Bailando con la Gente

and then there were 2...

2010-07-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

This has been a bit of rough week, with Lisa and Caro having left and me getting the cold&flu thingy... While I miss Caro and Lisa in the house, it was more a reminder that I too am leaving on a jetplane. And all too soon. I keep thinking, I only have a week left, I only have 6 days left...etc. And I know that saying goodbye will bring lots of tears for me. Especially with the close friends I have made here and with Josue. No matter how bad the program thinks I am for having fallen in love, its been one of the most special and beautiful things that has happened to me in my life and something I am very sorry to have to leave.

But before I get the water works going about all that, Josue and I are going to Guadalajara this weekend. Leaving tonight and coming back Sunday night. It has to be a short trip since he has to work today and Monday but Im looking forward to getting to know another part of Mexico and to meeting his Dad!

Then I will come back have Mon Tues Wed and then return on Thursday. I can't believe how this year has flown by. I feel like I have grown and learned so much from everyone here. I hope I can find a way to incorporate it in the US and continue my friendships and relationships. Just wanted to give a little heads up to what has been going on before I get back. If I don't write again, I shall see you all in less than a week!

All my love.

It's so hard to say goodbye...

2010-07-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

We have officially finished our time at the guardera and while I feel happy for how much the kids have advanced, I likewise, feel a sadness for leaving. I have learned and grown so much with working in this community and it is something I will never forget. I hope I can come back and visit so as to keep them alive in my thoughts and prayers.

Lisa and I with Paquita our Boss and friend at the Guarderia

While we haven't said our final goodbyes to Paquita and our co-workers, we had our last day as Maestras and turned in our smocks. The tears started flowing and there wasn't words to explain our appreciation toward the Guarderia.

The 3rd year students dancing as part of their graduation ceremony.

The last day entailed a graduation ceremony for the kids heading off to elementary school and the recieving of certificates for the students who excelled over the year. We ate together, shed a few tears together and celebrated a completed year.

While I was struggling to find the words to say goodbye to my kids, I thought, am I really never going to see these little ones ever again? An entire year of sharing with these amazing kids, smiles, hugs, "I love yous," tears and scratches. A year of some struggles and difficulties but in the end, it was worth it. Every single one of those kids I grew to love, for who they were, for their hyperactiveness, for their shyness, for their ability to always make me laugh. The Guarderia has been a very important and special part of my life here in Mexico and now the realization is setting in that I am going home. I may never see these kids again, but I hope that I may have made the slightest bit of difference in their life, even if it was only learning their ABCs. I however, will keep their love and joy guarded with me forever.

Here are a few photos, from the end of the year lion project with my class:

all my peace and love.

July,

2010-07-05T18:23:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know, I bought my ticket home and will be back in Chicago August 5th.

On another note, things are kind of winding down a bit here. Everyone has bought their tickets home. The guarderia finishes on friday and after that I will be pretty open. Im planning on going to the Missionaries of Charity with Caro as much as I can, being in the parish, hopefully getting some exercise and applying for more jobs. I have been steadily applying and luckily have had one response but to be on the safe side, Im going to keep applying. Im hoping to be able to jump into a job soon after being back. But we shall see where life takes me.

Im feeling a little stressed and sad about things finishing here but I am trying to enjoy every moment with the kids, with my friends, in the parish and with Josue. This weekend was Josue's 26th birthday so we went and saw the new twilight movie Eclipse! It was really a great day. But we are hoping to be able to have a party when his stomach is back in shape after being sick. I don't have very many other plans for the month but Im hoping to get out and explore the city some more.

This weekend, Padre threw a 4th of July BBQ for us. It was a nice gathering with close friends and delicious hamburgers! I ate 2!!! haha. It was a nice way to share in our culture and holidays too.

No more exciting stories but I will try and write again soon and keep you updated on my last month and my return home. Love you all. Take care.

Turning a new leaf

2010-05-31T18:48:00.000-07:00

May has come to and end and I fear time will continue to pass at an insanely fast rate. However, while my time is a tickin', things have really been turning around.

The last couple weeks have allowed me to really throw myself into my relationships here and my community activities. Hedi and I have started to get to know each other and have been enjoying nice conversations during the school day. I'm learning each day that we are very different people but enjoying the friendship that has been building. Hedi is from a pueblo 6 hours away from D.F., where her husband and family live. She lives here in D.F. during the week and heads home every weekend, to visit her family and husband. While she doesn't seem to love travelling 12 hours every weekend, she confesses that its worth it to have a job and get to see her husband. While we may have grown up in very different worlds, it seems at the end of the day we both have a passion for working with the kids and trying to provide them the best of opportunities. I still miss Ariana but its nice to feel like I have someone to talk to again. Especially when im stuck thinking for an hour or two while drawing out the kids classwork.

I have also tried my hardest to throw myself completely into community activities and gatherings. I don't think I ever avoided them or didn't participate fully, however now I feel like I need to soak up every last minute since I won't be here after July. Eating and conviviendo (literally, living together) after mass every sunday has found a new meaning. Sometimes there is not anything exciting happening or anything to talk about but merely being there has provided a new joy and distraction from leaving. I have also spent great time with my friends Ricardo, Veronica, Andrea (and family) recently. As well as being invited to get togethers at Josues house with his family. Sometimes just sitting talking in front of the church, other times going to the center or watching a movie, but each moment is something to remember from my time here in Mexico and hopefully relationships that I can keep long after my time here.

This past Saturday we had a quinceañera for one of our good friends Abby. She had been planning and talking about her party for over a year and it was great to finally see it all come together. While all parties have their little glitches, I think it went over great and was a lot of fun. She really deserved to have something so special and it was nice to be a part of it.

I have started building my resume and planning moving home. While I still feel sad to go, im also getting a little more excited about the future that is ahead of me. So many possibilites... Trying to stay with this positive attitude. See the Joy. Don't let the man get you down.

lots of love.

leaving... on my mind

2010-05-20T17:23:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty bummed the last few weeks about leaving Mexico. Every great moment I have with another person seems to be overshadowed by a sense of sadness, that these moments will not be continued throughout my next year.

As well, I have started the process of looking for a place to live, considering and gathering info for entering grad school and thinking about looking for work. All of which are heavy things to consider. But after a really rough day, I remember why I am here. Not to feel sorry for myself, but to give myself to the community. To serve and live together. While I can't ignore the difficulty of this big change I can't waste my last two and a half months here dwelling on it.

I need to enjoy every moment. Capture every second and make sure that I get the most out of this year. I'm not sure how exactly but I will try my hardest.

Moments such as:

- Unexpectedly running into a friend outside the parrish and talking and listening to what has been happening in her life for over an hour.

- Riding the bus home, after a long day and running into a friend.

- Trying so hard not to smile when Im supposed to be punishing one of the boys in class.

- Getting hugged by the whole class and almost falling over.

- Seeing one of the girls in my class who refused to eat, start eating for the first time.

- Having Padre, my boss and the nuns all run to our defense when told we were going to be leaving.

Just a few examples of little things. Unexpected moments that you have to take a second to realize how great they are. These moments may not be huge, and I know Im not changing the world, but these are the moments that make life more bearable and enjoyable for all of us.

Thanks for listening. All my Love.

Living one day at a time

2010-05-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

The past two weeks have been some of the hardest weeks that I have had here so far. I think people are right when they say that bad things come in three's.

First Ariana quits the Guarderia. Then I get super horribly sick- vomitting until nothing was left and chest pains and horrible stomach pains. Apparently I had an inflammed colon or something weird and gross like that. Thirdly, I get told I'm not welcomed back into the program.

To explain a little more in detail, Ariana has been put on bedrest in her pregnancy because of personal reasons. I completely understand this and support her 100% but I miss her. She was my best friend here. One of the few people that I felt really okay to speak open and freely too, and she always gave me tons of advice. Along with missing her friendship and support, I really miss her presence in the classroom. I am currently teaching alone. I have the plan of what I have to teach but I create the lesson and teach it by myself. Another teacher shows up after a couple hours and tries to help me but ultimately I am doing most of the work. It has been difficult. I love having more of a role in the Guarderia but It is a bit exhausting.

As for getting sick, well the important part is that Im feeling better. Im trying to follow a really tasteless healthy diet. But since Ive been feeling better its been hard to follow.

Last and hardest of all has been finding out I am not staying. I was told that my spirtual life is not what they want from the program. Im not sure how the program is really familiar with this since they did not talk to anyone in the community. Honestly my suspicions lead me to question whether it is my spiritual life or the fact that I have a boyfriend that is the "problem." I don't want to bash the program but I am very hurt by the way my time here has been cut. I have given Santa Fe all that I can, I had been wanting to create a new program and most importantly I had devoted all of my time toward building stronger friendships. It has been difficult going around one by one telling everyone that not a single missionary will be welcomed back from our house. More importantly has been explaining to them that it's not that we don't want to stay but they we are not being allowed. It has been flattering to find out that everyone wants us to stay and are trying to find a way for us to stay. I just don't feel ready to leave here yet. Im still building relationships, learning where I can help out and growing in my spanish and community.

It will be nice to see all of you. However, I hope you understand my sadness in leaving a place that has my heart right now. I hope with time to feel at peace with all of this.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
- Serenity Prayer

All my Love.

Next Year...

2010-04-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

Well, Im not welcomed back next year. And I couldn't be more crushed...

looks like Im coming home.

A much needed Retreat (MARCH)

2010-04-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned how I spent a week in Cuernavaca on Retreat. The Missionaries came down from Monterrey and it was nice to see them again. The weeks before I had been feeling a need for a change, and wasn't feeling very useful at the Guarderia.

