Sunday, church; we show up just in time for me to teach class. We talked James, the first few verses. Three important words: Gozo (joy). Paciencia (patience) and Bendicion (blessing). Basically we should maintain an attitude of joy expressed through patience because the very fabric of reality is woven with blessing (per Israel, per my experience). Jorge's brother from Monterrey preached. I enjoy singing traditional worship songs in Spanish more that I do in English. I'm not fully certain as to why that is, I'm just glad I have an appreciation for them somewhere. During the sermon the group from Toluca arrived. They were some 25 youth and 6 adults with a few children. Their numerical presence alone was very encouraging though there was already a very decent crowd present.
Another coffee trip. Zach ordered an awesome espresso and ice-cream deliciousness. We chilled for the entire afternoon, through a few rain showers. Then we made our way back to the church for a devo with the Toluca youth and some organizing. They are a really cool group, and we sang youth-group songs in spanish. After all the nuts and bolts were worked out, we (zach y yo) went to the bank and then to the Lechusa. This time for tacos to go. Pedro took some kids from the group to their host home, and Emily, Mike and Jose waited for him. Zach and I brought the tacos back to Solidad's where we were shortly joined by the rest. We popped in "Ink Heart" and dug in. 1 kilo of meat later, Pedro decided we needed more. So he and mike went back. I think they only got a 1/2 kilo more, but we ate almost the whole thing. Mike and Pedro asked Emily if they could ask her some questions to give her the chance to earn Mexican citizenship. The first question: "Name five presidents of Mexico" She aced this one. I definitely wouldn't have. The next one: "Name 10 animals in spanish" I thought for sure she would get. She named the obvious "pero, gato" and got through about 5 more when she paused. A serious look came to her face, she lowered he voice, and said the following, with a timid look and proper questioning inflection: "cajones?" The male members of the group positively roared with laughter. It is very very easy to get the two confused. Im sure there is some linguistic name out there for words that sound similar. And they always seem to make one prone to blush when the slip is made. "Canejo" was what she meant. Rabbit. "Cajones" was what she said. Testicles. Her face turned a beautiful shade of red. Needless to say, she didn't gain Mexican citizenship. The movie was in english, but with spanish subtitles. at a lull in conversation Pedro asked if Jose would turn the subtitles to English and mute the sound. He then began to read and try to make his voice appropriate to the characters. It was hilarious. The things he couldn't quite pronounce and the words he changed just enough to not make sense made for a fun time. Then they decided Emily and I should take turns and try our hand at the spanish subtitles. They were given opportunity for equally as much laughter - if not more. And so ended a good day with smiles, hugs, kisses and goodbyes and our alarms set for an early morning of work at the church.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Herms
Saturday:
Plans were made to put the finishing touches on cleaning in the upstairs apartment around 10. Solidad made us a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit and huevos rancheros. We ate and then were picked up by Pedro and Mike. During our 45 second car ride Mike received a call that Coco would be "late." So the brothers decided to wait while eating breakfast at Marco Polo. After we arrived to an upstairs table, I went to wash my hands. There is something about being passed by a huge bus that blows black smoke out its tail pipe (while the windows in our car are down) that makes me just feel dirty. After I got back I decided to use some of my favorite lotion. Conveniently hand sanitizing and moisturizing all in one. Pedro asked if he could use some, so I lent. Pedro passed to Mike who decided to read the label. This is what he said: (phonetic spelling for emphasis) "Keels ninty nine persent of herms." At this point, as you can imagine, I am laughing quite hard. Then Mike says: "Ah, yes, United States Herms, but does it keel Mexican Herms?" Well, does it?
We left without being tagged as it, and headed to the church. Cleaning began, for a short while anyway, because we had plans. Plans to go see Harry Potter in the theater with some of the youth. Into the "Yetta" (of VW Jetta for the English readers) we piled, and off we went. Emily and I hopped left out of the car for a candy run at the Soriana, while Zach, Mike, Pedro and Aaron (yes we were all in the car) hopped right to the theater. Pedro saved seats on the very back row. Preferring not to get a nose bleed, some of us sat in the middle row. The movie was great. And back to the church we decided to go. While we were pulling out of the parking lot, Emily commented something to the effect of it being a good thing that her mom didn't know how insane Mexican driving was. The words were no more than out of her lips when Mike shouted "Senora! Senora! Senora!" Pedro slammed on the breaks and the little Mexican grandma who almost got a VW tattoo stepped back up onto the curb. We again accelerated, and did a U-turn from the right-hand-turn-only-lane. Complete with diving directional curve (picture the light pole concrete land divider that directs the lane into a nice arch). Yes, a u-turn. to the left. to go the opposite direction. Im alive to type this so dont freak out
Once at the church we cleaned and mopped and spread sheets and cased pillows. We also cleaned 7 years worth of grease scum off the entire kitchen, floor to ceiling. It took quite a while, but things were smelling nice and fresh once we were done. By this time it was nearly 5pm. The boys wanted to eat, so we went to - you guessed it- Chick of the West. Coco's family should get a frequent fliers discount or something. I ordered a capuccio that was made with some weird warm form of goats milk. I try not to be picky, but my nose practically turned green by just one sip. So I just waited. After the rest ate Coco and kids had to go home, but the others of us (Jose, Mike, Pedro, Emily, Zach, Chino, Ali and I) decided to go coffee shopping. Nuevo Mundo was too "Closed" as Jose put it, and so we went to some iguana place. While we walked and talked it was learned that Pedro has a radio comercial voice. So he did a radio commercial for the Tlyuda lady (whom we had a date with later in the evening) There was laughing, dancing, music and cheer. We walked past Santo Domingo where there were people dancing and cheap carnival games. Emily got suckered out of a few pesos.
