My recently posted videos:
A talk about purity that I wrote...
November 1-4 (Days 74-77)
*Leon and Queretaro*
So my friend from Quebec (Karine) and I decided to take the
weekend to travel to Leon and Queretaro. Leon is a city in the state of Guanajuato
with about 2 million people. It is huge in comparison to the city of Guanajuato
where I live. It is also known for having quality (yet cheap) shoes. Well since
I have been wearing the same worn-out flats for almost four months, I decided
it was time to invest in some new leather boots. We get there and I realize
that all the boots I saw were either really cheap material, expensive, or not
in my size. I finally settled for decently priced pleather boots that looked
like they would last (I was desperate, ok?)!
That night in our hostel, we ended up sharing a room with three
Architecture students getting their Master’s degree. They were so cool and we
ended up having a deep conversation about Machismo, politics, and religion. It
was crazy, but so much fun.
The next day, Karine and I headed to Queretaro. There, we met
up with another ETA who lives there, Kayla. Queretaro was absolutely beautiful,
but it rained so much! Instead of seeing more of the city, Kayla invited her
friends over. I ended up meeting a guy who is trying to get an Engineering job
in Wichita, KS named Wolfgang. I am not even kidding. He was so nice…and
completely decked out in leather (jacket and pants). All in all, it was a good time…but
Karine and I have decided that we must go back!
November 16-19 (Days 89-92)
*Monterrey*
There is no way I can be in México without visiting my
beloved Monterrey! After all, I do have family there. ;-) So, I took an overnight
bus to get there, but later found out that I could’ve flown Aerobus at a cheaper
price. Well...next time I suppose.
The highlight of my trip was eating Little Caesar’s pizza, a
donut from 711, and iHop! Mmmm…did I mention that I cannot do my 10k because there
is not more space? I probably have gained 5 pounds since finding out! Haha!
It was also great getting to see my friends married after
almost a decade of dating! They truly took good care of me and I plan on going
back next semester sometime.
November 20-23 (Days 93-96)
*After months of waiting, my dad finally came to visit for
his Thanksgiving break! Unfortunately his plan arrived to Mexico City at 10:30PM,
so he spent the night with my friend Roberto. The night before I had written
him a letter with every detail he would need to make it to Guanajuato. He
finally arrived the next day, extremely tired. Being tired is not a good thing
for a city like Guanajuato. My house was not exactly in the best location for a
sleep-deprived 57 year old man. So, after eating Mediterranean food, we pretty
much called it a night.
*The next day was awesome! I took my dad to work with me and
he give a talk to the professors about psychometrics. What I thought was originally
boring as all get out, actually proved to be quite the opposite. My coworkers
were asking questions and interested in learning more which made my day. That
evening, we went to karaoke. It was so great to see about 15 people that I had
met during my time here in México. And what an eclectic group it was: fellow professors,
people from the States, friends I had made at Cervantino, etc.
*Unfortunately my daddy had to leave bright and early the
next morning. Even if we only got to hang out for 1.5 days…it was so worth it!
November 26-27 (Days 99-100)
*Big Move*
So my dad helped me realize that I wanted my own kitchen and
I HATED climbing up that hill. So, I told my friend from church, Yis, that I
was looking for a place. In less than three days, I found a new place, paid my
first month of rent in advance and moved in. It was one of the best decisions I
have made while in México. I will upload a video of the new digs later this
week.
The family that lives here is nice! There is a high schooler
that I have started to run with (even though he kicks my butt every time) and
teach English to. Additionally, I have made a new friend with my neighbor who
works with the government. The only down side about where I live is the fact
that I have to wait 15-30 minutes for the bus, which I can definitely handle!
What’s New?
*School
Now that we have our exec board for the English Conversation
Club, I have been using our meetings to teach leadership. I am so excited
because this week, my students are coming over to show me how to make chicken
tacos! After eating, we will plan a schedule for next semester’s conversation
club.
*Church
This Sunday, we will have a Light Party. It will be an
opportunity for people to hear about Jesus. But we get to dress up. I will be
starring as a hip hop angel!
Additionally, I am looking into starting a women’s Bible
study next semester which should be a blast.
*Social Life
I have finally finding people to hang out with outside of
karaoke. Moving to a new place where I can cook for people has been awesome! I
am so excited to see which of these friends that I have made will be life-long.
Coming up
*Sunday, I leave for Guadalajara! There I will finally meet
the Ana Saraí who have I been sponsoring for four years. I am a little nervous,
but EXTREMELY excited!
*Winter break for me officially begins the second week of
December. Then I will travel almost all of southern México. With my new friend
Amanda, we will go to Acapulco, Pachuca, and Puebla for Christmas. Then my
friends from K-State (Mary and Shon) will join us in visiting La Preciosita
(where I was in 2010), Oaxaca, and we will spend New Year’s in Chiapas!
Finally, we will head back to Guanajuato and prepare to start the next
semester!
Keep me in your prayers because I know God has been taking
care of me!
LeondeDios--Ariel
