A letter from Pedro Salas concerning his trip to San Miguel

Well I finally got time to write and tell you guys how everything went. I have to say things went wonderful.

It started on the 21 st of July when we got to cook lunch at the orphanage. (Mexiquito)

I took hamburger patties, chicken and hot dogs. Since this was my first time cooking for at least fifty people it was a learning experience. My wife is a General Manger at a fast food restaurant so she really helped out on how to plan for this. I did learn that kids like hamburgers the best, and that I can't cook French fries fast enough. I also did forget the cheese back at my in-laws house. Nobody seemed to miss it though.

There was one kid that helped me cook, his name was Jose and it was his last day there. Upon turning 16 years old the kids are sent to another orphanage that is run by fathers.

This was the first time I have ever spoken to Nuns. I had always just seen them on television. I discovered that they have really dedicated their lives to these children. It really was an honor to speak to these people.

Through out the day as I was cooking I was meeting different children. They all had stories how they ended up here. I met three brothers who the parents just didn't want them anymore. I met Chuy who had down syndrome. He really touched my heart. I guess because I have a son that is severely autistic.

As I watched the kids play with the games I brought them. It made me think of when I was a their age. This should be the happiest time of their lives. Hopefully if enough people are aware of this we can make it happen. I also realized that I thought I was giving them presents when it wasn't them getting the presents, but me receiving the present by having the privilege of getting to watch them play and have fun.

I did get some time to sit down and talk to the director Teofila Jaimes. I asked her if I could come back and cook again sometime. She told me when ever I want. I also did ask her what are some needs of this orphanage. She told me first of all cash of course. They have a broken lawn mower. School supplies are always a need. As I was speaking to her I noticed one of the nuns was going to leave in a vehicle and about twenty kids pushing it to pop the clutch to start it. I haven't done that since high school. While talking to her I did see some people come and donate clothes.

I gave her Silas and Dutch names. Just in case you guys call to speak to some one. I did tell her about Alkare and the mission. I let her know I am looking for help for them and they are always on my mind.

Remember all the clothes I took? I came up with an idea. The next day I put a sign up in front of the in-laws house. It said free clothes 5 per person and free tacos. Only want donations for Mexiquito. So I fired up the grill and cooked brisket and sausage tacos. I explained to the people that you can't trust a skinny cook. Over a hundred people showed up and I raised around 100 dollars. When I took the money to Mexiquito they were so happy, because they were just going to buy groceries.

I learned that these kids don't get to eat red meat that is why they ate those burgers so fast. They don't get any sodas at all. We ran out and my wife had to make a run into town for more.

I did get some time in for some vacationing. We went to the pyramids by Mexico City. You find out how bad of shape you are in climbing those things. On the way back home we did stop at San Luis Potisi to the children living on the side of the road. We passed out toys and snacks. They remembered me from last year.

My niece had a great time and wants to return when I go again. She needs two more years to finish her RN degree. She was a huge help and will be in the future.

I had a lot of people make this a success. Uncles for vehicle maintenance, Wife, In-Laws, My crew at at&t for clothes, Niece and cousins. Next year I am going to look into investing in a trailer to pull down there.

Thanks and God Bless

Pedro

Click here for more photos from the trip