I don't know what my problem is but today has not been a good day. For some reason I cannot think or talk in Spanish. This morning I had a few people talk to me in Spanish and I just kindly smiled and looked around for someone to help them. Later, I had three young Mexican girls following me around. They were quizzing me and I was not able to leave until they were called away. I loved talking to them but my Spanish was definitely not here today. Then, this afternoon we went into town and since I was driving I had to get gas and I had difficulty communicating with the lady. Some days Spanish is exciting and I feel like I'm learning so much and other days I feel completely hopeless. Today, I felt hopeless.
The summer staff graduated from training today. It was relaxing and fun. We had a feast on Nachos. We put sombreros on and marched around the table while everyone hummed the graduation song. =) I've been a bit quiet today and my coworkers have noticed. I don't know what's wrong.... I guess I'm feeling a bit inadequate for this job and my role as an ambassador for Christ. I've really struggled with my identity in Christ this last year. Please be praying that I will gather strength from God and put my hope and trust in him.
Today after graduation we went into town. We visited a Zapateria and the other girls bought shoes. It's weird they don't sell half sizes which makes it difficult to find shoes that fit. I drove around town a bit and I drove back to camp. Tomorrow we begin ministry at 3:30. Be praying that we get all of the work we need to get done prior to the groups arrival. Thank you so much for all of your love and encouragement! I hope to keep you updated with what's going on. I haven't quite got the hang of this blog thing yet. =)
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Adventures
After only being in Ensenada for 2 days we (the summer staff) were told that we would be driving into Ensenada and driving back. It's like a half hour each way. Anyhow, I got stuck with driving back in the dark. I don't think it would have been so bad if we hadn't been driving a huge truck that had horrible steering! It was a slightly scary experience. But now, we now how to navigate around town and we'll be exploring tomorrow.
This past week has been training. It has been a lot of fun and we have had some amazing experiences. One of the things we did was we ate with a different staff member each night. So we would go to their home (a mexican family) and we would eat dinner with them and spend a few hours there. Each time we walked into a home I had a lot of difficulty understanding them, but when I left I was able to understand most everything. It felt so good to be able to have good conversations. They are so encouraging with our spanish! I feel that my listening skills are improving a lot!
The Food is wonderful! I love Mexican food. But...... I don't think it's the healthiest. Next week we'll have stuff that is a bit more American but I really like the food they serve here. A thing I learned. Anything that is water based is called "agua" (water). So if you really just want water you have to be specific. You could very well end up with yucky flavored water.
There are a lot of ranch animals around. We had some goats and they were a bit scary but they just got taken away today. Right now, there is a large Mexican group in camp so I cannot find my "gatita."
I have had a lot of fun and stretching experiences here. It's so hard to believe that I am actually in Mexico, but I am and I am learning so much. I'll try to write more later..... I have not really had anytime to journal so this is a bit disorganized.
Please be praying for me. This next week will be our first group of Americans. We will be doing a VBS and construction project. Pray that we will get a better idea of our role and that we will be more comfortable in our position. Please pray for strength through the lonely times.
This past week has been training. It has been a lot of fun and we have had some amazing experiences. One of the things we did was we ate with a different staff member each night. So we would go to their home (a mexican family) and we would eat dinner with them and spend a few hours there. Each time we walked into a home I had a lot of difficulty understanding them, but when I left I was able to understand most everything. It felt so good to be able to have good conversations. They are so encouraging with our spanish! I feel that my listening skills are improving a lot!
The Food is wonderful! I love Mexican food. But...... I don't think it's the healthiest. Next week we'll have stuff that is a bit more American but I really like the food they serve here. A thing I learned. Anything that is water based is called "agua" (water). So if you really just want water you have to be specific. You could very well end up with yucky flavored water.
There are a lot of ranch animals around. We had some goats and they were a bit scary but they just got taken away today. Right now, there is a large Mexican group in camp so I cannot find my "gatita."
