As many of you know, I have been in Texas for a week now. Visiting with the family was extremely exciting it is always a pleasure to see familiar faces. On Wednesday, Derek was kind enough to drive me to San Antonio where I would finally meet Rick who is the founder of Mi Casa, Elizabeth, and the other volunteers who I had not had the chance to meet. When I arrived to the Rectory where I would be staying for the next 10 days, I did not know what to expect. I just knew I would be sharing house with a bunch of Retired Priests in a not so great part of San Antonio. But it has been great I have met Elizabeth, and she is everything I expected and more.
I know over the next year we will share many fond memories with one another. It will be an enlightening experience living, working, eating, and praying with her. She is an amazing woman with many beautiful gifts to share. And she is a newbie Catholic which makes her awesome, I love to meet Catholics who converted, as a lifelong Catholic I see things in a very different light. But that is the beauty of it, because sometimes I find myself taking my Catholicism for granted, because it has been with me all my life. Anyway we talked about what we like, dislike, and our past, how we got to San Antonio, and the life we will be living in Saltillo. We compliment each other very well. This upcoming year will be filled with surprises and many adventures. I am so happy God has placed her in my life and to be sharing this amazing experience.
This weeke we will get a chance to hear from the other volunteers and their journey in Mexico over this past year. I am looking forward to hearing their stories and hopefully some advice, which I know will be much needed and used probably on a daily basis. As the old volunteers make their transition back into America and the way of life here. Elizabeth and I will be making our transition to the life in Mexico. Which I have found to not be so difficult thus far, but I will keep you all posted on that when I am actually in charge of the kids. But as for right now I am just living in San Antonio enjoying the peace and quiet in a Rectory, (it really does not get any more peaceful than that). But I am ready to get back to my home in Saltillo.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Weekend of relaxation
This past weekend was wonderful. I got to enjoy my family who I will not be seeing until Christmas. It was hard to have a weekend of fun, because I miss the kids. But I needed to see my family, and my Orientation will begin on Wednesday. I am looking forward to meeting Elizabeth who will be my roommate for the next year in Saltillo.
It has been weird to be back in the States, I have all of my freedom back now which I am not use to. I have been able to sleep late, I have enjoyed great food, and there have not been any kids needing my attention. I miss the kids and their smiling faces. Before I left I had 3 conversations with 3 different kids. And it was so exciting to have a conversation with the kids. For the first time I was able to hold a conversation with them. It was such a great accomplishment, and I had a great sense of fulfillment. I know all the Spanish classes, the homework, and the time spent diligently listening to the people to figure out what they needed finally paid off. I am learning everyday a little more Spanish, but it is coming along greatly. And hopefully in another few months it will be even better.
Hope everyone enjoys the pictures, there will be many more to come.
It has been weird to be back in the States, I have all of my freedom back now which I am not use to. I have been able to sleep late, I have enjoyed great food, and there have not been any kids needing my attention. I miss the kids and their smiling faces. Before I left I had 3 conversations with 3 different kids. And it was so exciting to have a conversation with the kids. For the first time I was able to hold a conversation with them. It was such a great accomplishment, and I had a great sense of fulfillment. I know all the Spanish classes, the homework, and the time spent diligently listening to the people to figure out what they needed finally paid off. I am learning everyday a little more Spanish, but it is coming along greatly. And hopefully in another few months it will be even better.
Hope everyone enjoys the pictures, there will be many more to come.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Week 6
Well this has definitely been a challenging week. I went from being completely alone to having 25 volunteers, and 87 boys. But this week I have really connected with the kids here, and they know that I will be the only familiar face to them when they return for school in August. I have helped more in this past week than ever, and it has been very tiring. We are testing out the potential new boys for the year, and it has been hard. They do not know any rules, and so it has been challenging. But the kids who were a challenge are now seen as Saints. It is really interesting to see how the new kids are interacting with the old ones. And I am now able to understand about 50% of what is being said even by the kids which is a huge improvement than when I first arrived. As my Spanish improves my English is getting worse. Because I am trying to simplify everything I say when I speak in Spanish my English is suffering, but I guess that is good because my Spanish is improving.
