For those just coming to our blog, we are a family from the USA that has been called to serve in Mexico. The name of blog reflects the uniqueness of our journey and the biblical truth that as believers in Jesus Christ we are strangers here waiting for our eternal residency in heaven to begin. We all live in an "odd" place.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Filling in a Few Much Needed Details.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
"I can't spare this man, he fights."
I thought for quite a while today about this quote on my daily walk. At this time in history, Lincoln was surrounded by generals who were in many ways proper, even Christian gentlemen, but they wouldn't fight. Grant on the other hand knew what his commander-in-chief wanted and he dove headlong, sometimes unadviseadly into the fight. He was a man always looking for the fight. It was for this reason, that despite personal flaws, Lincoln wouldn't dare part with this man. It was for this reason, that he became President just a few terms after Lincoln. He fought.
Then I thought how great would it be if this would be said of me. We all have our personal flaws and on close introspection, as history often gives us, all of us would have weaknesses exposed. The question is, "Would we have such a strenght exposed." History generally doesn't record the personal flaws of the other generals of Grant's day as they do his, but it generally does record one thing about them. They were all hesitant to fight when called on by their leader.
I hazard to say that I think I have met many with outwardly impeccable manners, but lacking a will to fight. I personally would love to achieve both, but first and foremost I hope I can be called a fighter. When I think about this quote, I hope dearly that my friends/family can say this about me. I hope my employers can say this about me. Most importantly, when I am looked down upon by God, I hope he can say this about me.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Waiting for the Rain
This year has had it's rainy seasons and dry seasons spiritually for me as well. I have had moments that I've been poured on, I've been stretched and have grown tremendously. Then there have been months and months of extreemly dry weather waiting for God. Going to "spanish lessons" on Sunday and not church, because of the lack of understanding. I have been crying out for different students who are headed down the wrong path, fighting indifference, at times throwing my hands up in the air because I have no clue, facing many obstacles and frustrations, waiting and hoping to see the rain. To see God at work. Like a farmer there have been many seeds planted this year. I have seen God work little by little, but I would love to see a down pour!
We have 5 weeks before the school years out and I'm waiting and hoping for the rain. I trust it will come whether I get to see it or not. It will come.
By the way it just started pouring! Hopefully it's a reflection of what's to come.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Good and Hard
I have thought a lot about the questions I will continually get asked by friends and family and coworkers when I return. I know what they are because friends and others email them to me regularly. First and foremost, "How was your experience" and "What was it like to live in Mexico". Before you even ask, I have put a lot of thought into this and my answer is good and hard.
I understand that when I return some people will ask me these quetions out of mere formality and some will ask me because they really care and have genuine interest. For the second group, I felt like I owed them a thought out answer. So I have been thinking quite a bit about it. Again, the answer good and hard.
Good in that this experience has changed me in ways for the better. Made me appreciate and at times reject foreign cultural practices and attitudes. Good in that it has made me reevaluate how I live my life. Good in that it has reminded me about what is truly important. Good in that it has forced me to look God in the face and say "What?". Good because He has answered that question many times and I am fundamentally broken, changed, and better for it. Good because I think I come back better then when I left with a lot more love in my heart.
Hard because everything that is good for you over the long term is hard (Think marriage, children, friends, family, church life). Hard because I couldn't count on anything I knew many times and found my self at the mercy and thoughtfulness of others. Hard because I hated it at times, like every school kid hates grammar, but ultimately learns its value. Hard enough to break rock like attitudes in my heart. Hard enough to make me refreshed and excited to come back to the States.
Good in that it changed me and Hard in that I am ready to begin a new in the States.
A Simple Satisfaction
Today, this experience, created a very simple satisfaction. I "fit" here. While I don't call myself a Spanish speaker at this point, in this community I live my life in Spanish and am accepted as such. I order my vegetables, my iced green tea, and my paper towel in Spanish, respond to their questions and even know enough to tell them they gave me the wrong green tea (I always feel horrible when a mistake is made because I do assume it is my fault and I say so). None of the workers at these various places are scared to talk to me in Spanish because they know that I will pick up enough to get their meaning. If not, I will look confused, ask a question, and we will move on with our business transaction.
My walk full of bags and small conversations will end an hour or so later. I have just very much lived like a local.
Its not the satisfaction of transitioning from New York to Memphis or Indianapolis to LA. (No doubt very different in their own rights) but rather becoming part of a whole new world. Becoming just another peice that fits in a foreign culture. And while I will never be "Mexican" and at least while here my Spanish will never be strong enough to engage these people at great depths. To some extent, I know them and they know me. We are neighbors and I have a very normal place in their world. That is very satisfying.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Patience
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Random Thoughts on Life in Mexico
Today was Mother's day in Mexico. Mother's day is always on May 10th. SEP (the Mexican government in charge of the school) called the school yesterday around noon and told them that we will only have a half day today since it's mother's day and no school on Friday for the day of the teacher. I'm starting to slowly adjust to this type of thing occurring, the up in the air if you are going to have school or not when it's a holiday of ANY type. Adjusting, but still prefer to know things with a little more advanced notice.
