Hey all,
This is officially my last post talking of my adventures for the summer. I have been back in the states for about 15 days, and man is it extremely weird!
A Not So Welcome Party
So we arrived to the Dallas airport and had to go through customs. I'm going to be honest, it took much longer getting back into our country. Not to mention the fact that the staff was rude! Aside from that, I heard comments like, "Where are all the people that Obama was supposed to be hiring?!" and "Sorry...he is taking a looong time (pointing at an immigrant) because he is not a citizen." Oh my gosh, I wanted to explode. Why is it when I was international going into to Mexico I felt more respected? Not to mention the fact that our plane wanted to leave five minutes earlier than they were supposed to, so that was no fun. Thank God they printed out new tickets and got us to another one pretty quick. Oh and in KC our luggage was lost and we had to wait a little over an hour at the airport. Welcome to the United States of America...
What I Miss
I miss Valentina and tortillas with every meal.
I miss huevos con jamon.
I miss Chile Arrellenos.
------aside from food-------------
I miss my mammas...papas too.
My siblings.
My cousins.
Oscar,Noe,Guztavo, Daniel, Pato, and Octavio who were all technically cousins haha!
The kids.
-----aside from people-------------
Popo(the mountain)
El Campo (the field)
The gardens and lakes
ABSOLUTELY B-E-A-utiful...
But more than anything, I miss the memories . I am sure the RAMA staff at Goodnow is sick of me talking about Mexico, but I can't help it! I went there to make change, but came back changed. I think Luis Miguel said it best, "Mexico gets in your skin".
A Look to the Future
Will I be going back? You better believe it! I hope to go to Monterrey for a week in May and La Presiosita right afterward for a week. I consider my experience in Mexico a blessing from God, and for that I am truly thankful.
Con amor,
Ariel
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
"It's not goodbye, it's see you later!"
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
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
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
Monday, June 14, 2010
In the Swing of Things
Hey all!
Another long entry today :-P Enjoy!
A taste of home...
June 9: People from Philadelphia came up to learn about La Preciosita. It was nice to speak English. They loved the International Service Teams program (good job Trish). As far a English classes went, it was a review day, so we ended early! We were able to actually bond with the kids by playing soccer. Boys versus girls of course...Unfortunately, I got schooled multiple times by a 16 year old in dress shoes. Figures. Haha.
TO be or NOT to be...
June 10: Showed the kids 11 years and younger the play Shon wrote (I translated) about the zoo and held auditions for them. The play is a mix of Madagascar and Happy Feet. At the end of our stay we are going to present the play to the community!
June 11: Theater workshop for older kids had an awesome turnout which kinda surprised me. They looked excited to act and we even had to write in new characters. Also, I had hot dogs with breakfast. I haven't had a hot dog for six years, so it was a bit of an experience to say the least. This was my favorite day yet because a missionary came to the house and we practically had a Bible study (oracion). It was over the Day of Pentecost and I understood 96% of what he said even though it was in Spanish! Gave me the opportunity to enjoy some "light" reading in the book of Acts.
Ain't No Mountain High...
June 12: Suriel and his sister Sonia (our mamma Lupita's godchildren) took us on a walk today to a place called El Monte. He said it was close, but it ended up being like two miles uphill! It was worth it though! We crossed over a pond and I almost fell in. THe best part was the fact that our tour guide was this little ten year old. THe whole time he kept conversation going and we all decided that we wanted to take him home with us. I wonder what the airport security would say to that. It also was our first day of English classes for adults and only two showed up! Out of the two, one was one of our mammas and the other was our Mamma Lupita's best friend. During the evening we had true family bonding time by having our own little Mexican DP (dance party for you old timers ;-P) Then we pushed our beds together and had a sleepover with our sister Celina.
Ariel Anib...M.D.
June 13: Today, we went to church and were late! Of course, our mamma Lupita walked all the way to the front! It was so embarassing! After church we went to watch two soccer games. The first was against Barcelona and we won! THe second was against Jalisco and they were horrible! One of their players got injured and they had to forfeit the game. Viva la Preciosita! When we got back, I was going to lay in the bed when Suriel comes in asking for Translation help on homework. Eventually I find out that one of his sisters sent him over, so I got up and went to make my first house call. Mary went with me. Not only was the homework hard, but there were three girls over there all needing help with the same homework. It was awesome going over there to meet their need because that is what I'm here for. Furthermore, they were listening to music from the States and it was so interesting because they had no idea what the music was about. My hopes is that come to English classes today!
Favorite food so far: Chile Poblano--Huge Jalepeno Pepper covered in fried egg with Oaxaca cheese on the inside! MMM!
