I suppose I should begin by telling you I have about 427 pictures of this day. So, bear with me. I promise I’ll try to only share a few. Maybe.

First we went into town and ate at El Velero on Stone Island. I wish I could explain it to you. We walked in and the floor is the beach. The beach!

You are sitting and laughing and eating directly next to the Pacific Ocean! It is probably the desert girl in me, but this made me so incredibly happy. The food was yummy. The breeze was cool. And everything was bright and happy and amazing.

We bought sunglasses and bracelets with our children’s names, and we set off to catch a panga boat over to Mazatlan.

The ticket counter was right across the street from our beloved pharmacy. Thankfully, none of us needed it that day. Hooray!

We were giddy as we set off across for our adventure. Nancy told us the plans for the day and we laughed as we navigated the boat rocking back and forth as we hopped off and walked up the boat ramp… some of us less gracefully than others.

Then, time stopped for a few minutes.

We heard the most horrific noise and saw a man on a bicycle hit by a car.

It’s strange how everyone processes grief and shock. Carolyn shared that every single one of us started to rush to the scene, then stopped, realizing that we didn’t know how to help. We were in a foreign country with little knowledge of the language. He had a crowd of people around him helping.

I held my breath and prayed. I wandered over to a tent selling belts and tried to converse with the two ladies inside, asking in my very broken Spanish if he was okay. They saw me make the sign of the cross and we prayed together. I’m so thankful for that moment of unity in a moment where I felt so lost. As a group, we decided to leave to make way for help to come. He was moving his legs when we left and I think of him every day. I pray that the man on the bicycle was healed completely.

Yes, I know that could have happened anywhere, but it felt so terrible wondering if he was okay and knowing that I would probably never know.

We grabbed a ride on an Orega (pick up truck taxi) and whispered more prayers as we watched the ambulance go by.

Nancy took us on a beautiful walk down the Malecon. We were all still a little quiet, then suddenly a man came out on the balcony and began beating a huge drum. I’m not sure if it was for a sporting event win or what was happening, but it definitely lightened the mood.

From there, we visited the Market. I was a little nervous about overspending, so I headed upstairs to just sit and grab a soda. Melissa accompanied me and we had this breezy rooftop view. It was so nice just to get to know her even better. I think I’m a little bit of a one-on-one gal. I love a fun, happy group of friends, but give me some good conversation getting to know just one person and that is my jam.

Next up was the Basilica. Oh my goodness. It was absolutely breathtaking. Nancy planned it so that I could attend Mass. I was the only Catholic in the group, but her thoughtfulness about my faith is so touching. I didn’t feel once like I was putting anyone out. I shared about the paintings and the saints and the stations of the cross. I smiled and motioned when they were to stand. It reminded me how humbling and intimate it can be to share your faith with people who are participating out of friendship and respect. I’m a pretty blessed lady.

The 4pm Saturday Mass was also hosting a wedding. Oh the bride was so beautiful! It was so incredibly fun to sit in the back and be a part of such a special moment. It was a blessing after the day’s events to be surrounded by beauty and joy.

Our next stop was Plaza Machado and this old, fancy, out of this world opera house. You better believe I almost asked the men doing soundchecks if I could sing.

Leaving town, we passed back by the Basilica and I was struck with its beauty once again.

A beautiful adventure, a strange day… making me ever thankful for people who push me out of my comfort zone and invite me to seize this one, beautiful, extraordinary life.