We started off here in Santa Fe, shwoing everyone around and had a meal after 1 o'clock mass at the Parish. We invtied the boyfriends and shared in a nice meal with all of the regulars at the Parish.

Then we headed to Cuernavaca the next day with Brother Brian the leader of our retreat and began. The retreat house was beautiful and for the first time in nearly 9 months I had a room of my own! The opportunity to discuss our experience in service with each other helped to alleviate some stress and insecurities about our work. I felt a strong excitement right away remembering why I am here and encouraging myself to not give up finding my role and using my abilities to serve the community. It also helped to identify and discuss injustices that we have seen, and discussing our roles in how we can work towards changing this. It was a nice break and a really great sharing with the other missionaries.

But wow, was Cuernavaca beautiful. I would love to go back again!

Living Simply- Circa February 20thish

2010-04-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

For the first time in my life I walked through a market and realized that I could not afford to buy a single thing in there. And honestly, I did not like the feeling. And immediately I thought, is this how poor people feel? only, All the time?? I can't begin to imagine how "the poor" feel on a daily basis. And I realize, how much I've taken for granted. All the things I've been given. A stable home, food, presents for birthdays and holidays, even simple things like a new pair of shoes or a toothbrush. Things such as going to the movies or buying a treat, feeling like a waste of money and not an enjoyable thing, when you realize there are more important things to buy.

I am by no means trying to say that I am poor, but living on $80 a month has shown me a life that I really never knew before. Where sometimes at the end of the month sacrifices have to be made. When buying medicine takes away 1/4 of your month, money goes fast and luxuries start to get put on the back burner.

I must admit, I've always been the type of person that would choose a night with friends over a night in with a book. But here, it is proving difficult.

But this is the life I chose, possibly the life I will always have. To be in solidarity. To understand being grateful for food, a house and community. To remember the insignificance of money but knowing the importance of living.

Retreat

2010-03-11T17:34:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

Just to let you know I will be on retreat in Cournavaca (spelling?eek), this sunday the 14th until the following Sunday March 21st. Im not sure if Im going to have internet access and probably won't have skype. But keep the emails coming and if I do I will write to you all and read yours.

I will write more when I return.

M R

Hello Sunshine!

2010-03-08T19:08:00.000-08:00

First, I want to apologize for my horrible lack of communication the last few weeks. The Visa offices have not only been occupying my time but also my thoughts.

It's hard to believe tthat ive already been here 6 months. The last month felt as if it didn't even happen. Jess and I successfully went to the second Visa office Thursday. While the nubmer and length of lines was a little scary at first, we passed through the lines and got everthing turend in and paid. However, the first office seriously frustrated me by miscommunication for the necessity of another letter needed. Luckily we were able to get everything and turn it in. I now need to wait 2 weeks and return to the office and then continue on to a third office. I feel relieved for the moment however, the process is frustrating and exhuasting and im ready to be done.

Caro has been gone the last two weeks and the house has been pretty quiet. I missed out late night before bed chats. The good news is Im feeling more and more at home here. I spent the last couple weeks cooking, cleaning and more importantly socializing in the community. I am feeling more comfortable in teh church community and I am enjoying "conviviendo" (living and sharing time together). I h feel friendships growing and feel more secure in my life here. Also with Caro in the US I have been desiring a visit home or a visit from a friend or family memer here. It looks like i will have a couple weeks of vacation in the end of july and am mentally planning a trip back to Chicago. I can't handle staying and not visiting. I did have a really exciting surprise of recieving a package from Hannah that lifted my spirits. She took my love of warmth iln Knee socks to a whole new level in thigh high socks! Haha. As well, Bob sent me an insanely fantastic CD!! I miss new music!!
I also recieved letters from Ashley and Jackie in the last few weeks that brightened up my days.

Things at the Guarderia are going well. However, I have been desirring a more important role in something here. I am going to attempt to start a new program but need to make a proposal and plan before I expose it to the public. I do help at the Guarderai but also spend a lot of time waiting for something to do. However, the kids always love to see me and if I miss a day they are excited when I return. And me too.

Things with Josue and I are really fantastic. We went to Couacan this weekend for the day and bought bracelets, a scarf, ate ice cream and people watched. Its a touristy area but it was a lot of fun to go with him and look around and take pictures and spend the day in the nice sun. I also heard a few people speaking english which always excites me. I really had a fantastic day and I will have to post some pictures again soon. I can't wait to find the next place to explore with him.

On coming here I had wanted to stay for a year and a half but my contract was only made for one year. Seeing as how fast this 6 months has gone, Im not ready to leave in August. Therefore I am planning on staying more time. I would still like to stay a year and half total, but if that won't be possible I will stay for another year. Im not ready to leave. Although I'm not sure with my loans if I can afford to stay that long. I really hope it works out.

Sorry again for the lateness. Hopefully this month I will have lots to write about with the retreat and with easter. A huge Passion play is going to take place that they have been practicing for since January 1st!

Please keep me updated in your lives and throw comments at me. I hope you all know how much I miss and love you!!

Be safe. Have fun! Be kind.

Ive seen better days...

2010-02-17T17:17:00.000-08:00

Today is cold and rainy.

I recieved the swine flu shot (influenza) and my head has been hurting since. Not sure if that is related...

I have also literally been freaking out for 2 weeks about my visa. I now have 5 days to finish this or I leave the country. My last letter (Sent from Chicago) should arrive tomorrow, and then I will have to go friday. I will have 4 days to get to 2 offices three times or I get the boot, or a late fee. Im not really sure at that point. Im really getting down to the wire here. And starting to freak out.

Missing my family and friends and strugging to stay positive. Im having trouble focusing on what is going on here, and feeling again like maybe this wasn't meant to be. Wishing I had some way to know it would all work out. Because of all my worrying, Im having trouble focusing on work and my mission. Putting my thoughts and planning for new things on hold and trying to enjoy being at work.

Happy Ash Wednesday.

p.s. they use stamps to put the ashes on your forehead. They are perfect crosses.

Update coming again soon.

Unwelcome in Mexico

2010-02-08T18:30:00.000-08:00

Last week, unforunately was another hard week. I went to the Mexican government office, feeling very nervous, but hopeful that this Visa process wouldn't be as horrible as they say it is. However, immediately upon entering I knew this guy meant business and that it was NOT going to be easy. Apparently rules have changed and I was not informed of needing my letter from Loyola University Ministry to be Notarized with a Certificate of Authenticity. WHAT?! Where this came from I have no idea. None of the other missionaries had to do this. Not only is this necessary, but I have 3 weeks to do it, or its Adios to Mexico. Ok so not forever, but If I do not get this done by February 23rd I must leave Mexico and return again. And let me tell you, I did not save up to leave the country every six months and stay on a Tourist Visa... So, as being my second time not getting my visa for uncontrollable reasons, I am seriously frustrated. This process has left me feeling pretty helpless and misguided. And feeling like, maybe its just not meant to be for me to be here in Mexico, since this never seems to work out. And the sad thing is, I want to be here. I don't want to leave. I am finding my place, slow but surely. Learning patience in all aspects and attempting to find new roles here.

Ok, so I must admit this Visa thing is not the end of the world. But I feel very worried and nervous regardless. I can not do anything in Mexico and must leave my fate in the hands of others... I am trying, impatiently, to wait for these items. And asking favors of many around me in order to get the letter in Chicago sent ASAP. I feel very guilty having to ask this again of the same person... But I guess there is nothing I can do. But wait. And hope. And pray.

I couldn't be more grateful for the help that I am recieving from friends and family in the U.S. And even a couple here in Mexico. I know this will all work out in the end, but I wish that it could have gone differently.

I am trying to let my frustration go. Because I still have work to do here. I still have to find a bigger role here. A role that is mine. Not just in the Guarderia. But in the community. I am finding my Spanish is getting better everyday and I am beginning to find conversation easier and less nerve racking. Now is time for grabbing on to my faith and trusting that what is meant to happen will happen...

When did it become February??

2010-02-01T10:44:00.000-08:00

Since I last wrote there have been few updates from here. However, this past week was a rough one at the Guarderia. A new student came, on a day when I was teaching Solo (Wednesday). From the second she stepped in the room it became obvious that her assimilation to the classroom was not going to come as easy as the other newbies. She refused to let go of her Grandma's hand and would not say hello to me nor the class. After 15 minutes of the girl throwing a fit and refusing to stay, they left the classroom and came back and left her in the room with the door firmly shut. Needless to say her dislike for our room had not disappeared and she began a huge tantrum involving scream crying and non stop questioning to be let out of the room. She told me several times that I scared her and would not stop crying. I must admit I was really taken aback by the girl's reaction to me, I have never had a kid tell me they were afraid of me or not want to talk to me. So I decided the best thing to do was to leave her alone and let her have her fit and pay attention to the other class. I had already tried introducing her, having the kids say hello, talking about how the first day was scarey and how we all going to be nice to her and make her feel welcome, but she did not want to be there. After about an hour the computer teacher came and to get a break from the crying I let her go. But then she refused to come back, running and hiding in the kitchen closet. After computer she tried climbing out the window and continued the crying. Needless to say it was an exausting day and even the kids admitted to having headaches and being tired of listening to her cry... What was I to do? I left for the day, completely drained and not wanting the new student to return thursday.
However, as I waited out front of the guarderia, I noticed she had not only returned, but was wearing the uniform, a sign that she was planning to stay. On the second day, it was worse. Luckily Ariana was with me. But the girl refused to sit down, tried to climb out the window all day long and proceed to start hitting Ari. Every teacher at the Guarderia was exhausted and not wanting this girl to stay. After my second exhausting day with her, I went home feeling really unhappy about the new addition to the Guarderia and its change in dynamic. But yet, I returned to the Guarderia on friday to find the new student in the middle of her tantrum. However, unfortunately, it took the new girl knocking stuff down of shelves and cutting her arm to make her calm down. She then sat quietly all day, minus the constant questioning of when her mom was going to come and if she could go to recess and take her back pack home. While I still had a little pent up annoyance becuase of the previous two days, I tried to be encouraging and nice to the new girl. By the end of the day, Ariana and I realized that she was most likely staying since she was starting to behave and realize we had to change our attitude. It was now time to accept her as a classmate and give her positive reassurance to make things work.
I must admit, a part of me really did not want this little girl to stay. And while I know she is only 4 years old, I was exhausted and maybe a little hurt by her dislike and supposed fear of me. However, Im here as a missionary. Im here to love the community. To love these kids, even the bad ones. And now, my attitude is changing. I am trying to find my patience with the new student, and remember she is just a little girl, wanting her mom. Yes, she started off really bad in our classroom, but hopefully we will be playing and making new positive memories from here on out. And remembering that the hardest things are usually the things most worth it.

