Being Cayli Again

When I lived in Mexico, my Spanish name was "Cayli."  It's pronounced like the English name "Kylie," and I came up with this nickname as a hybrid between my first and middle name because "Christen" in Spanish sounded very similar to one of the other missionary's name.  I love being Cayli and everything it entails, and I got to be Cayli again for one glorious week and a half in early June during my visit to Fresnillo.  

It would impossible to list everything I did during my visit, but God's hand was evident everywhere.  I was literally bursting with joy and practically giddy to be there again.  So many details were clearly answered prayers--from how God arranged my schedule to maximize visits, to how people were home when I dropped by.  It was a week full of deep conversation with close friends and also lots of laughter.  As I walked around Fresnillo, it felt so pleasantly familiar and like home even though I was aware that it's not my current home. The whole trip felt like a gigantic hug from the Lord and a sweet, precious gift.  What's even more amazing is that I really was ok when it was time to leave.  With my emotional history and after such an awesome week, you would think it would be horrible to say goodbye again.  I was a little sad and certainly would not have minded staying longer, but I also felt ok about going back to the U.S. and returning to my world in Birmingham.  After a tough season of transition, this is practically a miracle! My overwhelming feeling is simply joy and contentment, and I am extremely grateful for that blessing.

Some of my favorite memories from the trip included: getting tacos in the colonia with Cecy, worshipping at Iglesia del Gran Pastor again, eating carne asada several times, spending the night with Arika and talking for hours, getting to connect with and see lots of old Club kids, hanging out with Becca, Meredith, & the Jones, going to the pool with some of the youth group kids & trying to teach a few of them how to swim, remembering how hospitable and friendly everyone really is in Mexico, having fun with Sergio & Faby and also grieving with them as we remembered their son Jonathan, sharing lots of meals with different families, and many more life-giving moments...

Here are a few pics from my trip as well:

 Mexico City Airport--During my 5 hour layover, I had a reunion with my dear friend Joy (center) who I met last summer at MTI.  She's currently a missionary in Pachuca and came to see me at the airport!  We also met a new friend Emilie who was just beginning her own missionary adventure in Oaxaca.

 My beloved Fresnillo...pray for rain; they really need it!

 Hanging out with Joel, Briana, & Natali after a great lunch at David and Vero's

With Yesi, one of my sweet Club girls  

Cell Group Worship (right after a delicious carne asada!) 

With Claudia, Buga, Gloria, and Rocio -- their faithful family has been involved in the church and ministry for many years 

 Edgar, one of my former ÉXITO kids who has always had a special place in my heart and who has gone through some really tough things in life

 Lizbet, Paola, & Valeria--more sweet Club girls

 Brizeth & her adorable little sister Ximena

 

Former Club kids who are now faithfully attending youth group--so neat and encouraging to see them and other kids continuing to be involved and learning God's Word

 After church with Pamela, one of the girls I used to disciple

 No trip to Fresnillo would be complete without chiles rellenos!  Becca & César took me to get one Sunday after church, and the store still had some thankfully!

Meredith, Becca, the puppies, and I at their house where I mostly stayed during my visit, which used to be my house so I definitely felt at home! :)