My last day of class was today, and tomorrow I will head back to the States for two weeks. I am very excited to see my family, and then I will participate in a ten day retreat with Mi Casa before returning to Saltillo. I am happy to have two weeks of relaxation, but a part of me feels guilty leaving the kids. Each day with them I feel like I want to do so much more for them, but there are just not enough hours in the day. And to see them smile is the most rewarding gift I have ever received. I have seen God in action here more in these six weeks than I have ever experienced in my life. I have learned how to listen and truly listen, because of my Spanish all I can do is listen really hard. I am anxious to see what this year will bring.
I cannot wait to go back to the U.S. for a brief vacation, before this next year. Because I know how hard it will be, but it will be worth the hardships because I will gain a lot more . The other day in the Chapel, we were asked what we had to give up to come here, and most of the volunteers are only here for 2 weeks, but I did not feel as though I gave up anything to come here. This is where God has placed me, and it feels do right to be here.
My last day of class was today, and tomorrow I will head back to the States for two weeks. I am very excited to see my family, and then I will participate in a ten day retreat with Mi Casa before returning to Saltillo. I am happy to have two weeks of relaxation, but a part of me feels guilty leaving the kids. Each day with them I feel like I want to do so much more for them, but there are just not enough hours in the day. And to see them smile is the most rewarding gift I have ever received. I have seen God in action here more in these six weeks than I have ever experienced in my life. I have learned how to listen and truly listen, because of my Spanish all I can do is listen really hard. I am anxious to see what this year will bring.
I cannot wait to go back to the U.S. for a brief vacation, before this next year. Because I know how hard it will be, but it will be worth the hardships because I will gain a lot more . The other day in the Chapel, we were asked what we had to give up to come here, and most of the volunteers are only here for 2 weeks, but I did not feel as though I gave up anything to come here. This is where God has placed me, and it feels do right to be here.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Week 5
Well week 5 was quite interesting. After a very eventful weekend, Monday and Tuesday was very calm, and I enjoyed it a lot. It has been very quiet around here, but now it is very different. On Thursday afternoon I got to participate in the Saltillo Parade to promote the Saltillo Fair with Yayo, Packo, and Juan Pablo. It was a lot different than any other parade I have seen. We were on a flatbed of a truck with about 30 kids, and no rails. It was very Mexican, and a lot of fun. Except we all got sunburned. Then I went to see Harry Potter, which was o.k., we go to a lot of movies here on our time off. And the movies are very cheap as well about $3.50 a movie.
After a long night with Harry Potter, about 25 volunteers arrived on Friday. After being in a community of about 9 for 3 weeks, and then I have been alone for a 10 days, it is a huge adjustment. The volunteers are from all over Mexico to help with our summer program. They are all very friendly, but I am not use to being around this many people in Casa Hogar. Today along with all the volunteers, we will have 87 boys. Many of the boys are from this past year, but we have about 25 new boys testing out Casa Hogar. If they like it they will stay for the year starting August 24. I am excited to see the kids again I miss them.
On another note, I have taken on the streets of Mexico. Yayo taught me to drive the Eurovan in our neighborhood, the first time was not so great, but the second time I did much better. Driving a standard Eurovan was a challenge. But in the night I got to drive to the fair, which was quite an adventure. I drove all the male volunteers in huge Suburban, I felt like a Soccer Mom. But they were all very helpful, and the fair was very much like the fairs in the states. Rides, cotton candy, and food. The difference is that they last almost all night, when we were leaving around 11 the majority of the crowds started to come in.
Today we are all just anxiously awaiting for the kids, to have a fun week of classes, then field trips in the afternoon. I too have class in the morning, but this is my last week. I will be finished with my class on Thursday, but I will continue with them in September. My teacher is a very delightful woman, and every Friday she takes me out and shows me the city. It will be strange not to see her on a daily basis, but once my year of Volunteering starts, I will only have one morning to myself, which I will be spending in class. My Spanish is still coming along nicely, but slowly I am still praying each day to learn a little bit more.
Each day I thank God for this opportunity. It has truly been a blessing, and I cannot imagine my life any other way. The people of Mexico are very giving, and unlike anything I have ever experienced in the States. I think they would give me the shirt off their back if they knew I needed it. They have taught me what it is really like to be Christlike. And I hope to one day be as giving as they have been to me.
