LoNgER wAlKs, MoRe meN....

As you may have noticed I switched up my blog a bit. I noticed that my readers were no longer commenting which leads me to believe that I don't have as many readers because my blog was BORING. So.... I changed it. Just for you! =)

Well.... I finished up my first two classes with one A and and A-. Not too happy about the A- but it's not too bad for still being in summer mode. (i.e. the teacher was being generous) Kristine and I are now enjoying ten days free of school. Yay-hoo!!!! Tomorrow we are traveling to Tepoztlan again to enjoy the market. Monday and Tuesday we have plans with our Mexican friends and Wednesday we're planning on spending a day at the mall. Saturday and Sunday we are traveling to some hot springs with my family. Kri doesn't know it yet but she'll find out soon.....

Sooo..... last night right before my aerobics teacher was about to drop me off at my house she invited me to her house for coffee. I thought, why most certainly. She told me that it was best to advise my family but I said it was no big deal. I was thinking we would be maybe a half hour or hour more. Well friends, I arrived back to my house 2 hours and 45 minutes later. I apologized over and over again for missing supper and not advising my family. But since they have daughters my age it was easily forgotten and I was offered supper at 11:30 at night. 1) It was an honor to be invited to my teacher's house and 2) We had such great conversation. She says that it difficult to have conversations with people but she most certainly didn't have a problem chatting away with me. I really enjoyed her company. I told her about some of my desires, specifically about wanting to see some of the poverty in Mexico and she told me that she could take me. She likes girls our age because she wishes she had a daughter. She told me last night that if she had a daughter she wishes that she was as pretty as me. I find it so interesting that she sees the beauty in me and not really anything else. I mean, think about it. Aerobics- you're hot, sweaty, and nasty. Usually my hair is sticking out in all directions and I'm sweating from head to toe. All I can say, is NOT pretty. Anyways, I'm probably one of her worst students, she calls me a rebel. ha, I can't really deny it.

I think one thing that I have discovered more about myself is that men scare me. Even if they're not doing anything. For example....

#1. One evening Kri was getting ready to walk back in the dark. I told her to hold her keys a certain way so that she could use it as a weapon if she came across any bad guys. Then as she was getting ready to turn around and leave I just saw a man walking down the street and I screamed. Then.... Kristine screamed and jumped inside the gate. It was horrible..... I feel so bad for that man.

#2. One time Kri and I were standing around chatting with a friend. There was this man that was across the street and I watched him cross and approach us. But he just came so close that I gasped for air and jumped back. He just wanted to know the hour. Anyways.... my reaction was a bit over the top.

#3. One evening Kristine and I were walking with a friend of ours to go to the center of town. All of the sudden some man approached me asking me about the Lord's prayer. But I was frightened and so I jumped back and gasped for air. He was a little taken aback by my response to his presence.

I know I have more examples but I'm just not remembering them...... anyways... usually my reaction is jump and gasp for air. Not the most welcoming response.

Anyways.... I titled my entry longer walks, more men because now that I live further away I walk a lot more. I like it. But I don't like the men I encounter along the way. They always say things about my appearance and even when I think they're being kind I realize that they are being naughty.

Anyhow, today I left Kri's house as to get home before dark. It was dusk and my walk was going just fine until I turned to go up the hill leading to my house. My neighborhood is very desolate. As I was beginning my hike up the hill I noticed that a car was right beside me. I thought, just keep walking Violet. You're fine. Then the man started talking to me. I didn't hear him and so I just kept walking a little faster. Then he said in English, "Do you talk? Can you talk?" I thought I can talk but I most certainly don't want to talk to you. I don't know you. Then he said, "Will it bother you?" At that I replied, "Yes, I don't want to talk to you." All the while I was walking faster and faster and he was following me. I was so scared and was relieved when he zoomed off. But then..... he returned and drove by me again. My heart was racing so fast from the incline and that scary encounter. I told my family about it but Tono told me it was no big deal. That is how Mexicans are. I'm sorry.... I don't care if that is how they are. What would have happened if I did talk to him or if I did get in his car? Ugh..... anyways.... I won't be walking at dusk anymore and I will let my aerobics teacher spoil me and drop me off at my house.

Life is good here. I really am enjoying myself and I wish I wasn't returning to the states so soon. I will post pictures soon. =)

A long awaited update....