Speaking of adjusting David and I both called something "ugly" today that a normal English speaker wouldn't use to describe, but is how you would describe something in Spanish. Like when something tastes bad it could be called ugly. Something's happening in our brain. Unfortunately I wish it would be happening more. My Spanish is definately better, but not even close to where I would hope to be after living in Mexico for almost 10 months.
For El Dia de las Madres Brian and the kids took me to a restaurant that is usually a favorite of mine. Ended up being a comical dinner! Wrong drink, wrong order then the right drink with horchata that wasn't strained properly. It was very grainy. On and on. What made it so funny is everyone’s order they managed to do right, but mine. An older lady was our waitress (we've never had her before). She just about freaked out at the sight of these Gringos. She panicked before we even began to order and quickly handed us off to someone who spoke English (even though we still spoke Spanish to him.) We have learned that being patient and having good listening skills go a long way in communicating with other people who might not share the same first language as us. It kind of made me feel like, “is my accent really that bad!” Brian was concerned it was a flop, but it was ironically comical. It's amazing what a difference two people can make. (The missing waitress and one of their good chefs) You could really see that in the restaurant.
I've been thinking a lot of this experience of living in another country. At times I'm not sure if it has helped me become a better person or a worse one. I use to think of myself as a fairly laid back person...until I came to Mexico. I feel so intense. Maybe that's comparitive to all the people around me. Now, I wonder what I will feel when I’m back in the USA.
Being out of my comfort zone has really enlightened me to things that I must have struggled with, but had no clue. The "normal" day in day out wasn’t enough to uncover some of the rough spots, which living in another country has. Sure I can be patient when things aren’t too bad, but when I’m tested to my limit. That’s when you realize maybe you weren’t as patient as you thought.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Cultural Toxins
This last statement is the one I have been mulling over the last day or two. Why should a different set of circumstances change a person. More specifically, why should another culture (country) change a person. I think their are several answers for that, but the idea that keeps popping into my head is cultural toxins. Every culture is full of them. Mexico has them, the US has them, and I dare venture to say that every country has their own toxins.
What I mean by cultural toxins as a Christian is external cultural norms, practices, pressures, expectations, and vodoo that pervade your life within a culture and come into conflict with Scripture. Now, I am not labeling everything in a culture a toxin, just the opposite some cultural practices can be elixirs for the soul (ex moving from a task oriented culture, US, to a people centered culture, Mexico,). These things actually help you recalculate proper perspectives. These things always come into alignment with the teaching of Christ to a believer. These things can drive out poison that has long built up in a life.
When I personally think of the changes I have undergone, I think of them as cultural toxins that have been driven out of my soul. Now as a believer the challenge to us always is to have the same mind and attitude as Christ, to reject the wickedness of the world, and to be a light of the truth. Regretfully, known to us or not, we often let cultural toxins invade our souls, dim our lights, and create their own set of standards on our life. Before we know it, we look like the culture around us and very little like Christ. This can and does happen in every culture. Remaining pure from the toxins can only be done through vigorous communion with God and fellowship with other beleivers. Some Christians do a better job cleansing the toxins and some give in to full on cultural poisoning. I don't know where I was when I left, but I realize now that I definitely had my share of toxic buildup!
Either way, for me, it has been nice to sweat out some of the toxins I acquired in the States (of course I often wonder what toxins I have acquired here, time will tell). Returning almost feels like a clean slate a new start. Of course with the excitement of the new start is the reminder that the old toxins will be there to greet me. That is the challenge of returning I look upon as a believer, knowing the challenges I face and trying to avoid "being corrupted by the world". The confidence that I carry (as does every believer), is that we have a willing advocate who dares travel with us.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
A Shared Culture
While Mexico is very Mexico (I can't really explain and you can't really understand), we see traces of the United States everywhere. Literally, in Guadalajara it is hard at times to find a blank surface not covered with grafitti, but in many ways I feel the influence of what comes here from the United States is its own grafitti on this country. Yes, Nemo is cute and I guess every culture should get the opportunity to love the clown fish, but most of what comes here from Hollywood and Madison Avenue isn't quite so cute. For every Nemo, there is 100 American songs spewing trash, and 50 movies that I wouldn't watch myself, little lone encourage anyone else to watch. They did send Dr Pepper south (thank you), but along with it came every fast food monstrosity and Abercrombie and Fitch add that breaks the peacefulness of an otherwise totally unique culture. At times I see these movies, adds, and especially songs and I fined myself ashamed of the States. I realize that it isn't just this country that they transport their trash to, but every country. This I guess is inevitable as the world's economy morphs together, but it is quite sad as well.
You look at these things and realize that this country is not really better for a single one of these "imports"(I can't imagine any country is). Older Mexicans will tell you this to your face, while poetically extolling the virtues of a "Pre-States" Mexico they remember just 20 years ago. I wish I could have seen this country 20 years ago. I assume my chance to see any other country "Pre-US" is gone as well. That makes me sad. Because here all of the things you would be happy to leave behind in America come with you. And all the things good about the States that you would have loved to bring with you, are unknown to most.
