Hey all,
So this will be my second to last post because it is already our last week in Mexico! Who knew that ten weeks could go by so fast and slow all at the same time?!
A Close to service:
Our service officially ended Thursday, July 22. It was definitely bittersweet. On one hand it was awesome because we were able to showcase the older kid's play for the public and it was a huge success! We held a little cast party with them which was cool because it was part potluck, part dance! As far as the little kids in theater classes we just ended with lots of games rather than their play because it was really unstable! Our last week of English classes were amazing to see because we were able to see how the kids had learned over 100 words in English! What a blessing! Mary and I taught the older kids useful phrases like "that's cool" and "I miss you" the last day and they loved it.
May the vacation begin!
We spend Friday, July 23- Sunday, July 25 in La Presiosita as part of our vacation. It was cool getting to spend time with our families along with hanging out with our new-found friends. Sunday night, we went to a baile (dance) in a neighboring town--Coltzingo. It was a lot like the one in La Presiosita on the first of July, but way bigger. It was ridiculous though that although there was a live band onstage, we seemed to be the main attraction. I think this trip is making me immune to staring. Haha, I barely noticed.
Adios La Presiosita...
Let's be honest...goodbyes suck. Yesterday, we went to the houses of all our mammas and close friends of the family to leave pictures that we printed and say goodbye. There were tears and left us feeling pretty depressed. This morning we were at the bus stop at 11AM with our mammas and our families and it sucked because they hugged like they were saying goodbye forever! I didn't cry until I got on the bus and balled for a good 30 minutes. No joke, I am planning a trip through Monterrey and visiting La Presiosita next year before my internship.
Now...we are in Veracruz which is a beautiful city in Mexico. We are staying here for a couple of days and then going to Mexico City for two days. I officially arrive in the States Saturday, July 31st. Note to friends and family, all I want to do is sleep the 31st, so I won't be available to do much of anything! I go back to Manhattan August 6th, so I only have five days to spend time with you all!
I love you so much and can't wait to see good ole Kansas!
Con amor,
Ariel Anib
Monday, July 26, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Service is Unpredictable...
Hey all,
I know, I know, I have not updated in exactly one month! Not only has our busyness started to pick up, but internet here has been extremely sketch. It rains practically every day, so when I see that the weather in JoCo is 92 degrees, I am in shock! Although, I can't be as detailed in this blog as I usually am, I will try to give you an overview of what you all have missed!
Largest Market--June 15:
An hour from La Preciosita is San Martin! It has the largest market in Latin America, so it was awesome! I don't know if I have ever seen so many clothes in my life! It was baffling. After a little bit of shopping, we went to the "food court" to eat lunch. We chose the food stand of one of the nicest families! The dad was convinced that I was Jamaican, and the mom was amazed by the fact that we called Mama Lupita, mom!
Mamma Natalyia--June 16:
We left from Mama Lupita's house which only has three habitants to Mama Natalia's which had fourteen people total (including the four of us)! To get there we had to walk through the whole town with all of our luggage! That was no fun haha! Our stay in Mamma Natalia's house was almost always eventful. The negative I could say is the fact that she has like 50 sheep, so the nights weren't too great for me! On June 20, we went on a Sunday outing with the whole family and they took us to San Andres! It was supposed to be a two hour ride, but we got a flat. So, while we waited we had some awesome family bonding time, and I go to know Mamma's story. Also, we stopped on the way to see a bull riding contest. I could never ever do that! In San Andres, there was a cathedral on a boat that was absolutely beautiful!
The kids--June 23
After our class, we went up on the basketball court and played an intense game of soccer! However, when we were done, the kids followed us back to our house and insisted we played more! So we followed them back to the court and played for a whole 'nother hour! It was awesome being so appreciated by them! However, we were so sore the next day.
Mamma Benita--June 25:
We moved to Mama Benita's house which was a stark difference from Natalia's. It is only Mamma (55 yrs), Papa (70 yrs), and our sis Lupe (13 yrs). Despite the quiet, I learned so much while there. I learned how to basket weave and sew! Unfortunately, I could not figure out knitting whatsoever! Oh yeah, and I also learned how to make my favorite plate--Chile Poblanos! Yes!!
Town Fiesta--July 1:
The whole pueblo had a party which was pretty awesome. It started with mass at 6AM followed by a mariachi band! I was so tired, I'm not sure that I remember even walking there! Later on in the day there was a fireworks show. It scared the mess out of me because there a was guy with fire on his back running through the crowd! It was like our own little 4th of July! Then there was a dance which was alright.
Puebla--July 4 & 5:
On the 4th, we decided to celebrate Independence day in Mexico by busing to Puebla. There we loaded up on lotion and body wash (we ran out) and went to see Eclipse! After leaving the movie, I forgot I was in Mexico for a few minutes because the mall we went to reminded me of Town Center. The clothes were so expensive! Not only that, but there was an Applebees inside the mall. We went to the Applebees, and I enjoyed a Sampler and a Blondie...unfortunately, it was not worth it when we got the ticket! 82 dollars for four people! No one was expecting it, so a couple of us ran out of money! In total I spent over 25 dollars! Never again.