Tomorrow we'll be going to a nearby city called San Martin. Apparently Tuesdays are the days that everything is on sale! YES!!!
Well done to those who made it to the end...
Besos y Abrazos,
Ariel
Another long entry today :-P Enjoy!
A taste of home...
June 9: People from Philadelphia came up to learn about La Preciosita. It was nice to speak English. They loved the International Service Teams program (good job Trish). As far a English classes went, it was a review day, so we ended early! We were able to actually bond with the kids by playing soccer. Boys versus girls of course...Unfortunately, I got schooled multiple times by a 16 year old in dress shoes. Figures. Haha.
TO be or NOT to be...
June 10: Showed the kids 11 years and younger the play Shon wrote (I translated) about the zoo and held auditions for them. The play is a mix of Madagascar and Happy Feet. At the end of our stay we are going to present the play to the community!
June 11: Theater workshop for older kids had an awesome turnout which kinda surprised me. They looked excited to act and we even had to write in new characters. Also, I had hot dogs with breakfast. I haven't had a hot dog for six years, so it was a bit of an experience to say the least. This was my favorite day yet because a missionary came to the house and we practically had a Bible study (oracion). It was over the Day of Pentecost and I understood 96% of what he said even though it was in Spanish! Gave me the opportunity to enjoy some "light" reading in the book of Acts.
Ain't No Mountain High...
June 12: Suriel and his sister Sonia (our mamma Lupita's godchildren) took us on a walk today to a place called El Monte. He said it was close, but it ended up being like two miles uphill! It was worth it though! We crossed over a pond and I almost fell in. THe best part was the fact that our tour guide was this little ten year old. THe whole time he kept conversation going and we all decided that we wanted to take him home with us. I wonder what the airport security would say to that. It also was our first day of English classes for adults and only two showed up! Out of the two, one was one of our mammas and the other was our Mamma Lupita's best friend. During the evening we had true family bonding time by having our own little Mexican DP (dance party for you old timers ;-P) Then we pushed our beds together and had a sleepover with our sister Celina.
Ariel Anib...M.D.
June 13: Today, we went to church and were late! Of course, our mamma Lupita walked all the way to the front! It was so embarassing! After church we went to watch two soccer games. The first was against Barcelona and we won! THe second was against Jalisco and they were horrible! One of their players got injured and they had to forfeit the game. Viva la Preciosita! When we got back, I was going to lay in the bed when Suriel comes in asking for Translation help on homework. Eventually I find out that one of his sisters sent him over, so I got up and went to make my first house call. Mary went with me. Not only was the homework hard, but there were three girls over there all needing help with the same homework. It was awesome going over there to meet their need because that is what I'm here for. Furthermore, they were listening to music from the States and it was so interesting because they had no idea what the music was about. My hopes is that come to English classes today!
Favorite food so far: Chile Poblano--Huge Jalepeno Pepper covered in fried egg with Oaxaca cheese on the inside! MMM!
Tomorrow we'll be going to a nearby city called San Martin. Apparently Tuesdays are the days that everything is on sale! YES!!!
Well done to those who made it to the end...
Besos y Abrazos,
Ariel
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
From Student to Teacher...
Hey all,
Do to the fact that I haven't blogged in what seems like ages...this is going to be a long one. In fact, I bet you can make it to the end :-P
Success at its finest--31 de Mayo:
Our first day of English classes was success! We definitely were winging it, but the kids loved it. In fact, we had forty kids. They already knew there numbers and alphabet which was pretty cool. Must be all that English television that they're watching!
Sick and tired of being sick and tired...--2 de Junio:
May the sickness begin. The bathroom was my new home. Little did I know that I would be sick for the next four days ugh!
Kids will be Kids--3 de Junio:
Our first theater workshop was stressful to say the least. Acting is hard enough to do, but to explain it in another language...ah! We had what I would like to call A TORNADO. Kids were running all over and we were all pulling our hair out. Not to mention that there was a new kid who was extremely rude. I gave my first disciplinary lecture in Spanish to three boys and they actually listened! Yes!
That would happen...--5 de Junio:
Saturday, after breakfast, we went to a place called La Reserva. Our tour guide was this goofy man who was off the wall. The reservation was absolutely beautiful and man were we burning calories! After we were done we went back to Mamma Lupita's and they found out that I wasn't feelig well still! They gorged me with more tea and made me go lay down. After a bit, mamma Benita came in with a pill. Desperate, I swallowed it and was out of it for about thirty minutes. Later on, Mamma Lupita came in and asked if the tea and pill were doing their job. Naive, I said what was their purpose. She pointed at the bathroom with a smile and said, Bueno para digestion! And that was when it clicked, that tea that I was drinking three times a day was making me sick! MLIA.
