Tuesday, April 21, 2009

*Sigh* - Our last full day in Cuernavaca. Today is a day to wrap things up and reflect on the journey we have been on.

This morning we gathered for morning reflection on the patio in the main garden. We reflected on the service work that we did at La Estación. We took this time to present Sister Kathy with a cheque for $303 U.S. from Dr. Brousseau and and cheque for $1775.00 U.S. from the students at Notre Dame Elementary School in Bonnyville.





After a short break we gathered and traveled to the Botanical Gardens. We each found our own space and reflected on our experience at CCIDD and how we have grown. After 30 minutes we gathered as a large group and shared our thoughts and feelings.









Once we were back at CCIDD we had lunch, paid our final bills and worked on our final social analysis project with our small groups. At 4:00 all the groups shared with each other. The presentations were very creative and helped to summarize what we learned in the areas of politics, ecology, economy, security, religion, culture and social systems.











After supper we gathered for our final liturgy. This time the CCIDD staff joined us for this special closing celebration and gave each of us a final blessing so that we may continue to bring change to the world through social justice.



All that is left to do is pack and do our final evaluations. The feeling around CCIDD tonight is one of mixed emotions. We are sad to leave Sister Kathy, Patti, Luis, Jenna, Erin and all the other staff at CCIDD. We are sad to leave the beautiful people of Mexico. We are excited to be going home to our family and friends. We are anxious to share our experiences with all those who will listen. We are gratefully for all that we have and the opportunities afforded us on this mission trip.







I will end this blog with a quote from Oscar Romero:

Peace is not the product of terror or fear.
Peace is not the silence of cemeteries.
Peace is not the silent result of violent repression.
Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all.
Peace is dynamism. Peace is generosity.
It is right and it is duty.