Day Six, December 31, Sunday, New Year’s Eve

In a whirlwind of activity, we finished the final touches on the house before our noon deadline. When Oscar, Pilar, and Christian arrived, we prayed for them then had a a heartfelt reveal. The afternoon Fiesta brought food distribution and entertainment for the surrounding community. Back at the hotel, everyone packs and prepares for an early departure the next day..

For the first blog in this series, visit Reynosa, Mexico: An Introduction.

Amazingly everyone wakes, packs, and meets at 3 am in the parking area. We load the trailer with our suitcases and the 12 of us pile into the van for the ride home, all sitting where we sat on the way down. 13 teams in their vans, loaded trailers, and one smoker actually leave by 330 am. We reach the border by 4 am and are through by 430 am. We stop at a Loves in McAllen to use the restroom and grab some breakfast and more coffee. I notice a sign in the bathroom encouraging toilet paper to be disposed of in the toilet rather than the trash. Just when I had finally remembered.

As we head north toward San Antonio, the sun lights up the early morning sky. During the drive, we recall favorite instances and share memories. We mention poignant moments and powerful stories. We talk about next year. What we want to bring, what we’ll do different and what we’ll do the same. We hope that others want to come and think about those we want to invite.

We arrive back to Journey Fellowship around 9 am and we’re unloaded in time for the 10 am service (only one service since it’s New Year’s Eve). We gather and pray then say our goodbyes. Some of us head into the service and some head home.

It’s been an amazing trip. I’m so thankful that I’ve been able to go. And look forward to going again.