A Mexico Miracle indeed!--6 de Junio:
What a wonderful day. I'm reading this book called The Prayer God Longs for. It talks about the importance of intimate prayer with God, so I decided to put it into practice. I went outside and poored my heart out to God and was mesmerized by the beauty of all he created. Furthermore, I prayed about my stomach pain. Not even kidding, I have not had stomach pains since! AMEN! Unfortunately we missed church! We tried to go to the internet cafe, but it was closed! Right when we turned around our dad Alejandro drove up with the family in his truck. Talk about good timing! He bought us all some delicious watermelon from a street vendor and then we went to the iglesia for some quesadillas. Yummy! It was our last day with the Guzman family, so we closed with going to this beautiful place with a lot of lakes.
We are family!--7 de Junio:
Yesterday, we moved into our new house with Mamma Lupita. She is a very busy woman who doesn't know how to sit down ever! I love her cuz she is extremely sweet. She is married with three kids; however, her husband and son are working in Chicago. Her oldest daughter (21) Roceo works in San Martin from 6AM to 9PM everyday and we live with her youngest daughter Selena (18). For breakfast we had mole which I did not like at all, but lunch was delicious! We planned for our English classes for two hours and it was worth it because class was awesome. The older kids learn so quickly and I loved it! Dinnertime with the new family was so much fun. Seven women in one house is a dangerous combination haha!
I will be able to update my blog again Saturday after we bus to Puebla hopefully! I have been missing you all so much, so please keep me updated on your lives!
Besos y abrazos,
Ariel
Do to the fact that I haven't blogged in what seems like ages...this is going to be a long one. In fact, I bet you can make it to the end :-P
Success at its finest--31 de Mayo:
Our first day of English classes was success! We definitely were winging it, but the kids loved it. In fact, we had forty kids. They already knew there numbers and alphabet which was pretty cool. Must be all that English television that they're watching!
Sick and tired of being sick and tired...--2 de Junio:
May the sickness begin. The bathroom was my new home. Little did I know that I would be sick for the next four days ugh!
Kids will be Kids--3 de Junio:
Our first theater workshop was stressful to say the least. Acting is hard enough to do, but to explain it in another language...ah! We had what I would like to call A TORNADO. Kids were running all over and we were all pulling our hair out. Not to mention that there was a new kid who was extremely rude. I gave my first disciplinary lecture in Spanish to three boys and they actually listened! Yes!
That would happen...--5 de Junio:
Saturday, after breakfast, we went to a place called La Reserva. Our tour guide was this goofy man who was off the wall. The reservation was absolutely beautiful and man were we burning calories! After we were done we went back to Mamma Lupita's and they found out that I wasn't feelig well still! They gorged me with more tea and made me go lay down. After a bit, mamma Benita came in with a pill. Desperate, I swallowed it and was out of it for about thirty minutes. Later on, Mamma Lupita came in and asked if the tea and pill were doing their job. Naive, I said what was their purpose. She pointed at the bathroom with a smile and said, Bueno para digestion! And that was when it clicked, that tea that I was drinking three times a day was making me sick! MLIA.
A Mexico Miracle indeed!--6 de Junio:
What a wonderful day. I'm reading this book called The Prayer God Longs for. It talks about the importance of intimate prayer with God, so I decided to put it into practice. I went outside and poored my heart out to God and was mesmerized by the beauty of all he created. Furthermore, I prayed about my stomach pain. Not even kidding, I have not had stomach pains since! AMEN! Unfortunately we missed church! We tried to go to the internet cafe, but it was closed! Right when we turned around our dad Alejandro drove up with the family in his truck. Talk about good timing! He bought us all some delicious watermelon from a street vendor and then we went to the iglesia for some quesadillas. Yummy! It was our last day with the Guzman family, so we closed with going to this beautiful place with a lot of lakes.
We are family!--7 de Junio:
Yesterday, we moved into our new house with Mamma Lupita. She is a very busy woman who doesn't know how to sit down ever! I love her cuz she is extremely sweet. She is married with three kids; however, her husband and son are working in Chicago. Her oldest daughter (21) Roceo works in San Martin from 6AM to 9PM everyday and we live with her youngest daughter Selena (18). For breakfast we had mole which I did not like at all, but lunch was delicious! We planned for our English classes for two hours and it was worth it because class was awesome. The older kids learn so quickly and I loved it! Dinnertime with the new family was so much fun. Seven women in one house is a dangerous combination haha!
