Mexico Departure, Part II

I warn you ahead of time, there are a lot of pictures! If you're getting this through email, you may want to just go to the web site.

After we retrieved our keys, we made it to church exactly on time. People were already beginning to gather. Some were dropping off their team member, some were there for the Mother/Daughter event. All had expectation and excitement, especially those of us who were doing both!



Ty added his luggage to the growing pile. Each team member was only allowed 50 lbs. I was convinced his was too heavy, so we took it to Publix to weigh it. He guessed 35lbs. I guessed 70lbs. The girls guessed around 50lbs.
It was only 37 lbs. He was the victor! I guess it's because guys lift more heavy things than girls do. He said it weighed the same as his first bass amp. He should know; he lugged it up and down stairs for years. The other funny thing in this photo is his hat and sunglasses. Those who know Ty know he's as far from "red-neck" as one can get. Still, he bought this hat and an International Harvester hat for the trip. The sunglasses just look good on anyone!



See what I mean? Jeremy and the sunglasses. Jeremy makes most things look good, though.



This is our Youth Pastor, Mr. H. He's already busy documenting this trip and asked me for advice. I lamely came up with the standard "Don't drink the water." What I wanted to say was, "BE READY for what God has to show you! He loves you! Listen to the Holy Spirit!"


This is only a partial showing of the luggage line. See that beach towel? I bought five of them for $5 each in the middle of winter. Himself said, "We don't need those, it's the middle of winter!" I replied with, "You don't understand. You never get quality beach towels at this price." The lady next to me, also digging through the towels, shook her head at him and repeated, "You don't understand!" Five years later, we're still using them, and we've never seen towels for that price again. But, I digress. :-)


These two aren't going on the trip. I guess they're hugging to support each other in the fact that they're staying behind. Hey, someone has to support with prayer from the home front!



Stop taking my picture.
Stop telling me to stop taking your picture. Are you smiling?
I'm smiling.
Are you sure you're smiling?
I'm smiling, I'm smiling!



Zach's a pro at smiling. He's one photogenic kid. You should see the beautiful photos of him around his home! Yes, two members of Evangelin are going on the trip!



These dearies are Josh and Brett, also going on the trip. Brett is also a photogenic kid, but he absolutely hates having his picture taken. In fact, his passport was almost left behind on the van because so many of them wanted to see an actual picture of Brett!



Zach's sister, Aleah, getting a goodbye squeeze from her cutie cousin, Iain. He's so adorable.



Mr. H is trying to get a count to make sure everyone's there. Too many people have come to see them off, so it's kind of hard.


"All right, if you're on the Mexico team, raise your hand!"



Some have gone on this trip before. They're returning to continue the relationships built last year with the missionaries, the orphans at the orphanage, and families at the brickyard. This is Jessie. She can't wait to go back!


This is Snyder. His parents are missionaries for New Tribes. Don't mind the law officer in the back; he's Kate's Dad.


This is Megan. She's probably trying to get one last conversation in before her cell phone is banned.


Hannah and Sarah are also veterans. Have you noticed Hannah's name is the same spelled backwards and forwards? Just thought I'd throw that in.



This is Donnie and David. Donnie is not returning, but he came to see everyone off. David was so sick last time, we're praying he'll actually have a better experience this time around!


These girls have not gone before. MacKenzie looks so worried! Kaley (yellow shirt in back) is staying home.



It's so hard for my Kelly to give up The Kate for two weeks.



This hug speaks volumes, more than I could ever explain here. Kelly is perfectly suited for a trip like this, but God had a reason for keeping her home this year.



It was time to fill up the van. They were driving to Davenport first for orientation, then they were to fly out of Tampa this morning. Back row girls are smiling!


Sarah's smile is peeping through here. Ty's wanting me to take the picture and get it over with. [heh heh] Glad Josh didn't mind!



Snyder trying to hold Brett down for a picture. Aleah has on her excited/scared face.


Jessie must be special since she had the front seat to herself!


Everyone buckled in? (Thanks, Mr. D R! Not the same Mr. R from the Butterfly post).



Fourteen teens, three leaders, and loads and loads of prayer.


So what are the rest of us supposed to do while they're gone?


The remaining members of Evangelin have no clue.



The rest of us don't really have a clue, either. We know to pray! We're especially praying for wisdom and safety due to the civil unrest between drug gangs and border officers.

He will keep in perfect peace those whose trust is in the Lord.