Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Dog Gone Mystery

Between the time Crystal went away to college and Jon's going was imminent we got a puppy for Daniel.  A yellow lab (is there any other kind of dog?) She was named "Annie" after the dog in Where the Red Fern Grows). She is luvable and an eternal knucklehead as labs tend to be. She was so little when we first got her, we had to net her pen to keep a hawk from carrying her away---we do live at the edge of a woods.  She is now 9 years old and weighs about 75 pounds.  When we are camping, she loves to swim in ocean, river or lake, but does not swim at home.  She's gotten into trouble for getting in the pond, and never has been in the pool, even when we have tried to coax her to join us. She hates taking a bath.

Last weekend we went to the Troutdale McMenamins for Cousin (reunion) Fest disguised as a wedding. There are photos on Lee and Tina's blogs (click the sidebar links) if you want to look.  Annie was left at home in the care of our good friend Brendan.

Annie does not care to be left behind.  Whenever suitcases come out, she sulks and sighs---very dramatic.  If, however the kennel is loaded into the Mountaineer---she is a happy dog, and has been known to sit in the kennel, in the car, for 2 days straight to insure she gets to go along. Odd things have happened when she has been left alone too long---so we don't tend to let her stay at home by herself.

When we got home, Brendan was here with his mom. "To survey the damage" she says. When Brendan got to the house on Saturday, he could not find Annie.  He called and called.  He could hear her dogtags tinkling and he heard her wimpering, but could not find her anywhere around the house.  He finally went up on the deck and looking down in the direction of the whining saw the pool was empty, the lining shredded, and sure enough, the dog was at the bottom of the pool. He got in the pool to lift her out---she is physically fine.  We cannot imagine what caused her to get into the pool, she has always refused to get near the steps or the deck. I just imagine some critter must have gotten near it for a drink in the heat last weekend---and she was doing her guard dog duty. She has a bear scratch scar beneath one eye--but that's another story.

Anyway, we've decided to sell the pool and decking on Craig's list.  To sell this place, we would have had to extend the deck and fence it---more trouble and expense than it's worth.  Doug is mourning the loss of his pool though.  He works out in the heat, and loves to float at the end of a day.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Summer Daze

We have had record heat for a week now. Kept the a/c on overnight a couple of times---something we don't do often, because usually it cools by 40 degrees or so.
Anyway, the heat sort of prevents a whole lot of activity. However, we do keep moving and have plans.

I have had the opportunity to engage in Spanish conversation with my friend Sherry. I hope our schedules will allow this regularly. I get so excited when I'm in the midst of it. Realizing I DO understand, and I AM understood is so awesome!! I get teary eyed with gratitude and do not want to lose what I have gained. Sherry is teaching basic Spanish to a small group from our church that will be going to Honduras (Mission Trip) this fall---I'll be attending the class tonight just for the exposure to Spanish. Keeping my ears tuned.

Daniel is working hard at Shelter One (Jim and Donna's business) coming home hot, dirty, and tired. Dinner, shower, a bit o' time online, and bed is about all you can expect from him Mon - Thur. Crystal & I joined forces last Friday, to help Daniel with the shopping for George Fox. He moves into the dorm August 27th. Our list is covered in checkmarks---we're nearly ready. He even found jeans that fit (31/34)--3 pairs!! None of us really enjoy shopping, so to get so much accomplished in one day was a blessing and miracle! He saw the dentist yesterday (2 cavities---need to floss!) Has an eye appointment in 2 weeks, and will make a trip to the Health Dept for a meningitus shot---maybe swine flu too---I'm trying to decide. I'm hoping to do a drawer by drawer, shelf by shelf, clean and purge in his room---that won't happen for a few more weeks.

