Life goes on....

Friends
Originally uploaded by Violet Read

Kristine and I are having a lot of fun but we are both missing the comfort and support of home and friends. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue our journey here in Mexico.

On a more upbeat note, Kristine and I have continued to attend our Aerobics class despite the embarrassment it always brings. Kristine told me that it must be hilarious to the teacher that we still continue to come because, "No. 1 We absolutely suck (excuse the language) and No. 2 We're sassy about it." Every time we begin an exercise that requires coordination we give the instructor a look like, "are you kidding me?" The instructor has taken note of our attendance and now knows are names. The other day I was completely unable to do one of the exercises so she stopped the class and asked me to move forward so that I could see. I shrunk further back and kindly protested by saying that I could see perfectly from where I was at. I definitely did not figure the exercise out even when the teacher came and stood right next to me showing me the exercise. Sometimes I just stand there with a puzzled look and wish that I were somewhere else. And other times I just do what I can do and I smile at the Instructor. I think that Kristine and I are comic relief for her. We are the youngest in the class and yet we are the least coordinated. I so wish that you were there to get a laugh out of it yourself.

As far as my family goes, they are amazing. I am truly blessed to be a part of this family. When I am sad they always remind me of everything that I have and that I should be happy. They remind me that above all I have Christ and I should be happy and loving. It's not always easy to hear this when you're having a pity party, but it reminds me again and again where my heart and mind should be. This experience truly is a blessing from God and I should seek to get the most from it. I think the thing I'm most excited for in the remaining time is building stronger relationships with my family. They are so loving and Mirna and I have amazing conversations. She challenges me to defend my faith and beliefs and to explain them thoroughly. Although I'm at a point in my faith journey where I'm asking questions, I'm being challenged to push past that and seek answers so that I myself can provide solid proof and answers to Mirna. Right now, she is at a point in her faith journey where she is asking very difficult questions about God. She doesn't attend church because of the conflict it brings in her family, but she does believe in Christ and she is craving to know more and more. I hope that God continues to give me the strength to minister to her and be the listening ear that she needs.

Tomorrow, Kristine and I begin teaching English to children at a local church. I am super excited for this new experience for I feel that I will learn so much. We don't have any materials to work with so I'm being challenged to use my creativity. Please be praying for this experience. We will be teaching for the next twelve weeks!!!!

Well, I don't have any other exciting news at the moment so I'll bring this to a close. This week is a busy week so I probably won't update my blog until next Monday. Once again, thank you thank you thank you!!!! You don't know how much joy it brings me to know that my friends and family are journeying with me.

Mexico City

Tired
Originally uploaded by Violet Read

This last weekend Kristine and I traveled to Mexico City. We were accompanied by our Culture and Civilization teacher, Carlos. I kind of felt bad for the guy because Kristine and I were wandering all over, taking forever to shop. He was sooooo patient with us and he told us to take as much time as we wanted. We'll be spending the entire next weekend with him, too. We have a three day excursion and at this point, it looks as if it will just be the three of us!

We first went to visit the Palacio Nacional but were unable to because they were doing some preparations for the Presidents arrival. He will be speaking on September 15th. Their Independence Day is the 16th. We won't be in Mexico City but we will be shouting, "Viva México." I really want to go back when we can go inside because there is a mural there by Diego Rivera that tells the History of Mexico. I was fascinated by his last mural and I would love to see this one. We wandered around a little bit on the plaza and did a little shopping. There are so many indigenous people selling things and they all cost relatively the same. You just want to buy something from everyone. We got to see the remains of a Aztecan Pyramid and we got to go into a really old Cathedral. Part of the building was originally constructed by the Aztecas.

After we finished near the plaza we visited the Museum of Anthropology. Our teacher took us through the Aztecas & Olmecas. It was interesting but there was just soooooo much information that it was a bit draining as well. We got to have our picture taken under the ORIGINAL Aztecan calendar and that was pretty neat. Kristine and I took some time to go through the Mayas and a few others. We then moved on to the upstairs which consisted of the different Indigenous groups today. I was kind of bummed because there was so much information and I did not have the time nor the energy to read it all. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a descriptive overview soon. I'm so fascinated with the different Indigenous groups and their way of living.

For those of you who prefer to look at pictures rather than read, I have uploaded some pictures to my Flickr account. Just click on the picture above and it will take you to the other pictures, too. There is a pretty comical picture there and also the one with us beneath the Aztecan calendar. I hope you enjoy! =)

Tepoztlan

Tepoztlan
Originally uploaded by Violet Read

Here are some more pics of our adventures in Mexico. Just click on the picture and it will take you to Flickr.com. Then you will see some of my other photos to the right. Click on it to see the rest. I hope you enjoy! =)

Thank you once again for journeying with me!

A weekend to remember....