Tlyudas. We drove down main street, turned left a few times, right a few more, and wove back into a neighborhood. The streets were quiet, but there was one place lit up and alive. The Tlyuda lady that makes food there is famous. We all got Tlyudas. Zach and I were going to share a pecsi (the now acceptable but horrible mispronunciation of pepsi), but he forgot that I dont really drink while I eat, so he had a pecsi.
At this point Zach and I decided to retire for the day, and the rest opted for other adventures.
Plans were made to put the finishing touches on cleaning in the upstairs apartment around 10. Solidad made us a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit and huevos rancheros. We ate and then were picked up by Pedro and Mike. During our 45 second car ride Mike received a call that Coco would be "late." So the brothers decided to wait while eating breakfast at Marco Polo. After we arrived to an upstairs table, I went to wash my hands. There is something about being passed by a huge bus that blows black smoke out its tail pipe (while the windows in our car are down) that makes me just feel dirty. After I got back I decided to use some of my favorite lotion. Conveniently hand sanitizing and moisturizing all in one. Pedro asked if he could use some, so I lent. Pedro passed to Mike who decided to read the label. This is what he said: (phonetic spelling for emphasis) "Keels ninty nine persent of herms." At this point, as you can imagine, I am laughing quite hard. Then Mike says: "Ah, yes, United States Herms, but does it keel Mexican Herms?" Well, does it?
We left without being tagged as it, and headed to the church. Cleaning began, for a short while anyway, because we had plans. Plans to go see Harry Potter in the theater with some of the youth. Into the "Yetta" (of VW Jetta for the English readers) we piled, and off we went. Emily and I hopped left out of the car for a candy run at the Soriana, while Zach, Mike, Pedro and Aaron (yes we were all in the car) hopped right to the theater. Pedro saved seats on the very back row. Preferring not to get a nose bleed, some of us sat in the middle row. The movie was great. And back to the church we decided to go. While we were pulling out of the parking lot, Emily commented something to the effect of it being a good thing that her mom didn't know how insane Mexican driving was. The words were no more than out of her lips when Mike shouted "Senora! Senora! Senora!" Pedro slammed on the breaks and the little Mexican grandma who almost got a VW tattoo stepped back up onto the curb. We again accelerated, and did a U-turn from the right-hand-turn-only-lane. Complete with diving directional curve (picture the light pole concrete land divider that directs the lane into a nice arch). Yes, a u-turn. to the left. to go the opposite direction. Im alive to type this so dont freak out
Once at the church we cleaned and mopped and spread sheets and cased pillows. We also cleaned 7 years worth of grease scum off the entire kitchen, floor to ceiling. It took quite a while, but things were smelling nice and fresh once we were done. By this time it was nearly 5pm. The boys wanted to eat, so we went to - you guessed it- Chick of the West. Coco's family should get a frequent fliers discount or something. I ordered a capuccio that was made with some weird warm form of goats milk. I try not to be picky, but my nose practically turned green by just one sip. So I just waited. After the rest ate Coco and kids had to go home, but the others of us (Jose, Mike, Pedro, Emily, Zach, Chino, Ali and I) decided to go coffee shopping. Nuevo Mundo was too "Closed" as Jose put it, and so we went to some iguana place. While we walked and talked it was learned that Pedro has a radio comercial voice. So he did a radio commercial for the Tlyuda lady (whom we had a date with later in the evening) There was laughing, dancing, music and cheer. We walked past Santo Domingo where there were people dancing and cheap carnival games. Emily got suckered out of a few pesos.
Tlyudas. We drove down main street, turned left a few times, right a few more, and wove back into a neighborhood. The streets were quiet, but there was one place lit up and alive. The Tlyuda lady that makes food there is famous. We all got Tlyudas. Zach and I were going to share a pecsi (the now acceptable but horrible mispronunciation of pepsi), but he forgot that I dont really drink while I eat, so he had a pecsi.
