Day 6: Hasta Luego, Borderplex!
Our last full day has officially come to a close. It was a bright and early morning as we drove to Jardín de Milagros to work in the fields of a non-profit farm that supports New Mexicans and Texans across multiple communities. Farmer Jerry Hobson has devoted years of his life to cultivating a farm that produces fruits and vegetables to be donated to people in need. We were able to do our part by helping to weed and uncover his chili crops (shown in photo). Soon, with our help, these will turn into delicious, spicy chilies.
After departing the farm, we had a quick lunch, then went to the beautiful town of Old Mesilla, enjoying ice cream, Billy the Kid trinkets, and savoring our last bits of time together. The biggest stop was the bookstore, where the group purchased matching chili bandanas, keeping the spicy theme of the day going (shown in photo). In the plaza was a gazebo surrounded by papel picado, and the group was able to enjoy the temperate weather and laugh together under its shade before heading back to the hotel for free time. Throughout the past few days, it has been amazing to see how the group has become "spice-tolerant" and accepted our differences to become a bonded group. From the awkward silence on Day 1 to us all begging Mr. Nelson for ten more minutes of board game time at night, it is safe to say that these friendships will extend past our temporary home of Las Cruces, New Mexico, all the way to Menlo School and beyond!