As I sit here the idea of first impressions popped into my head. Coming from sales I know the importance of them. I then don't find it so hard to understand why much of the world holds there noses up at us or the Muslim world finds us truly repugnant. What I see here, a man sitting in another country, is not anything beautiful about the US. But literally, its trash, spewed across every billboard, popping up in my local market, and blaring out of every 18 year old car I walk by. That is the culture we share with Mexico.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Living Our Lives with Junior Highers
Brian and I have not had the same blessing with our camera. We knew when coming to Mexico there was a huge likely hood that things might get stolen. I guess that our pictures and camera is something we are going to have to let go. Letting go is something God has been teaching us a lot this year! Today Brian got some disposable cameras for our campout for the kids.
Yes, that's right we are throwing a campout for the 6th grade. Preparing for this, I had to sit down and think of some crazy fun games and campfire songs we did at the camps where I worked. It was amazing after 10 years how much you forget! I had such a hard time thinking of things. After being given some great websites by others, http://www.thesource4ym.com/ and http://www.creativeyouthideas.com/blog/, some of the games on there jogged my memory a little bit. They gave me some good ideas for my classes as well!
We have a wet and messy time planned for the kids. We'll have around 22 out of the 38 students at our house tomorrow. Thankfully, we will also have some other teachers! I'm not sure how it going to go, but we are planning on having a great time. I'm glad I'm not doing it alone. Sad thing though, one of the 6th graders that was really looking forward to coming broke his knee this morning playing basketball before school! Concrete courts hurt when you fall on them and this time it did some damage too! OUCH!
I've often felt this year, "maybe these are just not the ages for me". You have to be a really special person to work with Junior Highers." While I do think that does help, (some people just have a natural talent and ability), if we left it to just these people there would be very few of involved. Investing in the lives of young people is extremely important, yet there seems to be so few people actually doing it. I haven't been involved with Junior highers except for a few babysitters and a couple nephews for 10 years! I have to tell you I absolutely hate being who I have to be as a teacher to maintain a somewhat controlled classroom environment. It's really not me. But I don't mind a small group of 2 to 3, or when you get the chane to have fun and joke with them in situations outside of school. Through this experience I can say I never want to teach in a school setting again, especially Junior High. But there are things that I would be open to because of it that I might not have thought of before. Although many of them act like they don't like you in the classroom, they seem to still desire adult relationships. (Maybe not all with me, but with someone) Sometimes I think they don't really want to have anything to do with their teacher, and then I'm surprised later.
Junior Highers do get a super bad rap. Yes, they are incredibly moody, manipulative, judgemental and talkative. One day they hate you and the next day they blow your mind by actually saying something nice. For instance, on Monday one of my 8th grade students was mad at me because I wrote his name on the board because he was asking for lead for his pencil. My opinion was yes, I might get it wrong sometimes, but talk to me after about it. Plus there are many times that they should have gotten written up when they weren't. So he was mad at me for this "injustice". Then the next day I came to my class to find there were no tables or chairs. I was told I needed to find another classroom, but there are no other classrooms. So I quickly changed my plans and we sat in a circle on the floor. One kid comments how "cheap" the school is. Then someone said how there teacher (me) was mean or something like that. I just agreed that I was mean and whatever they said about me. Then the one student that was mad at me Monday was sitting next to me. He said, "You don't REALLY think you are a bad teacher do you? Because I don't think that. I think you are a really good teacher." One minute your bad and the next minute your good. Despite how bipolar they can be and they can "make" me, I don't feel like many of them have to many good adults speaking into their lives. For the same excuses that I give others give as well, "I don't do Junior Highers. I don't have the time. I don't like that age. They make me uncomfortable. They are crazy and you have to be crazy to work with them." etc. I think as with anything we really need to push through those excusses. Good lesson for me when I think so often, I'm not meant to be with Junior Highers, they are not my "age group".
Friday, April 1, 2011
A Frustrating End to a Fun Day
There was one that I thought was a joke from my husband. He told me he left both of our cameras at the boys basketball game. I thought for sure he was joking because I didn't even see the camera at the game. He never took it out to take pictures. And I know he didn't have it when I took Joelle to the restroom. He said that he asked someone to call. I thought sure. Good one. Then after school when the school secretary told me that she hasn't heard yet anything about our camera, I finally realized it truely wasn't a joke. I went home and searched for them, but never found them. Hopefully it will show up at lost in found or something. It had all our pictures from Mexico. We have uploaded some of them, but I never uploaded many to snapfish or the internet because it moves really slow here and it takes forever.
