First Week Down!

The roof top with private access...perfect for my quiet times!

At the restaraunt we went to on Friday, they were playing right next to our table!

"La Bodeguita del Medio"

Cuban food from "La Bodeguita del Medio"

Our front door and a little internet cafe right next door!

The street I live on

Well, I have made it through the first week and have survived! I can't say that the first week went by fast, but I was able to do so much throughout the city! I went on a tour of the city and ate at an incredible little Mexican restaraunt where they had homemade guacamole! We also went to a Cuban restaraunt in which I have included pictures from. School is good, but just frustrating at times. I think I am learning and then go out on the street and have no idea what people are saying. I just want to know Spanish NOW and know that it will take time and patience. Saturday, I was able to visit with Mrs. Imellda's (my homestay mum) family. As soon as I walked in the door, there was a precious baby boy and his little 3 year old sister! Their family was so welcoming and sweet to me while I was there. I also went to the Galleria where I bought C.S. Lewis´s The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe in Spanish. Everyone here tells me that reading in Spanish is a great way to learn the way they speak, which is definitely the hardest part of the language. I just finished our latin dance class and today we learned the Salsa. Um, I don´t think I can shake it like our instructor can, but it was fun!




Of course, God was timely in what He taught me this week. If anyone has not read, Lord Change My Attitude, I highly recommend it! I am learning about simply being content and allowing the Lord to be enough. That is so applicable to me right now in that I don´t have my friends and family here with me and at times, I feel very alone. God is so good in that, no matter where we are, He is enough. I so want to get to the point where I am completely content in what I have, but constantly growing in who I am. Let me tell you, I know God is going to stretch me here! I would ask you to pray for healthy companionship here, thatI would make a difference in the people I come into contact with and be confident in knowing the Lord has gone before me. He has revealed that to me more and more as I see that He has prepared a specific place for me here. I miss ya´ll and love you! Many of you have asked for my mailing address but they say that the mail system here is terrible and anything we mail will not reach each other before I am home!

Mi Casa

View from the entrance into her house.

Living/Dining Area

Mi Dormitorio I share with another student from CEPE.

Learning, Learning, Learning!

Thanks so much to everyone for sending me encouraging emails, comments, phone calls and texts!  They truly do lift my spirits and help to keep my focus up!  I can admit I am to the point right now where I am so sick of Espanol!!!  We are not allowed to speak in English in class and it is muy dificil!!!  We went to the zoo the other day and I got to feed a giraffe!  It was so beautiful.  They have so many animals that I do not see often in the U.S.  Yesterday, I had the opportunity to go volunteer at an orphanage here in Guadalajara and it was awesome.  The kids are basically from families that cannot support them or from families they have never known.  I am so excited about the opportunity to go there weekly.  I am starting latin dance classes next week on Tuesdays and Thursdays which should be so fun!  I am going to learn how to shake it like Shakirah!  

I am learning so much from my host family.  The nephew stays up with us nightly to simply converse with us and help us with homework, etc.  There is so much about the Spanish language that seems like I will never learn, but I am trying!  Thank you for your prayers!  God is teaching me how consistent He is and how He is the same here as He is in Guadalajara!  Love ya'll and miss you all so much!

Making the Adjustment

Sorry it has taken me so long to update this!  I am just now getting to use my laptop and promise to keep everyone up to date!  I have to say it has been 3 very long days.  Getting here was mass chaos...I almost didn't make my flight, but me and my bags made it.  It has been quite an adjustment and I am continuing to learn how to adapt to my surroundings and my living situation.  I am living with 4 other girls, all of whom are studying abroad at CEPE.  Most of them are fairly good spanish speakers, which is helpful, but also frustrating being the only one in the house that can't really communicate with my house "mum."  My host "mum" is so sweet, so serving and is trying so hard to communicate with me.  She is not having much luck!  We started classes today and hopefully things will pick up pace from here.  I am learning that God is the same here as He is at home, which brings me comfort amidst "uncomfortable" circumstances.  I read in the message bible the other day in Hebrews from Chapter 12 "Do you see what this means-all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on?  It means we better get on with it.  Strip down, start running, and never quit!  Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in.  Study how He did it.  Because He never lose sight of where He was headed-that exhilarating finish in and with God-He could put up with anything along the way:  cross, shame, whatever.  And now He is there, in the place on honor, right alongside God."  I just pray and ask all of you to pray that I do not lose sight of why I am here and the purposes the Lord has for me here and when I return.  Miss ya'll like crazy!  

I am a blogger now!

Just wanted a way to keep in touch with you all while I am in Mexico.