Two members of Cypress Presbyterian Church, Rose Rodriguez, of Cameron, and Sue Rice, of Vass, recently returned from an eight-day mission trip to Comalcalco, Mexico.

The mission was sponsored by Presbyterian Church (USA) and in compliance with an agreement between The National Presbyterian Church of Mexico and the Presbyterian Church (USA).

The group of 18 from the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina and approximately 10 local members of churches surrounding Comalcalco spent their time manually removing bricks and rubbish from land where a medical clinic will be built.

"This experience was uplifting, spiritually rewarding and has motivated me to do more for others," says Rice.

Rice and Rodriguez agree that without the luxury of modern tools and equipment, it took days to clear the land in what could have been done in an hour with proper equipment. They had planned to lay the foundation for the clinic but because of rain, could not complete that project. The churches surrounding Comalcalco plan to raise funds for building the new clinic by selling their crafts and food.

"Participating in their culture and sharing their faith allowed a great connection with the people," says Rodriguez. "It was inspiring to see the determination and desire they have to make the clinic a reality."