Then at the amusement park the kids were told it would be a good idea only to take in money for food and drink, nothing else. Their leaders would have bags if they needed to put their suckers in it. (They were passing out verse cards with suckers.) That did not happen. Most of the girls chose to bring in a bag. Then the girls were all wanting to go on rides and didn't want to carry their purses or waters. So I waited watching there stuff for several rides. They decided to go on the log ride and all gave me their stuff. I had 4 total bags and two jackets. I was sitting outside the ride and one random stranger asked me to hang on to their IPOD touch. (I must look trust worthy.) After the log ride they ran to the next ride because we only had thrity minutes left. I began to pass back their things as they were trying to run through the line. I called for the girls to get their stuff, but one girl was already in the front of the line for her next ride. Two different girls wanted me to go on a ride that was right next door to this ride. So I clipped one of the girls camera to the other girls bag and gave it to her friend. I told her to give this to her friend that ran to the front. When the rides where done the bag was no where to be found. Frustrating. I think that the one girl that lost her bag kind of felt like it was my fault. We searched. It had only been maybe 5 minutes since we realized it was gone and I think someone already stole it. So frustrating.
This is so typical. I had a busy, but good week. It was prayer week and it went really well. Yesterday was such an amazing day. I had thought it was so great to go into my weekend like this. We were only going on a field trip today so I figured it would be pretty easy, then the weekend! Now it's hard to move past this feeling of frustration. It's amazing how 5 minutes can make a huge negative impact on your day.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Prayer Guide for Parents
Parent’s Prayer Guide
Prayers for Our Children
1. For salvation. (Include possibility that a past profession was not sincere. Pray that if this is true, God will be merciful and convict child of sin and their need for the Savior.)
2. They would be able to know how much we love them and even more how much God loves them.
Ephesians 3:14-19 (NIV)
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
3. Spiritual growth. (Kids need to believe things because God say it in His Word--not because parents or a church says it.)
Ephesians 1:17-20 (NIV)
17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
4. That their children would not be conformed to this world and its culture. They need courage to stand up and be different--even different from some who claim to be Christian. We pray that they would make a difference for Christ in this world.
5. That they may be transformed by having their minds renewed through the Word of God.
Romans 12:2 (New American Standard Bible)
2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
6. That God would open their eyes to areas of their lives that do not please Him. Also that they will admit, confess, and forsake their sin by God's power. (Psalms 119:18)
Psalm 32:1-7(NIV)
1 Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the one
whose sin the LORD does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.[b]
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them.
7 You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
7. That they would surrender themselves as a living sacrifice to be used by God.
Romans 12:1 (New International Version, ©2011)
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
8. Pray that they will understand that--if they are truly saved--Jesus has already won the victoy over Satan through His death, resurrection, and ascension. They need to claim that victory over Satan's temptations. (Romans 16:19-20)
1 Corinthians 15:56-58 (New International Version, ©2011)
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
9. Pray that if their child has been taken captive by believing the lies of the Devil, that God will give them repentance so that they can acknowledge the truth and escape Satan's snare. (Ephesians 4:27, Acts 5:3, Acts 26:17-19)
10. Give them respect for their parents, teachers, and authority -- and give their teachers a love for them.
11. Name specific areas that your child needs God's help in -- This may vary with each child -- such as common sense, laziness, irresponsibility, lying, being disrespectful, being fearful or extremely shy.
12. Pray for their physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual safety.
13. Pray that they will have only the truth in every area of their thinking.
14. That God will give them Christ's wisdom, courage, discernment of right and wrong, the love of Christ, the grace of God to handle false accusations and the injustices of the world.
Philipians 1:3-6; 9-11(NIV)
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
15. That God would give His direction and purpose for their lives.
Prayer for us as Parents
1. Change our hearts so we are closer to you. Help us be good examples to our children. Help us draw closer to you. Help us come to you and seek you daily in our own lives.
2. Help us not to discourage them to much, but still train them in what is right. (Proverbs 22:6) Help us know what to say to our children, when to say it, and when to not say anything and just pray.
Ephesians 6:4 4 Fathers,[b](Or parents) do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
3. Help us to be humble and ask forgiveness to our children when we do make mistakes.
4. Give us Guidance and Wisdom now in raising our children so we will be able to completely delight in our children. (Proverbs 23)
5. Help us take this role and responsibility you have given us seriously. Yet, help us still surrender our children to you for you are the potter you are forming and molding the. Lord, help us also to be moldable to your desires in our own life. (Isaiah 29:16, 41:25, 45:9, 64:8, Jeremiah 18:1-6, Romans 9:20-21)
6. Help us confess our sins before you. Help us be righteous before you so you will listen and answer our prayers for our children. (James 5:15-17)
7. We thank you Jesus, for paying the price for our sins so we can be seen righteous before you. We know that none of that would have been possible except through your gift. (Romans 5)
8. Help us teach them about you (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Series of First Steps
About a year and a half ago Joy and I, independently and then together, heard God say "Go". We didn't know where he was telling us to go, but we knew he was saying "Go". On this occassion, we felt we needed to listen. So what did we do, we took the first step and we said "We are going". This was months before a country or destintation had been chosen. God had said something and we decided to listen. We took the First Step. We decided in our hearts to take the first step of obedience and everything since really has been a roller coaster that I don't think any of us will understand for years to come if ever.
