Noche Final - Para las Damas

Well, it came. We never thought it would, at least not so soon, but we've finally reached the end of our trip. We look on with mixed emotions. We are ever so happy to be coming home to all of you, especially our mommies! A hot shower is seen in Kelsey's near future and a nice long massage for Kate (don't worry, she'll shower too). Trust us friends, we're happy to be coming home. Still, we'll miss it here. That Zeta Gas jingle that drove us NUTS when we first heard it (speak of the devil, there it is), the cowbell announcing the garbage men, and especially all of our beautiful new friends who made us feel so welcome and at home from our first overwhelmingly frightening night. We've gotten accustomed to the way of life here. Six blocks is nothing to walk out in service, four people can easily fit in the back seat of a small car, and you must always be sure to greet friends with at least a hand shake, if not a kiss.

A sister from the U.S. told us that when people get the bug, they just can't stay away. She followed it with "it definitely looks like you girls got bit". That's for sure, we thought, remembering all of our itchy mosquito bites. Yes, that statement was true in more than just one way. We've gotten bit by the Mexico bug (no, not a cockroach). The bug that makes you fall in love with the people, the lifestyle, the culture. The bug that dares you to stay away, but knows that you won't be able to. We've got it, and trust me, it's far more resistant than any west nile or Dengay fever, however you spell it (or "bengay" as Andy called it). We haven't even left yet and we miss it. We miss service, and our congregation and ... don't get us started.

Everyone says "when are you coming back?" In fact, a couple of them even suggested a contract to secure our return! Trust us though, there's no need for it. We're trapped in the vortex that is this city. Barring unforeseen circumstances which are always a possibility, we definitely plan to come back! If for nothing else, for ''Wednesday night margaritas" Just kidding! By the way, here's a clip of our last night in Guadalajara. Talk about going out with a bang.

We've agreed, as we usually do, that this trip has really helped us. The congregation has expressed a lot of gratitude for our help... but we feel as Paul did, that there has been an interchange of encouragement. We feel so much more focused now. We've been reminded of what the ministry really is about. Seeing so many new ones progressing at amazing strides, seeing people truly interested in the Bible and so willing to listen has given us a fresh perspective on the ministry. The congregation has, without knowing it, given us needed encouragement to go out there and take on our goals, as they have. There is a whole world of opportunities out there in the truth, yes, even for sisters. You just have to be willing to get out there and try it!

We leave you all now, ready to come home to you, full of even more stories that we just couldn't fit in here. We know you'll be full of questions, and trust us, we'll be ready to answer... in fact there's little chance of you hearing the end of our stories... that is, not until we return to our new Mexico home away from home. It's amazing how being in Jehovah's organization makes such good friends so quickly! These are none to soon be broken either, because, as we said at the outset, our first day, we have the most important thing in common. That is, a common desire to be witnesses of Jehovah, wherever the need may be. We send our love, and the love of the Zapopan English Congregation, and we look forward to seeing you all soon!

Your "Mexican" Hermanitas,

Kate and K3LSO