[Thursday, September 23, 2004]
Hello family and friends!
Well, as usual, time has been flying by. I'll try to update you on some things that have happened lately. First, Independence Day. On the night of the 15th, I went with some friends, both Mexicans and Americans, to the town square in Puebla. I don't know how many people were there, but it was crowded. There were a lot of families there to watch the ceremony. It is really a cool thing that they do here in Mexico. They have what is known as the Grito, or in English, shout. They had a band playing and they sang some patriotic songs, which I'd never heard before, of course and they waved the flagged around. Then the governor of Puebla got up and began giving the Grito. He shouts "VivaMexico" which means, long live Mexico" and the crowd shouts back "Viva" which means live. The governor and the crowd really get into it. Then, after that the people in the crowd began spraying this foamy stuff and throwing confetti. It was fun to be a part of the celebration. The grito was followed by a laser light show and a visual presentation of Mexico's history. It was really neat how they did it. They shot the water up from this fountain to make a wall of water. They used the wall of water as a projection screen, so the pictures were being reflected off of the water. Afterward there was a fair going on nearby. I am glad I got to experience yet another part of Mexican culture.
On Saturday I went out of town a little ways for a retreat. We spent time with the Lord on our own and as a group. During the day we went on about a 2 hour hike in a small mountain range nearby. We really enjoyed it. I got to see the valley of Puebla and was once again reminded of how big the mission field is here. It sparks in me a desire to reach the lost, those who don't know Jesus Christ personally. So, I challenge you, wherever you are, open up your eyes and see the mission field around you. There is a verse that says that the fields are ready for harvest, so don't be ashamed, but be bold and share who Christ is!!!
This week has been very busy. Sunday evening I went with some friends to play pool and for the first time I located a bowling alley in this city! I've got to go some time! It was fun playing pool and sitting around talking in Spanish with friends. On Monday I went to youth group, which I enjoyed. On Tuesday I went to the Missionary Fellowship Dinner and what a blessing it was. There are missionaries from all over Puebla, different backgrounds and demoninations that come together 4 times a year to encourage one another and pray for one another, and of course eat together. It was a fun time. We ate dinner, had a time of singing and then shared testimonies of how God is working. Once again my heart was touched with a desire to be involved with missions in the future. I'm excited about what God may have in store for me in the years to come. Then, yesterday, Wednesday, was OANSA and that was a blessing as always. You can pray for a family with 3 girls in it- Meraly, Ruth and Joanna. The oldest is about 11 and the youngest 4. They are in a very bad situation now and their mother has pulled them out of church completely. Please pray for them. They are such precious children and I hurt for them.
Finally, that brings me to today. This evening begins the Womens Bible study for the missionary ladies. It's in English. We will be doing a Beth Moore study. I know that God is going to challenge me through this series, as He challenged me at the Bible study last year.
After school today I was sitting in my room grading papers and I heard a lot of commotion outside. A few minutes later a student came crawling on his knees into my room. He was peering underneath of a bookshelf near the door. I had to stop and smile because in Ohio I wouldn't have students chasing a lizard in my classroom. I just continued with my work, enjoying the excitement of the chase. After a few minutes they caught him. Ahhhh, life in Mexico. Oh, yes, one more thing, it has been raining a lot lately and at strange times. Yesterday we had a crazy hail storm. It was one of the strongest I've seen. It's fun to watch- through the window of course.
Well, mis amigos, have a great week. Thanks for reading about my adventures in Mexico!
Angelina
Well, as usual, time has been flying by. I'll try to update you on some things that have happened lately. First, Independence Day. On the night of the 15th, I went with some friends, both Mexicans and Americans, to the town square in Puebla. I don't know how many people were there, but it was crowded. There were a lot of families there to watch the ceremony. It is really a cool thing that they do here in Mexico. They have what is known as the Grito, or in English, shout. They had a band playing and they sang some patriotic songs, which I'd never heard before, of course and they waved the flagged around. Then the governor of Puebla got up and began giving the Grito. He shouts "VivaMexico" which means, long live Mexico" and the crowd shouts back "Viva" which means live. The governor and the crowd really get into it. Then, after that the people in the crowd began spraying this foamy stuff and throwing confetti. It was fun to be a part of the celebration. The grito was followed by a laser light show and a visual presentation of Mexico's history. It was really neat how they did it. They shot the water up from this fountain to make a wall of water. They used the wall of water as a projection screen, so the pictures were being reflected off of the water. Afterward there was a fair going on nearby. I am glad I got to experience yet another part of Mexican culture.