So much to tell and I don't even know where to begin..... Well, let's see. I just changed families yesterday which means I am now on my third family. I live a distance away from the school with a family of five. The parents and the three children ages 20, 18 & 13. The reason I changed this last time was because I was living with an elderly couple and I just felt like it was more of my duty to serve them and not be served by them. I'm really excited for all that is in store with this new family. I will keep you all posted. =)

This past weekend Kristine and I traveled to Taxco which is known for it's sliver. We spent about a half hour wandering around a church that was constructed by Jose de la Borda who also constructed Jardin de la Borda in Cuernavaca. It was the house that Maximiliano, the second and last emperor of Mexico, occupied. I was bored during the tour since it was like the millionth church I have visited but I was still fascinated by all of the work it must have taken to construct such a church. After our lovely tour we spent two hours roaming the streets shopping and saying no to all of the indigenous vendors that shove things in your face for you to buy. I have a hard time resisting the kids so I usually end up chatting with them only to end up telling them that I'm not going to buy their product. Sometimes I slip them a little money because it just is so hard to see these kids out on the street.

Here is Kristine and I at the right. We decided that it would be a good idea to take a picture of this town. Why? dunno.... Don't we just look gorgeous? ha, no.

But, I must admit that the highlight of the trip was when we went to the nearby Oxxo to buy snacks for the ride home. They were having a promotion and were handing out iced coffee. Kristine and I were sucked in to buying the delicious treat and when I approached Kristine as she was waiting for our drinks I got a laugh. There was Kristine holding this giant yellow di staring at the two young workers looking so confused. Kristine was given instructions to roll the di and then was given prizes. She just kinda laughed nervously and wondered what the heck the prizes were for. It really was nothing too exciting, just a promotion. But when you're living in a foreign culture and you don't quite understand everything, you learn to just laugh. Soooo........ we laughed!

Here I am at the right with my iced coffee and prizes. My prizes weren't as crazy as Kristine's but yeah.....

Anyways... two weeks ago Kristine and I traveled to Xochicalco and visited the pyramids. It wasn't too exciting and we were both in a bad mood. The sun was beating down on us and I just felt so silly with my hot pink sunglasses that I usually take pride in wearing. Anyways... we did get some good photos that we may look back on one day and thank ourselves for. Or we may look back and say, now what was this again? hehehe.... I think I'm getting a little puffed up from all the history that I'm being bombarded with.

As far as life goes...... I am happy. It makes me sad to think that I am almost halfway done with my time here. I feel like there is still so much to do and so many friendships to continue working on. I definitely feel like I have a little circle of friends here and it feels so good. I have my friend Cecilia, whom we see three times a week. She is a blast. Here we are above in a little mini photo shoot! Last night we went and hung out with her and her best friend. I hope that this is just the beginning of more friendships. =)

And I also have my friend Candy. She is the secretary in the school but oh so much fun. She is so hysterical. She's a little like me so we have fun together. =) I'm pretty sure she doesn't get any work done while I'm around but I think she probably finds it worth while, or so I hope! And she has a daughter. She brought her last Friday so I could see her. She is sooooooo adorable. Every time I see little kids it just makes me wish I had my own. I know, patience...... someday.

Also, I have my whole aerobics class. I went to aerobics class last week to tell the teacher that I would not be coming again and I ended up having to explain to everyone what was going on and then they all told me that I didn't have a valid excuse and that I would be coming. Sooo... my adventure with aerobics continues. I've actually become acquainted with some younger girls that occasionally come and they want to go dancing. So, we'll see what happens there.

Anyways, I'm writing this all very fast because I have so much to do. Please be praying for me. For the transition with my new family and for our finals week. I'm so totally still in summer mode which is NOT a good thing. I hope I skip out of it before I come home. Ahh.... anyways, I apologize for not updating all you faithful readers sooner and I'm sorry I've been brief but I'll write more during my vacation next week.

oN tHe RoAd aGaiN...

This past Saturday Kristine and I traveled to three different towns. We were accompanied by Ramiro, the director of Universal and another student. It wasn't the most exciting excursion but Kristine and I managed to have fun. We visited three different convents that were all constructed in the 16th century by the Agustinos. They were all fairly similar but still interesting. Left, is the first convent that we visited in Yecapixtla.