At this point Zach and I decided to retire for the day, and the rest opted for other adventures.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Carnitas
Friday equals Tianguis. El Parque Llano (pronounced ya-no) is the place to be on Fridays in Oaxaca. In the mists of the night phantom workers enter and create a veritable warren of booths and covered walkways; the fires are lit and the air is filled with whispers of crowds to come and the first flakes of ash float from the ovens from whence will come the sacrifices to the masses. It is a mysterious event like most life experiences.
We arrived at least an hour later than anticipated to the VBS, so Kimb, Em and I went straight to the Llano with promises from Migue and Jose to join us for lunch there. We walked and ducked, smelled and touched; I bought a half kilo of coffee. We looked and asked where items came from, how they were made and what they were made of. No sooner had we told a ragamuffin (and I use this label most affectionately as they are my people but on a much more true level) that we would return to see his wares after having lunch it began to rain. Not unexpected, but Em didn't have her rain jacket. It rained hard enough for me to don my rain pants for the first time this trip. I found myself to be the only person in Oaxaca to have a rainsuit. Not only am I tall, white, dreadlocked and bearded I now add a matching gray rainsuit to my personal smorgasbord of rarity. One must embrace oneself for there are times when no one else will (unless of course you have a wife as wonderful as mine, but still love yourself). We waited under a tarped walk way, waiting for the decision to be made for us as to whether we would go for the jacket or wait the rain out. Our decision was made a bit easier by a small woman with a large pokey stick, as she thrust forward into the air her enchanted spear she smote the sagging tarp with electrifying strength that sent the deluge racing down the tarp in a liquid avalanche onto Kimberly's head. We shortly thereafter decided to go.
We walked and yes raindrops kept falling on our heads. We arrived avoiding the carwash (that being the street spray spread by speeding cars entering the street lakes). Em surrounded herself with an eye searing orange jacket; we made our return. Kimb went with Em to find a gift or two and I sat to await the arrival of our promised friends at the rendezvous point. They arrived and moments later the chicas returned. We had tacos arracheras from the sombrerudos (these guys with cowboy hats). As always they were delicious except for the piece of bone that I crunched on, but hey it's bone, in my mind that increases the authenticity of the meat (don't ask me why and don't ruin my optimism). Kimb and I shared a strawberry drink.
We left and returned to the church building there to wait for any adolescents who wanted to play soccer at two. No one showed. Aaron was still there as was Angel (Jose's little brother) so Migue, Jose and I joined them for some soccer 3 on 2. Jose and I were winning quite convincingly when Aaron was overcome by the heat; not that there is any real heat during the rainy season in Oaxaca even during the afternoon, but it must have been an inner heat, a passion if you will that would inspire the 12 year old to doff his shirt. Not a problem, nor was it a scandal and honestly it didn't help the team that much, but it did allow for one goal. I cannot recall the exact circumstances from whence this comment came but I am certain that there arose such a clatter as to merit a comment from Migue concerning Aaron's 'carnitas'. Now carnitas comes from the word carne meaning meat and the diminuitive ita meaning small and it is of course plural bring the medley to literally mean little meats though there are obvious contextual and cultural layers of meaning that need be applied but you get the idea. Aaron is a very athletic young man and is a great kid all around as well as quite active. He wears however a bit of baby fat around his midsection. With his shirt on you would never have noted its existence, however such was not the case. Needless to say Migue's comment about Aaron's carnitas brought every member of my team to their knees (being me and Jose) leaving carnitas to score a goal uninhibited. The goal was worth the laugh. Then, as you would have guessed, it began to rain. Again.
When it rains in Oaxaca all the Americans are supposed to stop what they are doing and drink a cup of coffee (it's Oaxacan law). So I, being the lawbreaker that I am forwent but Em and Kimb went with Migue to have another of the local brew. We basically own a table at a place called El Barrio across from the Lechuza taco place. It was shortly there after we returned to the church for the last night of regional service. The churches of Christ had been meeting at a different church in Oaxaca each night for women's class and then a congregational service; tonight was the last night and was hosted at our church. During the service we received most pleasant news. Pedro had arrived (He is Migue's brother who is finishing medical school in Puebla). We stayed and chatted after the service and helped cleanup and put chairs away. Then we went to Marisol and Soledad's home close to the church, so Em could pack her things. In preparation for the arrival of the youth group from Toluca Kimb and I are staying with Marisol and her mom Soledad and Emily is moving to Esperanza's house (a sweet lady from the church that owns a restaurant). We watched the first part of the Deathly Hallows film with Carlita (Marisol's daughter) in preparation for seeing the final Harry Potter film tomorrow. Coco arrived to take Emily and we said goodnight. I turned a knob and found myself being rained upon once more today but I embraced this shower closing my eyes and thanking G-d for this day.
