Thanksgiving Trip- Buena Vida

 

We were able to return to Buena Vida orphanage in La Mision, Mexico. It was a beautiful way to spend Thanksgiving. We loved our time with the ninos and our volunteer friends, of whom we have spent so much time with this past week. 

The food is always amazing! I can eat Mexican all day. 

Serving people in another country and culture, especially in an area where, because of poverty, physical needs are not always met, is an eye opening and humbling experience. I think we all grew in love and compassion. I'm grateful we were able to make this trip happen and that we were able to go with good friends (Ludwigs and Kaysha and Shad's family), new friends (campbells) and old friends (and good friends...two of my roommates from BYU and their families). 

We stocked their pantry before we left. 

I'm so glad the weather was cooperating this year so we could have the fiesta on our last night. The year before we weren't able to do one. 

Thanksgiving Trip-California

 Sunday November 20th our family, and Drew, Charles BFF, drove to California. 

We stayed in Carlsbad for 2 nights with my BYU roommate Jessie and her family. 

Sunday night we had dinner with their family and the Bitton's, my other roommates family. Natalie Bitton and her family live in Idaho. We all came out to go on a Buena Vida orphanage trip together. 

Monday morning Jessie taught a High fitness class at her church so some of us went which was so much fun. 

Later that day we went to Carlsbad beach. 

Andre and Eva met us there and Andre took some family photos for us. 

Tuesday morning Jess and I went for a run down to the beach and back before we packed up and took off, first to Sandiego temple to do baptisms, and then to meet at the Walmart near the border with the rest of our group before heading to La Mision Mexico.