Quick Catch-up

So, I meant to update this more often with shorter posts, but I just really have not had the time.  I’ll try to quickly catch you up on my last few weeks of events and news.

First of all, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity (through support from the ministry) to help outfit some kids with school uniforms and school supplies so that they can go to school.  Even though it is “free” for children to go to school here, they are required to arrive clean, well groomed, and in a uniform (which are not exactly cheap, $30 for a sweater is a lot when most people don’t even make $30 in a day).

 

Another thing that’s happened in the last few weeks is that I’m learning how to drive stick shift on this bad boy.  I’ve only had one lesson so far, but Judy and Paul said I could use it to keep practicing.  I’ve always wanted to learn and finally I’m getting the opportunity!  It’s really fun actually   I like it.

 

 

My neighbor (and one of our staff), Yolanda (pictured), and our other neighbor Myra convinced me that everyone was going to be dressing up for this big party (the Noche Mexicana) at the orphanage down the street (Foundation for His Ministry) a few weeks ago and they gave me this outfit to wear.  Well, when we all got together that night to walk over to it, THEY weren’t dressed up!  They came up with all kinds of excuses, but I think they just wanted to use me as a doll that they could play “dress-up” with.  Haha.  It was really fun though.  Pretty much everyone from the orphanage and our church come to this event every year on the night before their independence day.  They have a stage set up where Mexico is celebrated through traditional song and dance.  Then after all that, there are booths set up all around with the incredible homemade FOOD!  When you arrive you are given three tickets, two for food, and one for a drink.  Once the performances are over, everyone just bumps around, mingles, gets in line for their favorite foods, and then you just eat and hang out.  It’s pretty great.

 

 

 

 

The following day, September 16th, is Mexico’s Independence Day.  I met up with some of my friends to go watch the parade and then hang out at the party in the park, where again there is TONS of food (but this time you had to pay for it), lots of traditional music and dancing, and where if you aren’t careful, you’ll get hit in the head with a confetti egg!

 

These past two months, construction has been going on at La Gloria (primarily by Victor, Pastor Hector, and Saul), but also some men and older boys from the church have been coming to help and I’ve been able to go and help two days myself!  The church walls are up, tresses have been built and put on, and on Monday I get to go help with roofing!  Yay!  I like doing that kind of stuff (every now and then mind you).  I am definitely not cut out for this as a career.

 

Last thing for this post!  Last weekend I was able to escape to the states at the last minute for a short break, some grocery and clothes shopping, and some good quality time with my family.  I was even surprised to be able to see Mammere and Pappere (my grandparents on my dad’s side), Uncle Chris and Aunt Lilibeth, and my Uncle Jerry from Washington!  The night before I went back Mexico, I took a train down to San Diego where I got to spend some good quality time with my friend Hannah (who moved there from Mexico about 2 months ago).  It was SUCH a wonderful trip and I was SO blessed to be able to take it.

Well, that’s all I’m going to leave you with for now.  I have exciting news about my “new position” here at EFF, but I want to save that for it’s own post (hopefully in a couple days).  Thanks for keeping up with my busy, but exciting life here   Until next time, amigos!