Today, we have off of work because it is a national holiday, and I am taking today to catch up with friends and family and rest in order to come back ready for a good day. I will be teaching alone again tomorrow and I hope that things will go well. This week I begin my trek through several offices and lots of paperwork to get my Visa to be able to stay in Mexico. Im hoping that it will not be as horrible as it was for the girls last year. Wish me luck and let me know if you have any tips.

This is all for now. Love you and thanks for listening.

Back to Work and Dia de Los Reyes Magos (3 Kings Day)

2010-01-20T17:13:00.001-08:00

Im back at work and this week is starting out great. I have been catching up with a lot of friends who I haven't talked to in a long time and hope to catch up with more. Last week was the first week back to work and unfortunately very few kids came back to school.

3 kings day, Dia de Los Reyes Magos, was last week and while some were there to share in the holiday many were home playing with their family. The first week back was a really calm one. Our class only had 6 students last week. But Dia de Los Reyes was a lot of fun to share with the kids. The day before, the kids wrote letters to the Reyes saying what presents they wanted (or in our kids cases drew pictures of the toys they wanted). Then the kids tie the letters on to the end of a balloon and send them up in the sky for the Reyes. All the kids were so excited to send the balloons up in the sky and I must admit it was one of the most adorable fantastic things I have been able to watch here in Mexico. After releasing them, all of the kids sat on the ground and watched the balloons until they were so small they couldn't see them anymore. I kept asking kids which balloon is yours and they would go, that green one right there! haha. The kids also got to break the piñatas shaped like Winnie the Pooh and Snow White. These ones even had candy in them! (Sometimes they have fruits and other foods).

Then the next day, the actual Dia de los Reyes Magos. Only a few kids showed up. But It was a fun day. The kids recieved presents at the Guarderia (donated)and we were able to part the Rosca. La Rosca is a type of bread that is a big circle and that his little baby Jesus toys inside of it. Each person has to cut off the piece and if they find the Baby in the piece that they cut or showing in the next one, they have to make tamales and bring them in on February 2nd (I think?). Well, guess who got the baby in here piece of Rosca at the Guarderia? If you said, Me, then you are correct. haha. They said Im supposed to make Tamales by hand, I said, okay, so who's going to come to my house and show me how to make these?? At first it seemed like a silly tradition but after cutting three Roscas, the second in our house with our english class, and the third in Josue's house with his family. I realized how much fun it is. All of the traditions here revolve around getting together with your family and friends. This tradition and the finding of the baby, just gives everyone another reason to get together and celebrate and of course EAT!

The week was filled with lots of celebrating, but unfortunately very few kids... It was a nice easy week back from our 2 weeks off. And it reminded me how much I enjoy working there and getting to play with the kids and talk and get to know the teachers that work there.

The last week there was a lot more kids and now we are back to 12 kids. 3 kids have not returned from break and are suspected to never return..sad they were very enjoyable ones.

Lisa and Jess are having their parents in town this week. I must admit, I'm pretty jealous and while Im happy they get to see their family it really makes me miss mine. I can't stop thinking about how I would like to go home and visit at some point this year... Im hoping to make that happen. Maybe for my birthday... Im hoping to get some pictures of lisa's for Dia de los Reyes. But for now here is an old overdue, update.

Love you all and miss you. Remember to keep me updated!

Navidad season

2009-12-31T09:49:00.000-08:00

AS it goes in the US as well, December has flown by. Christmas came and went and I hardly had time to recognize the holiday in order to miss all of you. Now that I have my vacation time off work (woo! 2 Weeks!) It has given me the time to think of all that I missed at Christmas.

December like November, was hard on me health-wise. It seemed just when I started to get better something else hit me. From Stomach flu, to bad colds to even a kidney infection! I just can't seem to stay healthy. I'm eating healthier than I've ever probably eaten before. Taking VItamins and getting more rest than I'd like to admit. Hopefully it will all pass. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for good health from now on.

Dec. at the Guraderia: THe kids got to go on a field trip to a forest to learn about the environment and Lisa and I found out about it the day before. THe kids had fun but most of the time Lisa and I spent keeping the kids under control and watching them. Then one day some highschoolers came and handed out presents to all the kids at the Guarderia. This would have been an okay thing but right after the students left, all of the presents were recolected and kept until Jan 6th when they will be passed out on three kings day "Reyes Magos." It didn't seem very fair to hand out presents to the kids and then take them away for another month. But Santa did come to visit the kids on the last day before break. The kids seemed really excited. Most of them were able to say what present they wanted for Christmas. They also recieved bags of candy from Snata. It was simple but I think the kids really enjoyed the day. I wish I had knew S.C was coming though so I would have brought my Camera! boo. We were all supposed to come the following Monday to see the kids sing and perform for their Parents but when Lisa and I arrived no kids were there. It had been cancelled and pushed back because No kids showed up. Bummer. But we had a nice meal and celbration with SOr. MAria Luisa and all the teachers.

My Christmas was really nice. It was simple but it was fun. Wile I love the Parish and everyone tries to inlude us as family, I knew spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day thee would have made me sad and missing Christmas with my family. Lucky for me Josue had invited me for Christmas Eve with his family. It was a lot of fun. We arrived at his aunt' s house after one turn around to get something left at the house (nice to know my family isn't the only one who forgets things). THen by 9ish most of the family shoed up. WE went half of us outisde and half inside to sing Posada. Posada is a tradition of call and response singing re-enactiong Mary and Joseph seeking Shelter the night Jesus was born. Then at the end the doors are opened and the peole are allowed in the house. It is a cute tradition that I enjoyed. Another different tradition was the rocking of baby jesus statues from each family members house. 4 of us held out a blanket and slowly rocked the blanket back and forth with the baby jesus statues inside and everyone sang songs. Then the family read the gospel together and prayed and we went to eat. After a very untraditional, but delicious christmas dinner, we had a big group toast. Everyone went around the room and had their turn to talk and give thanks for the dinner and to god for everything they had. It was a nice way of allowing everyone to share and be a part of the night. Then as always, the night ended with a little exciting salsa dancing!
Christmas day we spent in the parish helping serve a dinner to the community. Unfortunately not as many showed up as we would have liked but it was nice to do something for the community on Christmas. Then we spent time at the house opening our presents for one another. My favorite present was from Caro, who I share a bedroom with. She gave me a dream catcher. I had woken her up the week before talking 2 different nights while I was sleeping. Ha. It was a funny present.

Ok, well that is my update for now. I will try to write more about New Years this weekend. Happy New Year EVERYONE! I love you and Miss you dearly.

p.s. 2010 creeeeepy.

Just when you start to feel sorry for yourself....

2009-12-07T16:34:00.000-08:00

Today I was walking to the dollar store and thinking about how I have no friends here. And its starting to get to me. I don't have any friends to just call up when I want something to do.... I have my roomates and I have Josue, and lets face it, you can't talk girl talk with your boyfriend. If I don't take a nap in the afternoons after work, then I am literally sitting around searching for things to do. I unfortunately don't know my way around this humongous city and can't get myself out of santa fe without the help of someone and the one and only coffee shop in our neighborhood is NEVER OPEN (literally I have attempted going like 5 times and its always closed). Believe it or not cleaning tends to take up much of my time here because it turns out there is always some part of our house that is dirty. (I know Katie and Mary must totally hate me right now or you don't believe me, but really Im pretty clean here. weird.) Anyway, after sitting for 2 hours wondering if Josue was actually going to come over and debating starting my second book in the last week... I decided it was time to go run some errands.

I got to the dollar store and was walking around when I was tapped on the leg by one of the girls that goes to the Guarderia. As she looked up and smiled at me with her teary eyes and runny nose, I instantly remembered being told that her mom works at that dollar store. I asked her where her mom was and she pointed a couple aisles over to where she was stacking shelves. I remembered that she didn't show up that day and she nodded in confirmation that she was sick. As she lingered around me not talking as I was in line, I remembered her story. That she was living with a single mom who just moved into the city from the country, and how her and her mom just moved out of a family members house where the little girl was abused and neglected by being locked in her room all day long and not being let out to eat or use the washroom. She barely talks and has trouble controlling her bladder frequently. Apparently when she is not in school she sits and plays in the aisles of the dollar store where her mom works. Just as I was feeling sorry for myself not having any friends, I was reminded of how unfortunate this world really is. I was reminded why I am here and that my problems are nothing compared to the ones that many suffer.

