Getting to the Heart of Mexico

Monday was a day set aside in our itinerary for some cultural assimilation and sampling of Mexico's rich past. It was a challenging, heartbreaking and thrilling day by turns. Three team members share their experiences of different aspects of their exposure to the 'heart' of Mexico.

Alister Knipe - The Basilica
Our day started with Margaret and Robin, OMS missionary school teachers and our hosts for these two weeks, giving a brief overview of the history of Mexico City and helping us gain an understanding of the religious beliefs and traditions of the majority of the population.



This set the scene for the day ahead, with our first visit being to the city's Basilica, where thousands flock to each year in search of blessing and healing. Even during the short time we were there we could clearly sense the sincerity of the belief of these folk, often paying significant amounts of money and going through physically punishing exercises believing that this would somehow win them favour. However we were equally moved by the emptiness of what we witnessed, and praise God that as His children we depend not on a religion, but on a relationship and know that our hope is secure.



Christine Dougan - The Catherdral and Plaza
We then went onto the Zocalo square and Cathedral. Inside the Cathedral were individual chapels and confessional boxes up each side. There were candles which people could light - at a cost. It was so heartbreaking to seethe Mexican people so sincere, in lighting the candle and then dipping their fingers into the wax and dabbingit onto themselves. I couldn't help but think - so sincere but so lost. On our exit from the Cathedral, justinside the door,a young, homeless man was lying up against the wall. Beside him stood a very well dressed manin a pin-striped suit, holding a briefcase. The two men looked so different on the outside but I couldn'thelp but think inwardly they were exactly the same.

We then came out of the Cathedral and walked a little. The Aztec Priests were 'cleansing' people on the streets.This again involved money being exchanged. The Aztec Priest would then dip his 'mop' into the incense and 'washaway' all evil spirits from the person. It was just so plain that the people were searching for somethingand trying to buy their way to Heaven.
A very moving experience.


Heather Hewitt - The Artisan Market and our Journey Home
After getting the cars out of the car park, which was another novel experience, we travelled to Ciudadela which was a little market place selling crafts and souvenirs. We bought a variety of gifts-all very reasonably priced.


As we were about to leave the rain started- just like home! It poured or "bucketed" for the rest of the drive home together with thunder & lightning. The distance home was approximately 20 miles but it took us 3 hours so you can imagine the "craic" was mighty with 7 of us in each car! To drive in such conditions and arrive safely home made us again thankful to God for being with us.
Dinner awaited us- we were tired and hungry. After a short debrief about the day we had a prayertime with Pastor Andrew and he read Psalm 4 to us. It was just what we needed after an intense and busy day.


Psalm 4 v 8- "I will lie down and sleep in peace for you alone O Lord make me dwell in safety."


This was a great comfort to 12 weary people as we got to our beds.