Signing off...

Thank you all for reading and thus caring this summer. Your support has greatly added to my experience. I hope that I have given you a different perspective, and even perhaps left you inspired. There really is no substitute for going out into the world in a loving manner and engaging people where they are.

I can think of no better closing than with the words that changed my outlook on life years ago and continue to shape my perspective and worldview:

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

-- Matthew 25: 34-40

Dios te Bendiga,

Mateo

Saying Goodbye

The last two days have been tough. Yesterday was my last day at the Colonia Santa Maria. I spent the last 30 minutes of the day laughing and talking with Margarita, Irvin, Alexis, Jonathan, and their extended family. Irvin wanted a picture with me, so he grabbed his camera and I mine, and we created a photo-frenzy. I gave everyone a hug and promised to return. Irvin begged me not to leave saying, "You can't leave until you become Mexican like me!"

Today I actually spent most of the morning and early afternoon in the US, taking Ryan to the airport and going on minor errands with Larry. The time in the van offered invaluable discussion with Larry. I am grateful for my time with Larry and for the many things I have learned from him.

We spent the remainder of the afternoon at Casa Bugambilla where someone had leaked that I was leaving tomorrow. I talked with many of the patients and said my goodbyes. I cannot express my feelings as so many people thanked me and said "God bless you" to me. They have no idea how thankful and grateful I am for them and the experiences we shared. Then, I became more popular than the new Brangelina baby as camera phones were pointed at me from all directions. I took pictures with everyone, some wanting more and more. The affection was overwhelming. Then Nancy gathered everyone at Casa Bugambilla and surprised me with a cake and a going away party. Nancy and Myriam (Pepe's mother who lives and helps out at Bugambilla) said some beautiful words to me; something I will not soon forget. Many tears were shed by the members of Bugambilla as they told me goodbye, thank you, and some of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me. However, the hardest was little Jabez who was angry with everyone and teary eyed beacuse of my departure.

After the little going away party, Diana was taking Jabez upstairs and he started wailing on the stairs and wouldn't go any further. I came up and picked up the little guy. I have never felt those hands grab onto my shoulders so tightly. I carried him around the corner and we both cried for a good while; his head buried in my shoulder. I patted his back and kissed his head until he stopped crying. I will never forget the love I felt at that moment- from him, and for him. I told him again and again that I'm coming back, and that I love him very much.

I have recieved so many complements and loving gestures today. As I retire for the night, I am still blown away by the love shown to me in these last 24 hours. I will miss these people very much, and I know that my life will not be the same.

Matt