We arrived at least an hour later than anticipated to the VBS, so Kimb, Em and I went straight to the Llano with promises from Migue and Jose to join us for lunch there. We walked and ducked, smelled and touched; I bought a half kilo of coffee. We looked and asked where items came from, how they were made and what they were made of. No sooner had we told a ragamuffin (and I use this label most affectionately as they are my people but on a much more true level) that we would return to see his wares after having lunch it began to rain. Not unexpected, but Em didn't have her rain jacket. It rained hard enough for me to don my rain pants for the first time this trip. I found myself to be the only person in Oaxaca to have a rainsuit. Not only am I tall, white, dreadlocked and bearded I now add a matching gray rainsuit to my personal smorgasbord of rarity. One must embrace oneself for there are times when no one else will (unless of course you have a wife as wonderful as mine, but still love yourself). We waited under a tarped walk way, waiting for the decision to be made for us as to whether we would go for the jacket or wait the rain out. Our decision was made a bit easier by a small woman with a large pokey stick, as she thrust forward into the air her enchanted spear she smote the sagging tarp with electrifying strength that sent the deluge racing down the tarp in a liquid avalanche onto Kimberly's head. We shortly thereafter decided to go.
We walked and yes raindrops kept falling on our heads. We arrived avoiding the carwash (that being the street spray spread by speeding cars entering the street lakes). Em surrounded herself with an eye searing orange jacket; we made our return. Kimb went with Em to find a gift or two and I sat to await the arrival of our promised friends at the rendezvous point. They arrived and moments later the chicas returned. We had tacos arracheras from the sombrerudos (these guys with cowboy hats). As always they were delicious except for the piece of bone that I crunched on, but hey it's bone, in my mind that increases the authenticity of the meat (don't ask me why and don't ruin my optimism). Kimb and I shared a strawberry drink.
We left and returned to the church building there to wait for any adolescents who wanted to play soccer at two. No one showed. Aaron was still there as was Angel (Jose's little brother) so Migue, Jose and I joined them for some soccer 3 on 2. Jose and I were winning quite convincingly when Aaron was overcome by the heat; not that there is any real heat during the rainy season in Oaxaca even during the afternoon, but it must have been an inner heat, a passion if you will that would inspire the 12 year old to doff his shirt. Not a problem, nor was it a scandal and honestly it didn't help the team that much, but it did allow for one goal. I cannot recall the exact circumstances from whence this comment came but I am certain that there arose such a clatter as to merit a comment from Migue concerning Aaron's 'carnitas'. Now carnitas comes from the word carne meaning meat and the diminuitive ita meaning small and it is of course plural bring the medley to literally mean little meats though there are obvious contextual and cultural layers of meaning that need be applied but you get the idea. Aaron is a very athletic young man and is a great kid all around as well as quite active. He wears however a bit of baby fat around his midsection. With his shirt on you would never have noted its existence, however such was not the case. Needless to say Migue's comment about Aaron's carnitas brought every member of my team to their knees (being me and Jose) leaving carnitas to score a goal uninhibited. The goal was worth the laugh. Then, as you would have guessed, it began to rain. Again.
When it rains in Oaxaca all the Americans are supposed to stop what they are doing and drink a cup of coffee (it's Oaxacan law). So I, being the lawbreaker that I am forwent but Em and Kimb went with Migue to have another of the local brew. We basically own a table at a place called El Barrio across from the Lechuza taco place. It was shortly there after we returned to the church for the last night of regional service. The churches of Christ had been meeting at a different church in Oaxaca each night for women's class and then a congregational service; tonight was the last night and was hosted at our church. During the service we received most pleasant news. Pedro had arrived (He is Migue's brother who is finishing medical school in Puebla). We stayed and chatted after the service and helped cleanup and put chairs away. Then we went to Marisol and Soledad's home close to the church, so Em could pack her things. In preparation for the arrival of the youth group from Toluca Kimb and I are staying with Marisol and her mom Soledad and Emily is moving to Esperanza's house (a sweet lady from the church that owns a restaurant). We watched the first part of the Deathly Hallows film with Carlita (Marisol's daughter) in preparation for seeing the final Harry Potter film tomorrow. Coco arrived to take Emily and we said goodnight. I turned a knob and found myself being rained upon once more today but I embraced this shower closing my eyes and thanking G-d for this day.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
To Lay Our Bodies Down
My morning, three pancakes and a bus. Aaron went with us and it was almost noon before we made it to the city. We met Migue and Jose at the church and helped clean up after the VBS. The time had finally come, fuimos a la caseta.
