Adventure Begins (Friday & Saturday)

AHS & CEBA Service Learning

For the second year in a row, students from American Heritage School (AHS) and Centro Escolar Benemerito de las Americas ("Benemerito" or CEBA, for short) have met to serve and learn together in Mexico City.


(Click here to see additional pictures and videos!)


Friday, January 18
As AHS students gathered at the SLC International Airport on the morning of Friday, January 18, youcould feel the excitement of the AHS youth to visit new friends in Mexico. Cierra Stice, a junior, said, "I'm so excited!"  Peyton Kelly, a sophomore, "I can't believe we are going to Mexico--it came so fast."

AHS students gather after checking in at SLC International Airport.

Two groups departed SLC--one group on Delta with a layover in Atlanta, and another, United with a short layover in Houston. The flights offered naps, trading seats with passengers, visiting friends and neighbors in the aisles, and missionary discussions. One minor incident--the misdirection of one student's suitcase--was promptly corrected by the airline, when the baggage was properly delivered Saturday before lunch time. 

AHS students load into CEBA vans at the Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City.

Administrators and teachers from CEBA met AHS groups at the airport. They were accompanied by several vans and drivers, who drove us from the airport to the school, in about a 30-minute drive. We soon arrived. The air was chilly, but we were greeted warmly by a group of smiling CEBA students who called out the names of their American companions, and when found, hugged them and enveloped them instantly in their love. The feelings of love were quickly kindled.

AHS & CEBA students roasted hot dogs over an open fire as they got to know their  new companions for the week.

We left our luggage in one of the dormitory building's shared commons area and walked a short distance to an area of the campus affectionately referred to as the "arboleda"--a lightly wooded area with a fire pit--and there we prayed together, roasted hot dogs, distributed gift t-shirts to Benemerito students, and announced dormitory room assignments. We also enjoyed "Suelo!"--a short chant that CEBA (and now AHS) students say to each other to invite each other to show off a short dance. "I thought it was going to be awkward to dance in front of everybody, but it was fun because I just went with the flow," Spencer Welch said. After long travels, beds were a welcome sight.

Emily and Cheylynn made friends with their CEBA roommates quickly--no surprise there!

Saturday, January 19
Morning came early, as students rolled out of bed at 7:00 a.m. to pray, wash, dress, and get ready for breakfast in the cafeteria at 8:00 a.m. Breakfast consisted of bolillo with beans, cheese, and salsa, as well as watermelon and cereal. Delicious!

Following breakfast, we gathered for a group devotional. We sang. We prayed. Mr. Anderson shared brief thoughts about (1) Joe Ehrlmann, a former captain of the NFL Colts, who later devoted his life to service, (2) a man on the plane he met who was returning to Mexico to see his family for the first time in twelve years, and (3) the advice of President Hinckley to be grateful and be still.

The day's activities included many "breaking the ice" activities. The CEBA students provided guided tours of CEBA campus to groups of AHS students. Sports followed the tours--ultimate frisbee, futsal, volleyball, tennis, ninja, and down-by-the-banks. Ahlambre (beef and rice), soup, apples, and frozen yogurt bars provided a delicious and filling lunch. The students from both schools enjoyed friendly conversations. After lunch, many students used self-directed time for getting-to-know-you activities, discussions, and a spontaneous game of missionary tag!

Futsal fun!

Warming up for the scrimmage!

Service time from 3:00-5:00 p.m. included making double-layered, fleeced blankets for needy individuals in a homeless shelter we will visit on Thursday.

Abish, Kathy & Sandra cut and tie a blanket.

Spencer and Alejandro display the blanket they tied.

Dinner (pizza and fries) and a dance finished the evening from 6:00-9:00 p.m. "It was so fun! I loved it!" said Carlynn Raubenheimer. Students were given assignments to help clean up after the dance.

Michael & Ayalte dance the Salsa.

About the day, Christopher Holmstead said, "I thought it was a blast playing all the different activities, with both languages."

Click here to see more pictures and videos!