On Saturday I went out of town a little ways for a retreat. We spent time with the Lord on our own and as a group. During the day we went on about a 2 hour hike in a small mountain range nearby. We really enjoyed it. I got to see the valley of Puebla and was once again reminded of how big the mission field is here. It sparks in me a desire to reach the lost, those who don't know Jesus Christ personally. So, I challenge you, wherever you are, open up your eyes and see the mission field around you. There is a verse that says that the fields are ready for harvest, so don't be ashamed, but be bold and share who Christ is!!!
This week has been very busy. Sunday evening I went with some friends to play pool and for the first time I located a bowling alley in this city! I've got to go some time! It was fun playing pool and sitting around talking in Spanish with friends. On Monday I went to youth group, which I enjoyed. On Tuesday I went to the Missionary Fellowship Dinner and what a blessing it was. There are missionaries from all over Puebla, different backgrounds and demoninations that come together 4 times a year to encourage one another and pray for one another, and of course eat together. It was a fun time. We ate dinner, had a time of singing and then shared testimonies of how God is working. Once again my heart was touched with a desire to be involved with missions in the future. I'm excited about what God may have in store for me in the years to come. Then, yesterday, Wednesday, was OANSA and that was a blessing as always. You can pray for a family with 3 girls in it- Meraly, Ruth and Joanna. The oldest is about 11 and the youngest 4. They are in a very bad situation now and their mother has pulled them out of church completely. Please pray for them. They are such precious children and I hurt for them.
Finally, that brings me to today. This evening begins the Womens Bible study for the missionary ladies. It's in English. We will be doing a Beth Moore study. I know that God is going to challenge me through this series, as He challenged me at the Bible study last year.
After school today I was sitting in my room grading papers and I heard a lot of commotion outside. A few minutes later a student came crawling on his knees into my room. He was peering underneath of a bookshelf near the door. I had to stop and smile because in Ohio I wouldn't have students chasing a lizard in my classroom. I just continued with my work, enjoying the excitement of the chase. After a few minutes they caught him. Ahhhh, life in Mexico. Oh, yes, one more thing, it has been raining a lot lately and at strange times. Yesterday we had a crazy hail storm. It was one of the strongest I've seen. It's fun to watch- through the window of course.
Well, mis amigos, have a great week. Thanks for reading about my adventures in Mexico!
Angelina
[Monday, September 13, 2004]
Hola a todos!
Well, I've been wondering if after a year in Mexico I will still have new experiences to write about. Yesterday I found out that, yes, I can still have something to write about. Well, my experience begins on Saturday, when a big group of PCS staff went to the fair in Cholula. Now, before you get a picture in your mind, let me tell you what this fair mainly is. One street is closed down and tents are placed up with people selling things. There is anything you could imagine. Well, while shopping I picked up some cheap, but nice prizes for my students and some jewelry that is traditional of Mexico. I saw a traditional Mexican dress that I liked but didn't have enough money for. (I have been wanting to get a traditional dress to bring back home for future use in classrooms and things.) So, on Sunday after church, my friend Kathryn and I went to the fair so I could buy that dress. So, we walked and got the dress. What a genuine taste of Mexican culture. There are people packed along the streets with food and items. You see a few tourists, but this is the big thing for the Mexican people to do. They have it every year before Independence Day. Well, while walking back to the car we came near an arena where we concluded they must be doing bull fights because low and behold on the path to the car is a puddle of blood. Off to one side is a pile of bull skin, including the enitre head and then hanging up inside an open truck was the rest of the bull- fresh meat anyone?
So, that was interesting. I've never had to step over bull blood to get where I was going.
Well, I bought my dress just in time to wear to the Independence Day party last night. My church had a party for the upcoming holiday (Sept. 16.) It was so much fun! I really enjoyed it last year, but even more so this year because I know the people in the church now and I was able to participate in a contest. They hold contests- best traditional dress, singing, cooking and the grito (shout.) So, I was in the traditional dress contest and the singing contest. I didn't place in the dress-up contest, but it was close. However, for the singing contest, several guys sang songs from Karaoke. (traditional Mexican songs) Another one played on his guitar and sang. I was the only girl who sang. I was debating whether or not to do it, but I decided I may never have another chance. So, I got up and sang without any accompaniment the only non-Christian song I know in Spanish. It is the song Debbie Hudson taught us girls on the mission trip to serenade the guys with! You'll never guess what? I won first place in the singing contest! It was so cool! So- thanks Debbie for teaching me that song!
