Update from the States

Well I'm back on US soil. Got home safe on Tuesday and headed straight to the Mont. Before I talk about that, two memorable travel experiences:

1. I helped the Houston Airport staff out a little by translating in customs. It felt good to put a whole semester's study to work in the real world. 

2. I ordered my first food in english (at Subway) in the airport and it was quite the struggle. I said a few words in Spanish on accident and just got flat out flustered. I eventually got the sandwich, however.

Westmont was overwhelming. New faces and lots of catching up. The bummer is that everyone and their mother asks, "How was Mexico?". Doesn't seem like a bad thing, but I could talk about my experiences for an hour. However, they expect a similar answer to the question, "How was that banana split you just ate?" 

Kinda hard to summarize four months in 20 seconds.

Anywho, prepearing for this ahead of time, I tried to focus on others first up there. Rather than taking time to talk about my own experiences, I made a point of being interested in what happened the last few months at Westmont. Although, by this method, I didn't share as much as I wanted to (the time will come to share more), I feel like I reconnected with others rather well. 

A few things I've noticed right off the bat:

1) Everything is so comfortable, put-together, and "perfect" here

2) My bed is a lot softer than I remember it

3) People have schedules so don't waste their time talking about Mexico

4) I missed nature, A LOT. Went surfing and it was stellar

5) I am going to miss speaking Spanish (already looking for any opportunity to do so)

6) Consumerism and materialism. Enough said.

Other than all that, it's been great to hang out with family and friends.  Part of me (most of me) wishes I was still in Queretaro, but I'll just have to wait. I hope everyone's doing well, and 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

DESPEDIDAS (goodbyes)

Well, folks, this is it. Honestly I don't even want to write this but I'm sucking it up for all four of you. You're welcome. Anywho, tomorrow we'll be heading to the land of fast-food and consumerism (just kidding, I'm not that skeptical.. yet).

So, the most important thing that I have to say is that I have two new main squeezes, their names are Emily and Laura, and Betsy is the bestie of all. Oh, but plot twist, Laura is my brother ans emily my aunt.

Well that may or may not be true, but anyways, here's the last weekly summary y'all will be getting from me:

WEEK IN REVIEW

Last Sunday was the first of December. I love December. I went to Mass with Besty, very interesting and short (45 min). Then I went to a CHRISTMAS VESPERS, which was fab. followed by seeing Mr. Spray Paint Man. 

There's no other way around it, Monday night was party night. We went to Alejandro's (our professor) house and commenced the new month with billiards, cumbia, tacos and a pinata. 

Thursday afternoon consisted of learning a great (and secret) recipe for the best tortillas at our friend Gerardo's house. Man I love to eat.

That night, Diego stayed at my house for a little slumbie party. We bonded.

Wednesday was my volleyball playing at Queretaro 2000. 

 

Thursday was NUTS. We had the comida de despedida (goodbye lunch), which included dancing, food, art and some goodbyes to the professors and the Oregon group.

(above) Scrapbook material!

The men of WIM, really excited about what we were about to do.

Angelica, our history teacher, famous for her quote about the winter in Chicago.

That night, I went dancing. We got a little crazy out there on the dance floor and they had to drag me outta there (ok that didn't happen). Koko, my dance instructor.

Friday we had our last class of the semester (gosh so many lasts jeje). It was in Mary's house and it was a great time of debriefing and some tears too. Then we went Ice Skating:

That night, we had the Last Supper and then a sleep-over at Mary's house. 

Saturday I went shopping with Emily and Laura. They even ate with Gisela and me. She told us some funny stories about a previous student and gave us all gifts. Great sopes tambien. Then we went to church.

 Our pals (Diego, Alexa, Sam and Luise).

Sunday was the last time at Betel. We had to say goodbye to some pals that we've made this semester and it was pretty bittersweet (minus the sweet part). 

Then came Sunday night. We went to Mary's for Vespers and boy did we get more than we bargained for. We had a time of communion and blessing (the same thing we did in her house in the Spring). 

 

Then we did Secret Santa, here's what I got (thank you Mama):

 

 

After that, we went to a spraypaint artist. He's the man! Seriously a lyrical genius with some cans of spraypaint. Here's one of his pieces (shirt not included): 

That night, Emily, Laura and Besty stayed in my room and helped me pack. Everything fits! Then we talked till the wee hours of the morn about life. I'll miss them a little, they wrote the weird parts at the beginning of this blog. 

Today I took a memorial walk through the Centro with Laura and Christina. So great to just sit and talk in Plazas without anything to do. Very sad too but it's been a great semester (I gave it a 8.8!).
Last night here: Huacal, Pan, and Haga Su Taco with friends. Deuces.

