Reunited.

I'm happy to report to you that I am back here in Piedras Negras. But, where has November gone? I can't believe that December is already here! Christmas decorations are all lit up down here in Mexico, and I couldn't be more excited about all the activities the church is having this month. Of course, we don't celebrate Christmas here, but I am still excited to spend such a wonderful "holiday" with good friends and family.

Coming back to Mexico has been slightly bittersweet. I can't really explain it - and when I do, I just get more confused. While it has been nothing short of amazing being reunited with my friends here in Mexico, a part of me still feels unsure about being here. I don't think I understand fully what has happened to me in Mexico, and being away from friends and family back in the States has made me feel like I wasn't really ready to come back to Mexico. On top of these bittersweet feelings, Josue feels that it is best that I "lay low" for the next month or two. Meaning my schedule from before the accident is now non-existent - and leaving the house in general is kind of in question. I'm not complaining, because I trust that Josue's "rules" are for my best interest, but it has caused me to have doubts about my recent return. I am taking lots of time to meditate and pray about these feelings, and can only keep my hope in the Lord to pull me through and guide me where He sees best fit. Continue to keep me in your prayers as I go through this struggle. What a blessing I have to be able to share it with some of my close friends down here in Mexico. And what a blessing they have been to offer me encouragement as I struggle through this.

On a lighter note, it was a great day on Saturday to come back to Mexico. The youth groups here in Piedras had planned a youth JAM out at one of the neighborhood parks (actually the park is directly behind the CAIMAS project). They didn't even know that I was coming in that day, and so they were so surprised to see me. I was greeted with loads of hugs and "holy kisses" and more hugs. Photos were snapped from all directions -- it was like I had arrived on a red carpet! Ok, no, it wasn't like that. But they made me feel like that! It was just really a great day to be back. Many of the youth deacons wives were there to help with the food and so it was really great to get to see all the youth kids AND the adult helpers! I had missed them so much and it felt so right being back in their hugging arms! Sunday was even better as most of the youth come over to my house after church. We ate pizza and played the Wii until evening services. They had told me they wanted to throw a surprise party for me, but they didn't know when I was returning (most didn't even think I WAS returning!). I've posted some pictures below from the day out at the park!

Enjoying the delicious spicy food!

Not wanting to let go of me!

"Te quieremos, Rachel! Te quieremos!"