Well, that's been the highlights of my last week here in Mexico! I hope everyone at home is doing well! God is good. I continuously have His strength and joy in my life! I praise Him for all the good things He has done. Thank you so much for your enouragement and prayers as well. They are greatly appreciated! Have a great week!
Angelina
P.S. Red, white and green are Mexico's colors, thus the reason for the colored-letters this week.
Well, I've been wondering if after a year in Mexico I will still have new experiences to write about. Yesterday I found out that, yes, I can still have something to write about. Well, my experience begins on Saturday, when a big group of PCS staff went to the fair in Cholula. Now, before you get a picture in your mind, let me tell you what this fair mainly is. One street is closed down and tents are placed up with people selling things. There is anything you could imagine. Well, while shopping I picked up some cheap, but nice prizes for my students and some jewelry that is traditional of Mexico. I saw a traditional Mexican dress that I liked but didn't have enough money for. (I have been wanting to get a traditional dress to bring back home for future use in classrooms and things.) So, on Sunday after church, my friend Kathryn and I went to the fair so I could buy that dress. So, we walked and got the dress. What a genuine taste of Mexican culture. There are people packed along the streets with food and items. You see a few tourists, but this is the big thing for the Mexican people to do. They have it every year before Independence Day. Well, while walking back to the car we came near an arena where we concluded they must be doing bull fights because low and behold on the path to the car is a puddle of blood. Off to one side is a pile of bull skin, including the enitre head and then hanging up inside an open truck was the rest of the bull- fresh meat anyone?
So, that was interesting. I've never had to step over bull blood to get where I was going.
Well, I bought my dress just in time to wear to the Independence Day party last night. My church had a party for the upcoming holiday (Sept. 16.) It was so much fun! I really enjoyed it last year, but even more so this year because I know the people in the church now and I was able to participate in a contest. They hold contests- best traditional dress, singing, cooking and the grito (shout.) So, I was in the traditional dress contest and the singing contest. I didn't place in the dress-up contest, but it was close. However, for the singing contest, several guys sang songs from Karaoke. (traditional Mexican songs) Another one played on his guitar and sang. I was the only girl who sang. I was debating whether or not to do it, but I decided I may never have another chance. So, I got up and sang without any accompaniment the only non-Christian song I know in Spanish. It is the song Debbie Hudson taught us girls on the mission trip to serenade the guys with! You'll never guess what? I won first place in the singing contest! It was so cool! So- thanks Debbie for teaching me that song!
Well, that's been the highlights of my last week here in Mexico! I hope everyone at home is doing well! God is good. I continuously have His strength and joy in my life! I praise Him for all the good things He has done. Thank you so much for your enouragement and prayers as well. They are greatly appreciated! Have a great week!
Angelina
P.S. Red, white and green are Mexico's colors, thus the reason for the colored-letters this week.
[Saturday, September 04, 2004]
Dear family and friends,
Once again I am filled with the joy of the Lord as I write to you. This morning I was able to spend some quality time alone with the Lord as I did 3 loads of laundry for me amd my roommate. Well, as you may remember, doing laundry here is a bit different than just putting it into the washing machine and throwing the clothes into the dryer. First I have to fill the washer up with water using buckets. Then after the clothes wash and the water drains, I have to fill the washer up with water again for it to rinse. So, I had to do it for 3 loads of laundry. Also, since we don't have a dryer I have to hang them up on the roof to dry, which is also where the washing machine is located. So, I decided just to say on the roof for most of the time and spend time with God. It was a very pleasant morning and God is a very good God, so it was a nice time.
Well, school this week was good. We celebrated 2 birthdays this week. For the student's birthday I buy him a gordita from the restaurant next door and then we go across the street to my apartment and have lunch together. I also allow the student to bring a friend along. It was fun and I got to know those students a little better! I am liking the fact that there is 20 minutes onto the school day this year. It makes things less hectic at the end of the day. The afternoon flows a lot smoother, as well. On Monday we have Open House for parents, so I will get to meet the new parents and give them an introduction to my class. Since this is my 2nd time around it should be easier but I will probably still be somewhat nervous. :) Speaking in front of adults is a little different than my usual audience of children. I know I will enjoy it though.
