MEXICO – Roy and Cinthia Garza •
Putting the entire mixture of feelings experienced during the week we were in the family missions in the municipality of La Asunción in Nuevo León, Mexico into words is very difficult. From previous years, we already had heard of families returning “full” from the experience, and this year, we were fortunate to be able to be part of this very special team. In our children’s short life, it was the first time going on mission, and we had no idea what to expect. Therefore from the beginning, we opened our hearts to expect “everything” from this adventure, and in the same vein, we opened our hands to give “everything.”—
“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation….” (Mk.16:15)
The community of La Asunción welcomed us in a big way; each family opened its doors during the visits, receiving the missionaries who carried the Pilgrim MTA forward. The people, glad to receive us again, remembered anecdotes from previous years and again were very excited to participate in the dynamics and activities that had been prepared.
On the other side of the mission, towards the interior, the group quickly joined in; what we experienced there was Schoenstatt alive and pure for a week. Seven families and twenty members of the Girls’ and Boys’ Youth were living together under one roof, sharing bread, daily tasks, preparing topics, and taking spiritual talks each day. Together we became a family of families. Our children learned enormously from their new missionary brothers and sisters, and they enjoyed playing and going on mission with all the children of the town—the best summer camp they could go to!
Renewed hope
For our part, we were able to see a group of highly committed Schoenstatt youths. In them we saw the youths that will transform the world, because each one of these youths is God-filled. There is no doubt that what happened there was the work of our Mother Mary, who transformed our hearts to give them to this small community, bringing out the best in each one of us. The impetus was so strong that one-day we were surprised by a beautiful rainbow that crossed the sky where we were staying. We all quickly went out to contemplate it, knowing it was God who greeted us and blessed us from on high to continue our mission.
As a couple, we are proud to belong to this great Schoenstatt family, in which our children will be able to grow in love of God and neighbor.
Yes, it is true that the work is tiring, but nothing is too much, and the dedication is total when one goes on mission in the name of our beloved Blessed Mother.
Original: Spanish. Translation: Melissa Janknegt, Elgin, USA
