Behind Every Great Man is a Great Woman (Part 2)

Check out this great article about the story of Juan Diego and some amazing facts about the Tilma. This is a great refresher on the story and you'll learn some really amazing things too! 

Our family walked up Tepeyac Hill with
special prayer intentions
from family, friends and benefactors.

Even our littlest one walked some of the way!

A view of the old Basilica completed in 1709 (left)
and new Basilica completed in 1976 (right)
from Tepeyac Hill. 

On the stairs leading to the Chapel
on the top of Tepeyac Hill.

We enjoyed the various fountains on the walk down Tepeyac Hill.

At the base of the Hill are beautiful gardens and green grass.

A view of another chapel at the base of Tepeyac Hill.

Bringing gifts to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Inside the old Basilica.

We were able to participate in Adoration inside
the old Basilica.

A bomb went off in the old Basilica when it still housed the
Tilma. The Tilma was unharmed but a crucifix nearby
was damaged. Learn more about this and other miracles
in the article I mentioned above.

We stayed at the Obras Misionales Pontificio
Episcopales de México. The sisters took such good care
 of us and served us delicous food! 

The kids enjoyed the garden and play area.

Donovan had 2 open seats next to him on the way
home. Gabriel enjoyed his free seat!

After the trip back to Costa Rica Felicity was
tuckered out!

We stopped for lunch at Burger King in San Jose
before heading back to Coopevega.

On our drive up the mountain there were lots of beautiful views.
We drove next to the clouds!

Back home in Costa Rica and visiting Pablo's house.
He sang us songs while we ate his
famous pancakes and fresh squeezed lemonade!

The entire trip was blessed and gave our family a great retreat. We were able to visit with other missionaries from Mexico and the U.S. Again we were reminded of the joy of surrender to the Lord. This is something that continues to challenge us. This is something we must do each day. It's not a one time thing. We gave a great surrender when we first became missionaries, but now the Lord challenges us to deepen that surrender! As we deepen our prayer life and grow in holiness and virtue we are better able to say yes to the Lord each day. Our perspective, when guided by the Holy Spirit, changes. We are able to see with the eyes of faith and notice things we never would have seen before. We see the little gifts and blessings in the good things and in the suffering.