Last night my friends and I went to one of our favorite restaurants, El Balcon and I had Alambre, which is pork, green peppers, bacon and onion cooked together. You take this combination and put it on tortillas to make a taco. I had just assembled my first taco when I realized something was missing--- los limones (the limes) so I flagged down the waiter and asked him to bring us some limones. You squeeze the juice into your taco. It is so good on tacos!!
Speaking of food, I was reminded that I'm in Mexico on Wednesday night. I went to OANSA (Awana) at church and for snack the kids had oranges. So, you might think, nothing strange about that. However, they load chile (chili powder) on top of the oranges. As if that wasn't enough, some of them were pouring chili powder into their hands and eating it plain. I had a few people ask if I wanted some and I told them I don't put chile on anything!
OANSA was so much fun. I really enjoyed seeing the kids again. It was my first time to see them since I got back. Many of them ran up to me to hug me. I am so glad I have the opportunity to be a part of OANSA. I truly enjoy serving the Lord there and trying to be a blessing to others. As an added blessing, it's good Spanish practice.
Well, I think that about does it for news this week. I hope you have a blessed week and that the joy of the Lord will fill your heart. You want to know how to have God's joy this week? Well, the Bible says "In the presence of the Lord is the fullness of joy." Take some time today and each day to stand in God's presence- to acknowledge Him for who He is and pray to Him with a thankful heart. Then read His word and allow Him to teach you. That gives you a joy that nothing can take away from you!
Hasta luego mis amigos!
Angelina
Once again I am filled with the joy of the Lord as I write to you. This morning I was able to spend some quality time alone with the Lord as I did 3 loads of laundry for me amd my roommate. Well, as you may remember, doing laundry here is a bit different than just putting it into the washing machine and throwing the clothes into the dryer. First I have to fill the washer up with water using buckets. Then after the clothes wash and the water drains, I have to fill the washer up with water again for it to rinse. So, I had to do it for 3 loads of laundry. Also, since we don't have a dryer I have to hang them up on the roof to dry, which is also where the washing machine is located. So, I decided just to say on the roof for most of the time and spend time with God. It was a very pleasant morning and God is a very good God, so it was a nice time.
Well, school this week was good. We celebrated 2 birthdays this week. For the student's birthday I buy him a gordita from the restaurant next door and then we go across the street to my apartment and have lunch together. I also allow the student to bring a friend along. It was fun and I got to know those students a little better! I am liking the fact that there is 20 minutes onto the school day this year. It makes things less hectic at the end of the day. The afternoon flows a lot smoother, as well. On Monday we have Open House for parents, so I will get to meet the new parents and give them an introduction to my class. Since this is my 2nd time around it should be easier but I will probably still be somewhat nervous. :) Speaking in front of adults is a little different than my usual audience of children. I know I will enjoy it though.
Last night my friends and I went to one of our favorite restaurants, El Balcon and I had Alambre, which is pork, green peppers, bacon and onion cooked together. You take this combination and put it on tortillas to make a taco. I had just assembled my first taco when I realized something was missing--- los limones (the limes) so I flagged down the waiter and asked him to bring us some limones. You squeeze the juice into your taco. It is so good on tacos!!
Speaking of food, I was reminded that I'm in Mexico on Wednesday night. I went to OANSA (Awana) at church and for snack the kids had oranges. So, you might think, nothing strange about that. However, they load chile (chili powder) on top of the oranges. As if that wasn't enough, some of them were pouring chili powder into their hands and eating it plain. I had a few people ask if I wanted some and I told them I don't put chile on anything!
OANSA was so much fun. I really enjoyed seeing the kids again. It was my first time to see them since I got back. Many of them ran up to me to hug me. I am so glad I have the opportunity to be a part of OANSA. I truly enjoy serving the Lord there and trying to be a blessing to others. As an added blessing, it's good Spanish practice.
Well, I think that about does it for news this week. I hope you have a blessed week and that the joy of the Lord will fill your heart. You want to know how to have God's joy this week? Well, the Bible says "In the presence of the Lord is the fullness of joy." Take some time today and each day to stand in God's presence- to acknowledge Him for who He is and pray to Him with a thankful heart. Then read His word and allow Him to teach you. That gives you a joy that nothing can take away from you!
Hasta luego mis amigos!
Angelina