On Friday I am very excited, my wonderful family has decided to meet me in Austin, Texas where I will spend a few days relaxing before heading down to San Antonio for orientation with Mi Casa Foundation for 10 days. On August 8th my year in Saltillo, Mexico will officially begin!
After a long night with Harry Potter, about 25 volunteers arrived on Friday. After being in a community of about 9 for 3 weeks, and then I have been alone for a 10 days, it is a huge adjustment. The volunteers are from all over Mexico to help with our summer program. They are all very friendly, but I am not use to being around this many people in Casa Hogar. Today along with all the volunteers, we will have 87 boys. Many of the boys are from this past year, but we have about 25 new boys testing out Casa Hogar. If they like it they will stay for the year starting August 24. I am excited to see the kids again I miss them.
On another note, I have taken on the streets of Mexico. Yayo taught me to drive the Eurovan in our neighborhood, the first time was not so great, but the second time I did much better. Driving a standard Eurovan was a challenge. But in the night I got to drive to the fair, which was quite an adventure. I drove all the male volunteers in huge Suburban, I felt like a Soccer Mom. But they were all very helpful, and the fair was very much like the fairs in the states. Rides, cotton candy, and food. The difference is that they last almost all night, when we were leaving around 11 the majority of the crowds started to come in.
Today we are all just anxiously awaiting for the kids, to have a fun week of classes, then field trips in the afternoon. I too have class in the morning, but this is my last week. I will be finished with my class on Thursday, but I will continue with them in September. My teacher is a very delightful woman, and every Friday she takes me out and shows me the city. It will be strange not to see her on a daily basis, but once my year of Volunteering starts, I will only have one morning to myself, which I will be spending in class. My Spanish is still coming along nicely, but slowly I am still praying each day to learn a little bit more.
Each day I thank God for this opportunity. It has truly been a blessing, and I cannot imagine my life any other way. The people of Mexico are very giving, and unlike anything I have ever experienced in the States. I think they would give me the shirt off their back if they knew I needed it. They have taught me what it is really like to be Christlike. And I hope to one day be as giving as they have been to me.
On Friday I am very excited, my wonderful family has decided to meet me in Austin, Texas where I will spend a few days relaxing before heading down to San Antonio for orientation with Mi Casa Foundation for 10 days. On August 8th my year in Saltillo, Mexico will officially begin!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Week 4 & Wonderful Weekend
This past week, it has been very quite around Casa Hogar. With the boys on summer vacation, and all of the volunteers now at home, it is different around here. But I have been continuing with my classes which are going rather well. I am starting to enjoy them more and more as the am able to understand my teacher more. Every Friday my teacher has taken me out into the city. So far I have seen all of the major universities here, and they are beautiful. I have been downtown where I saw the cathedral, the government offices, and the many tourists shops. It was interesting, but on my previous trips to Saltillo we would visit the downtown area. I also have been to two museums with my teacher. She really is a wonderful lady. All of the people who I have met here have tried to make me feel as comfortable and at home as possible.
This past weekend I was going to be left alone at Casa Hogar. And not that it is not safe here, but the front gates are always open and just about anyone who wants to get onto the grounds is welcome. I was a tad nervous, but I knew I would be fine. With Brother Carlos in Gomez and Brother Genaro in Rome, Brother Julián did not want me here alone. So he asked a family if I could stay with them and they offered me to stay as long as I wanted. I have never felt so welcome in a place where I knew no one, and I did not fully understand them because on account that I am still working on my Spanish. But they were very friendly, and it was nice to have a different surrounding than Casa Hogar.
