Here is a note from Jerry with more details on the trip. As always e-mail me any questions.
The most important focus of this trip will be to play with the children at the orphanage. There we will truly find the living, breathing—and
laughing—face of Jesus in a present form.
The orphanage (Saint Therese’s) is found in the high desert country of North Central Mexico. It is about 100 kilometers north and east of Mexico City. It will be pretty hot while we are there, but bottled water is amply available. The land is very beautiful in its starkness and we will be able to do lots of hiking (there will also be transportation available for those who need them).
There are actually two orphanages; one in the city of Colуn and one seven kilometers from the city in an old monastery. We will spend time daily in both locations and the walk is beautiful. However, you need to be in pretty good shape to walk 14 kilometers round trip in the heat and sun. I would suggest really sturdy (and worn-in) boots rather than sandals or tennis shoes as there can be stickers on the trail and the ground is uneven.
I like to get up early in the morning, buy some of the fresh sweetbreads that children sell around the village and hike to the orphanage. There I spend time working on the farm with the kids (they grow beans for their own use) and then I spend the afternoon playing games with them. They are awesome soccer players and seem afraid of nothing! Fr. Norman usually says Mass in the morning out at the monastery/orphanage and the kids love to sing.
Around the village are two shrines that a short hike in the hills. They
look down upon the small town and are a great place to pray and reflect.
Be sure you bring sun screen, be prepared for blisters and there can be hornets and scorpions (always check your boots before you put them on).
Before we go out to the orphanage, we will spend a couple days in Mexico City taking in the culture. Three places in particular are worth day trips:
* The pyramids outside of the City
* The Shrine of Guadalupe;
* The village of Cuernavaca.
All of these are great day trips and will involve walking around the area to get the fullest sense of their historic and cultural value. The pyramids are magnificent especially if you hike to the top, however be prepared for a long, steep staircase with steps that are irregular in size.
You will enjoy this trip much more if you are well-conditioned – and
especially to heat. Also, please remember that things move much slower in a developing country than in our ‘hurry-up’ world. A bus that is supposed to arrive around ten can arrive around two instead. Having something to read or a Frisbee to throw (or, if you are like Gene and Brad, you can juggle) is a real plus. It is all part of the ‘experience.’ Also, pick up a Berlitz pocket book for Latin America (not Spain); they are great reference guides in almost any situation.
Check on your shots, your passports or notarized birth certificates for
arrival. Bring any meds that you could contemplate using (allergies, bee stings and so forth) and like anywhere… it is better to try and hang out as a group.
As you prepare, keep an eye on this site:
http://cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/mx.html
Especially the “Issues” page; it will keep you up to date on current issues in Mexico.
Over all, if you love to play with kids, if you don’t mind being late for just about everything, if you enjoy spontaneity, and use common sense – this will be a great trip.

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