Many people in my neighborhood have been without water from anywhere from 3 weeks to over 2 months. They were not notified before the water went out and had to protest in the streets and stop traffic in order to be told why the water was not on. -Apparently a water pipe is being fixed.- For some with money, this is an inconvience, but in my neighborhood it is rare that people have extra money to spend on a necessity of life. I can't help but think how something like that would never happen without a huge fuss in the U.S. and how if it did happen it probably wouldn't be off for more than a day or two. Although who knows, it may be happening in underprivleged neighborhoods there too and being kept quiet.
Another thing that has been bothering me is the education system. I cannot claim that I am well educated about the Mexican education system. I support everything that the Guarderia does and think it is a great school. However, many of the public high schools, just as many inner city high schools in the U.S., are failing to give the students and opportunity to succeed. A huge strike was held by high school teachers that has lasted a good period of time, (maybe a month or two?), and I just found out that after the teachers were given what they wanted they still did not return to school. What they are doing, I am not sure. And students have been out of school for months, just waiting to go back, whenever the school officials feel like having that happen.

These are the types of injustices that constantly wake me up. Make me call for change. Not only in Mexico but in the United States too. These are the types of stories that show me how lucky I was to have a good family and great opportunities, and to fight for everyone to have them too.

Anyway, here are my thoughts for the day that I thought I would share. Still searching for my place in all of this.

All my Love.

Live Turkeys, lots of Salsa and adorable smelly kids

2009-11-30T18:27:00.000-08:00

So, thanksgiving in Mexico. well what can I say, it was different. The roomies invited nearly the whole parish, so it ended up being super packed. Im not sure I would have made it through the day if I hadn't stayed home from work because I was fighting a horrible cold. We spent most of the week preparing for it and all day cleaning..but that seems natural for T-Day. Apparently you have to be very careful when you say that you want a fresh not frozen turkey because again, like last year father bought two live turkeys which were slaughtered the day before thanksgiving. I didn't even see them but somehow I had no desire to eat them after they were cooked... What can I say friends, Ignorance is bliss... The dinner was pretty standard, except of course there was the salsa, and tequila included. very enjoyable... It was a decent time, but I must admit I was wishing I could see my family and friends. After it passed and I heard what everyone did, I have been wishing I could be home for christmas just for a smidge of time..but I knew before going into this that I would not be coming home. So Im not super sad but I have a feeling Christmas will have a few tears.

Again, im fighting a cold..but I suppose that is pretty standard these days. The kids are all pretty sick with colds. Not surprising considering they still don't cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze... but they are learning that slowly. Also, we've had a small chicken pox outbreak... Sadly my favorite little amigo Paco has unfortuantely not been in school for weeks... Id be lying if I didn't say I seriously missed him. He's the one always crawling on me and hugging me. Ari and I joke about him being my son. Speaking of kids, btw, I had a dream a week or so ago that I had an foster home for kids and my entire class was living there. One kid in particular, Alexis, I wanted to adopt as my child... haha. that was kinda the extent of it. but, I think my whole motherly instincts are starting to kick in... or something. Although still not looking to having any children yet... Today was a good day, although had another poop in the pants incident, that definitely helps to not want kids for the next 5 years or so.

Thats kinda all I have for today. I just wanted to throw a little love out in blog world. This week wasn't super interesting. But let it be noted- I miss you all, and I wish I could visit and party with you all for the holidays.

Todo mi Amor.

I am alive.

2009-11-10T16:07:00.000-08:00

So, I am officially a slacker at this blogging situation. I said over a week ago that I was going to post about Dia de los Muertos but unfortunately everytime I am on the computer something more pressing takes my attention and I feel the need to do that first. Basically this post is to say, I am alive and well.. Fighting a cold per usual.

Oh! Also, I had my first friend in town this weekend. Okay, so she wasn't technically here to visit me, but Maggie, a fellow social work major from Loyola came to Mexico in order to give a presentation and I was able to meet up with her and go out one night! It was really nice to have my Mexican life and my Chicago life connect and finally seem real to one another. It was also nice to catch up on people and Loyola social work life. What a great fun visit!

Lisa and I are starting a conversational English class in order to help some people in the community with actually being able to speak in English. I am a little nervous but we will see how it goes. Tomorrow will be the first class and hopefully just start out with the basics and getting to know each other. Who knows, it might end up being like most things where people say they will come and just don't show up...

Funny story of the day: my co-teacher Ariana got married last week and the kids have caught on to her calling her husband esposo. So today the kids decided to ask me if I was married. And why not? And then one boy Alexis starts telling me that I should marry his dad... Then it irrupted with multiple kids arguing that I should marry their dads. (Not only is this mildly uncomfortable because I have never met their fathers, but also because many of the kids have variations of divorced, separated, cohabitating or married parents...) None the less, it was funny. I can't lie, some of the kids are so cute I wouldn't mind having them as a step child.... Not that I'm planning on marrying a Mexican man with a kid. ha.

Ok, this is all I have for today. Its starting to get pretty cold here at night. I need to go home and put on another layer. You should be expecting a Dia de los muertos post soon.

I love you and miss you.

Halloween and Dia de Muertos

2009-11-04T16:59:00.000-08:00

So, the long awaited Dia de los Muertos explanation... thanks for your patience.

Our Church's offerring:

Well just a quick mention of Halloween. We decided to share our holiday with Santa Fe and throw a halloween party. Although I must admit, after seeing Dia de Los Muertos, we are seriously lacking on our holiday traditions. We did manage to find pumpkins to have for carving but Im pretty positive these pumpkins were not made for carving because we literally had to use a piece of wood to beat the knife into the tough pumpkin. Either way I think everyone had fun with this project. I made some dirt pudding and we had lots of drinks and dessert and it turned into a fun night. Lots of people wore costumes and it was a fun night.

As for Dia De los Muertos... Well I am now a huge fan of this holiday. I must admit prior to living here I found the skeletons and skulls a little morbid and freaky, however after experiencing my first Dia de los Muertos in Mexico I know realize what a wonderful holiday it is. Immediately upon realizing its arrival I was intrigued by the idea of the holiday. Mexicans put out an offering of different things so that on November 2nd when their deceased family members return to earth to visit them they can once again enjoy the food and things they enjoyed in life. The 1st is the day the deceased children come back to visit and the 2nd is the day adults come. Jess mentioned that they had put out an offerring in the chapel last year and I decided that I wanted to put out an offering for my mom. Actually not really until the day before did I really decide I was going to do it but I think it turned out well. This is what it entailed:

1. a glass of water

2. Salt- signifying the spice of life and enjoying life.

3. Candles- to honor your deads memory.

4. Flowers.

5. Dia de los Muertos bread- which is a certain kind of bread only sold around this holiday that is round covered in sugar and sort of looks like it has an octopus on top...

6. Any special kinds of food or dishes that this family member liked. Sometimes people will put out their favorite kind of beer or drink as well. (yes I wanted to put Diet Dr. Pepper but they don't have it here in Mexico...it was there in my mind).

7. Many people place chocolate, sugar or paper machey (no clue how to spell that) skulls in order to remember those living and left behind.

8. Papel Picado- paper cut-out decoration... not sure why we include this but its cute.

Anyway, many people go to the cemetary and decorate the graves with tons of flowers and candles and have parties to celebrate the days. Thanks to the influence of the US many kids and some adults dress up in costumes to celebrate the day as well. Lisa, Caro, Josue and I all went to this college UNAM and were able to see their offerrings made by student groups. They had bands playing and theater skits and it was a lot of fun...minus the cold. brrr..

Ok well Im not sure if I left anything out or even if I got everything right. but these were the important parts of the day. It really is great way to honor your dead and feel happy about your passed away loved ones coming to visit you on earth again. I spent a good amount of time gluing flowers to this little arch and decorating my offerring for my mom, it felt nice to put all my love and effort into something for her again. And I felt very happy to take time to remember her living and what she loved in life. This holiday brought me a lot of joy and I may even consider doing it again when I return to the US.

In Memory of My Mom, Jess's Grandparents & Lisa's Grandpa

All my Love.

A few Dreary days...

2009-10-29T19:04:00.000-07:00

Not too much new going on here. The past week or so has been a little bit interesting and a bit of a struggle. The weather has started turning cold and the rain has come back to visit. I think a mixture of weather change and some difficult news from the U.S. for a few, has caused all of us to be a little on edge. Things are still going well and we are enjoying each others company but it seems most of us have struggled at some point in the last week or so to stay in a good mood. I not-so-regretfully have fallen back into my ridiculously long naps after work. Yesterday my nap was about 3 and a half hours long... which should tell me to stop staying up so late hanging out with friends.

Today and tomorrow I am teaching class solo, because Ariana is getting married tomorrow! Its very exciting for her, but being in the class alone with 13 4-year olds speaking only Spanish is exhausting! Although today we were able to decorate some cute skulls for Dia de los Muertos. Which leads me to my next excitement, Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos. I am super excited to be learning about Dia de Los Muertos and for the party we are going to have for Halloween. Honestly I would like to sit down and have an information session about Dia de Los Muertos, but its good to pick up bit by bit this really unique holiday. I am super intrigued by the idea of putting out an offering on this specific day in order to invite the dead to come back and visit you on earth. Obviously my Mom has constantly been in my thoughts for this day, and I am trying to figure out a unique way that I could make an offering of food or pictures or something in honor of her. I can't wait to learn more about this and tell you all what I've learned.