I will be able to update my blog again Saturday after we bus to Puebla hopefully! I have been missing you all so much, so please keep me updated on your lives!
Besos y abrazos,
Ariel
Monday, May 31, 2010
Home...Home on the Range...
Hey all!
Whoa dude...
Right now, we're in an internet cafe that resembles a gas station using their computers. It's about ten minutes on bus from La Preciosita, and it only costs one dollar an hour to use the internet! We're going to try to come here about every Monday around this time! Yay!
La Preciosita...la comunidad bella...
So, due to the fact that I haven't updated in forever...I have a lot to talk about! We arrived in La Preciosita Friday, May 28 by bus. When they said we were going to live in the mountians, they weren't joking! It was all uphill to get to the house we are staying at. Not only that, but we were surrounded by burros, cows, goats, horses, pigs, and various other farm animals. The scenery is absolutely beautiful, and I can't wait to show you all pictures!
Familia...
So, we are staying with various families while we're in La Preciosita. Our first is the Guzman family. They are so sweet. Our mom's name is Mine and she is about 4 foot 10 inches with a heart of gold. She is constantly either cooking for us or cleaning. It is absolutely amazing. Our dad's name is Alejandro (I have met like four Ales and no Jose's). He just got back from working in Chicago in the states in February. Now he works in the city to provide for his family. You can tell he will do anything for his family. They have three kids: Gomaro (10), Polito (8), and Ester (2). Gomaro is in a wheelchair, but can do anything if he puts his mind to it. Polito is one of the cutest kid ever and we always play futbol (soccer) in the house together. Ester is the fiestiest two year I've ever met haha.
Here's a chuckle for you...
So a lot of random funny things have happened while I've been here.
*Our second day in La Preciosita, Mary, Shawna, and I made a trip to La Panaderia (bread store). Because we didn't know the way, Polito took us. The house that we are staying at is kinda far away from the heart of the community, so it was a bit of a walk. When we got close we so a lot of people were crowded around. Apparently some guy that is running for political office was having a rally. Being the from the States...we stole his thunder because everyone turned and just watched us. When we got to the store, a woman asked us if we needed anything, and we pointed at Polito and said, we're with him. She started cracking up! That's when I realized how weird it must look with three 20 year olds following an eight year old around. Hahha!
Yesterday...
So yesterday was the most eventful day ever! We woke up at 8 in the morning for breakfast of coffee and bread. I don't even like coffee, but it wasn't too bad. Then we went to la misa (mass) while I didn't understand of course. After church we ate real tacos...that were amazing! Then we went to a place called El Campo. It was kind of exclusive because you needed a key to even get in. It was a beautiful place in the mountains with a lake and a log cabin. There was a rope in the tree that we used to swing over the lake. Then we went to our abuelito´s house (Alejandro's dad) for his birthday. When we got there, we ate again (rice and chicken tortillas this time). Then we were introduced to our host dad's brother who is going to the States in January. We taught him some basics in English for a couple hours and it was unbelieveable how hard English is compared to spanish. Some word pronunciations just make no sense at all! After that they offered us more food! Veggie soup this time which I was not a fan of at all! But I tried it...Kids in the community got news were in town so we all went to play Basketball...and that's when I realized how out of shape I was haha! We eat so much here, I feel like I'm getting fattened up to be eaten for Thanksgiving! After basketball, we ate birthday cake which was amazing! Oh my goodness!
Random...
Gary Coleman died Friday of a brain hemorrage? While I was typing this blog, a little girl just ran up, touched my hair, and ran! By the way, I love the Mexican police...eight ppl can ride in a car with no problems...I'll elaborate later. :-P
I love you all and miss you more than you know! I will probably post again on Sunday.
Besos,
Ariel Anib
Whoa dude...
Right now, we're in an internet cafe that resembles a gas station using their computers. It's about ten minutes on bus from La Preciosita, and it only costs one dollar an hour to use the internet! We're going to try to come here about every Monday around this time! Yay!
La Preciosita...la comunidad bella...
So, due to the fact that I haven't updated in forever...I have a lot to talk about! We arrived in La Preciosita Friday, May 28 by bus. When they said we were going to live in the mountians, they weren't joking! It was all uphill to get to the house we are staying at. Not only that, but we were surrounded by burros, cows, goats, horses, pigs, and various other farm animals. The scenery is absolutely beautiful, and I can't wait to show you all pictures!
Familia...