Crystal has been relaxing at home. The change from Roma to Medford has been greater than anticipated, but she is doing well. We love having her laughter in the house. She found a women's soccer team to play on---scored the winning goal last week!!--
She is making a quilt out of old jeans and cords for Daniel to take to college. This is a tradition. My niece Karrie, made the first one. Then Crystal made one for herself and later for Jon when he was leaving for OIT. Daniel's is mostly denim blues with some hunter green, brown and tan corduroy added in for color and interest. It will be very handsome. She did find and buy a cute little car last week---a Hyundai Accent. Just what she was looking for and the right price. She will probably head to Portland around the 12th to job search in person. Please keep this in your prayers.

Doug has built a patio out of pavers in the side yard--just outside the Master Bedroom. We acquired a hot tub last spring, so now it is in a proper setting. This is one if the projects to finish before we put this house up for sale. (We've purchased a smaller house in Jacksonville with the plan to downsize and simplify---it's being rented right now) The patio is a very nice addition, the pavers compliment the rock garden wall well. That's alot of rocks to carry up our sloped walkway---the 109 heat didn't help--except, his back hasn't bothered him---hmmmm! He has earned a relaxing weekend away!!
Providentially, my first cousin's (my mother's niece) daughter is getting married at the McMenimins Edgefield in Troutdale this weekend. The wedding has become the venue for what has been dubbed the "Cousin Fest". Many of our first cousins from the mid-west are coming out West. All my siblings and their spouses are going. Crystal will share a room with my sister Karen. (Daniel will be hanging out with my Brother Lee's kiddos--his close in age cousins). We all have the Eurpeon style (bathroom down the hall) rooms. Normally I wouldn't choose this arrangement, but the rooms are sold out. I think it will be fun to run into cousins in the hall at night. From the hotel website, it looks like there'll be a celebration of Jerry Garcia's birthday this weekend as well---tie dye is in order---I don't think we'll go there.

The next weekend, we plan to camp at beloved Union Creek Campground. We're hoping Doug's brother Phil and family will join us. After that Crystal and Daniel will be moving on to other people, places, and things. Doug and I will try to do a bit of that too!
The day we take Daniel to GFU, Doug and I are boarding a plane for Oahu. He had some "use 'em or lose 'em" airmiles we cashed in for 2 tickets and a rental car. Our good friends Bob and Cindy Sharp now live there and have invited us to stay with them---too good to turn down.

In the meantime, I will turn fresh applications into the 3 nearby school districts with a resume showcasing my recent attendance at Language School---and the SIOP training I attended last summer. This is a tough year, but, jobs only come to those who throw their hats into the ring. If nothing comes from that, I will sub as before. Which I do love anyway.

Before we know it, the days will shorten and mornings will be crisp and cold with leaves starting to color. It is a wonder how quickly change happens. I am trying to practice the discipline of Thanksgiving each day.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Going with the Flow

I've been taking time to recover. When I got home from Puebla, I was not only tired but a little ill.
I did a lot of sleeping last week. Towards the end of the week, I started cleaning and organizing the upstairs bedrooms to prepare for Crystal. Crystal is home from Italy! She taught at AOSR for 3 years, can you believe it? What a wonderful experience she has had.
She does not yet have a job for the fall, nor are there any prospects at this point. We'll see what comes next.

Daniel will be leaving for George Fox University August 27th---just 6 weeks. We made our shopping list last night. Friday is his next day off--let the accumulations begin!!

Pictures from Mexico

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Short timer

I have 2 more class days togo. I´ll be at the bus station bound for the airport at Mexico City Saturday morning. I´m very ready to be home.

This has been a worthwhile experience, I´ve learned alot. At times, I am thinking in Spanish, so that´s cool--and very surreal when you realize it. I am really tired though---and really glad I´m not staying for the whole course (4 weeks).

It is quiet here this week, 5 students left last weekend and we only got 2 new. There has also been alot of people sick---I blame the street food. Martin, from Denmark got samonella, and had to get an antibiotic shot.

