Monday, like all the day we have had in Colon, was a very full day. Luckily, it was a federal holiday, meaning the young men at Santa Maria did not have school that day. We were able to 'sleep in' somewhat and still get breakfast with them at 9:30am or so - how great is that? It was at breakfast that we learend that the SOLT sisters had requested that we accompany the teenage girls of Casa de Jovenes on a hike up Bernal mountain. This became our assignment for the day! It came about because when out KU gals learned that we were able to hike up our local mountain on Sunday, they too wanted a chance to hike while we were in central Mexico. The SOLT sisters not only accommodated them, but decided that it would be great for the teenage girls as well on their day off. So we had a party of about 50 go to Bernal late in the morning, another perfect day here.
Bernal mountain is more like a giant rock than anything. There is really no dirt or gravel on it at all. It is a really steep and difficult climb, but there are thousands of locals who do it on a day like Monday, a federal holiday. We had a fabulous time climbing the mountain with the girls. Many of us had to take frequent breaks. Once we got 500 feet from the top or so, the mountain became too steep and treacherous for the amateur climber. So many of us, myself included since I had felt a little light-headed on the way up, decided to dive into our tortas (spanish for sandwiches) and drinks while about 12 from our party decided to continue on up the mountain. We have a really athletic group, guys and gals, and I would have liked to have joined them, but I'm pretty afraid of heights. 
Led by the fearless Chuck Norris of Mexico, Pedro, the brave ones headed up another 200 feet or so. They did a great job of climbing, but I was scared for them, and was praying nervously as I watched them climb. I hope the pictures of this turn out. Pedro wanted to go all the way to the top with just a couple from our group, but when he saw that everyone was game to follow him no matter where he went, he decided prudently that it was too dangerous and he had the group head back down. They all made it back safely, obviously, or the tone of this post would be much different. It was a fantastic climb, and the teenage girls enjoyed it too!
We sent the girls home with Pedro and the sisters after the climb, while we stayed back for a couple of hours and enjoyed the gorgeous town of Bernal with its views of the mountain and its valley. The snacks and drinks tasted great after the sweaty climb up the mountain. After the stay in Bernal, we headed with the ladies back to Santa Maria, for the ladies in our group had not yet seen Santa Maria nor met the teenage men there. While I arranged for a private Mass, the girls and guys either headed out for tours or engaged in a furious game of soccer. Out gals more than held their own against the stiff competition provided by our Mexican foes. It was a great ice-breaker.
When the teenage boys headed to cena, we went to their chapel and had a private Mass in English, followed by some small group discussion. Great things are happening in our group at this point. We have a group with great energy who is also eager to pray and to grow close to Christ through this pilgrimage.
By 9pm we were starving, so we headed back into town for what else? Tacos al pastor! The tacos that are 3 for a dollar and taste like heaven!
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