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