While I feel like sometimes I may talk too much about my mom, I must mention this one thing that happened this week. During our quiet time before recess on monday, Isaac, one of our students turned to me and asked "Do you miss your mom?" This took me by surprise and while I could honestly answer "yes." I was curious why he was asking me this... especially since I have never mentioned my mom's passing to the 4-year olds (I don't think they would understand and it might scare them about their own family). Isaac continues by asking me, "why?" and I decide a vague but honest response of, "because she's not here." Then after a period of time he asks me, "how did your mom die?" Which took me by complete surprise, and I say, "she was sick." Then he gets distracted by something and that was the end of the conversation. But I have absolutely no idea how he knew that my mom had passed away, it is very possible that he over heard me discussing the grieving process with Ariana. Or my only other thought is him hearing me mention giving an offering for my mom for Dia de Los Muertos. But it was a very surprising thing, to have a 4-year old be so intelligent and ask me such sincere questions. Either way, it is nice to take a second to acknowledge my Mom every once and a while... Interesting how she seems to be showing up in so many ways here in Mexico.

But in order to leave us on a good and somewhat comical note. I was asked by one of my favorite students Paco whether girls have a peine (sp?), after a few seconds of confusion trying to decide if he was talking about combing hair, I realized what peine stands for (penis). I look over at Ariana and we both BURST out laughing... I tell him no and he is asking me why, and I tell him because they are different. Obviously the conversation wasn't going to end there, and he asks, "what do they have?" Hahha. So I was able to use the good old response of, "you should go ask your mom that question." Kids- they can bring you soo much frustration, a moment of honesty and then promptly after a moment of laughter.

Well I hope you all are doing well. I will try to think of things to keep writing about. Sorry for the delays in between. I love you all. Be Kind. Have a fun Halloween! (im going to be a cat-Meow.)

Things that are different in Mexico:

2009-10-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

- During rush hour, the trains have cars that are for women only. While I find this somewhat disturbing because this means women get harrassed to badly to be with men, I also don't hate it. A bother free zone.

- There is Graffiti EVERYWHERE. Literally everywhere you look. Sometimes you even see people sign their name on their graffiti. Yes, there is graffiti in Chicago, but Daley tries to paint over all of it as much as possible. It doesn't get painted over here and just builds up and up.

- Most of you probably know this, but the proper greeting here involves a kiss on the cheek. You are supposed to give everyone you know a kiss and shake the hand of those you do not know. And when you leave you should go around and kiss everyone again. I've never been a touchy person, so this has taken some getting used to.

- If you are walking with a male companion, in order to be a gentleman the man will walk on the street side of the sidewalk in order to protect the woman from any dangers that may fly from the street.

- People in general would rather agree to come with you some where and then not show up, than to tell you they can not make it. Sometimes you may be left waiting for no one to come.

- Being a vegetarian means that you don't eat red meat. You will be offered chicken as a vegetarian option frequently.

- Speed bumps are very popular here. Just about every stop light has a speed bump. And by speed bump they are like speed mountains. The bottom of most cars gets scraped while going across them. Since people don't really follow traffic laws this is an attempted way at slowing drivers down.

- Laws are more of recommendations than rules here. Most drivers (including bus drivers) will drive through a red light if there is no on coming traffic.

- The Bus and the Metro are between 30 and 50 cents. YES, it is amazing.

- The Buses her are not automatic. With the combination of stick shift driving and the huge speed bumps in the road I almost always get motion sick. I usually try to take dramamine if I am going to be on the bus more than 10 minutes...

- It is very common that while you are riding the Metro (subway) a person will be walking around with speakers blaring a mixed cd that he/she has made and that is for sale for $1.

- Being Catholic is not something that people resentfully admit. Catholicism is a part of the Mexican people's culture. Mass is used to celebrate all important parts of life and people genuinely like going. (I've already been to Mass twice this week to celebrate friend's achievements. And I did not resent going.)

- There is a big square/patio area in front of the church where many people just gather for hours before or after church to be together. Kids play with their bikes or balls here and quite frequently teenage couples are seen making out here.. haha. Either way it definitely inspires community within the Church.

- The sewer system is not exactly functional, therefore you can not flush down your toilet paper. So there are always garbage cans in the bathrooms where you throw your toilet paper. (While at first this disgusted me, you get used to it pretty quickly.)

- Most people and businesses do not have heat or air conditioning. We have purchased a space heater for our bedroom, but I have a feeling Im going to be wearing my winter jacket 24/7.

- Water does cost money here. You can not drink the water out of your faucet. Therefore you must go and purchase jugs of water (ex: Hinkley jugs) to drink. Therefore when you go to a restaurant or a bar you are always charged for the water because it is bottled. Also make sure to request water simple or else you will get mineral water (yuck).

- Tortillas are offered at pretty much every meal. They are a very essential part of the diet and most meals have them.

I thought that this list would help provide you with some understanding of lifestyle differences here. Im good. I had a pretty normal week. I hope you are all well.

All my Love.

Just wanted to let you all know...

2009-10-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

I miss you all a lot today.

Lisa recieved some hard news from home that a family member was Ill. I also spent the day giving presentations about being a missionary at the High School and didn't have the usual joyful hugs and smiles of the kids. But I was thinking about all of the wonderful people I have in my life back in the U.S. and I just wanted you all to know that I would love to give you each a hug and have an enjoyable time together.

All my love always.

Starting to feel at Home

2009-10-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone- Sorry I haven't written in a while, things are starting fall into a routine here. My days just seem to keep passing by and by...

Things are going really well. I'm finally starting to feel like my cold is gone (knock on wood). We've made some enjoyable friends here and see them most days. A whole group of us: Isaac, Lisa, Juan Carlos, Claudia, Cristobal, Jess, Marcos, Caro and I all went to a water park in Ixtapan this past Saturday. It was about a 2 hour drive and we left at 6 am--eeek. While I was somewhat hesitant about going to the water park out of swimsuit season (so many tortillas), it turned out to be an amazing day. The Water park was beautiful. I've never seen a water park like this in the U.S. It was huge and so spread out, it took like 20 minutes to walk from one end to the other... But it was in between these beautiful hill/mountains. With tons of trees and lakes. The view was just amazing. And of course the wave pool, wave river, and all the slides were so fun. Also there were pools of hot springs that you could sit and swim around in. After I got over the fact that they weren't crystal clear I really enjoyed them. After I got over the fact that people were staring at the only white people in the water park we had an amazing time. While I sometimes struggle to decide if its fair that I should be doing these things as a missionary, I also realize how completely important these fun days are. It was nice to be present to the moment and just feel laugh and play like a kid again.

The Guarderia is going really well. Ariana and I have been spending part of everyday just talking about our lives. She recently went through a difficult time and it has been nice to share in the joys and difficulties of our lives. I think we are starting to become good friends and I couldn't be happier. Also, I love the kids. They bring me so much joy, and I love all of our students. Even the bad ones who act up all the time and hit, will come up and giggle about the smallest things and give me a hug for no reason at all. I am greeted most days with running hugs and meliiiiiissaaa greetings. What a fantastic way to start your day... I brought my camera in today to take some pictures for a presentation we have to give tomorrow at a high school about being a missionary, and the kids were sooo excited about the camera. They all wanted to pose and then promptly see themselves. I am going to post some of those pics up on here to show you hopefully later this week.

Also, Ive had some exciting firsts in the last few weeks that I have neglected to share.

1) With some help from Lisa I cut my own hair for the first time ever. It really needed it and I think it turned out well. I am going to work on cutting layers into my own hair. They are very chill this time. But still..woo for saving money and being a little B.A.

2) Lisa and I went to the Market all by ourselves!!! This may not seem like a big deal but imagine like 30 stands smashed into one block crowded with people and people yelling in Spanish at you. My first time I went there I was like whoaa this is a bit much, and I remember thinking, its going to be a while before I will be able to go and buy things by myself. I had to have Jess and Caro help me with some of the Spanish names for things but I did it! and I felt so excited and proud.

3) Yesterday I made salsa roja all by myself!!! It isn't a super difficult process but you have to cook the tomatoes and peppers in a pan before mixing it all. It was just a very exciting Mexican thing that I am now able to make!! YAY. And it tastes delicious. A little spicy but I am getting used to EVERYTHING being spicy. Literally. Even candy. (Yuck.)

That's all I have for today. As Im getting into a routine its getting a little more difficult to make posts but I will try and work on capturing my weeks and write each week. It may end up being a little less frequent but I will really try and keep it going. All my Love.

Picture this...

2009-10-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

On the Road from Monterrey to D.F.

Bienvenidos! Our Front Door!

The Incarnate Word Symbol that Padre painted on our house to protect us from robbers or disturbances. This may be why people regularly ask us if we are nuns (monjas).

Lisa and Me right before our Welcome Party.
Note: the welcome sign and American flags put up for our arrival...ha.

Our Kitchen with Lisa.

Blurry Pic of Living Room

The Office/Craft Area

The Chapel in the front of our house, I know, I know, I never thought Id have a chapel in my house either. But here it is. I wish you could see how gorey jesus is...

Caro and My Bedroom. I promise this was before I put up pictures of all of you on my wall! Also, Yes my bed is made.

This is the view outside my bedroom door. I just wanted to show you our rod-iron (or is it rot?) floor and stairs going downstairs and up to the roof. Its much different than a U.S. home.

This is the first day of my life... (My Typical Day)

2009-09-22T17:29:00.000-07:00

7:30-8:15: I reluctantly wake up moan a hello to my roomate Caro and mozey down to bfast. Trying to figure out how to desire communicating... However, breakfast tends to be my favorite part of my day. Because we sit together all 4 of us girls and talk. None of us rush off and we just chat about anything and everything. Until it gets around 8:45 and I realize I have 10 minutes to be ready and get out the door.

9ish: Lisa and I arrive at the Guarderia. (Our walk together is usually so enjoyable that I decide it's gonna be a good day and I do want to talk today).

