Day One Complete!

Hola amigos!

We are so excited to finally be able to update you on our travels.  We spent today exploring downtown Merida, starting with mass at the Cathedral, Casa de Montejo, and the Palacio del Gobierno. As a way to stall before lunch, we walked around Central Square and toured historical sites. Just as we were headed to lunch, our plans changed. We had to dance. Erin, Ashley, Kevin, and Johnny, our tour guide, all went on stage and showed Merida our moves. Erin and Ashley were recognized as “the dancers” later at lunch. Let’s just say it was a success.

Following our fiesta bailar we enjoyed a traditional Mayan lunch at La Chaya Maya.  We all tried foods that fell “outside of our comfort zones”.  Luke and Karis ate Velociraptor, (just kidding) Vaporcitas, which are similar to tamales with turkey filling and salsa on top.  Several group members shared Erin’s shark empanadas.  Most of us also tried Horchata and Chaya which are two Yucatecan drinks, one made with rice and the other made with Chaya, a green leafy plant native to Merida, similar to spinach.  While we were eating our meals we were personally serenaded by two folksingers and Jonny, who had a beautiful voice. 

After our busy day in the city, we returned to the mission house where we were joined by Silvia and Gladys who helped prepare our supper.  Silvia and Gladys have been involved in the Mission of Friendship for several years and were eager to share their stories and testimonies with us.  We loved having their presence at the meal and cannot wait to see them again tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow we will be at the daycare and the Nueva Vida girls program.  Thanks for checking in, we are all doing amazing and having a blast! Lots of love! <3

MERIDA 2016 J