So, we are staying with various families while we're in La Preciosita. Our first is the Guzman family. They are so sweet. Our mom's name is Mine and she is about 4 foot 10 inches with a heart of gold. She is constantly either cooking for us or cleaning. It is absolutely amazing. Our dad's name is Alejandro (I have met like four Ales and no Jose's). He just got back from working in Chicago in the states in February. Now he works in the city to provide for his family. You can tell he will do anything for his family. They have three kids: Gomaro (10), Polito (8), and Ester (2). Gomaro is in a wheelchair, but can do anything if he puts his mind to it. Polito is one of the cutest kid ever and we always play futbol (soccer) in the house together. Ester is the fiestiest two year I've ever met haha.
Here's a chuckle for you...
So a lot of random funny things have happened while I've been here.
*Our second day in La Preciosita, Mary, Shawna, and I made a trip to La Panaderia (bread store). Because we didn't know the way, Polito took us. The house that we are staying at is kinda far away from the heart of the community, so it was a bit of a walk. When we got close we so a lot of people were crowded around. Apparently some guy that is running for political office was having a rally. Being the from the States...we stole his thunder because everyone turned and just watched us. When we got to the store, a woman asked us if we needed anything, and we pointed at Polito and said, we're with him. She started cracking up! That's when I realized how weird it must look with three 20 year olds following an eight year old around. Hahha!
Yesterday...
So yesterday was the most eventful day ever! We woke up at 8 in the morning for breakfast of coffee and bread. I don't even like coffee, but it wasn't too bad. Then we went to la misa (mass) while I didn't understand of course. After church we ate real tacos...that were amazing! Then we went to a place called El Campo. It was kind of exclusive because you needed a key to even get in. It was a beautiful place in the mountains with a lake and a log cabin. There was a rope in the tree that we used to swing over the lake. Then we went to our abuelito´s house (Alejandro's dad) for his birthday. When we got there, we ate again (rice and chicken tortillas this time). Then we were introduced to our host dad's brother who is going to the States in January. We taught him some basics in English for a couple hours and it was unbelieveable how hard English is compared to spanish. Some word pronunciations just make no sense at all! After that they offered us more food! Veggie soup this time which I was not a fan of at all! But I tried it...Kids in the community got news were in town so we all went to play Basketball...and that's when I realized how out of shape I was haha! We eat so much here, I feel like I'm getting fattened up to be eaten for Thanksgiving! After basketball, we ate birthday cake which was amazing! Oh my goodness!
Random...
Gary Coleman died Friday of a brain hemorrage? While I was typing this blog, a little girl just ran up, touched my hair, and ran! By the way, I love the Mexican police...eight ppl can ride in a car with no problems...I'll elaborate later. :-P
I love you all and miss you more than you know! I will probably post again on Sunday.
Besos,
Ariel Anib
Friday, May 28, 2010
Adios for Awhile
Buenos dias!
Cholula not Chalupa...
So, yesterday my teammates and I went to Cholula with our teacher Gabriela on a field trip. It was so awesome! One of the most famus pyramids is there. The piramid was built by the indigenous people in Cholula and when the Spaniards arrived in the 1500s, they thought it was a hill and built a church on top of it. Years later they uncovered the dirt and found a pyramid that worked a lot like an onion. It's like six pyramids in one built cleverly in layers. On our class field trip we climbed up to the top of the pyramid where the church was and it was tiring! From the top, you could see all of Cholula and I was in absolute wonder and the majesty of God. WOW...
After the pyramid, we went to el mercado (the market) which was pretty interesting. It was half butcher shop, produce, and flowers. The smell was...eh...Strong. The random pig head hanging made me feel like I was on Lord of the Flies. Anways I got to try a sandwich called Cemita and it wasn't too bad.
Night on the Town...
Last night, we went dancing and it was quite the experience. The most annoying things was that after 3-4 hours of dance class we were all so anxious to try out our newfound Kumbia and Salsa skills. But guess what...All the music they played was from the States or Techno. They were back as far as 70's music! Oh goodness...
Random...
I've had to backspace a million times because I keep accidentally typing words in spanish!
Now what...
For the past week I have been in Puebla. But after class, we are loading up into a bus and headed out to La Preciosita. If you want to see where it is go to the link and zoom in -->http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=La+Preciosita&country=MX&latitude=19.407511&longitude=-98.5466&geocode=CITY
It is extremely teeny with only 648 people in the community. While there, we are going to teach English to kids and adults alike and help out with whatever the community needs. I am so excited to be able to take the love of Christ to these people!
Goodbye for now :-(
So I have been extremely blessed to have internet for the past week...however, in La Preciosita, there is no guarantee that I will be able to get on and update my blog often. If this is the case, I will update every two weeks or so when I come down to Puebla. Be sure to comment or email me at ariel957@ksu.edu to let me know what you are up to!
Con amor,
Ariel
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