I´ve been on 4 excursions, Chulula, Tlaxcala, Teutihucan/Mexico City, Cacaxatl. The words you can´t pronounce are in Naguatl, the Aztec language. The places are all very interesting. Similar, yet different. The famous one, atTehutihacan is actually a complex of 3 pyramids and several altars. It was not only a center for the religion, but commerce and military too. The original buildings date before Christ, the Aztecs occupied from about 200 - 700 ad. Their remodels are what you actually see and climb.
I´ve been to several museums and churches, of course. I´ve begun to get a general idea of Mexico´s History. Our Guia for each tour uses Spanish only---so you listen really hard and hope you´re understanding correctly.

Last Sunday, our guia, Carlos, failed to wear distinctive clothing. I lost sight of him a couple of times in El Bosque de Ciudad de Mexico (equivalent to Central Park). He is hard to pick out wearing a plain beige shirt in a sea of morenos (dark haired/skinned) people. Then, at El Castillo, 3 of us got separated while we were taking photos----the man walks way fast. Poyon, Malcolm and I had no idea where they went, and he hadn´t really given us an itinerary or timeline. So we sat by the exit gate for a little while. Then Poyon asked the guard if he´d seen our group leave, and he insisted they had. Anyway, the dilemma---
stay together and head down the hill?--or stay put like mama always told you to.

I opted to stay with them. They both appear Mexican, and Malcolm is a big guy. We walked the only path down the hill. At the bottom, still no sign of our group, so we bought water, and sat on the steps near the walkway for 20 minutes or so. Poyon decided to jog back up hill and double check. While she was gone, Malcolm and I discussed the ¨what if´s¨. Between us we had 20 pesos (less than $20), no credit cards, no phone, 2 cameras---Carlos had told us to leave everything nonessential on the bus. Mexico City is 3 hours from Puebla. Not the best of scenarios. We agreed not to get worried for at least 2 hours, and Malcolm said he thought he had friends in the city we could stay with.

It wasn´t long though that Poyon came running back with thumbs up. We didn´t miss much. The group was herded through the Museo at walking pace, no time to read any of the postings next to the artwork, so I don´t feel too bad. We did tell Carlos though, he really needs to dress more conspicuously, and tell people where he expected to go, and for how long. And we should done what mama always said.


Mexico City is a big city. Very crowded on a Sunday. The Zocolo is very European looking ( it was built by Spaniards) We only had 2 hours there, we weren´t interested in shopping, so we quickly took a peek in the Cathedral, then headed across the Zocolo to a rooftop restaurant for cervezas and cenar (beer and an evening meal/snack) The view was beautiful. It was election Sunday. All alcohol sales were stopped on Friday at midnite until after the polls were closed at 6pm on Sunday. We ordered at 5:15 pm and were finally served at 5:55 pm. I wonder if this custom really helps people to be soberminded as they vote?

Please pray for smooth transitions and travels on Saturday. I´ll take the bus at 10 am, should be at the airport about noon, my flight leaves at 2:55pm, layover and customs in LA., in Medford at 9:55 pm, Lord willing.


I will post my pictures when I get home.

Love and thanks to everyone



A funny: many times during class, Irma (the teacher) will sort of laugh at things said (incorrectly) and say ¨chistoso¨ and often it is Malcolm who has last spoken. So, yesterday he asked her, why are you always saying ¨cheese toast?¨ Irma laughed until tears ran down her face. Chistoso means funny, or you´re teasing! We giggled about it for quite awhile. It was good to laugh hard.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Mis Alumnos

I should tell you something about my class. We meet in Aula 8, a very small classroom. Our teacher is Irma, she is from Puebla and I think she´s about 30. She is very animated and encouraging and manages the class well. Not too stuck on following an exact curriculum, but still maintaining a direction for us.

There are 6 of us in class:

Malcolm is from Singapore, he will be working in Monterey, Mexico beginning in September. We works for a company with offices world wide. He is a business and finance manager, Spanish is his 4th langauge. He is in his 20´s, an only child, and a gentle giant of a man. He likes to play rugby.

Poyon (pooh-yawn) is an ESL and English teacher at a middle school in Indianapolis, IN. Her family is Persian, and farsi is her first langage. She is in her early 30´s. She has studied other languages as well and is well traveled. Indianapolis is the town she grew up in.

