Almost Ready!?!

For one of the few times in my life, I am at a loss for words.  In some ways there is so much to say and not nearly enough space and in others ways very little to say.  I am spending my last few days in Canada with my sister and niece Rachel.  Mostly I feel ready to take on this new journey, but of course the feelings of anxiety and fear are also very close.  On a completely practical note, I am sure that my "essential " pile of stuff to take is still way to big!

My time at Mission Orientation in Toronto was very helpful in many ways.  The session ended with a deeply moving candle lit communion service.  Communion was served in a beautiful Catholic chapel by Sonia (an Anglican Priest) and Derek (a Presbyterian USA Minister) with bread made by Josh (an ordained Minister from the Reform Church of America, but who is now doing global service with Presbyterian church USA) and grape juice procured by me (a lay person in the United Church of Canada).  It gives me hope that perhaps one day we of Christian Faith can learn to work together in the world as well as there in a little service in Scarborough, ON.

One part of the service was singing  a short song in Spanish.  I would like to share the English translation with you because it really summarizes my beliefs and prayer:

I am sent by God.  My hands are ready.
To build with Him a world of brotherhood.

The angels are not sent to exchange
A world of pain for a world of peace.

It is up to me to make this a reality.
Help me, Lord, to do your will.

On Friday morning at around 4:30 am, Niagara Airbus will arrive to take me (and my pile of luggage) to the Toronto airport for a 8:50am flight to Mexico City.  Senor Carlos will be there to meet me and to take to meet my host family - Senora Angeles and Senor Fernando.  On Monday morning I will begin language school.

.  I will endeavour to continue blogging on Wednesdays (or sometimes on Thursdays as has already happened!). I am not sure how often I am going to be able to check e-mail or how much time I will have.  Please send me messages, but do not worry or be concerned if it takes a while for me respond!  Thank you to each of you who have helped me on this journey so far.  I look forward to sharing the unfolding experience with you.