The caseta is the place in Oaxaca where the magic happens; I have seen the most wonderous thing in past visits, but mostly one can taste the magic. We walked the few blocks down and there saw Claudia who last year had a baby. He is now doing very well and is 10 months old; last year Kimberly crocheted a cap for him. I had been savoring the words almost as much as the taste when at long last I was able to utter, "Te pido una torta de chorriqueso por favor Claudia?" It was not 5 minutes and there neatly wrapped in napkin was the object of my culinary dreams. It had been too long, so I ordered another along with chocolate milk and a mirinda (orange soda pop (lethal combination you're thinking (lethal combination I'm telling you))).
With the time quickly approaching two o'clock we departed my second sandwich in hand to purchase some soft drinks and popcorn for the movie. We arrived refreshments in hand and began to set up our cinema in a classroom at the church. We set up seats, projector, speakers, a tarp to cover the window everything was set. We had a short discussion with the youth group about family and then pushed play on Sueno Imposible or The Blind Side. Some in the group had already seen it, but all enjoyed and we closed with a shorter discussion of our previous question as it was played out in the film. Clean up.
It's been raining for two hours now and we decide it is time for coffee. So the five (Em, Kimb, Jose, Migue, Zach) take a jaunt through the rain to the coffee haunt from last night. While the rest take there chemicals in liquid, I go across the street for some airfare and rain. Jose later joins me. We continue a conversation that is espoused mostly from ignorance and frustration being in environments were people do not seem to be hungry or searching in any active way. We find no answers but step back across the street with a couple of better questions and an unspoken commitment to not give up on them yet.
They say tacos, I say pizza; I win. I wanted to take Kimberly there last year but we didn't make time, so today was a day of vindication and excellent pizza at a little place on the second floor of a building en el centro overlooking the lazy streets of a sweet post rain scene, vendors out and peoples strolling the street lamps all aglow. We enjoy one another's company and share our warmth in the chill evening air. I have yet to taste a more artistic and satisfying slice of pizza anywhere in the world. We talked of Israel, Jesus and breath mint proverbs. Most satisfying conversation.
We ambled our way home, laughing like friends, sharing like family down the glistening cobblestone streets, the shadows stretched long but glowed inside. We dropped Em off with promises of a tomorrow we hope will come, met with the family and sped home to Tule to lay our bodies down.
The caseta is the place in Oaxaca where the magic happens; I have seen the most wonderous thing in past visits, but mostly one can taste the magic. We walked the few blocks down and there saw Claudia who last year had a baby. He is now doing very well and is 10 months old; last year Kimberly crocheted a cap for him. I had been savoring the words almost as much as the taste when at long last I was able to utter, "Te pido una torta de chorriqueso por favor Claudia?" It was not 5 minutes and there neatly wrapped in napkin was the object of my culinary dreams. It had been too long, so I ordered another along with chocolate milk and a mirinda (orange soda pop (lethal combination you're thinking (lethal combination I'm telling you))).
With the time quickly approaching two o'clock we departed my second sandwich in hand to purchase some soft drinks and popcorn for the movie. We arrived refreshments in hand and began to set up our cinema in a classroom at the church. We set up seats, projector, speakers, a tarp to cover the window everything was set. We had a short discussion with the youth group about family and then pushed play on Sueno Imposible or The Blind Side. Some in the group had already seen it, but all enjoyed and we closed with a shorter discussion of our previous question as it was played out in the film. Clean up.
It's been raining for two hours now and we decide it is time for coffee. So the five (Em, Kimb, Jose, Migue, Zach) take a jaunt through the rain to the coffee haunt from last night. While the rest take there chemicals in liquid, I go across the street for some airfare and rain. Jose later joins me. We continue a conversation that is espoused mostly from ignorance and frustration being in environments were people do not seem to be hungry or searching in any active way. We find no answers but step back across the street with a couple of better questions and an unspoken commitment to not give up on them yet.
They say tacos, I say pizza; I win. I wanted to take Kimberly there last year but we didn't make time, so today was a day of vindication and excellent pizza at a little place on the second floor of a building en el centro overlooking the lazy streets of a sweet post rain scene, vendors out and peoples strolling the street lamps all aglow. We enjoy one another's company and share our warmth in the chill evening air. I have yet to taste a more artistic and satisfying slice of pizza anywhere in the world. We talked of Israel, Jesus and breath mint proverbs. Most satisfying conversation.