Erica is applying to complete her Doctorate in some sort of Social Work. One of the schools she has applied to is in Venezuela. She is from California, LA, I think. She has done a whole lot of traveling since she turned 18, and is 24 now, living off of student loans she says. Her parents are Chinese.

Adam is 20, he is from Texas. His 16 yr old brother, Graff, is here with him. They are staying with family friends in Chalula. Adam is a Christian, loves rock climbing, and has an eclectic sense of preferences in music and movies. I think he would have alot in common with Daniel and his friends.

Mackie is from Arizona, she has been here for more than one term, and will be staying longer. She is 22 I think, and from a close family. Her mom will be coming to visit and attend the Institute soon.

Everyone other than me will be staying the whole term (4 weeks). I understand there is an awesome dinner party at the end---sort of a gradation, that I will miss. I´m sure my choice of 3 weeks is the right one. I am learning about as much as I can digest, and I will be ready to come home July 11th.

We are all quite different, but seem to be a cohesive group. I am 20 years older than everyone, and the only one married---and by far the least comfortable with travel, etc. But they are all kind and encouraging to me. We do laugh quite a bit.
Today we were working on Reflexive verbs, it was frustrating for all of us. It doesn´t really translate into English, so it is difficult to make sense of it and apply the pronouns correctly. We wound up playing a game of Memory using Verbs as the cards---then conjugating the matches into the Preterite form (past tense) Doesn´t that sound like fun? It actually broke the tension and was a good break from the struggle.

Each week we have a guia (guide) for the conversational part of our schooling. Last week I had Miriam, and this week Eli, both are University students and Poblanas (natives of Puebla) with great creativity to keep conversations going with a gringa of limited abilities. I´ve enjoyed working with them both and very grateful for their help---tho I really have no idea where we´ve gone about town. When I´m concentration on listening, comprehending and speaking, not much else gets noticed!!

I´ve officially given up

I´ve given up trying to post pictures, it just is not easy from here. So when I get home, I´ll put together and album of sorts. In the meantime. I hope you all can get by with word pictures.

TLAXCALA
yesterday´s field trip was to Tlaxcala, the capitol of the State of Tlaxcala. It is a beautiful town, the size of Ashland perhaps, sort of artsy. Very clean and inviting with trees, flowers and fountains in the plazas. Again, Spanish Colonial architecture. The churches are decorated with a baroque influence. The bull ring is there, it is surprisingly small. Those that have gone say it is a pretty bloody sight, so I think I´ll pass.

We toured the Governor´s palace. In side the foyer and up the stairs is a beautiful mural depicting the history of Mexico. It was recently finished, and was the life´s work of one man---his name escapes me, I´ll have to look it up. He used a fresco technique and it is super detailed, with much symbolism, the vibrant colors take your breath away.

We also went into a natural history museum. It was very well laid out and comprehensive for the region. The temporary exhibit displayed torture implements imported from Europe with the Dominicans as a way of insuring converts----very sobering to think people are capable on such inventions. Los muchahos really liked this exhibit.

After that we walked across the plaza to partake of the local fermented beverage, pulque. It is made from the heart of a plant cousin to an agave. There were 3 choices of flavors; oat, piñon, or nut. When you raise your glass to your nose, the oder is similar to vomit---hence, I can´t say anyone enjoyed it. We quickly switched to beer. The puebla custom is to serve beer in a Michelada style, which is in a salt rimmed mug that has about a 1/2 inch of lime juice in it. Some times the salt is mixed with ground dried pequin chili---it is very good like that!