As many of you know, I only attend school M-Th, which means I have a three day weekend. Whoo-hoo! Well, Friday was not super exciting. First, I was awakened around 6am by a rooster that sounded like it was dying. I truly wanted to strangle that animal. This is not a reflection of my character, rather how I was feeling at the moment. =) I spent a lot of time running back and forth between my house, the school and the lavanderia. But, I did get to spend some time alone with my abuelita and she let me paint her nails. We painted them pink and she made sure to show everyone! She talks to me more and more and she has shortened my name to "Viol." I´m not a fan, but that´s okay.

Saturday Kristine and I traveled to Tepoztlan, an older town that mostly consists of indigenous people and foreigners. First, we hiked up to the pyramid, Tepozteco. It was 2 kilometers to the top. We were the only students on this excursion and we were accompanied by Irma, the program director. She told us that the average time to hike up it was an hour and a half but that she could do it in 30 minutes. I gasped for air when I heard that. Anyways, we got lucky and Irma was sick so she went slower. It took us about an hour to get up the mountain. I´d like to say that I was right up there with her all the way, but I definitely wasn´t. It was a hard hike, and I´m not one with great skill. Therefore, I ended up hiking up alone most of the time, meeting people along the way. I met a group of kids who encouraged me all the way. Later in the day I ran into them a couple of times and we exchanged greetings. I think the only thing that really got me up that mountain was my own determination. There were wet stone steps all the way, making it impossible to drag your feet.



Here is a picture that Kristine took of me while I was climbing the last part of the trail. The closer we got to the top of the mountain the more steep it got and the more slippery, too.







But after a long hard hour of heavy breathing and sweating I finally made it to the top. It was probably one of the proudest moments in my life. I know is sounds crazy but, really, the hike was crazy. I prayed to God numerous times to open my lungs so I could take in his beautiful creation. Sadly, he didn´t open my lungs but he did open my eyes to the breathtaking creation around me.

On Sunday, I went to Church and then returned to the house around 2 for lunch. At 3pm my family and I were picked up by a taxi. We went to Office Depot to buy a couple of things and then we went to the Galerias. The "Galerias" is the mall that they have here. It is a bit smaller than the malls in the Portland area but is very similar in appearance. The stores are all different but you can find your favorite popular brands in the department stores.

While I was at the mall I decided to get my hair cut. I went to the Salon and my family helped me pick a hair style. After I had chosen what I wanted I was ushered to the back where I sat in a massage chair while I got my hair washed. My hairdresser was a young man, and I must admit that it was a bit of an awkward experience. Usually you talk to the hair dresser as they are cutting your hair but since I didn't feel like exposing my wonderful Spanish skills he cut my hair in silence. Mirna and Arantza were with me the entire time and that made it a bit easier in some respects. Mirna proceeded to tell the young man that I had a beautiful face and that she wanted the best for me. That contributed to the awkwardness. Anyhow, I didn't chop off my hair I just chopped it up. It's quite different, but I like it. (And mom, I know you won't like the bangs because they are in my eyes but I think they'll have grown out by December!)

Before we left the mall we bought some sweets for the ride home. Here we are, Arantza and I, eating mango covered in chili. It was messy, but it was delicious. Before we arrived home we stopped at a Panadaria to by some pan for supper. Arantza and I got pan that had chocolate inside and it was soooooooo good. It wasn't a chocolate cream it was just mushy dark chocolate inside. Not a very good explanation but it was delicious!

A little update.....

On Monday night Kristine and I attended an aerobics class. #1 I have never done aerobics in my life. #2 We were the only first timers and so everyone was trying to help us by telling us how to do the exercises correctly. So imagine this......... about 15 Mexicans doing exercises the right way and two white girls doing everything they can to keep up and follow the instructions of those trying to help. I think it would have been an amusing sight. I was always a couple of beats behind and I never looked as graceful as the instructor or other participants. In addition, I had sweat pouring off my face. I sweat in places I never knew one could. It was so gross but yet at the same time refreshing! I wish you had been there...... ha!
Besides doing Aerobics in the evening, we have been occupied with school and spending time with our families. My host mom likes to argue with me about the color of my eyes. She insists that they are green like olives and I insist that they are brown. But I think after my time in Mexico I will need to start calling them hazel. We still go back and forth on where I should put my shoes, how I should make my bed, how I should have the shades, and where I should place my toothpaste in the bathroom. There are some things I give in to, but others that I don't. Every afternoon I discover that she has rearranged something. Today she remade my bed, rearranged my shoes and put a pair of shorts I had hand washed the night before outside on a bush to dry.
Anyhow, yesterday Kristine and I visited a museum in Cuernavaca with a group of other students. It had some history about Cuernavaca itself. But the coolest part was a mural that had been painted by Diego Rivera. One of our teachers explained the mural to us and that was the most helpful thing in understanding the history. I think that we will probably go back after we've learned a little more history about Mexico. I know that this sounds really vague, and it is........... but I really don't know what to say. I want to get all the facts straight!
Tonight we're going to attend a service at church and Friday I'm going to exercise with my host mom in the morning, and wash my clothing at the Lavanderia. Anyways....... I'll write when I have more to say. Until then, blessings!