We ambled our way home, laughing like friends, sharing like family down the glistening cobblestone streets, the shadows stretched long but glowed inside. We dropped Em off with promises of a tomorrow we hope will come, met with the family and sped home to Tule to lay our bodies down.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Peter picked peppers with potato papers - or some-ting
There is a reason for stereo-types. Spanish doesn't place blame on people. Pens drop themselves off of desks, lamps drop themselves off tables, and drivers licenses leave themselves at home. Leti explained this to me in the car on the way to the birth center. I think the conversation happened somewhere between Emi asking me if I could drive, and me asking if Aaron was "old enough" to drive. Old enough earns quotations because its a matter of interpretation. Thus the need for excuses when a police officer stops someone.
Leti is a doula, and will soon be studying to be a midwife. She invited me to come to the christian birth center with her today. It was incredible to say the least. The birth process alone warrants such a description, and when coupled with the most wonderful team of christian women it makes for a really beautiful experience. The place is comfortable, welcoming and safely tucked away behind some really beautiful trees. I got to sit in on an examination. It is protocol for the doula to do the preliminary work up when an expectant woman comes in. And each check-up gives an opportunity for a freindship to be built, and a message of Gods love to be shared. Leti talked with the woman and asked about her life and the rest of her family (in addition to the baby) and then she prayed with her and shared a verse from John. And of course took BP, HR, Weight, etc. I got to hear the baby's heartbeat with a doplar monitor, and see the ultrasound. It was really really really cool. We (Leti, Emily and I) were there until almost 4pm. Zach opted to sleep a few extra minutes, so we left him around 9:30. He took his time and caught a bus to the church where he helped finish up with VBS and then went with Mike and Jose to play fronton. The boys picked us girls up from the center and we all went back to Chicken from the west for lunch.
Mike, Jose, Emily, Zach and I walked to Santo Domingo after the family went home and got a cup of coffee. Over which we talked plans for the youth group for the rest of the week (including a viewing of HP 7 pt 2 on Saturday (yay!!)) as well as some good ole tongue twisters. We would through the famous ones (sally and her sea shells, peter and his peppers, chuck and his wood) at Mike, and he would intently listen, nod his head, and say "Thats easy" before launching into a silly mimic of the main sounds. It made for some good laughs.
Emily danced in the llano. Last year when we were here there was construction going on and turns out all that work was for a really nice brick walk-way complete with spouting water gysers syncronized to music blaring at all hours on loud speakers. It was pretty cool. The locals thought Emily was pretty loco, but clapped after a few arabesques.
After our 2 hour coffee break, we walked to the Lechusa. This lechusa existe!!! Where we ate about 75% of a kilo of meat, and then walked across the street for another coffee while we waited for coco and leti to come get us.
It is really refreshing being here. Our friends are really wonderful, and it does our hearts good to be surrounded with such joy, care and connection. There is a piece of life here that can't quite be tapped in Nashville. We are thankful that it exists here, and awaits us in the lives of these friends.
It was late when we got home tonight. The days seem to be absolutely flying by.
Leti is a doula, and will soon be studying to be a midwife. She invited me to come to the christian birth center with her today. It was incredible to say the least. The birth process alone warrants such a description, and when coupled with the most wonderful team of christian women it makes for a really beautiful experience. The place is comfortable, welcoming and safely tucked away behind some really beautiful trees. I got to sit in on an examination. It is protocol for the doula to do the preliminary work up when an expectant woman comes in. And each check-up gives an opportunity for a freindship to be built, and a message of Gods love to be shared. Leti talked with the woman and asked about her life and the rest of her family (in addition to the baby) and then she prayed with her and shared a verse from John. And of course took BP, HR, Weight, etc. I got to hear the baby's heartbeat with a doplar monitor, and see the ultrasound. It was really really really cool. We (Leti, Emily and I) were there until almost 4pm. Zach opted to sleep a few extra minutes, so we left him around 9:30. He took his time and caught a bus to the church where he helped finish up with VBS and then went with Mike and Jose to play fronton. The boys picked us girls up from the center and we all went back to Chicken from the west for lunch.
Mike, Jose, Emily, Zach and I walked to Santo Domingo after the family went home and got a cup of coffee. Over which we talked plans for the youth group for the rest of the week (including a viewing of HP 7 pt 2 on Saturday (yay!!)) as well as some good ole tongue twisters. We would through the famous ones (sally and her sea shells, peter and his peppers, chuck and his wood) at Mike, and he would intently listen, nod his head, and say "Thats easy" before launching into a silly mimic of the main sounds. It made for some good laughs.
Emily danced in the llano. Last year when we were here there was construction going on and turns out all that work was for a really nice brick walk-way complete with spouting water gysers syncronized to music blaring at all hours on loud speakers. It was pretty cool. The locals thought Emily was pretty loco, but clapped after a few arabesques.
After our 2 hour coffee break, we walked to the Lechusa. This lechusa existe!!! Where we ate about 75% of a kilo of meat, and then walked across the street for another coffee while we waited for coco and leti to come get us.
