

Since then it's been business as usual, although I am truly thankful now for having hot water, plumbing, and more to eat than rice and beans. I take for granted all of the great things that I have, and it's trips like this that really help you realize it.

Stay tuned for more.

Derek