Mexico Mission –
Recap
Puerto Vallarta
October 2009
Wow, what a trip. In short, this trip to Puerto
Vallarta to support Police and Fire families was one
of the finest ever completed by Diakonos members and
families. Diakonos and Angels for Mexico, in a joint
venture, provided 62 ballistic vests to Police
Officers in the Cities and Towns of Puerto Vallarta,
Mascota and San Sebastian.
The Diakonos Team began the building of two homes
for two female Fire Fighters with children and
provided all the material needed to be completed by
local family members. Building with concrete and
concrete block was more challenging and harder work
than building with wood but needed in the wetter
climate prone to termites. Our Team had to do a lot
of learning but this was part of the trip that made
building relationships with the local Firefighter
community far better than any previous trip. Many
times the Diakonos Team worked shoulder to shoulder
with the Firefighters. Those we were working for
became our friends. This was very rewarding.
A trip thru Sierra Madres to the village of Mascota
ended with an impromptu training session with the
Mascota Police teaching them an extraction technique
for small crowds. This also resulted in great
friendships being developed and a wonderful meal
together paid for by the Mayor of Mascota.
The day itself ended with an on-view fire that we
witnessed, called in the troops and watched first
hand as the Fire and Police dealt with the event
with explosive gases added to the mix. Pretty sad to
see when the entire Fire department shows up with
all two rigs that are 60’s and 70’s vintage. It was
nice to see the Calgary Fire Department turn-out
gear being used by all the Puerto Vallarta Fire
Fighters. That was a proud moment for Angels for
Mexico who provided all the gear through the Calgary
Fire Department.
As a result of the success of this trip, Diakonos
and Angels for Mexico are planning another trip for
the Spring break, April 1st to April 11th, 2010. We
are putting a new concrete roof on a civil
protection member’s house so he can build more room
for his growing family. We are also putting in a set
of concrete stairs on the outside of a Fire Fighters
house so he can build upwards for his growing
family. We will also be building a playground in a
community near a Firehall Substation. The playground
will be built in honor of Cliff Robinson, a Calgary
Firefighter who passed away in January 2009.
Come and join us for the adventure of a lifetime.
More details to follow.