Now regretfully I can say on other occassions I have felt God leading me to do many things throughout my life and many times I have ignored that urging. I failed to take that first step. Maybe the step seemed to big, maybe too impractical, maybe it just wasn't convenient at that time or I was really too busy in life to give it a second thought. I hate now to think of all of the things I missed out on by not taking those first steps.
I really think life with God is just a series of first steps. We either take them or we don't. We here Him speak and we say "Yes" or we say "No". It really is all about the first step. Often when we take it, the rest of that journey is a roller coaster ride of seeing God work in our lives and the world around us. Taking one first step often leads to being presented with another and then another first step. As long as we continue to take that first step, the question of whether we will continue to take it in life becomes less and less in doubt. We begin to learn to wait on God for direction for every step. I dare say this leads to a beautiful dance. A practice in faith where we the bride are led around the dance floor quite gracefully by our incredible dance partner. Following God we are allowed to take part in something so exquisite that reflecting upon it simply blows our mind.
I want to be a man of first steps.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Art of Clarification
When I was in my Bible classes in college I already knew that I did not want to be one of those people that used big long Christian words because they now knew what they meant and felt so good about themselves using them. I figured I wouldn't do anyone any good and probably turn more people away than anything else. I decided to study for the test, but after the test I would purposely forget them. It's easy to forget something and even easier to forget something when it's purposely done. That has worked out really well for the most part. I'm so glad I did that.
Now teaching junior highers, some with little Bible background, and in their second language, it is even more important to keep it simple. I find myself having to say things a different way, not just once but many times. Then add a picture to go along with it and use a lot of gestures. What I think is common sense, isn't to other people. Especially when you are from different cultural backgounds and especially if you are a 12-15 years old.
I remember a time I hired a young teenager for some gardening. He was raising money for a bicycle. I took him out to one of our garden beds and told him that he could weed that bed and I would pay him. A couple hours later I came out only to find that not only did he get rid of the weeds he cut down all of the bulbs that just came up. They hadn't flowered yet and he thought they were weeds. I could give other examples of those types of things with kids and teens. On top of being young teens these kids are using their second language. I've already had my share of blunders trying to get around in a "second language" and thinking I understood, but was really way off.
I've had even more desire for people to spell it out for me. Just let me know exactly what my expectations are or what I should expect. Just today I had a new Yellow Pages brought to me. (Which I only learned a few months ago they existed.) He asked me for the old copy. I repeated in my poor Spanish to clarify. Then went and got it. Next, he was as clear as he could be, "One tip" (teep). I knew what he wanted and assummed that I was suppose to tip him, seeing you are suppose to tip for everything. Some people only make money off the tips. But he told me exactly what was expected of me. I like that.
I have done notebooks with my students. While I thought I told them what I expected from them, I clearly have not. I remember a teacher I had in junior high and then in high school. When she had us in junior high she was ridiculously strict. She was really anal retentive about how she wanted her notebooks done. Mrs. Tidball if you ever read this blog I understand! I get it! I really do! Your were just teaching junior highers! Back to these notebooks. I have gotten such crazy things turned in to me. I kept saying, if I teach again I would change this or that, especially the notebooks. I have decided that I shouldn't wait until "if I teach again", but try it now. It's not too late to make it so I don't want to burn every single "notebook" that is turned into me. To re-clarify to my students again and maybe again and again how they will do the notebooks. To keep practicing "the art of clarification", because we all need it some time or another.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Bitter or Better
I've been reading this book by Donald Miller, "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years". It's not a "super spiritual book", but there are definately things that hit you. It's a book all about writing a story with your life. One that would be worthy of reading. The book is about a lot of things that I have thought about to some extent before. But so many things that we have thought about or learned, we constantly need to be retaught and relearn.
I knew moving to another country would not be easy. Especially with three young children. There's a difference between "knowing" something and then actually living something. I'll be quite honest, so many times I have wanted to get on a plane, fly back to the United States, and be done. As I read this book a couple of things popped out at me. At a writers conference Robert Mc Kee says this, "You didn't think joy could change a person, did you? Joy is what you feel when the conflict is over. But it's the conflict that changes a person." I absolutely hate conflict. I would avoid it at all cost if I could, but it's the difficult things in life that change us and mold us, not what's easy. I guess I should take "joy" in that! (Yes, I have been constantly reminded that Joy cannot change a person, only God can.)
A second thought is the idea that you can go through difficult times and they do not make you into a better person because you have the wrong attitude. This was a good reminder. Hard times can make a person bitter or better. It's crucial to make sure that during those hard times I focus on the getting better part.
