Notre Dame students spend spring break in Mexico
SALTILLO, Mexico – Forty hours on a bus, intense manual labor in ninety-plus degree heat and communication difficulties due to a language barrier are not likely expressions one would use in describing the “ideal” spring break getaway. But, for a group of fifty- three friends and family members from Notre Dame High School of Acadia Parish, these words can only begin to scratch the surface of an unforgettable, life changing Easter vacation.
Inspired by the vision of faculty member Mary Melanson (and under the guidance of Magnificat Travel) Pioneer students, teachers, parents and friends journeyed to Saltillo, Mexico as part of Notre Dame’s inaugural mission trip.
The group was honored to have Fr. Matthew Higginbotham, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Crowley, accompany them on their missionary experience. Although unsure of what to expect upon arrival, the Pios were quickly acclimated to their surroundings and immediately began working toward accomplishing their goals.
Split between two neighboring rancheros, the groups had varying tasks at their respective headquarters including, but not limited to: refurbishing a playground area, aiding with tree limb removal, painting both interior and exterior portions of the two churches, stuccoing the exterior of one of the churches, and pouring a concrete slab at the other.
Keeping in mind the conditions in which the residents of the rancheros live, one can only imagine the difficulty in accomplishing these tasks with such limited access to modern day advancements in equipment and technology. Even so, the Notre Dame group worked diligently to complete all jobs that they had undertaken, realizing no one knew when another missionary crew would visit to finish the work.
In addition to the manual labor performed at each of the rancheros, everyone was also able to spend time playing with and being entertained by the children of the communities. Despite the language barrier, the students were able to communicate with the little ones through other inventive methods and used their time together to teach and play games such as hopscotch, jump rope, soccer, football, basketball and volleyball. The children also enjoyed playing with the toys the students brought to donate to them. An afternoon spent coloring, painting nails and “chalking” meant that a great time was being had by all!
As part of the missionary experience, ND was responsible for sharing the Good News of the Gospel with those whom they visited. Blessed with the presence of Fr. Matthew, the Notre Dame group was able to offer the residents of the rancheros daily Mass while on their journey. Experiencing the sense of unity felt in the sharing of the Eucharist, even among these completely different cultures, a spirit of family and goodwill was fostered between the Pios and the people of Saltillo. That will never be forgotten!
Although the Notre Dame crew went to Saltillo as missionaries to the people of Mexico, they left feeling as though they had come away having gained more from those whom they had gone to serve. The entire mission experience nurtured a bond not only with the Pios and the Mexicans, but strengthened the spirit of faith and family within the ND group. All who were present on the trip felt blessed and fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful experience.