9-12: Every morning with the kids is different. Some days we take the first half an hour to set up the tables in the room, collect notebooks from backpacks and check if homework is finished. The kids have books but we don't always use them, so I usually spend a good portion of the morning tracing pictures that Arianna draws 12 times for all of the kids to do. Usually they will be pictures teaching them about in front vs. behind, or vowels, numbers etc. Sometimes these will be complicated pictures and I get really sick of them by the end but most days I am just happy to be able to contribute something to teaching the kids. I also assist with the lessons and go around to different students and help them to finish their work. This is usually intermixed with a lot of shoe tieing, telling kids they can go to the bathroom and answering questions such as what is your dad/mom/sister's name? Sometimes if the kids are getting to crazy while we are preparing the lesson, we will sing songs together. Such as "Pinpon," "Witzy Witzy Araña" (itsy bitsy spider-in english and spanish), or "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes."

between 10:30 and 11:30 the kids go half at a time to computacion (computer) their favorite part of the day. If all of the kids go, I love sitting and talkign Arianna about our lives and adjusting to mexico's differences. And then a little after the English teacher comes in and I assist her in teaching the kids english. It is VERY cute to hear the kids pronounce words such as teacher "teeechaire."

Then MY favorite part of the day comes at 12:30: Recess. This is usually when Ariana, Lisa and I get to chat and share stories for the day. We also spend a lot of this time punishing kids for hitting each other and making them say sorry to one another.

1:20 is lunch time, after all the kids line up and wash their hands. Lisa and I help serve bowls of vegetable-chicken soup, rice, or eggs and green beans to all the kids. They also recieve a taco with beans in it. But first we pray together. I have yet to learn this prayer, something regarding the land, water and people. Then Lisa, the teachers and I eat while also telling the kids to not play with their food, sit up, eat faster, and behave while eating. One of the older-women cooks recognized that Lisa was a vegetarian, and has started setting aside the soup and such before adding the meat for her. She also decides to give me extra meat for some reason. Maybe to even out the balance of meat? Then the kids drink juice and head to nap time.

2:30ish... After lunch we leave for the day and head home. Sometimes Lisa and I will sit and share funny or irritating stories about the day for a little while. But usually she goes up to the roof and exercises and I go to my bed and sleep. Sometimes my naps can be 3 hours long. Its ridiculous. I am usually so exhausted though that I don't care what time I wake up or how long I sleep.

Somewhere between 4:30 and 6: I wake up from my nap and go read or chat with the roomates about their days. Sometimes there are English classes in the house that I help with but sometimes I just journal or read alone.

Sometimes at 7: We go to Zumba to get some exercise...

or else around 8: we go to the Parish. I usually check my email, skype people and sit in the kitchen and talk with the people that hang in the parish. In the first couple weeks, the parish became one of my favorite places. (I know, I don't think ive EVER sought out hanging out in a Church). But it is different here. Everyone just wants to talk and eat together and just be. No one has anywhere to run off to and they genuinely care for one another. The past couple weeks have been a mix of hanging out in the kitchen and hanging outside with the "jovens" (young people). We have luckily made some friends that are helping us with our spanish, our salsa dancing and to have a semi-normal life here.

Between 9 and 11 we head home eat/talk or read and then head to bed getting ready for a new day.

As you notice, there are a lot of "sometimes" in my day because time here is loose. When you arrive somewhere it isn't a scheduled appointment. Time is not money here, and I love it. Some days fly by and some days I feel like I spend 6 hours tracing pictures for the kids to practice their motor skills on. But I enjoy it here. Each day is different and it is starting to feel more and more like home.

Pictures are being requested so Im hoping to put some up in the next few days. Sorry, I know Ive been saying this for a while. Keep me updated on your life. All my love.

"The Ups and the Downs"

2009-09-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry, it has been a while... After this post you will understand the delay.

So, last weekend (actually two weekends ago) was Caro's Birthday! Yay! Little did I know that the weekend was going to be so jam packed full of celebration. Friday night, our friend Ricardo, (whose older brother went to school with Jess in Mexico City a couple years ago), took us out to a bar. We went to this random place and finally got to see El Centro (the center) of Mexico City. The bar was really fun and played a mix of Spanish and English songs. We had a lot of fun and had a night mixed with Spanish and English communicating. There was even a funny little retro band dressed like they were from the 50s with greased back hair playing Elvis songs all night. For a second I wasn't sure, am I in Mexico or the U.S.? We ate some street tacos and danced and didn't get home until 4 am! Then the next day we had youth group and went to the market and ended up going out, yet again with Ricardo. He took us to a bar in a touristy part of town and we had a lower key night drinking some beer in a place called The Attic. It looked and felt like an Attic, I had to duck when I stood up so that I didn't hit my head on the ceiling. We ate some really delicious Churros on the street with different flavored fillings. Yumm.

Then the next morning Caro woke up to a treasure hunt throughout the house. My very creative roommates and I created little rhymes that led Caro around the house to find her presents. We also made a cake without any dairy products or refined sugars. (Caro hates those...) Then after mass we had a little party at the parish. It ended up being a lot of fun! It was also the 477th anniversary of Santa Fe so many of the women at the parish were in traditional dress. Padre Salvador pulled out his guitar and saranaded us! He has a great voice and is a very normal fun guy. It wasn't too long after the cake and Las Mananitas (the happy birthday song, which is much prettier than happy birthday) that we all ended up dancing. Slowly, I am catching on to how to dance around here, turns out my arm flailing jumping isn't the norm. Even after the fun party at the Parish, some more friends came over and we continued the party. It was a very fun weekend and exactly what Caro deserved.

However, apparently it was a little too much fun, because my cold turned into me not having a voice for most of the weekend. Then during work monday I became super sick and had to go home. My cold turned into the chills and a fever and then the body aches... I was in bed from Monday until Thursday. Unfortunately, I missed out on all of Independence Day. We had been planning to go to the President's Grito (yell:Viva Mexico!) in the Center. The other girls reluctantly went without me, and I stayed in bed and decided to start a book. This week was the first time that I wished we had a TV, however I did read a 500 page book (with a horrible ending) and slept all day long and every night. By Thursday I was sick of being sick in bed and finally went to the Doctor. Which was definitely interesting, we decided to go to a local doctor since it was just a bad cold and most other doctors are a half an hour or more away. The Doctor opened sometime between 6:30 and 7:30. Since standing or walking was a task for me, Caro was nice enough to stand in line out front of the Doctors office until it opened. Then when we were next she called me and I made the big block treck to the doctor. At this doctor you do not need an appointment, you just show up, ask who was last and then wait until that person goes in and go in after. However, you may have to wait longer in case drug representatives stop in to meet with the doctor (of course, doctors are doctors no matter what country). When I got in there, my spanish pulled through and I was able to explain my sickness to the Doc. He looked in my throat, weighed me and listened to my lungs and then promptly told me I had an infection and wrote me a prescription for 3 medications. Normally I would frown upon receiving medicine so easily, but I was happy to get something to make me feel better. This doctor only cost $5 to go to, and once he found out we were Missionaries he didn't make us pay.

So, since, I have been on an Antiobiotic, similar to Penicillin, and have been feeling significantly better. I can walk around! And nothing hurts anymore yay! But it was a hard week. I was sad to miss Independence Day, and laying in bed made me wish I could call up friends and chat and whine about being sick. Today I went back to work at the Guarderia and the kids were great and asked if I was sick and even one kept asking for me while I was gone! These kids bring me a lot of Joy and although my stomach has been a bit sick the past few days, because of the kids and Arianna I was able to make it through the day! I just wanted to give a little update about my last couple weeks. Im going to post a blog on my typical day later on this week, so be looking out.

Also, don't forget to keep me updated on your life! Love.

Live in the Present.

2009-09-09T15:05:00.000-07:00

I am in the midst of reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and have found myself following in her footsteps through overanalyzing the past but ultimately seeking inner peace. I have always wondered why we are so obsessed with the past and the future and why we never appreciate the present? So here I am, trying to figure out, how to live in the present. Here in Mexico, starting over. New Language, New Life, New traditions and New People.

I woke up sick yesterday morning with the worst stomach pains, and after my usual inner debate over whether to go to work or not, I decided I needed to stay in bed. (Which I must admit was a good idea.) After a few more hours of sleep I decided that it was time to get up and cook some food and pulled out my old friend Elliot Smith for a little comfort. (Have I mentioned how my music is a constant comfort for me?) I also decided to try eating a grapefruit for some vitamins. As I sat there at our table eating this deliciously juicy grapefuit, I realized, oh my god, I like grapefruit! I know, why am I telling you about liking grapefruit, this is not a big deal... But my memory flew back to childhood. Eating breakfast with my Mom. She loved grapefruits, bought them and sprinkled sugar on them most mornings. And I, a young girl wanting so badly to like them since mom did, would ask her day after day to have a little triangle section in hopes that today would be the day that I liked it. But day after day my face twisted with the dislike of the outrageously sour fruit. Now here I am 15 or some odd years later, and I finally like them! Not only did I feel like this story helps me to live in the moment and appreciate these little memories. But it just like everything in my life, means that with time. With time I grow to accept things, to love the bitterness of life.

Which brings me into a bittersweet moment that I had here. Last week we had a family over for dinner. After a delicious meal the family shared a very difficult story with us. The family lost their oldest daughter in a car accident less than a year prior. The second the mother opened up, it was evident that this grieving process was in full force, and unfortunately dragging them down with it. While this moment was very difficult, for the first time here I had something to offer these people. I was able to share with them my experience with grieving my mom. And I told them my experience, and how with time I decided I wanted to be happy again. While I am sure sharing my story hasn't lessened their grief, I hope that it provided them with the smallest ray of hope. That the struggles are actually what make us survive this life. A bitter moment that brough us together and reminded me how lucky I am to have the opportunity to really live life. With everything I have. I know I have been talking about my mom a lot here, but I have felt her here with me a lot. And I think maybe these are the final stages of healing.

