Day 25 Thursday Trip to Mexico and Big Storm!!!!

I'll start off with the storm...There was a tornado about 5 miles from us

There was tremendous amounts of rain, up to 4.1" in some parts of McAllen. Big lightening shows, high winds and hail. Flooded streets. Water was up over doors and windows of stores. Lots of power outages and cars broke down from flooded engines. One of the Meteorologists on TV said this was the worst he has seen in 30 years. At time the hail in parts of McAllen lasted 30 minutes. Video below.

Lots of cars in places where the water was up to the windows. We were very lucky here in Pharr, got a very small amount of hail, our power did not go out, and all was good. When they start talking about Tornadoes though, the thought of being in a mobile home like we are is not very comforting!

I hope all our Mexican kids did alright, good thing we went to Mexico yesterday, because the roads are so bad in some parts they would most likely be impassable today!.

MEXICO TO SEE THE GIRLS!

We net Sister Maureen, Ken and Vickey on the Texas side of the International Bridge around 2:15. Got waved through the Mexican check point even though Sister Maureen had the back full of clothes, medicine, food, clothes etc. Our roller bag on wheels we put between Katie and I on the back seat as we didn't need more attention to what was in the truck.

Sister Maureen had to pay some bills, deliver some medicine and other items to a clinic, then we were off to our little Vickey's place. Sr. Maureen, Ken and Vickey still had other things to do in Canalas, so they dropped Katie and I off to spend time with Vickey and her family. This caused a little trepidation on my part as they speak absolutely no English. Previously Sister Maureen was always there to perform translation duties. Vickey came out of the house as she always does, running at full speed, up into my arms, puts her head on my shoulder and just hugs and doesn't want to let go until I give her to Katie. What a feeling!

We had some gum and a few odds and ends for the kids...and they are always happy to get anything. Here is Vickey playing with one of the things...and her gum in the other hand.



We watched the kids play for awhile and they took out the soccer ball we gave them last time and had some fun. Then we decided it would be fun for the kids to write on Katie's cast. So I took out my phone and translator and we tried to get them to get us crayons and or markers or something. It was hilarious! The trouble with the translator is that it has a mind of its own. I say something in English and sometimes it gets it right, but sometimes it just says whatever it wants. So if it was correct what I said and translated into Spanish out load, I would shake my head yes and the kids would all yell "Si". But if it was wrong, I would shake my head no and the kids would all yell out "No!" and laugh and laugh. It was a lot of fun and this went on for a long time, and we never did convince them to go inside and get us what we needed. They got crayon just fine, and paper, and a few other things, but retrieving it from le casa did not resonate with them...

here are some other photos from Vickey's place...

Then the red truck rolled up again...and we were off...we stopped at the place where we always stop where they distribute the food and clothes Sister Maureen brings. The kids are so cute...and Katie and I always bring enough suckers for every child.

After spending some time there, emptying out the truck, we were off again to see our girl Libby. Karily came flying out of the house, up into my arms and gave me the biggest hug. These kids are so loving it's unbelievable.

Baby Eric was sleeping on the bed as usual, Erica has to take him to Monterrey Again next week to see the Doctor. Libby had obviously just been sleeping as she was rubbing her eyes and did not seem quite with it. She looked adorable. Soon we were inside giving the kids the loot we had brought. We brought them a bag of mini donuts, gum, skipping rope, things for their hair, a barbie doll each, clothes, paddle toys, pictures in a frame, one for Karily of Durga her sponsor (Madrina), and one of Katie and I holding Libby. We also gave them the electronic tablet like learning device, which is Spanish and English that they can learn and have a lot of fun with. We also gave them some rechargeable batteries and a charger as the electronic device takes 3 AA's.

Libby came over and gave me a big hug as she did for Katie. Karily is so thoughtful, she went in the other room and carried out chairs, and she instructed me to "sit" then she disappeared for quite a while.

We learned soon thereafter, that she had taken her bike and ridden into town to get her dad who works at a Dentist's office. He is not a dentist, he works there in some capacity. She returned with him, and we could immediately tell, that he is a good guy who is a family man. We were very pleased to see that.

We had lots of fun and the kids obviously liked their gifts. Libby spent a lot of time with Katie plays with the learning tablet. It was fun to watch her face.

Not quite awake...

what a sweetheart...

Both kids skipping...Karily is very good at it...Libby was having a hard time because the rope is too long...but she was doing better at the end and Karily will show her.





Here is a picture of all of us



We had such a good time...and we just love those two little ones...Karily was happy with her picture of Durga and took it outside to show one of her friend her "Madrina".

Libby would just come over every once in a while and give a big hug for no particular reason...making me melt.

here are some other photos

Then unfortunately it was time to go...so sad...have to wait until next year...as we were walking out...Libby as usual with no prompting from anyone, took Katie's hand to walk her to the truck because of Katie's cast.

Nice kisses and hugs from both Karily and Libby and then we were on our way back to the USA. No problem at all at the border, and soon we were in our car heading home.

and so ended that part of another great day in the Valley!!!!

Then later...the storm started....

and luckily that part with no damage for us and ended in with exciting night in the Valley!

more later....