While at their house I felt at home, on Friday night I got to enjoy a Fiesta with their oldest son, Julio and we had very good time. All of his friends accepted me with open arms. And the language barrier was not too bad. Well we stayed out way later than I am use to, but I had a wonderful time. Then on Saturday we went downtown to get Marí Jose´s school supplies, and that was quite interesting. Downtown on a Saturday is very busy with lots and lots of people. Oh and I got to experience my first bus ride in Mexico which was interesting. I have never been on a bus before that is used for public transportation. But it was amusing to see all the different people get on and off the bus. After the school supplies we enjoyed corn, cream, and cheese, (no wonder all the volunteers gain at least 10 lbs. here). But it was delicious and worth it. Saturday night I got to experience a Quinceañera, which was amazing! I unfortunately had nothing to wear, so I borrowed a dress and shoes from Marí Jose´s sister. I had so much fun, the food was excellent, Martha´s dress was exquisite, and I learned how to dance to traditional Mexican music. I have never danced so much in my life, but it was well worth it, because I had such a great time, and I will never forget line dancing to "Achy Breaky Heart" in Spanish. The song is huge here, and the dance is great! But again we did not get home till 2:30, which was so late for me because since I have gotten here by usual bed time had been 10:00.
So we were all late for mass the next day, but I got to go to a Youth Mass. Which I thoroughly enjoyed. It reminded me of going to church as a teenager and how I ended up in Saltillo many many years ago. And now I am back for this new adventure in my life. I was talking to my mother the other day, and told her how happy I am here. I am still adjusting to this lifestyle, the food, and the long days, but it really feels like home to me. This past weekend I was invited to stay with a family who did not even know me, and they treated me as their daughter. I truly saw Christ working in that household, they took me in without even knowing me. I do not know many people who would do the same. I met them at 3:00 on Friday, and by 5:30 I was living with them for the weekend. It is so beautiful to me, I cried when I had to leave on Sunday, but I know I am always welcome in their home.
This is how the people are here, really open and loving. And I am starting to fall in love with this culture. Sunday afternoon, Brother Carlos and Genaro returned and we got to go eat a nice restaurant, and all we did was laugh, and I got to hear all about Brother Genaro´s trip all over Europe. Some of the kids returned briefly last night to head off to camp today. It was nice to hear children´s voices back in Casa Hogar. But they are now gone for the week of fun and games. For now it is just Brother Carlos, Brother Genaro, and me at Casa Hogar. By Friday this place will be packed with volunteer for two weeks for the summer program, and I am looking forward to seeing the kids back here in less than a week. I miss them and it is just too quiet around here without them.
For now I will just have to continue on with my studies, which includes lots of music and television the more I listen to and respond the more I will learn. God Bless!
This past weekend I was going to be left alone at Casa Hogar. And not that it is not safe here, but the front gates are always open and just about anyone who wants to get onto the grounds is welcome. I was a tad nervous, but I knew I would be fine. With Brother Carlos in Gomez and Brother Genaro in Rome, Brother Julián did not want me here alone. So he asked a family if I could stay with them and they offered me to stay as long as I wanted. I have never felt so welcome in a place where I knew no one, and I did not fully understand them because on account that I am still working on my Spanish. But they were very friendly, and it was nice to have a different surrounding than Casa Hogar.
While at their house I felt at home, on Friday night I got to enjoy a Fiesta with their oldest son, Julio and we had very good time. All of his friends accepted me with open arms. And the language barrier was not too bad. Well we stayed out way later than I am use to, but I had a wonderful time. Then on Saturday we went downtown to get Marí Jose´s school supplies, and that was quite interesting. Downtown on a Saturday is very busy with lots and lots of people. Oh and I got to experience my first bus ride in Mexico which was interesting. I have never been on a bus before that is used for public transportation. But it was amusing to see all the different people get on and off the bus. After the school supplies we enjoyed corn, cream, and cheese, (no wonder all the volunteers gain at least 10 lbs. here). But it was delicious and worth it. Saturday night I got to experience a Quinceañera, which was amazing! I unfortunately had nothing to wear, so I borrowed a dress and shoes from Marí Jose´s sister. I had so much fun, the food was excellent, Martha´s dress was exquisite, and I learned how to dance to traditional Mexican music. I have never danced so much in my life, but it was well worth it, because I had such a great time, and I will never forget line dancing to "Achy Breaky Heart" in Spanish. The song is huge here, and the dance is great! But again we did not get home till 2:30, which was so late for me because since I have gotten here by usual bed time had been 10:00.