You can't help, but change through a conflict. So better make it for the best, not the worst.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Our Own Little Prison!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Blog for Dogs AKA (Dog on a Hot Tin Roof and American Sissy)
Friday, February 11, 2011
Living a Life Lacking Real Relationship
The point I am making is that most of my encounters do not even involve the opportunity for real relationship (School Not Counting) because of language barriers. This got me honestly thinking "Even if I could speak fluently, would I really try to develop "real relationships"". Many have told me that Mexico is a superficially friendly culture. I then ask "What country isn't?". Then I think, am I a superficially friendly person? Did I go out of my way to create real relationship in the States when I had a shared language? The answer, sometimes, but not enough.
So often being here I wish I could have real relationship because I desire to share the gospel with those here. Luckily, Joy and I both get to do this regularly with our students, but rarely ever outside those walls.
I guess the personal challenge I felt issued to me as I walked today was to strive for real relationship when the opportunity at hand. Relationship that can allow for real honesty, compassion, and challenge. Relationship that can lead to change in both yourself and the person you have come to know. A relationship where where we can impact others for Christ. I think a lot of us fail to grasp this opportunity regularly outside our close circle, I know I do.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Our Vacation with The President
We had an amazing weekend whale watching. We had wanted to go to Puerto Vallarta to see the whales since we found out about them in September, but hadn't been able to until this weekend. We had planned it a few times and it fell through. We picked out a three day weekend and booked it!
The minute we were able to leave on Friday we were ready. Only problem the taxi wasn't. Luckly we made it to the bus station with 15- 20 minutes to spare. We accidently picked the wrong bus stop, extending our trip about an hour. Once we were on the bus and in our seats Brian and I both thought, "Wow, we really should do this more." That is until the first movie came on. Two "R" rated movies in a row and then a french concert. They were the type of movies that you couldn't let your child even see. It was a very difficult trip trying to keep them preoccupied so that they didn't even look up. Joelle fell asleep towards the end of the trip and woke up and had an accident in the bus bathroom. I kept thinking, "was this REALLY worth it! I better see whales!"
God was gracious to us and did allow us to see Whales the next morning. In fact, we were only in the boat 15 minutes by the time we saw the first ones! We saw more than one baby calf with it's parents. They like to teach the babies to eat and survive at Puerto Vallarta because it's the second largest bay in the world and it's the deepest one. We saw at a distance whales jumping out of the water, fully breached. As we raced to see them closer they continued to jump. Two whales leaped at the same time whole body out of the water. It was amazing. Edan said to me later, "It was like we were in a movie!" One came up out of the water right by our boat to check us out!
Joelle was cold and pouty at first. She leaned over to me and said, "I don't want to swim with the whales!" I laughed and said, "No one is swimming with them this time." She was remembering our trip out to see the turtles and how we had tried to get her to go in the water. Every time she agreed to get in she ended up screaming because it was so cold. At the end of the trip, we went to a reef and fed tropical fish. A couple of the teachers snorkled.
The whales weren't the only excitement on our trip. We stayed in the same hotel as the Mexico's President, Felipe Calderon. We had taken a walk on the beach and were going to wait to watch the sunset. We noticed that the hotel was putting up metal detectors at all the entrances. We also saw two fully armed soldiers at each end of the Marriott's beach property. We then looked out at the water and there was a big navy boat right off shore and then we looked up and saw a army helicopter circling. We found out by our friends that there were also tanks in the front of the hotel. I jokingly said to Brian, "It's the President. He's staying at our hotel." It was hillarious when we found out that the joke was actually true!
The rest of the time we spent lounging (watching) at the pool or the beach as the kids played. Our ride back was much better. We shortened it by an hour (even though our bus got a flat tire and had to fix it). We asked the bus driver if he could put movies on that children could watch and he put on two. Joelle still had another accident, but we were prepared with a change of clothes. I'm sure Brian will get on here and edit, add and change the post, but I was so excited about the video Brian got of the whales I decided to go ahead and hit "Publish Post".
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The Power of Negative Thinking
The last few weeks have been difficult. There were things that could not be avoided, but my very wise husband had to check me today, telling me that now I needed to start focusing on the positive. If I didn't then the negative would eat me up and spit me out. Okay those weren't exactly his words, but my paraphrase. I knew he was right. I now need to turn my attention back on being a joyful positive person.
Here are some of my positive out looks for the day.
1. I love my 6-2 class they are so great! They are so much fun and have a great spirit about them!
2. I had a really great time of prayer with one of the teachers today.
3. Even on a overcast morning in Mexico it is STILL beautiful!
4. Brian and I went out for Starbucks today. We usually get to go out for a few minutes at Starbucks once a week during school.
5. My husband brought me home a churro! One of my favorite desserts in Mexico. (A guy sells them on the street corner a few days a week.)
6. We have a three day weekend.
7. Husband with wisdom in knowing what to say to me.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Mr Young's Dorky Accomplishment
While it has turned me into a self professed dork (Those who have known me for a while would probably tell you I have always been one), it has also led to a sort of dorky accomplishment. For the first time in about 5 years, my weight has made it to the 180's. On my weekly weigh in this morning, I registered in at 188. For those of you quick to think the scale might be broke, I weighed in last week at 190 so it's not to far off. While 188 may not still be the goal weight for a guy that likes to say he is 5'10 (That's 1.75 meters here, my students have no idea of inches and feet and I am one of the world's few science teachers who has not mastered the metric system!) it's not bad when just two Christmas' ago I was trying not to break 210!