On to better things. We have had the opportunity to explore the city!!! We went out one day last weekend with Caro and Jess's friend Ricardo and he drove us to a restaurant/bar in the city! Apparently tequila and squirt is a big drink here, so I am fully enjoying my Squirt!! We also went and saw the Time Traveler's wife at the movie theater in the rich part of Santa Fe. The movie theater was in a mall that literally looked like it had been taken out of Chicago or Naperville. California Pizza Kitchen, Starbucks, Game Planet and even Saks Fifth Avenue. Its amazing the drastic difference between the Santa Fe that we live in and that Santa Fe. But it was nice to see a movie for the first time in a month.

The Day Care is a Roller Coaster. Each day is different. My co-teacher was sick one day this week and has classes today and tomorrow, so it has been difficult trying to keep the kids from getting crazy. Some days they listen to me as a teacher and some days they just want to do what they want to do. But everytime a kid comes up and gives me a hug, I feel like it is all worth it. I have even recieved a few "Te Quiero Mucho"s (I like you a lot) from the kids. While we are trying to teach the kids to be able to sit still, pay attention, not hit one-another and do their work, I try and also talk with them and play with them a bit each day. Im not sure if this is more for their benefit or mine, but I enjoy it a lot. I have also attempted taking on some of the trouble- makers and disruptive kids and giving them one-on-one attention with their classwork. Some days it works, and some days they just do what they want to do. Im practicing my patience but remembering, they are just kids. But regardless they bring me joy everyday. Well...and a pretty nasty cold...

That's all I got. Thanks for being here with me. Peace.

One week!! Woo Hooo!!!

2009-09-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have official been in Santa Fe for one week! And guess what, I am still alive. And even better, I am starting to really like it here. At first I must have been experiencing some intense Culture Shock... I started to want to go home and visit and to stop speaking Spanish for parts of the day. But as our favorite phrase goes, Poco a Poco (Little by Little).

I have been meeting lots of people and am being very well taken care of. Everywhere I go I am offered food and asked if I like it here. Everyone tells us that we are welcome in their home and that they are here to serve us, funny because I thought I was here to serve them!

The Guarderia is going really great now. At first I wasn't quite sure how much help I was going to be but each day the "maestra" gives me more and more to do. Although I will admit at one point on Tuesday I was nearly in tears and about to leave after the teacher left me with the kids for an hour and it turned into mass Chaos. And when I mean mass Chaos I mean hitting each other, throwing things, yelling, playing with anything and everything they could find, etc. This would have been somewhat manageable if I could speak their language! At one point I thought, maybe I should just start yelling in English. Luckily the past two days have been significantly better and I am figuring out important phrases in Spanish such as, "Don`t hit each other" and "if you want to go to recess you better behave and finish your work." The teacher Adianna is in her 20s too and is really nice. She is helping me and mostly laughs with me when I say stupid things in Spanish. She is going to be gone 2 days next week and I am going to teach the class all by myself. You bet your bottom dollar I'm going to practices my classroom Spanish this weekend!

We have also been helping out with some of Caro and Jess's English classes which can be a nice break from Spanish. I've also been going to Zumba classes. Zumba is a kind of exercise dance class that uses salsa and Marange and other types of moves. I really like it, but I spent the entire first class laughing at myself. I am definitely the tallest, whitest girl in the class but Lisa, Jess and Caro are there right next to me which helps me to feel better.

Last I am going to leave you with my favorite and least favorite parts of Mexico so far. My least favorite is the Cat Calling that goes on... Almost everyday when we walk down the street we get whistled at and yelled at. Today I even got a "hello white-girl" (in Spanish). Sometimes I get frustrated but most of the time I think its hilarious. Such as when a guy rolled down the window and made kissy noises, or when some guy said "hello baby, I love you." I choose to laugh at these things because A. It is a cultural thing B. I just have to accept that I do stick out here and other than my roomates there are no white people here and C. because the things they say in English they don't even understand and have learned from movies or other "funny" guys. But on a bad day, this gets to me and will annoy me.

leaving with the positive- I love the fresh food EVERYWHERE. There are farmers markets at least three days a week here. We buy tons of fresh vegetables and tortillas every week. The Saturday market is huge! It takes up at least a whole block if not multiple full of any and every kind of fresh fruit or veggies you could want. You can bargain and it is insanely cheap. We have to take all of our fresh veggies that we don't peel and soak them in water with antibacterial drops so that we don't get sick but trust me, It's Worth It. There are even some fruits and veggies here that I have never seen or heard of before!

This is it for today, I shall try and put up some pictures for you in the next week or so.

Be kind. All my love.

Mucho Gusto

2009-08-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

Mucho Gusto, which means its nice to meet you, is a phrase I have become very familiar with the last few days. It seems everywhere we go I have more people to meet!! I guess with a city of 24 million that is something I am going to have to get used to.

So far we have been to the Parish a few times, to the Guarderia for a visit and to San Angel to visit the main Sisters house. The Guarderia is great! I am really excited to work with my boss Paquita and with the "niños grandes" (big kids- ages 4 &5). The kids were all super friendly and didn't seem to mind at all that I was a white girl who barely knew spanish! Sometimes it can be a little uncomfortable sticking out so much, but I know that it will take a while for Santa Fe to get used to the new gringas.. Everyone has been pretty friendly and very welcoming to us.

Spanish has been challenging but not horrible. Some people I just cannot understand and others are crystal clear. I think once I am able to be on my own and know my way around I will actually speak more. The past few days Jess or Caro have been around to translate or help us. Lisa's spanish is coming along good too. Everyday a little more (poco a poco).

After 3 days I'm still kind of in Culture Shock. Life is different here and this is definitely not college anymore. Last night I just had a moment of, this really is going to be hard. Probably harder than anything I've done before. But the people are great and full of life. Santa Fe is really busy, lots of cars and narrow streets with lots of people.

This morning we went to Carolyn's work with the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Theresa's order) where they have a home for disabled and mentally handicapped girls. It was sad to see so many children who had been orphaned because of their disabilities. It shows how bad the stigma of Mental Illness and Disability really is... The girls just wanted to be hugged and played with. It was nice to be able to do that.

Today we head to the Market. It's supposed to be even bigger than the one from yesterday! I can't wait. I love eating all the fresh fruits and veggies! We are also having a party tonight!! I hope it will be fun!!

My New Home in Santa Fe

2009-08-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! I am safe and sound in Santa Fe. The bus trip down from Texas was actually really wonderful. I didnt remember how much I love road trips and staring out the window. Somehow Lisa and I made it with our minimal spanish on the bus and made sure not to stay at the stops longer than the quince minutos or cinco minutos, so that we didnt get left behind. That was usually the only part that I understood when the bus driver spoke over the internet. Another big shock was when we went to use the bathroom at a bus stop and it had a turnstile to enter and a lady that worked there pointed at the wall that showed the bathroom cost 3 pesos! Granted that is only like 30 cents but I had never had to pay to use a bathroom before! How crazy. I had to buy a pepsi light (diet) in order to have the change. Along the way there were lots of lose animals, horses and cows and little one bedroom shacks where people lived inside. Many of them were made out of paper and old cardboard that were found. Just a reminder, I am not in Naperville anymore, and the things that I will be seeing are not going to be anything Ive seen before.

Anyway, we made it to Mexico City and Padre Salvador, Caro and Jess were sitting there waiting for us!! I was so relieved. Then we made the some-what scary car ride to Santa Fe. Since it was about 10pm by the time we got home, we only drove by the Parish and where Carolyn works and went straight home. Our house is really different than most American homes. It has completely tiled floors and has a door coming out on the side to the alley (right off of a big street though). I cant really figure out how to explain it but I will take some pictures and post them. Coming in I could already feel myself a little culture shocked at how busy it was, and how the buildings are so close together. Also there are lots of stray dogs everywhere that I just want to wash and feed and pet. Probably not the best plan?

Today, we are getting a tour of Santa Fe and we had a tour of the Parish. There are lots of gruseome statues of Jesus and less gruesome more beautiful ones of saints all around. There are lots of people in the Parish and always women praying in the Church. I am starting to get used to having tortillas because a major part of my diet, but it looks like I will be eating pretty well here. My roomates try not to eat processed or genetically modified food (corn), so lots of fresh stuff. I get to see the Guarderia soon!! I am very excited!! I will write again when I know more!

GoodBye U.S.A.

2009-08-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture Marcelle took of the whole group of new IWM missionaries.

Left to Right, Paula, Marcelle, Jenn, ME, Lisa, Andrea, Mike and Linda. I will miss this group. But excited to get to México.

Talk to you when I'm there.

Just days away folks!

2009-08-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

folks is a weird word, say it 5 times and think about it.

folkss.... weird.

Anyway. This week flewwww by. It might be partly because I came down with something and was sick for a couple days. Unfortunately, that was probably just the first of many sick days to come. Hopefully my stomach will become very strong after this! ha. (And don't worry Lisa, I brought lots of Dramamine for the bus ride down!)