So we were all late for mass the next day, but I got to go to a Youth Mass. Which I thoroughly enjoyed. It reminded me of going to church as a teenager and how I ended up in Saltillo many many years ago. And now I am back for this new adventure in my life. I was talking to my mother the other day, and told her how happy I am here. I am still adjusting to this lifestyle, the food, and the long days, but it really feels like home to me. This past weekend I was invited to stay with a family who did not even know me, and they treated me as their daughter. I truly saw Christ working in that household, they took me in without even knowing me. I do not know many people who would do the same. I met them at 3:00 on Friday, and by 5:30 I was living with them for the weekend. It is so beautiful to me, I cried when I had to leave on Sunday, but I know I am always welcome in their home.
This is how the people are here, really open and loving. And I am starting to fall in love with this culture. Sunday afternoon, Brother Carlos and Genaro returned and we got to go eat a nice restaurant, and all we did was laugh, and I got to hear all about Brother Genaro´s trip all over Europe. Some of the kids returned briefly last night to head off to camp today. It was nice to hear children´s voices back in Casa Hogar. But they are now gone for the week of fun and games. For now it is just Brother Carlos, Brother Genaro, and me at Casa Hogar. By Friday this place will be packed with volunteer for two weeks for the summer program, and I am looking forward to seeing the kids back here in less than a week. I miss them and it is just too quiet around here without them.
For now I will just have to continue on with my studies, which includes lots of music and television the more I listen to and respond the more I will learn. God Bless!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Week 3
This weekend three more volunteers have gone home. Two will return breifly, but I miss them terribly. But come August I will be with the voluteers who I will be sharing this wonderful experience with for the next year. Altogether there will be 7 girls, one boy, and three brothers. I am looking foward to meeting with them.
The kids will be here in the morning to have their closing ceremony at school, and then I will not see them for a week. It is really hard to not have the kids around, and the day is not the same without seeing their smiling faces. Ans it is just too quiet without them. But while the kids are away I will be able to focus more on my studies.
We all went to Church to day, and it was an intersting experience, because there are no kids we do not have our evening mass. But the church we went to is about 10 minutes away, and it always amazes me how much I enjoy Catholism. Since we go to mass 3 times a week, I am startig to pick up on the songs and prayers. It is very comforting though to be in a different country, but the mass is still the same. Even in Spanish I knew what was to come next. While in Church I saw a teenager fix her mother´s hair and it made me smile, because it remined me of me and my mother, who I greatly miss. After mass we had lunch, and after 3 weeks I have mastered the art of doing laundry here. I am quite proud of myself. We just finished watching the Mexico Soccer game and I was suprised how much I enjoyed it. I am quickly becoming a fan.
The kids will be here in the morning to have their closing ceremony at school, and then I will not see them for a week. It is really hard to not have the kids around, and the day is not the same without seeing their smiling faces. Ans it is just too quiet without them. But while the kids are away I will be able to focus more on my studies.
We all went to Church to day, and it was an intersting experience, because there are no kids we do not have our evening mass. But the church we went to is about 10 minutes away, and it always amazes me how much I enjoy Catholism. Since we go to mass 3 times a week, I am startig to pick up on the songs and prayers. It is very comforting though to be in a different country, but the mass is still the same. Even in Spanish I knew what was to come next. While in Church I saw a teenager fix her mother´s hair and it made me smile, because it remined me of me and my mother, who I greatly miss. After mass we had lunch, and after 3 weeks I have mastered the art of doing laundry here. I am quite proud of myself. We just finished watching the Mexico Soccer game and I was suprised how much I enjoyed it. I am quickly becoming a fan.
Hopefully my Spanish will continue to come along, I can understand but I for some reason have a hard time speaking it. But even with the language barrier I have been able to communicate with the kids. I know in my heart this is where I am supposed to be, and the language will come eventually I have to just practice, and continue to pray, which I have been doing in Spanish every night, and I am quickly learning the Our Father and Hail Mary. But it makes me happy to be here, and the smiles on the kids faces is worth it to me.
Friday, July 3, 2009
No More Kids
This week I have delt with no running water, a cricket who kept me up all night, and now the kids will be going home tonight for two weeks. It is not the same when the kids are not here. The is an errie silence in the air. We love Fridays because we are not responsible for the boys, but then by the end of the night we find ourselves missing them.