We returned to the Instituto around 6:30pm just as the rain began. A group of us were going to cenar (dinner) but the rain caused us to remain close. The restaurant around the corner was suprisingly beautiful inside, and we all enjoyed local cuisine. I ordered stuffed squash blossom quesadillas. They were fabulous. My friend, Martha, unwittingly ordered a whole bottle of wine instead of just a glass. So 3 of us helped her with that. We sort of fussed that the place was expensive, but once you calculate the exchange rate to dollars, it´s really not. The 25 peso bottle of Spanish wine was a bout $2 US, my 52 peso dinner was less than $5.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Bautismo

On Sunday, the baby in my house, Samantha, was baptized. Her grandmother and great aunt make all the prepartions for the fiesta afterward. Tamales and chocolate are the traditional foods for a baptism. The party was held at a special ¨jardin de fiestas¨ a fenced in area for rent with a covered patio, tables, chairs, a kitchen counter with stovetop and a playground for the kids including trampoline, swings, slides and a bounce house.

Marimar, Memo, Samantha and I left the house about 9:15am, the car was really loaded down. We went to the fiesta site first where Marimars´aunt and mother were setting tables and getting things ready. I jumped in to help. We set the round tables for 8 each + a really long childrens table. A possibility of 75 guests. An arch of balloons and a piñata completed the decor.

At each placesetting we put a disposable plate, fork, spoon, 2 cups, and a jello. A container of napkins set in the center. Then we filled one of the cups with juice. I was worried that the gathering clouds would blow everything away, but it was fine.

We went on to church, being too late for Mass. There was a gathering of family members that attended the baptism itself. Memo´s brother and Marimar´s sister were the Padrinos (godparents) the pre-sacrament talk the priest gave was all about the parents and godparents responsibility and promise to be good examples to the child, teaching them about Christ and living it out. Samantha did not protest during the ceremony and was fast asleep by the time we got to the fiesta.

There were 2 types of tamales, dulces (a sweet one I did not care for) and de rayes (a strip of chile down the center, very good) In addition there were pan dulces, hot chocolate milk, the jellos, apple juice, cake (delicious tres leches) and popsicles----a whole lotta carbs!!

I sat with Rebecca, another alumna of the Institute, she is 24 from Texas, and is studying for 4 months. Rebecca lives with the mother and sister of my host, Marimar. We were scolded by Memo´s father for speaking English with each other!! But truely we mostly spoke in Spanish with our tablemates, though everyone seems to want to talk politics and whether one likes Obama---argh! After awhile I claim I only hablo español pocito and take a break. It is exhausting to listen and speak---particullarly with the American Disco music blaring in the background. I did seek out Memo´s sweet older Tia that I had met on father´s day. She is recovering from a broken arm, so it is easy to start up a conversation, and she speaks slowly and distinctly, so she is easy to talk with.

The children all had a good time, and the Piñata breaking was fun, if not dangerous. The older kids get quite ferocious and the little ones, are anxious to pick up falling candy, not minding the swinging bat.

After cleanup we went home. I took a nap and worked on my homework to get ready for the new week.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Los Caballos

On Saturday morning I left the house about 8:30 to get downtown by bus by 9:00. I went via taxi with 3 other alumnos to Calpan, a small farm village near the volcanoes. I thought we would be ascending and seeing the volcanoes, but that was not the case. We rode the horses through the village and out to the farmland in the arroyos near the volcanos. None the less, it was fun.


Mis compadres are: Ann, (about my age) a middle school teacher from North Carolina, Bryan (27) Seminarian, studying to be a Catholic priest in LA--home in Seattle, and Fin (16) High School student, saxaphone and soccer player from a rural town in Washington state.


As we neared the village, we began to see horse and mule drawn carts and wagons used in very practical ways---plowing, hauling lumber, livestock, etc. The pueblita was quaint. Cobblestone streets, cement block housing, dogs on the roofs, bouganvilla and prickly pear cactus.


We were taken to the home of Edmundo (Mundo) and his wife Pati for breakfast. After breakfast, he told us what to expect and riding instructions---in spanish with alot of gesturing and panto. For me, very easy to understand. We soon were matched with horses and ambling through town. Because of the inexperience of our members, Carlito and Patricia, Mundos kids, walked alongside us. One of the horses was led by rope. We ascended a hill, then down into the arroyo.