That has been one of the many blessings I feel I have personally received here in Mexico. The beautiful weather, a beautiful, Mexico before modernization, neighborhood to walk daily, and a local market that rivals any great August Midwestern farmer's market have helped create a healthier lifestyle. If the scale reading wasn't enough encouragment, Edan last night (unprompted and out of context) said "Dad in Mexico your belly has gone from big to regular."
I thought about doing a before and after picture for you as they do in all weight loss commercials, but I couldn't find a bottle of spray on suntan lotion that is a prerequisite for the after photo!
Here's to being dorky, and here's to 188!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Seasoned with Salt
Thursday was a special parents night at the school. I was assigned to sell hot tamales (not the candy). I gladly accepted. I hate having no clue what I'm suppose to do and would much gladly have a task for the entire time. I was with two other "gringos" and a few of the Mexican staff had to take a picture because it was quite comical. It might have been the first time 3 American females sold tamales in Mexico. I can tell my Spanish was improving because that's what I had to use and I made it through the night with little help. There were only a few times I wasn't exactly sure what I was being asked and that was mainly because I was distracted.
After the parents meeting I had two parents come up to me. One humbly apologized for her child that was involved in one of the weeks stressful incidents. She thanked me and totally backed up my decission as it would be what she did as a Christian parent. It was very good to hear back from this parent because I had been extreemly discouraged earlier. I had been made to feel like I had rediculous expectations, but I knew in my heart as a parent I would want this to be done. It was so good to hear from this parent that they were thankful that I did interveen.
Then I had another parent (who is also on the board) come up to me and buy a tamale. As he did, I asked a few questions about his son. He very well meaningly takes me to the side to talk. I know that his intentions were good, but he ended up being extreemly discouraging. It was discouraging because while he thinks he knows what's going on and how I should be handling things he really doesn't. He didn't take in accout that my situation is different than his and he really doesn't know anything about me or what I have done except for what he's heard. The things he was saying I could quickly have come back with why this is a totally different situation and I could have argued everyone one of his points, but thankfully God gave me the grace to just listen. (Although I ended up crying at the end of the conversation.)
This really made me think how our words affect people. I'm sure I have been guilty of doing this many different times. We might be well meaning, but then we end up coming across in an extremly hurtful way because we lack understanding. We think because we had a situation similar that we are an expert. We might not realize really what a person has done or gone through and instead of sitting down to find out we assume they must not being doing something right.
This gentlemen that came up to me spoke in a very quite calm manner desiring to help, but he compared my situation to things that really weren't comparable. He basically had made judgement of what he thought he knew. Much of me would like to share all the examples I could give of what he said and why he was mistaken, but that will do no good. I just need to take this and learn from it. I need to try to watch what I say that I don't end up extreemly discourageing to others. Because although I had two parents come up, one that was encouraging and one discouraging, I couldn't help dwelling more on the discouraging comments than the encouraging ones. I need to be more cautious with the words I say to others.
Colossians 4:6
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
LOVE
When I hear people explaining to me their ideas of love that only include the fluff, I think about all the different times leaders and teachers in the Bible got in the people’s faces. Many were blunt about what was going to happen. They didn’t skirt around it. Both Jesus and John the Baptist called people “vipers”, snakes. Jesus tells the crowds its generation was wicked and adulterous. Even at the risk of their lives, the disciples got in peoples faces and told them they crucified Jesus. Joshua draws a line in the sand and tells the people to choose that day who they were going to serve. He didn’t say it was okay to keep dabbling in the ways of the world he said make a choice. Those are just a few instances of many others that could be brought up.
I feel like when we just stick to the hugs and kisses, fluff type of love we really don’t love. If I never corrected my children, if I let them do whatever they wanted and get whatever they want, I would be a terrible parent. I wouldn’t really be showing love to my child. True love guides it doesn’t ignore. Sometimes love has to be blunt to wake someone up that’s headed down a path of destruction. Truly loving someone does not avoid discipline or correction. Especially in those relationships were a person is a parent, teacher, pastor or mentor.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
First Futbol Game! CHIVAS!
Below you can see the boys go their picture taken with the team mascot, a Chiva (goat). I think that was the highlight for them. We had nose bleed seats, but I think they were the best as you could really follow the whole game. This poorly done sideways picture is the "Purro". This is the specially designated cheering group for each team. You pay extra to be part of the "Purro" kind of like a season ticket holder. This is the group that we often see at futbol games on TV. They stand the whole game chanting, beating drums, and generally yelling obscene things at the other team I'm told. We have not learned those words! Regretfully, the game ended in a 1-1 tie. David declared that he hates ties more then anything in the world!
