It felt good to sleep in a bit before we headed across town to PLNU where we would meet the other 130 Youthworks participants. We were some of the last to arrive, scarfed down a salad/sandwich lunch at the Caf, and then had our first meeting with Melissa, as she prepped us for the day and coming week of ministry. Before the meeting, we were SURPRISED to reconnect with Rene (Bonar) Christensen from youth group/college days. Her daughter Laura was joining the Youthworks adventure.
After loading the bussed and vans, we boarded our assigned bus and headed out to Tecate. We were SURPRISED to learn that we were taking Highway 94, instead of entering Mexico through the TJ border. The windy rural route was new to us. As entered the international border crossing, the Mexico gate welcomed us, but the border guards wanted to make a walk through our bus. As instructed by our dear leader Melissa, we were all quiet as the guard strutted through the bus. In a matter of 15 minutes, we were on our way to the Nazarene Campground, just across town.
As we turned into the campground, I was SURPRISED by the size of the building which greeted us: a daunting white structure with a metal roof. Filling at least two-thirds of the wall facing the entrance was a huge sign which read "Iglesia del Nazareno". I felt a sense of pride and ownership. I was part of this Nazarene family. This was going to be my home for one week of my life.
We unloaded the busses, found our bunks, made our beds and then returned to the "Comedor" (painted above the door). As we waited for a spaghetti dinner, some of the PLNU students formed a long line on the outdoor basketball court. A game of knock-out ensued. After dinner, we gathered in our teams to get acquainted with our teammates. Maria, Sherene, Nadia, and Urbano are our PLNU leaders for the week.
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