Yesterday Tere (Director) and Meg (asst. Director) went through all the little details of the program. We also signed our contract. Which I must admit gave me a moment of DO I REALLY WANT TO SIGN MY LIFE AWAY TO MEXICO CITY FOR A YEAR! AHH! and then a moment of wait, Yes. I do want to do this! We also got our health insurance info, so I won't die down there. Or if I do they will at least pay to fly my body back. haha. (sorry bad joke?). We were also able to speak to Jess and Caro our roomates and ask questions about our future home. Apparently it has a church bell on top? I'm hoping that means I get to ring it when I want people to come over and hang out with me.

We are in the homestretch here. Today was our last and final day of orientation. We had a speaker and then had a nice sending mass with all of the sisters. We also were able to meet some of the missionaries family members and friends that were able to come down for the ceremony. Just when we were all supposed to recite our mission statement 90% of us completely forgot it. Thanks to Jen for saving the day on that one! Now I have Saturday and Sunday to rest and we will be officially on the road to México. First the Monterrey group, and Lisa & I, will take the bus all together from San Antonio to Monterrey on Monday. Then Wednesday morning Lisa and I continue on to La Ciudad de México. I'm excited to travel through México and finally get into this whole experience. I feel prepared, excited, but nervous. I can't wait to see my house and neighborhood. I will definitely take pictures and send or post them when I can.

Spread Peace & Love.

Esperanza (Hope)

2009-08-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

Just one more week left and everyone is starting to get a bit anxious around here. We spent the last two days in retreat=lots and lots of praying. It was nice to try and calm down my thoughts for a minute though, and just be present to where I am and what my future entails. Sister Luli came up from Monterrey (MX) to lead it for us and it was really fun. The first day she spoke to us mostly in Spanish and I could follow pretty well which was good, again comforting. I have to say, my roommate Lisa is so brave to be doing this. She has had very little Spanish training and is still positive and excited for the trip. I can only imagine how hard it has been when she can't keep up with the conversation but I am really impressed with how she continuously keeps trying.

This week has been a little too busy for my liking, however the retreat did give us a couple days to process all of this information. I must admit, I have been to mass more in the last week than I went this whole last semester. I am even going again today, with my Spiritual Companion Sister Betty. Our Spiritual Companion is the person that will be praying for us while we are abroad. She is taking me to lunch so it will be a nice opportunity to get to know her and vice-versa.

Last night I had my first sting of homesickness. It can be a little exhausting trying to keep up conversation with new people all the time. Its been very unlike me but I can tell that I want everyone to like me. Don't get me wrong, I love the other missionaries, but I just wanted to be with someone who knew me, completely, for the night. I did get a email from Mary and a picture text from Kelsey that gave me a little uplift. I've been keeping you all in my thoughts. I hope things are going well.

Staying positive, I am really excited to be in El Pueblo de Santa Fe in a little over a week. I can't wait to be there and see my house and neighborhood.

Oh, I forgot one thing. I had my second dream with my mom in it the other night. I had one before I left where my mom was at the training, here in San Antonio. And 2 nights ago I had a dream that she called me and I had to go meet her and pick her up. I think maybe this is a sign that she is happy I am doing this. Either way, its nice to see her again.

All my Love.

watch for lizards in the bathroom

2009-08-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

So, Its been kind of an up and down week so far. Excited to catch up with some friends but trying to catch up on sleep. I've been having lots of crazy dreams lately and I'm not quite sure why. Maybe its just anxiety, but I haven't been sleeping too well here. So I was originally misinformed and am now only committed to a year in Mexico City. Apparently the contract only allows one year or two year comittments and two just seems a little too long right now. However, if I really like it after a year I will most likely extend it for two years if that seems right.

One thing that has been really great during training is being able to read. I finished a book in a week and it was nice to be able to have that to relax into. I am excited to have the time to be able to read the things I want and to not have to run off and do my homework! I may be requesting to have books sent down!

We had a talk yesterday on health and it cleared up a few areas of confusion. The whole "don't drink the water situation" unfortunately there is not going to be a way to get around that. I have heard from Jess and Caro that they buy their water. But at some point I will probably end up getting sick from ice or unwashed veggies at restaurants or things like that. There are some kind of drops that we can allow our water and veggies to soak in, but it will be somewhat difficult to ensure that everywhere. Other than that, general cleanliness should keep me healthy.

I encountered a couple cute crawly creatures in the past week in Tx, a little green lizard ran across the ground as the group walked to the lake. Just when I noticed it, it got scared and crawled right up lisa's leg! haha. But she moved and it fell off harmlessly. Also, when I was in the bathroom in one of the buildings I noticed a tiny little lizard crawling across the floor. I was told it was a gecko... but what do I know about lizards. I keep expecting to see it crawling up the stall when I'm in there now though...

Lastly, my hair is getting intensely long (I know Mary, you hate me). I've decided that I am going to start cutting my own hair. Maybe get Lisa or one of the other roomates to make the back straight but I no longer want to pay to get it "styled." I will let you know how that goes once I actually do it. Thats it for now. Unexciting week. Starting a new book, Being Peace.

Love you.

Training in San Antonio

2009-08-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

One week of training done already. At first the training was going pretty slowly... but now it is flying by. It is verry hot everyday and I'm starting to feel like a lazy bum for staying inside and sitting most of the days. I'm gonna try and get out and walk more so I feel better. So, they have told us that it is natural to be exhausted the first couple months of mission. Apparently all the thinking that goes with speaking another language and the adjustment to a new life can be rather exhausting. So far we have all been taking lots of naps and going to bed early. We have also started having dinner in Spanish only. I actually like it a lot. It is reminding me of words that I have forgotten and also making me feel like I actually will be able to speak Spanish on a daily basis. We also went to bilingual mass yesterday, it was great, except for that whole, starting at 8am part.. There was a Mariachi band as the choir too!

I have also started finding out more and more about my site in Santa Fe as the week goes on. I am apparently working in the Guardaria, which is a Day Care for children. I have also heard that the weather in Santa Fe is relatively enjoyable. Usually around 75 degrees Fahrenheit and winters are not much lower than 30 degrees. It gets cold at night and in the morning, but compared to Chicago winter this sounds delightful! The only part that will be a big change will be not having air conditioning or having heat. But if there is one thing I know how to do it is to layer!! I am already starting to regret having left my red blanket (that Katie and Mary are all too familiar with, which I wear as a dress in winter) at home. Also, we are taking a bus down. Stopping in Monterrey to drop off Paula, Mike, Andrea and Linda and then Lisa and I are continuing to La Ciudad de México. I'm looking forward to road tripping through México. There is also a fresh food market that apparently sets up everyday right outside our door, so I am looking forward to being able to eat fresh veggies and fruits everyday! It will be nice to actually eat non-processed local food for a change and support small farmers. Also, our house is at the top of a hill. I'm sure after months of walking up it I will get annoyed but I'm looking at it as a way to get nice toned muscles! haha. These posts are starting to get just too long.. I'm going to try and start being more concise.

I'm hoping to talk to each of you soon. Peace.

Decision Time...

2009-08-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

So, as many of you know by now, I have decided to become an Incarnate Word Missionary and live in Santa Fe, a part of Mexico City for the next year and a half. I had always planned to go abroad after I graduated from college, but imagined that I'd join the Peace Corps and end up in some exotic country in Africa. However, about a month before graduation I still had not applied anywhere and decided to apply to IWM, where my good friend Courtney Cranston had gone to serve abroad. Still hoping to go to Africa, I quickly realized that the image in my head was not exactly what was going to happen. I headed into my "missionary" program very apprehensive but more scared of becoming a real adult and having to look for a job, so, I wrapped my head around living in Mexico and jumped into a brand new experience without any idea of what I'd actually be doing there.

Saying goodbye to Chicago was one of the hardest things I have done so far (wait until I'm living in Mexico with the Spanish, eh?). I had finally found a home and established great relationships with my friends and family. Just as I started to think that I had made a bad decision, tearing up in the airport in front of all the cute sailors, I remembered that I was running toward an amazing opportunity. I am seeking an inner peace that I have only found when doing honest, humble work with those who need it most and I am hoping that I will be able to encompass that peace and learn how to keep it and live it, in Chicago. I will be learning how to live simply, in community and reconnect with my faith while serving the people.

Now, I am here in San Antonio (TX) in three weeks of training. Still with my old cell and computer access. Its funny to say goodbye to all these people and then still have the ability to talk to you all for another 2 weeks... But I am trying not to be obsessively on my computer or phone so that I can get to know my fellow missionaries. To be honest I was a little nervous that the program was going to be overly Catholic for me, but now that I am here I am sure that this was the right path for me. The Sisters of Charity that started the Incarnate Word Missionary program are wonderful women! They are dedicated to moving wherever people are in need and trying to relieve some of the problems there. Just normal women who have used their faith as a motivation for promoting social justice around the world. Originally in San Antonio, now in MX, Peru, Zambia, Guatemala and Tanzania.

The Missionaries with me are great!! Lisa is my current and future roomate in Santa Fe, and is amazing. She went to school just a hop skip and jump, away from me at Depaul and I didn't even meet her until we were living together here in San An! She is great, from a small Missouri town, very positive, always smiling and very athletic. (I'm hoping that will rub off on me and eventually I will be able to run marathons too..maybe? ha.) I am really excited to be spending these next years with her. The other newbies, are Marcelle (good one-liners), Andrea (entertainer), Jenn (the activist), Paula (the Brit), Linda (the Chauffeur) and Mike (token male), are all great in their own ways.

Okay, well it has been 100 degrees everyday here and we have been in talks 9 to 5 (or later) everyday since Monday, so I think I'm gonna go read and make this my first official blog post. I will be writing more tomorrow, I have a feeling I'm going to be addicted to this. I'm happy to have you here with me on my journey so keep me up to date on your life as well.
Miss You all and love you. Peace.