This is a sad weekend for me as well, the volunteers who have become my family are all leaving this weekend because their year of service is finished. I will miss them dearly and even though I have only know them for three weeks, they are the ones who I have relied on for everything. But I am anxious to meet the new vounteers in August. And they will be my new family who I will rely on for the next year.
I have grown to love the ninos more and more each day. But it has been challenging because I want so badly to help them anyway I can. And as the current volunteers leave they share their experiences with me, and how our sole purpose to be here is to be a teacher to these boys. We take the role of their parents during the week, and it will be hard to separate what it means to be a parent and to be a friend. Because I know I can talk to my parents about anything, but growing up they were my parents and not my friends, because they had the authority. And soon enough I will have that authority over 20 boys, and it will be hard for me to separate the teaching and the fun side of being a volunteer. But the other volunteers claim that after several months when the boys get use to their routine and the rules, it will change. I am still very grateful God presented this opprotunity to me, because I have learned some very important things about myself through the kids and my experience thus far.
I have completed week 3 of my Spanish Classes, and I am becoming more and more confident each day. We go to mass 3 times a week so my prayers and order of the mass is coming quickly to me. My prayer life is still growing here with the walks to and from español classes, the morning and night prayers, and the multiple trips to Church. We have a visiting preist at our church because ours is in France. But Hermono Julian told me he wish he was in my shoes and could not understand the homily becuase apparently the Priest just tells stories from his past, and they are in no relevance to the Gospel. I got a good laugh out of that one, plus he makes all the volunteers laugh including the Hermanos, which I get a kick out of seeing them laugh threw the Homliy. The Hermanos are wonderful here and I think I would consider being a Brother if I were a man and got to do the wonderful things they do everyday. On Fridays we say the Rosary and it is a real eye opening experience, and I enjoy it. I am quickly learning the Hail Mary.
I wish everyone a Happy 4th of July, and be safe. Gladys, Sandi, and I will be celebrating the 4th of July with hamburgers and a Mexican driving lesson. So keep me in your prayers as I take on the streets of Mexico!
This is a sad weekend for me as well, the volunteers who have become my family are all leaving this weekend because their year of service is finished. I will miss them dearly and even though I have only know them for three weeks, they are the ones who I have relied on for everything. But I am anxious to meet the new vounteers in August. And they will be my new family who I will rely on for the next year.
I have grown to love the ninos more and more each day. But it has been challenging because I want so badly to help them anyway I can. And as the current volunteers leave they share their experiences with me, and how our sole purpose to be here is to be a teacher to these boys. We take the role of their parents during the week, and it will be hard to separate what it means to be a parent and to be a friend. Because I know I can talk to my parents about anything, but growing up they were my parents and not my friends, because they had the authority. And soon enough I will have that authority over 20 boys, and it will be hard for me to separate the teaching and the fun side of being a volunteer. But the other volunteers claim that after several months when the boys get use to their routine and the rules, it will change. I am still very grateful God presented this opprotunity to me, because I have learned some very important things about myself through the kids and my experience thus far.
I have completed week 3 of my Spanish Classes, and I am becoming more and more confident each day. We go to mass 3 times a week so my prayers and order of the mass is coming quickly to me. My prayer life is still growing here with the walks to and from español classes, the morning and night prayers, and the multiple trips to Church. We have a visiting preist at our church because ours is in France. But Hermono Julian told me he wish he was in my shoes and could not understand the homily becuase apparently the Priest just tells stories from his past, and they are in no relevance to the Gospel. I got a good laugh out of that one, plus he makes all the volunteers laugh including the Hermanos, which I get a kick out of seeing them laugh threw the Homliy. The Hermanos are wonderful here and I think I would consider being a Brother if I were a man and got to do the wonderful things they do everyday. On Fridays we say the Rosary and it is a real eye opening experience, and I enjoy it. I am quickly learning the Hail Mary.
I wish everyone a Happy 4th of July, and be safe. Gladys, Sandi, and I will be celebrating the 4th of July with hamburgers and a Mexican driving lesson. So keep me in your prayers as I take on the streets of Mexico!
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