After visiting the convent and seeking information about the year it was constructed and by whom. Kristine and I strolled through the atrium only to discover people selling things. I was in disbelief because I was reminded of when Jesus was angered by vendors in the temple. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It just didn't seem like the place to have things for sale.

Anyhow, Yecapixtla is known for their "Cecina" a type of meat. I think it's the meat from a cows leg. Anyways we hung out in the meat market and one of the ladies prepared meat tacos for us. It was so yummy. Here is Kristine next to the meat. It looked pretty gross to be honest but it was tasty. mmmm..... If Mexico had the same food regulation laws as the United States I'm sure Mexico would have big problem. Food is always out in the open and there are always flies. I don't know. I have kind of gotten used to the sight.

And here is me. =) I'm not much of a pop drinker but I absolutely love this drink. It is apple. It comes in red and golden and I'm so bummed that I haven't been able to encounter it in the U.S. Usually I have no problem drinking water unless this is an option. Luckily, my family consists of coke lovers and so it is not very often that I get to enjoy this luxury.

Our second stop was Totolaplan. This town seemed pretty dead. There was not a lot of activity in the streets. Ramiro gave us fifteen minutes to check out the convent and to seek out the year it was constructed and by whom. It was here that Kristine and I decided to have a little mini photo shoot to lighten up the journey a bit. The grounds were pretty and we had fun being silly. Here I am at the left. =)

Our last stop was Tlayapacan. There was a huge tourist market and it was also the day of the town market. We spent a couple of hours wandering around buying gifts for people at home (i.e. YOU!!!). And fifteen minutes prior to meeting up with Ramiro again, Kristine and I hustled over the convent to do our "homework." We encountered Ramiro there and he informed me that there was a museum that had mummies. Soooo...... since I missed the mummy museum in Guanajuato I decided to take a stroll through the museum. It was kind of a boring Museum because there were just a bunch of crucified Jesus' hanging around but when I got to the mummy room it was really cool. hehehe =) I know, it sounds gross but it is kind of fascinating, too. Anyhow, our last stop made the trip all the more worthwhile. Then we were back on the road again...

rEaLity iN mExicO...

Recently I've learned a lot about Mexico. I'm a curious person and so I ask questions. But what I have learned has made me think, a lot. My dad asked me before I left whether or not Mexico was a third world country. I didn't really know and I assumed it wasn't so I just said no. But what I've learned is that it isn't a first world country, nor a second world country. It is a "developing" county. About 50% of the population lives in poverty as a third world country. 20% live as a first world country, like the U.S. and the remaining 30% are middle class. I guess I wasn't expecting these numbers, so they took me by surprise.
Friday morning, as we were driving through small towns I saw lots of children walking to school. I inquired about the education system here and what I learned breaks my heart. 4 in 100 children that begin elementary school graduate from high school and 1 in 300 make it to the University. Many children are forced to quit their studies to help their families make ends meet. Kristine and I met one Mexican girl the first time we went to a bible study. Her name is Norma and she is new to the faith. She is 23 years old and she works from 7-3 in her family's panaderia. From 4-8 she attends school. She works six days a week. She is not in the University yet. I can't believe it. I don't know how she does it. But I've learned that this is not an uncommon situation here. Carlos also informed me that only 60% of the teachers actually pass a test issued covering mathematics and grammar.
I also learned that minimum wage is 50 pesos for 8 hours. That is equivalent to just under 5$ for a whole days work. I know..... the first time I heard this I thought I misunderstood but when I asked for clarification these same numbers stared me in the face. About 40/45 % of the people earn this. Others earn maybe two or three times this. But if you think about it, it's not a whole lot more. I've heard many people argue that Mexican prices are way cheaper, but in reality they are not a whole lot different from the U.S. At least, not enough to make up for the difference in pay. Many people work six days a week and get paid for seven days of work. I still can't believe it. I make twice the minimum wage in ONE hour of work. Carlos shared with me that the problem with Mexico is the poor distribution of money and that is due to a lack of Education.
I am really enjoying my experience here. I live with a middle class family. But I so wish that I could experience the other 50% of Mexico. I want to know both sides, and it makes me so sad that what I'm receiving here, is the best of the best. I don't want to walk away from Mexico only having known the 50% of Mexico that is first world. I want to experience and learn more about how the other half live. I'm hoping that I will have that opportunity.....