The scenery was beautiful, and you felt like you were in the ¨real¨ Mexico. Women were hand washing clothes by the stream. Farmers were cutting weeds with machetes. Everywhere young cornstalks were growing. There is typically alot of rain in June, sometimes accompanied by hail, so the timing of the planting coincides with this fact. Many families were walking along the path, carrying a picnic, and farm implements to tend the fields. I´m not sure if it is communally owned land or what, but everyone seemed to have their own spot.


Mundo took us along the arroyo, and into the streambed. There were some steep inclines and decents. The trees seemed willowy, there were berries and ferns I recognize from home. I have some pictures but not many, Mundo wanted us to keep one hand on the reins and one on the saddlehorn. He took alot of pictures and gave us a disk when we left---but they are all of horse and rider, rather than the vistas and people we passed. All this time, Carlito, Patricia and Mundo ran alongside!!! We were out a total of 3 hours.


At one point, Ann, from North Carolina, fell off her horse!! It was a slow slide, so she was not hurt, thankfully. But an illustration of why Mundo and kids were running alongside. Darn Gringos! Ann got right back on the horse. She teaches middle school, so she says ( in her darling accent) "I face adolescents all day long, no way a little ol´horse is gonna scare me off".


After awhile we stopped in a little orchard alongside corn and oat patches for a rest. Patricia gave us fresh plums from the trees, then Mundo indicated that he was taking the hombres on up the hill, but not the mujeres. I was envious because I thought they were going up the side of the volcano. Ann and I waited with the kids for about 1/2 hour. We chatted with Patricia, she is entering the Universidad in Puebla at age 16.


When the guys came back Bryan declared he had been in over his head. At the top was only flat land, where Mundo made the horses gallop!!! Bryan is still saddle sore today. The saddles are carved wood with a leather seat cover--not the softest. So I didn´t need to be envious. We rode back to the house a different way than we came. It was wonderful. The sound of fireworks greeted us. "you are in Mexico" says Mundo, "every day is a fiesta" We figured some saint´s day or perhaps a wedding. Back at the house, Pati had lunch ready. Caldo a Res--beef soup with fresh vegetables, picante----"to avoid muscle soreness" Mundo explained.

The taxi ride back to Puebla was animated with conversation. We all had a fabulous time and will recommend others take the trip.

Friday, June 26, 2009

fin de semana

Well I made it through the first week. The Language school is the easy part. I managed to speak only spanish for 2 hours yesterday afternoon when out with my guia. So I´m pretty proud of myself. I am pretty homesick. Don´t know what I´d do if I wasn´t able to call home daily. That really helps. I´m also realizing how demonstrative (extraordinarily so?) my family and friends are at home. I´m pretty hungry for a hug.

I will be joining 3 other students tomorrow for a horseback ride in up the volcanos (Calpan) it includes breadfast and lunch---so that will fill the time. On Sunday the baby (Samantha) in my house, will be baptized. There will be a fiesta too, so that will be fun and interesting. Other than that I have made 100 flash cards, with commonly used verbs that I will be filling in. I´m very good at the present tense, but have to learn to use the preterite (past) and future.

Hopefully, early next week I can get some help posting photos. I already have mucho! Yesterday I toured the Talavera pottery fabrica, it´s all handmade, from stomping the clay, turning it on the wheel, grinding the minerals for the colors, and the beautiful hand painted designs. Anne (a student, from North Carolina) here bought a complete set for 12 yesterday. The shipping alone costs $600. It is so beautiful!!!

Right now, school is over, but there is a terrific thundersorm, so several of us are waiting it out at the institute. Usually, this happens daily and passes in an hour or so.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Getting to School

This is the 2nd day I got myself to school. My bus stop is right around the corner from the house. I´m on Calle 11 Sur, which is a busy one, several lanes of one way traffic, going very fast.
I stand on the curb, squint to try and figure which of the many buses is mine, so that I can flag it down. The bus pulls closer, comes to a "rolling stop" and starts up again as soon as I step in. You have to grab and bar and hold on, because the bus immediately turns a corner. After that you can pay the man 5 pesos (1/2 cent)---and THEN I look to see if there is somewhere to sit, negotiate my backpack so I don´t smack anyone, and sit.