Home sweet home.....

I live in an apartment above my family. I have a living room area where my desk is located and I have my own bedroom and bathroom. I definitely have plenty of space. Leanne....... I´m really sad because I didn´t get to bring my blanket you made me. There wasn´t room in the suitecase. :(
The walls of my room were very boring and white so I did a little decorating. I lined my walls with pictures. As you can see in the mirror I also brought my teddy bear, Benji along. To the right is my closet. My host mom is kind of funny because she changes things around in my room. She always takes out my garbage, cleans, and brings fresh water but she also does a little rearranging. The first day she changed where I placed my name sign and remade my bed for me because I didn´t do it right. Then another day she closed the shades to the way she wanted and hung up my purses for me. Today, I came back to discover that she found my tacs and pinned my schedule up in my room and she placed everything that was on my bed neatly on my dresser/closet. She´s funny........ there is always something she changes. Oh, one day it was where I put my shoes. She moved them for me, but I moved them back. hehehe :) Oh, and today it was my toothpaste, too! I don´t think I´ll be able to keep track of all of this. And.... she insits on doing all my cleaning despite my protest.
Here is my small but cute bathroom sink. I love the whales. It fascinates me!
I found this kind of interesting. This is my shower. It is on the wall next to the sink. Soooo......... my whole bathroom is the shower. I wish I could describe it better but I found it kind of different and fun. Anyways......... this is my home sweet home for the next fifteen weeks!

Safe and happy....

Hello! I´m writing to inform you that I arrived safely to Mexico City and made it through the airport without too much trouble on Friday. The reason I say not too much trouble was because when I was turning in my paperwork and asking questions the man working was more interested in flirting! Kristine and I were greeted by Rafael, the school chef and were transported to our families. I must say that Mexican driving in CRAZY!!!! Much crazier than Ensendada, too. Anyhow, Rafael dumped us off, and I mean literally. He dropped off our suitcases and said goodbye. But my family was waiting my arrival which made the situation a bit more comforting.
Kristine and I have only been here a few days but we have already done so much. On Friday we spent the remainder of the evening with our families and on Saturday we had an orientation at Universal. We took our initial tests and spoke with the director. Then we got a tour of Cuernavaca by foot. That afternoon Kristine and I attended a bible study for young adults and watched the story of Joseph in Spaish. We were then put on the spot to share something with the group. Yesterday, we were picked up by our new friends and attended one of the local Christian churches. After church we walked around el centro de Cuernavaca in search of a good bank. Last night I was so exhausted and I just wanted to go to bed but when I went down to dinner at 8 my family was not about to let me leave. We chatted for a couple of hours and I helped Arantza with her English homework. Today was our first day of school. I absolutely loved our Spanish class and I´m looking forward to the rest of the week. As for the culture and civilization class, it was a lot of information and I had a bit of trouble focusing. Sadly, I have this class two hours a day for seven weeks so I need to get adjusted quickly. Tonight Kristine and I are going to an exercise class with my family. It´s aerobics......... it should be interesting!
Hmmmm......... what more can I say. Well, I´m really enjoying it here. It´s been a struggle the last few days because I feel like I understand so much and yet cannot communicate all that I want to say. But I have had a lot of practice with my family. My family is kinda Catholic, but despite this I have had some long encouraging discussion about God with my host mom. I´m really looking forward to the rest of my time here with this family.


This is a picture of the street that I live on. I live on the same street as the school and it only takes me about a minute to walk there. I am one of the first young students my family has had because usually the older students get placed there.







This is what my house looks like from the street. All of the homes have locked gates.

This is what my house looks like from inside of the gate. There is a patio like room that has three chairs for sitting. There is the dining room table and then there is the TV. Behind this room is the Kitchen and I haven´t quite discovered how much bigger the home is.


This is my host mom, Mirna and her ll year old daughter, Arantza. I also live with Felipa, Mirna´s mother. She´s 80 years old and refused to be in the picture because she says she is not photogenic. Mirna´s sister lives behind us in there own house, I think. She is married to a European, but right now I´m drawing a blank with the country. There names are Irma and Peter and they have two teenage boys. My family is amazing and they challenge me to practice Spanish all of the time. I usually spend a couple hours at every meal just hanging out with them. Meal times are at 8:30/2:30/8:00. Breakfast is a good size, lunch is their biggest meal and dinner is very light. I´m starting to get used to the meal times. The most difficult time is making it to luch. I´m always soooooo hungry. Mirna always tries to get me to drink something other than water. She has something new at every meal for me to try and she is baffled when I still ask for water in addition. :)