I posted some pics so you can click on the link to view them.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/princesavioleta/

Guanajuato

This past weekend Kristine and I traveled to Guanajuato, a state located about 6 hours north of Cuernavaca. We left early Friday morning and made our first stop in San Miguel de Allende where we visited a Cathedral. It is the only Cathedral in all of Mexico with Gothic architecture (picture located on flickr). San Miguel is known for it's beauty. Next we stopped in Dolores de Hidalgo where we visited the Cathedral in which the "Grito de Dolores" was given almost two hundred years ago. This is the event that marked the beginning of the Independence. We also visited Miguel de Hidalgo's house. He was the leader of the Independence movement until his death in 1811. We strolled around the city while enjoying some "Beso de Angel" ice cream. Here we are at the above savoring every last bite. =)

We finally arrived in Guanajuato in the evening and decided to rest up for the next day's journey. We began our adventures early the next morning. Our first stop was another Catholic Church. We visited the church because it was constructed with the profits of the silver mine that we also visited. I am continually awed by the amount of effort that these churches must have taken to construct. Inside they are absolutely gorgeous and there is so much gold. I'm still learning about Catholicism and I'm hoping that by the time I leave here I will have grasped a clear understanding of the religion.


We then visited one of the first silver mines established in Guanajuato. We were able to go down into the entrance of one of the mines and it was really neat. They had some hard hats at the entrance that we could use and Kristine and I decided that it would be fun to use them. Who would have ever thought that you actually needed it! I seriously was going for fashion when I put that hard hat on but by the time I exited the cave I was glad that I had chosen to use it. I followed Kristine and Carlos into the cave, all of whom are shorter than I. Carlos is probably a whole foot shorter and so he just walked through with no problem, but as for me, every 5 or 6 feet or so I would bunk my head on the ceiling. My head felt so heavy with the hard hat but had I not wore that hat I may have had some serious injuries. (hehehe.....) Here is a picture of me playing around with one of the tools that miners used to use. Poor Carlos, we asked him to take so many photos of us, and sometimes we felt silly being silly in pics. I'm sure he was relieved when his duty ended in the evenings.

We also visited the Museo de la Alhóndiga de Granaditas, where most of the Españoles were killed two hundred years ago. Now it is just a museum that contains most of the history of Mexico, but it was neat to think that we were standing where the Spaniards had taken refuge a couple hundred years ago. Here Kristine and I are standing near the replica of the bell that initiated the start of the Independence in Dolores. The original is actually located in Palacio Nacional in Mexico City. I'm hoping that Kristine and I will have the opportunity to return and see Diego Rivera's murals.

In addition, Kristine and I visited the House that Diego Rivera lived in until he move to Mexico City when he was eight. It is now a museum and contains many pieces of his artwork. I really enjoyed this museum. I think I tested the patience of Kristine and Carlos who wanted to go at a more rapid pace.


After a long morning of visiting museums, we enjoyed a pleasant meal together in the center of town. Later, Kristine and I departed for the Mercado, the town market. We spent hours wandering around looking at all of the different things to buy. It was so neat. After our adventures without Carlos, we returned to the hotel where we played in the pool and got ready for the "Grito."

At 9pm we headed to the center of town to dine. After finishing our meal we headed over to the main plaza where the Grito was held. There were sooooo many people but it was so cool to actually see the grito take place. After the shouting there was a celebration of fireworks. I don't think I have ever been so close to fireworks in my life. But it was quite an experience, and one to remember!

On Sunday we were granted the privilege of sleeping in. After breakfast we took off for the Mummy Museum because I really wanted to go. Kristine wasn't so interested but she had planned to hang out at the mini mercado there. We spent forty minutes driving around town in search of the museum. Carlos said he knew where we were and how to get there. In a book that I read recently it said to just let men figure it out, them them find their way. I would have rather stopped to ask for directions but I wanted to be supportive of his determination to find the museum without help.

We finally arrived to find a huge line and to be informed that we had not been supplied with adequate funds for our trip and if I wanted to go inside I would need to pay for it myself. Well, that would have been fine, except that I had spent my money on gifts the previous day. Since Kristine and Carlos were not going to enter I decided to check out the market with Kristine and be on our way back to Morelos. On our way back we stopped in Querétaro which is where the conspiracy started. We returned to Cuernavaca in the evening. I had a lot of fun on this trip and I learned soooo much, too.

¡Más fotos!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/princesavioleta/

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.