It is really refreshing being here. Our friends are really wonderful, and it does our hearts good to be surrounded with such joy, care and connection. There is a piece of life here that can't quite be tapped in Nashville. We are thankful that it exists here, and awaits us in the lives of these friends.
It was late when we got home tonight. The days seem to be absolutely flying by.
Swinging in the Rain
It's Tuesday we have breakfast plans: Jose, Emily, the family and Esperanza's restaurant. We arrived at the time we were hoping to leave and Jose was unable to make it, but this doesn't spoil excellent food. I enjoyed two memelitas with black beans and quesillo as well as a plate of entomatadas. Kimb and Emily both had the delicious enfrijoladas with champurado all around. It was the most excellent way to begin a day.
We found Jose at the church with the VBS crew and I was able to give him the movie he had asked for. He fixed me with a grave look and said, "I don't like you more, but I don't like you less." Jose has a way with words. Kimb delivered the five finger shoes to Mike that we got for him and his brother Pedro. Good news, they fit.
I (this is Kimberly now) walked with Leti and Emily to office depot (about 3/4 of a mile) to purchase a memory. Stick that is. Leti designed a t-shirt for the youth group, and needed to put it on a usb to take to the print shop. Emily is enamored with Oaxaca. It is fun to show her things and feed/thrive off her excitement. We returned to the church and shortly there after left with Zach, Migue, and Jose (plus Emi, Aaron and Coco/Leti) to drive to the mall. More jam session in the van. Think of this off grey mani van (just for you Conn) piloted by the most serious looking - but quite humorous and enjoyable - mexican man driving like mad and literally bumping because the radio is turned so loud and the brake/drive functions are expertly tuned to the beat. We listened to Cat Stevens, Michael Jackson, and whoever sings "EVERYBODY DANCE NOW." If you aren't smiling, you would be if you could actually see us.
The mall is exactly what you think. Very "United States-ish" Food court and all. Mexican-Chineese food did not make my stomach flip only once, so I opted for a fresh chef salad. Emi (the little Oaxacan one) proved herself fully mexican and redneck all in the same meal. First she was trying to get her dad's attention. Her attempts were as follows:
1. "Papi!"
2. "Papi!" (2x louder)
3. "Papi!" (followed by a huff)
4. The mexican whistle.
Immediately he looked up. Pure and simple as that. Not even 4 minutes later (she wanted his attention so that she could have 16 pesos to go get a McDonalds ice-cream sundae) she is eating her chocolate smothered ice-cream and she opens her mouth in a huge grin only to reveal that her left front tooth is gone. Gone as in completely blacked out with chocolate syrup. Her dual citizenship runs deep.
We came back to the church for cleaning extravaganza numero uno. First the boys and the kids played a quick game of futbol rapido, and then we went upstairs into the church apartment and got busy. We were 15 and quite well organized complete with the 8 year old female rendition of "All the Single Ladies" reverberating off the freshly sanitized walls. We swept and mopped and swept the mop hairs and organized closets and re-hung curtains.
Emily (Arkansas one) and I rode with Coco and Leti to the print shop to deliver the t-shirts and design. The completed product will be ready on Saturday. Coco is self proclaimed "Crazy in the steering wheel" and only almost hit one pedestrian and only almost got run over by 2 busses. Not too bad. Almost counts in Oaxacan traffic too. By this time it is 6:30 in the afternoon (there is no word for evening in spanish, so everything is afternoon until it is night)and POURING down rain. Buckets and buckets of rain that lasts at least 5 hours.
We pick up Zach and Mike and drop of Coco and so now we go to a coffee shop for a warm treat. While sitting at the table with a clear view of the intersection 10 yards away, we spy a man, sprinting for his life to get across the street between cars. He clearly wants to be on the other side of the road and probably out of the rain. Unlucky for him, he catches the toe of his right shoe on the curb. His momentum hurls him up onto the sidewalk where there is a light pole. He manages to grab it with his hands allowing the momentum to swing him in a complete 360 and then somehow he stays on his feet and sprints off in the same direction as if nothing ever happened. It was outrageous. There was a .65 second period of stunned silence among us, before the hysteria ensued. (Mexican cleaning chemical induced???) Emily chimed in (in between gasps for air amidst laughter) that he appeared to have taken a break in his life to burst into spontaneous song and belt out "singing in the rain." To which my abs responded with further achy cackeling. And then, in that infamous Zach way, he looks up and calmly, quietly, seriously sings (in proper key) "Swinging in the rain, I'm swinging in the rain" It was at least 5 minutes before we reached a reasonable level of sanity again.
The rain didn't stop until I was asleep. Between the swinging and that point we traveled here there and everywhere dropping off and picking up all the right people at all the right places. All to arrive at a good nights rest.