HOW MEXICO HAS CHANGED ME

 I know you're all wondering how Mexico has changed me. Here's a quick rundown:

1. Spiritually I've grown a lot. Betel, Bible Study with Ben, and daily time in the Word and in prayer have helped me a ton. Tough conversations/questions have also made me question why I believe what I believe. 

2. Friendship! Sounds a little like a 5th grad girl, but seriously. I'll never forget the relationships I've formed with Diego, Luise, Gerardo, Luis, Alex, Koko, Paulina, the whole Haga family and Alejandro. And then how could I forget Gisela? They've truly showed me that Mexico is made up of great people. 

3.  The WIM group taught me how to be a gentleman and also taught me some things about "girl code" or whatever their language is called.

4. Speaking Spanish taught me the power of words. I have embraced Ephesians 4:29 this semester and I feel I am a better friend because of it. 

5. Mexican culture. Just relax and spend some times. That could be their tagline (only it would most likely be in Spanish). But seriously, here people are valued over schedules. I'm busy but my friend wants to come over uninvited for a few hours? So be it, let's party!

6. My whole view on Mexico. Yeah, it changed from "our poor neighbor where I travel for missions" or "it's full of drugs, violence and corruption" to "WOW, this place is beautiful. The people are awesome, the food is top-notch, and there is just a great sense of community".

BONUS

Safe to say I left my mark in Queretaro (get it?)

Adios Mexico!

 

ADIOS MEXICO!

Winding Down

Oh my lanta, it's already December! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! As for us, we had four classes on Thursday but I'll get to the rest of the day later. 

UPDATES

Well I don't have any earth-shattering news, as it was a fairly routine week. On Monday, I had the opportunity to play in and win the basketball and volleyball championship at our school. I won a few cool shirts, and it was just a great experience to make Mexican friends through doing something that I love. 

I've been doing yoga lately. I enjoy its effects (more flexibility). However, I have heard that Christians shouldn't be doing yoga. Hmm.. Anyways, just a random thought. Another random thought is that we've been talking a lot lately about women's roles, especially in the church. Seeing that I'm part of the three guys in a group of 17, it's been quite interesting. Somehow (for the most part) we've kept the conversations very civil. Lots to think about.

I got a 65 on my last History test. Doesn't matter all that much because Angelica (professor) and I are pretty good friends, we hung out at the party which I will be telling you about shortly.

On Wednesday, Kara Besty and I made an apple pie and an apple crisp for the said party. They were a hit. I don't spend too much time in the kitchen actually making stuff, so it was a great learning experience. I think I still need some work:

Action shot, helping Besty make a delectable pie.

 Close up, real artsy (thanks Kara!)

The final products.

That night, I went to see Juegos del Hambre: En Llamas (Hunger Games part 2) for the second time. It was better the second time, no lies.

And then there was THURSDAY, el dia de accion de gracias, or Thanksgiving in layman's terms. I know it's cheesy and overused, but anyways here's a list of cositas that I'm thankful for:

• God and all He's doing in my life on this trip
•  My family (typical answer, but I seriously love them)
• My friends from home and Westmont (be seeing y'all soon)
• Gisela, my temporary mother. She is AWESOME, and she's been telling me to not leave
• Betel Church and my friends from there (see post from 9/29 for more details)
• The WIM group and Mary. I can't imagine a more fun-loving, open group and a more quirky leader to set the tone :)

Thursday night, we all went to Mary's house for pies and other goodies. There had to be 50 or 60 people there, including students professors families and friends.  It was honestly one of my favorite nights I've had here. First off, Mary decorated her house all Christmassy. Second, I splurged and had both apple and pecan pie... vale la pena. Also Shelby read, well translated too, me and Paula (Angelica's daughter) the story about Charlie Brown. Linus got it right, folks. Towards the end, we all (50ish of us) sat around and toasted thanks, followed by Christmas carols (in Spanish of course).
To top it all off, we danced at the end. It ain't a Westmont party without some harmless dance circles. We swung, cumbia-d, and even Mexican line danced (taught by Diego). What a night!

 

Me and Paula (she reminds me of my future bilingual daughter). She called me "hombre lobo" (wolf man) and petted my beard... melted my heart.

Angelica, our history teacher, and the three men of the WIM group (los guapos).

Notice the hand placement... classic.

I taught Dieguito "la shaka".

Friday night, we had a Thanksgiving feast at Luise's house. I had to cut the turkey and it was less than stellar (my cutting job, the turkey was fantastic. 

Saturday was church and Sunday we watched another movie and had Vespers. Ay 9 days!