THURSDAY RECAP

That’s a wrap! It has been a crazy and fast week with our shorter-than-usual trip, but we have REALLY lived every moment of it to the full. Honestly, today was a blast. This group of teens has been incredible — they have worked so hard, really engaged in their small group communities, made everything fun, and stretched their hearts to the Lord. We finished a LOT of projects this week, and we left a lot left to be finished, too. It’s a humbling reminder that we are only equipped to do so much — and that our ministry is in the relationships we form with the families and people of Laredo more than the physical labor we do. In fact, Father Edwin reminded us today that the structures and improvements we have made this week will still fail and fade after a period of time, but the work we do in our relationship with God and exercising the virtues of love and labor will not.

Check out some pictures of the finished projects and worksite farewells on the individual pages from the Laredo landing page or by clicking the group name below:

Bacon House • Blue House • La Frontera • Tar House • Trailer House

After wrapping up our worksites, we returned to St. Patrick to celebrate Mass. It is the Feast of Saints Mary, Martha, and Lazarus — and it was a great reminder that when we are overwhelmed by the anxiety of doing so many things, we should follow the example of Martha and turn first to the Lord.

Tonight’s programming was awesome. I don’t know if I can even say much more than just to watch or listen to this talk from Father Edwin, our new pastor. It really was so good, and just what all of us needed to hear — not just our teens. A really short recap? 1) Following Christ is not easy. It’s a post-Christianity world, and we’ll know we are on the right track if things get MORE difficult for us as we go (just like approaching boss levels in video games). 2) We cannot be satisfied with living a dual or compartmentalized life. The life of the mature Christian is fully integrated, and we need to be whole in God. 3) The bare minimum is not enough. It would never be enough from the people we love, and it’s not enough for the Lord.

“[The compartmentalized life] needs to end, and now is the time.”

We spent time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament after his talk, and our teens were given the opportunity to approach Core Team pairs for prayer teams. With the spirit of authentic joy and a tangible desire to know the Lord, all of us came together in worship and prayer. It was a powerful way to end the week.

After adoration…?? Our traditional dance party fiesta!! We had a blast. It’s always amazing that the teens have so much energy after an entire week of hard physical labor! Also… we had already packed up the boys’ showers, so our apologies for the smelly, sweaty teenage boys you’ll get back tomorrow. 😂

Click here to view pictures from our afternoon and evening!

It has been an honor to write for you this week. I hope you have enjoyed the short summaries and recaps! Joey has done a fantastic job on videos, and I sure have enjoyed posting pictures for you. Ask your teen lots of questions!! We can’t wait to see how this trip has transformed their lives. They are some amazing kids, and we are so thankful you have allowed us to spend time with them this week!

A huge shoutout is due to our family here at St. Patrick’s in Laredo. We could not do ANY of this without them, and we are incredible grateful for their generous hospitality and welcome. Until next year, dear friends — the Lord be with you, and His peace, too.

To our families — we will see you soon!

— Mary C.