I apologize for the crooked pictures. Blogger is driving me crazy tonight!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Foods That Never Should Have Come to Mexico
What I had in mind for there posts is not food that is inedible, but food that when tasted by someone who knows what the food should taste like cringes in horror. Kind of like this mental Italian mamma I have in my head who cringes everytime I make boxed spaghetti then pour jarred Ragu marina sauce with meatballs on it and think I'm eating real spaghetti! That's what I have in mind. With this being said, there are a lot of Mexican foods I love that should have never been introduced into the States. We have a lot of Mexican mommas cringing!
With that being said, Mexico should have never been given rights to Sushi. In fact, I hope the next trade pact between Japan and Mexico involves the sending of real sushi chefs. Now, they do use rice and generally it is in a roll form, they even serve it with Soy sauce that has a bottle that makes it look like there was a remote chance an Asian approved of this sauce before sending it out. Other then that, the big Asian mamma is cringing!
First, with the exception of one upscale Sushi house I went to here, they never serve it with Wasabi. Real sushi needs Wasabi or at least the fake green Wasabi we get in the states. Here I often get chopped Jalapenos in Soy Sauce. Yet it is spicy, but it's not the same. Kind of like Tang and Sunny D are both orange drinks but they are not the same!
Secondly, sushi should generally not have "queso" cheese in it. Now maybe some of you in the states like your Philadelphia rolls, but the rest of us luckily can enjoy the other 95 percent of rolls that are made like they are supposed to! Come on has anyone ever seen cheese at a real Sushi House! Here every roll is made with cream cheese. Yesterday I orderd a roll for myself that said was topped shrimp with standard vegies in the middle. It failed to tell me that under the shrimp was a large chunk of cream cheese. I ordered Edan a fried chicken roll (I thought he would eat it) with avocado and you guessed it, big chunk of cream cheese. All rolls here have cream cheese, it should not be, do you hear me, IT SHOULD NOT BE!
Finally, Sushi should not be made with Uncle Ben's rice. There is specific rice for Sushi, I don't know the name, but they don't use it here (At least I haven't found it yet). Rolling Uncle Ben's is not a substitute.
Next Week Nacho Doritos!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Rediscovering Scripture Meditation
Over the past couple of weeks, I have again begun to understand the treasures and beauty of spending time meditating on the Truth of the Bible that I had long forgotten. About a month, after we arrived here, I told Joy "I feel God leading me to memorize 1 Timothy". This was probably in September. Two weeks ago I started this journey (quite obedient). I have paired this time with my daily long walks through Guadalajara and the surrounding Colonias. I had forgotten what I had been missing for too long. These truly have become the most anticipated and gratifying times of my day the last two weeks. I will often find myself walking for over an hour just lost in thought and truth of God's written Word.
With this being said, I realized today that I need to start recording these fresh truths and glorious times. Like all times, here and today will eventually fade away, as will my peaceful walk through Guadalajara, but Scripture truths learned will endure forever. I am going to star a little side blog on our blog here called "Walking with Timothy". It for the most part will just be a rambling of truth and thoughts that God has brought me to on the daily Scripture. Changes he is brining about in me personally. I am keeping it seperately from the blog so you don't have to be overwhelmed with it daily if you choose not to. For those of you interested, I would love your feedback, how these daily verses have impacted your life over time, or "fellow walkers" with Timothy.
Farm Fresh Junk Food
For the most part, I have tried to spare this blog the updates of my excursions into local cuisine (3 weeks ago I had pickled pig's feet for the first time), but this was to tasty an experience to pass up!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Living Through (Or Should I Say Walking) Contradiction
Because Guadalajara has the world's best weather (Google the question if you don't believe me), every day is beautiful. I knew I needed to take advantage of this so I have focused on trying to walk everywhere. The more I walk, the more I see. One thing that I have begun to see daily ( I saw it before, but only sporadically) was the poor of Mexico picking through my trash bags every morning. I knew this was happening, but not until I began to see it everyday, and not just at my house but everywhere I walked did it really strike me. Not only did I see it daily, but I began to see what they were recovering from my trash. I briefly addressed this in my last post, but it has impacted me to an even greater level recently.
So I have been challenged by a somewhat Spiritual contradiction. I need to lose weight because of my inability to avoid the abundance of my cupboards. They also find importance in the abundance of my cupboards. Not to overindulge, but to survive daily. At moments I feel blessed, and honestly a somewhat comical thought comes to mind "Maybe I should eat half of everything so they always find enough". But then a sadness comes to mind because I have the ability to have that thought and they don't. God has a great deal to say about Christian charity to the poor in Scripture. The Bible is overflowing with the directives. What more should these directives lead me to do daily?
Monday, January 10, 2011
New Year's Perspective
It is in these moments that you really are struck with a sense of perspective in life. Frivolous thoughts that fill our lives and time become embarrassments. For most of us reading this, even worries over money became foolish at best. We realize that the meaning of the words "just getting by" take on very different meanings for us then they do for other people. I personally begin to wonder how my abundance can support their lack of. I don't always now the answer to that question, but I know it is a question worth continuing to ask.
Maybe it's worth a resolution.