When the (American) Holy Innocents Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) decided to come to Ajijic for their summer mission trip, quite a few people got involved to make sure their visit was an experience they would never forget.
Kathleen Grom (mother of children who started SAFE), Margaret Quinn (aunt of children who started SAFE), Bill Friend (President of the local organization, Los Niños de Chapala y Ajijic), and Marie Dwyer-Bullock (Focus on Mexico) put their heads together to build a diverse, educational and fun itinerary for the youth group.
Focus on Mexico: "We were so touched by the generosity of these American youth joining forces with SAFE (Save a Future with Education), an organization in the United States started by two children, Jennifer and Michael Grom. Their fundraising efforts raised enough money to send 38 children from Chapala to school. They should be truly proud!
For their contribution to the very full itinerary, Focus on Mexico arranged for the group to visit the elementary school that some of the SAFE-sponsored students attended , to see the beautiful and vibrant History of Mexico mural at the Chapala City Hall, with a personal tour from the artist himself, and visit the famed Monte Coxala Spa Ecologico in San Juan Cosalá for a little fun and relaxation.
The visit to the Chapala City Hall to see the mural painted by Efren Gonzalez was quite a success. The mural, which took him 15 months to complete, represents the history of Mexico. Efren explained that he had a dream the night after he was awarded the mural project…a dream of harmony…and that dream became the inspiration for the mural. He described all the beautiful images of his painting even showing where his young son (around 5 years old at the time) had also painted on the mural because he was so inspired by his father’s work.
The CYO teenagers really seemed to appreciate the presentation. One of the youth group members said, “It was really cool; as he was explaining things to us, other local people would stand and listen for a while too. You could tell they were very proud of the mural.” Her friend added, “And, when he was finished, one Mexican man who was not with our group had to express his feelings about it. It was great!”
With all that history under their belts, it was time for a little fun and relaxation at Monte Coxala Spa Ecologico in San Juan Cosalá, one of the exclusive sites Focus on Mexico takes their groups during the program. The group first listened to a short presentation by Judy King, one of Focus’ expert speakers on Culture, on the cultural differences between the United States and Mexico. “This country is like peeling an onion…there are more unexpected layers to Mexico than you can imagine.” she said. She also added a few tips on what to expect at the Wednesday outdoor market in Ajijic…the Tianguis…a few pointers on haggling and sign language since that was where the group was heading the next day. Even though they were anxious to sample the hot tubs and the underground pools available at the Spa, they seemed to enjoy Judy’s talk a lot.
The youth group and most of the chaperones took advantage of all the amenities available to them at Monte Coxala. First they headed for the hot tubs and the opportunity to relax in possibly one of the most beautiful hot tubs in the world. It has naturally heated mineral waters in a natural rock setting that looks out over beautiful Lake Chapala. One of the chaperones described it as an “instant dose of tranquility!” Then they got to enjoy the thermal-heated pool that is only accessible by walking through a giant Olmecan Head…an experience they won’t soon forget. They even walked up the steep steps of the pyramid to relish probably one of the best views at Lakeside from their lofty position.
A wonderful, exhausting day was had by all. I'm sure everyone slept very well that night. And from the looks of contentment on all concerned, they'll definitely be back, because I think they may have left a piece of their heart in this lovely place.
As we say here, "Once the dust of Mexico touches your heart, you'll always come back!"