21/01/10 - Querétaro 01/24/2010
        Although we arrived a day late into Queretaro we still managed to help out the Salvation Army for the better part of a day. A young hardworking couple and their baby girl have set up here and run a lunch time and homework tuition programme for the local kids. They were also inundated during December with donations of clothing, electronics,toys and odds and ends that required sorting out. We started the job but there is still more to be done …… anyone available? We would like to thank Captains Rosa and Jonathan Mojica for welcoming us in on such short notice and to Silvia (our host) for translating our initial call to them to arrange our visit. 13/01/10 - San Luis Potosi 01/15/2010
               We had a great day here in the San Luis Potosi Salvation Army, where Raul and his wife run an Orphanage for approximately 30 children. At the time, his niece and her husband were here helping out as well. We got to have some fun with the kids, playing football and on the playground and sharing meals with them. In the afternoon we helped moved many donated clothes (that were taking up space in the office) to the garage. We also extended their washing line and put up a tarp to keep the contents in the garage dry. There are many dedicated staff working here and the children are very well cared for and loved. Thank you to Raul and his team for making us feel very welcome. We also had a surprise appearance by Spiderman! 01/05/2010 Durango 01/05/2010
            EJERCITO DE SALVACIO With the asístance of Frida, our ever supportive host, we were able to get in touch with Captain Raul and Itzel Rodrigueuz and do some helpful things in Durango. Oddly enough Raul was impressed with our rather simple website and appreactived the time setting one up and working through the many different functions and options. When Raul has had some time up loading and updating, we will include a link from our site. In Mexico the people not only celebrate Christmas in a huge way, but also something called Dia de Reyes, known as the three kinas day. Twelve days after Christmas, Magi arrived bearing gifts for baby Jesus. In Mexico children receive gifts on this day, brought by the three kings, los Reyes Magos, Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar. Some children receive gifts from both Santa Claus and the Kings, but Santa is seen as an imported custom, and the traditional day for Mexican children to receive gifts is January 6. So we spent the better part of the next day exercising our creative jueces and decorated the church hall for the party. It was very ´chido´ (cool) hanging out with the many children at the orphanage and even managing to squeaze in a game of soccer to complete the day. Amazing that we can play soccer on a basketball court surrounded by traffic dodging our many astray balls. The Salvation Army plays a critical role here in Durango, as the Mexician government takes care of guardianless children up to the age of 12. Once this age is reached funding and support stops and the Salvation Army steps in to ensure the well being of these children continues. |  Volunteer work with the Salvation Army
Part of what we wish to accomplish over the next year is not only the cycling, but also giving back to the communities which we will pass through.  ArchivesJuly 2010 Categories |
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