The bus travels down Calle 9 Sur, I go from Calle 43, to Calle 11. This side is the odd number streets so it is roughly 16 blocks to ride. At Calle 13 I stand to indicate I´ll be getting off. Mention to the driver "por Calle once (11)" He stops, but just barely. I call out "gracias" and begin my walk. I walk east on Calle 11 from 9 Sur past Calle 16 de Septiembre (Independance Day) Calle 16 de Septiembre is the divider between east and west. Calle 5 de Mayo is the divider between north and south. The institute is #10 on the east side.

This is the historic district, so no signs are allowed on the buildings. #10 is the only distinguishing mark on the Institute door--other than a small plaque around the doorbell.

Usually noone speaks on the bus. Many seem sleepy, young people have their earbuds in---listening to music. On my walk after exiting the bus, I walk the narrow sidewalk. People are beginning their workday, unlocking shops and sweeping the sidewalk. There is virtually no trash around, and though the streets and sidewalks are in disrepair, they are pretty clean. Trash, bottles and cans hang in plastic shopping bags from the trees. Someone takes those away each day. The closer you get to the center of town and the Zocolo, the more colorful the buildings are.

This morning I was stopped by an older gentleman waiting outside his workplace very near the Insitute. He spoke to me in English, told me he had worked in Arizona for 14 years, and liked to practice speaking English, he asked why I wanted to speak Spanish, was satisfied when I told him I teach children to read and many of my students are Latinos. He offered his assistance for anything, and we shook hands. His name is Julio Sanchez---it will be interesting if I see him on other mornings also.

I have yet to go home by myself. Yesterday we went on a field trip to Cholula and returned late. I joined the other students for a beer and merienda (evening snack) and we were treated to a fierce thunderstorm. 3 of us shared a taxi home, so today, I´ll see how I do on the way home. It is a different route/bus because of the one way streets. Time for class

Monday, June 22, 2009

I´m at school|

I´m here and I´m very nervous. The Institute is very clean, beautiful and friendly. The street outside, not so much. I hope I will be able to post pictures, but if not, I´ll try to describe things well.

I was met at the airport by Rosalia, an employee of the institute. From there it´s been spanish only--and I get by better than I could have imagined.

My family, Guillermo, Maria and baby Samatha are very nice. They have a 3 bedroom condo, one of 8 on a small courtyard. The courtyard is for parking. It is very cheery and comfortable. Samatha is only 6 months old and the quietest child I´ve ever been around. Yesterday we went to Guillermo´s parents for a Father´s day dinner. His sister, brother-in-law, Anna (5) and Manuelito (1) as well as another brother were there as well as a sweet Aunt who made me feel very welcome. Dinner was many courses in the formal dining room.

Today Guillermo escorted me by public bus to school, he will also meet me to escort me home. Tomorrow we will walk, then I will be on my own. That is the most scary. I need to be very aggressive, all streets look the same, and I´m far from comfortable about it all.

El Director is meeting with us in 5 minutes, so I´ll sign off for now.
Love and hugs to all

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Our baby has graduated, and now Mama is going to school!


Four years ago I was hired by Medford School District to teach phonics in a Bi-lingual Kindergarten, which resurrected Spanish Vocabulary I had from my growing up in So. California schools. With that, the remembrance of how much I enjoy the Spanish Language. It has been a dream of mine to become confident and conversational, and so by my husband's generosity and the encouragement of many, I'm flying this Saturday to Puebla, Mexico, for a 3 week Spanish Immersion course.

I'll be staying with a family, attending small classes in the mornings (max 8 students) and about town in the afternoons, one on one with a professor. I'm excited about Language School, terrified about traveling by myself and being away from home longer than ever before.

I'll try my best to keep this blog updated. I covet your prayers and support while I'm gone.