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CHIAPAS, MEXICO - On Saturday, August 25, CPTers Keith Young and Lynn Stoltzfus attended a farewell mass for the three communities who will be returning home August 28 after almost four years of living as refugees in this small hamlet. Although this return is something they have been looking forward to since they left their communities, there were still hints of sadness as they prepared to leave the people they have lived and worked with for the last few years.

As part of the mass, the elders of each community that will be leaving spoke to a member of each family of the original inhabitants of Xoyep. They asked for forgiveness for all the things that they had used, for any damage or inconvenience they had caused with their presence, and said their formal farewells. In an emotional response, several of the residents of X'oyep spoke with graciousness and thanksgiving to all of those gathered.

"We have worked and lived together, played together, grown together, learned from each other," said Lorenzo, his voice full of emotion. "I will never forget your coming here or the time that you have spent here with us."

At one point in the service, Josefina, part of the pastoral team in Chenalho, called attention to how different people are now than when they came. People who were young when they arrived have matured in many ways. She asked several people if their thinking is the same as when they arrived, and it was clear to them that they have grown and changed, that they have learned many things, from how to educate their children to dealing with those in power in the government.

In spite of the tears that were shed for leaving friends behind, the smiles on the faces of those returning reflected the excitement of finally being able to go home.