Mamma Vicenta--July 5:
Moving in Mama Vicenta's house was both good and bad. Good because it was a busy house with her, her husband, Dominga (30 yrs), Israel (18 yrs), Juan Carlos (12 yrs), and Jiovani (9 yrs). We spent many nights laughing, dancing, and playing Jenga! It was bad because she lived a mile up on the biggest hill in town. Don't be surprised when I come back with man legs!
Dances:
While here, we have gone to three dances. Dances here are interesting because there is a lot drinking and smoking of all ages. However, they are an awesome cultural experience because Cumbia is way better than the bumping and grinding we do back in the states!
English Classes and Theater Classes:
Have been a little stressful because ever since the fiesta July 1st, our numbers have been down. Especially with the younger kids... The ones that have been there have definitely been learning a lot, so the our service still feels worthwhile. We are having the older kids' play this Friday and next week we are only going to do one scene of the younger kids' play (due to low numbers).
Random: When something is God's will, he will always open the door.
Whoo! I am NEVER waiting that long again to update! I love and miss you all! See you in 18 days!
Besos de Mexico,
Ariel
I know, I know, I have not updated in exactly one month! Not only has our busyness started to pick up, but internet here has been extremely sketch. It rains practically every day, so when I see that the weather in JoCo is 92 degrees, I am in shock! Although, I can't be as detailed in this blog as I usually am, I will try to give you an overview of what you all have missed!
Largest Market--June 15:
An hour from La Preciosita is San Martin! It has the largest market in Latin America, so it was awesome! I don't know if I have ever seen so many clothes in my life! It was baffling. After a little bit of shopping, we went to the "food court" to eat lunch. We chose the food stand of one of the nicest families! The dad was convinced that I was Jamaican, and the mom was amazed by the fact that we called Mama Lupita, mom!
Mamma Natalyia--June 16:
We left from Mama Lupita's house which only has three habitants to Mama Natalia's which had fourteen people total (including the four of us)! To get there we had to walk through the whole town with all of our luggage! That was no fun haha! Our stay in Mamma Natalia's house was almost always eventful. The negative I could say is the fact that she has like 50 sheep, so the nights weren't too great for me! On June 20, we went on a Sunday outing with the whole family and they took us to San Andres! It was supposed to be a two hour ride, but we got a flat. So, while we waited we had some awesome family bonding time, and I go to know Mamma's story. Also, we stopped on the way to see a bull riding contest. I could never ever do that! In San Andres, there was a cathedral on a boat that was absolutely beautiful!
The kids--June 23
After our class, we went up on the basketball court and played an intense game of soccer! However, when we were done, the kids followed us back to our house and insisted we played more! So we followed them back to the court and played for a whole 'nother hour! It was awesome being so appreciated by them! However, we were so sore the next day.
Mamma Benita--June 25:
We moved to Mama Benita's house which was a stark difference from Natalia's. It is only Mamma (55 yrs), Papa (70 yrs), and our sis Lupe (13 yrs). Despite the quiet, I learned so much while there. I learned how to basket weave and sew! Unfortunately, I could not figure out knitting whatsoever! Oh yeah, and I also learned how to make my favorite plate--Chile Poblanos! Yes!!
Town Fiesta--July 1:
The whole pueblo had a party which was pretty awesome. It started with mass at 6AM followed by a mariachi band! I was so tired, I'm not sure that I remember even walking there! Later on in the day there was a fireworks show. It scared the mess out of me because there a was guy with fire on his back running through the crowd! It was like our own little 4th of July! Then there was a dance which was alright.
Puebla--July 4 & 5:
On the 4th, we decided to celebrate Independence day in Mexico by busing to Puebla. There we loaded up on lotion and body wash (we ran out) and went to see Eclipse! After leaving the movie, I forgot I was in Mexico for a few minutes because the mall we went to reminded me of Town Center. The clothes were so expensive! Not only that, but there was an Applebees inside the mall. We went to the Applebees, and I enjoyed a Sampler and a Blondie...unfortunately, it was not worth it when we got the ticket! 82 dollars for four people! No one was expecting it, so a couple of us ran out of money! In total I spent over 25 dollars! Never again.
Mamma Vicenta--July 5:
Moving in Mama Vicenta's house was both good and bad. Good because it was a busy house with her, her husband, Dominga (30 yrs), Israel (18 yrs), Juan Carlos (12 yrs), and Jiovani (9 yrs). We spent many nights laughing, dancing, and playing Jenga! It was bad because she lived a mile up on the biggest hill in town. Don't be surprised when I come back with man legs!
Dances:
While here, we have gone to three dances. Dances here are interesting because there is a lot drinking and smoking of all ages. However, they are an awesome cultural experience because Cumbia is way better than the bumping and grinding we do back in the states!
English Classes and Theater Classes:
Have been a little stressful because ever since the fiesta July 1st, our numbers have been down. Especially with the younger kids... The ones that have been there have definitely been learning a lot, so the our service still feels worthwhile. We are having the older kids' play this Friday and next week we are only going to do one scene of the younger kids' play (due to low numbers).
Random: When something is God's will, he will always open the door.
Whoo! I am NEVER waiting that long again to update! I love and miss you all! See you in 18 days!
Besos de Mexico,
Ariel
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