I have had a lot of fun and stretching experiences here. It's so hard to believe that I am actually in Mexico, but I am and I am learning so much. I'll try to write more later..... I have not really had anytime to journal so this is a bit disorganized.
Please be praying for me. This next week will be our first group of Americans. We will be doing a VBS and construction project. Pray that we will get a better idea of our role and that we will be more comfortable in our position. Please pray for strength through the lonely times.
My first week in Ensenada!!!
Many of you are asking silly questions so I thought I might just update you on a few things and give you some info. Here are some random things I've discovered and learned that are different:
1. Toilet paper is called trash paper (@ Agua Viva).
2. You throw trash paper away, NEVER EVER flush it!
3. You can only drink water from those big water jugs called "Garafones."
4. At taco stands you are not asked what you want. If you want something you must push your way to the front and ask for it!
5. Lunch is served later and Dinner is served around 8pm.
6. Mexican homes are very tiny.
7. Mexican children remain with their parents until they are married. Relationships are very important.
8. Ice cream is not called "helado" it is called "nieve." It tastes good and is cheaper.
9. Animals are not "a man's best friend." They are kicked and treated poorly.
10. There is only one gas price, because there is only one type of gas station in Mexico.
11. People don't take turns at stop signs..... it's who ever takes initiative and goes.
12. You can actually sees tons of stars!!!
There are so many things but I'm starting to become accustomed to them so that I do not notice them as much.
1. Toilet paper is called trash paper (@ Agua Viva).
2. You throw trash paper away, NEVER EVER flush it!
3. You can only drink water from those big water jugs called "Garafones."
4. At taco stands you are not asked what you want. If you want something you must push your way to the front and ask for it!
5. Lunch is served later and Dinner is served around 8pm.
6. Mexican homes are very tiny.
7. Mexican children remain with their parents until they are married. Relationships are very important.
8. Ice cream is not called "helado" it is called "nieve." It tastes good and is cheaper.
9. Animals are not "a man's best friend." They are kicked and treated poorly.
10. There is only one gas price, because there is only one type of gas station in Mexico.
11. People don't take turns at stop signs..... it's who ever takes initiative and goes.
12. You can actually sees tons of stars!!!
There are so many things but I'm starting to become accustomed to them so that I do not notice them as much.
hehehe
Sooooo.... I was not going to mention this but since it happened twice I thought I might. People actually think I'm Mexican until they hear me talk or see me with people from camp. Ha! When I was at the Airport there was a Hispanic woman who only spoke Spanish. She approached me and talked to me. She was quite confused at what was going on so I had to communicate what was happening.
Then when I was actually in Mexico we had a lunch where we met the Mexican staff members of Agua Viva. One of the older men thought I was a Mexican girl. A friend of one of the missionaries here. hehehe...... so maybe this is really a compliment for my tan???? I don't know.....
Anyhow, I have been able to practice my Spanish and I will have many more opportunities beginning next week. If anything my listening skills will improve a ton!!!!
Then when I was actually in Mexico we had a lunch where we met the Mexican staff members of Agua Viva. One of the older men thought I was a Mexican girl. A friend of one of the missionaries here. hehehe...... so maybe this is really a compliment for my tan???? I don't know.....
Anyhow, I have been able to practice my Spanish and I will have many more opportunities beginning next week. If anything my listening skills will improve a ton!!!!
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Safe and Sound
Well..... I arrived safe and sound at Rancho Agua Viva. Although, I must admit driving in the "Baja 500" was a bit crazy! Within the last 36 hours I have learned just how sheltered I have been. I was not expecting Mexico to feel so different, but it does. There is an obvious difference after you cross the border. I was a bit overwhelmed by all of the "poverty" I saw. I've italicized this because what I consider poverty is very different from what is considered poverty here. Many of the middle class homes look worse than the lower income homes in the U.S. There are so many homes that look like little shacks and they are so close together. I just don't understand why things are so different. I am enamored at all there is to see but I am in awe of some of the differences. I have so much to learn! I will begin training this week so please keep me in your prayers. Thanks!
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