2002 Global Mission

Letters from Nepal 2002

IPODERAC 2005

In the week following Easter Sunday, a group of 29 left on an early Wednesday morning headed to Mexico City where we then took a bus to Puebla, Mexico and the IPODERAC farm. It was the fourth time that I have participated on this trip and I am happy to say one of the best trips and groups. Each person was assigned a "buddy" who was living at IPODERAC. Everyone was thrilled to have someone looking for them and someone to look for when we arrived. For most, there was a great language barrier, but I believe that is one of the greatest aspects of the trip. We were consequently required to use any limited Spanish and hand gestures to communicate. As always it was wonderful to see how accepting each of the boys was to our incredible diverse group. I am always deeply touched by their optimism and acceptance of our group. Each and every boy is grateful for what they have and thankful for anything extra that may come their way. To close I would like to leave you with some images of IPODERAC. Our primary service project, so to speak, was painting two of the boys’ houses. However I think that many would agree more paint ended up on the painters. Incredible relationships were formed with some of the boys, namely Beth Wolfer and Victor, and Diane Osaki and her continued relationship with Andres. Lastly, midnight games of basketball with the boys. I hope that I have been able to provide you with a taste of the Montview trip to IPODERAC...who knows...maybe you'll join us next year!!!! -Rachel Ackermann
Photos by Carol Alexander