We found Jose at the church with the VBS crew and I was able to give him the movie he had asked for. He fixed me with a grave look and said, "I don't like you more, but I don't like you less." Jose has a way with words. Kimb delivered the five finger shoes to Mike that we got for him and his brother Pedro. Good news, they fit.
I (this is Kimberly now) walked with Leti and Emily to office depot (about 3/4 of a mile) to purchase a memory. Stick that is. Leti designed a t-shirt for the youth group, and needed to put it on a usb to take to the print shop. Emily is enamored with Oaxaca. It is fun to show her things and feed/thrive off her excitement. We returned to the church and shortly there after left with Zach, Migue, and Jose (plus Emi, Aaron and Coco/Leti) to drive to the mall. More jam session in the van. Think of this off grey mani van (just for you Conn) piloted by the most serious looking - but quite humorous and enjoyable - mexican man driving like mad and literally bumping because the radio is turned so loud and the brake/drive functions are expertly tuned to the beat. We listened to Cat Stevens, Michael Jackson, and whoever sings "EVERYBODY DANCE NOW." If you aren't smiling, you would be if you could actually see us.
The mall is exactly what you think. Very "United States-ish" Food court and all. Mexican-Chineese food did not make my stomach flip only once, so I opted for a fresh chef salad. Emi (the little Oaxacan one) proved herself fully mexican and redneck all in the same meal. First she was trying to get her dad's attention. Her attempts were as follows:
1. "Papi!"
2. "Papi!" (2x louder)
3. "Papi!" (followed by a huff)
4. The mexican whistle.
Immediately he looked up. Pure and simple as that. Not even 4 minutes later (she wanted his attention so that she could have 16 pesos to go get a McDonalds ice-cream sundae) she is eating her chocolate smothered ice-cream and she opens her mouth in a huge grin only to reveal that her left front tooth is gone. Gone as in completely blacked out with chocolate syrup. Her dual citizenship runs deep.
We came back to the church for cleaning extravaganza numero uno. First the boys and the kids played a quick game of futbol rapido, and then we went upstairs into the church apartment and got busy. We were 15 and quite well organized complete with the 8 year old female rendition of "All the Single Ladies" reverberating off the freshly sanitized walls. We swept and mopped and swept the mop hairs and organized closets and re-hung curtains.
Emily (Arkansas one) and I rode with Coco and Leti to the print shop to deliver the t-shirts and design. The completed product will be ready on Saturday. Coco is self proclaimed "Crazy in the steering wheel" and only almost hit one pedestrian and only almost got run over by 2 busses. Not too bad. Almost counts in Oaxacan traffic too. By this time it is 6:30 in the afternoon (there is no word for evening in spanish, so everything is afternoon until it is night)and POURING down rain. Buckets and buckets of rain that lasts at least 5 hours.
We pick up Zach and Mike and drop of Coco and so now we go to a coffee shop for a warm treat. While sitting at the table with a clear view of the intersection 10 yards away, we spy a man, sprinting for his life to get across the street between cars. He clearly wants to be on the other side of the road and probably out of the rain. Unlucky for him, he catches the toe of his right shoe on the curb. His momentum hurls him up onto the sidewalk where there is a light pole. He manages to grab it with his hands allowing the momentum to swing him in a complete 360 and then somehow he stays on his feet and sprints off in the same direction as if nothing ever happened. It was outrageous. There was a .65 second period of stunned silence among us, before the hysteria ensued. (Mexican cleaning chemical induced???) Emily chimed in (in between gasps for air amidst laughter) that he appeared to have taken a break in his life to burst into spontaneous song and belt out "singing in the rain." To which my abs responded with further achy cackeling. And then, in that infamous Zach way, he looks up and calmly, quietly, seriously sings (in proper key) "Swinging in the rain, I'm swinging in the rain" It was at least 5 minutes before we reached a reasonable level of sanity again.
The rain didn't stop until I was asleep. Between the swinging and that point we traveled here there and everywhere dropping off and picking up all the right people at all the right places. All to arrive at a good nights rest.
Who let the dogs out?!?
We slept. Marina was there (the housekeeper) and had prepared a ham and egg omelet with fresh tortillas, salsa, quesillo and black beans. Of course cafe (coffee). After breakfast we prepared for the day and set out with the family to the church. We went and caught the end of the VBS. Many were there helping including Jose, Miguel, Lulu. We caught up a little bit and I was able to meet Jose's little brother Angel and little sister Carmen as well as his mom who was recently baptized. It is incredible to think that two years ago I met Jose at a study in a coffee shop with the other college age group and now not only is he a Christian but a strong leader in the church, and he has brought his mother to a whole new life in Christ.
Lunch Pollos del Oeste (Chickens from the West). Of course I had the beef milanesa which is a very thin cut that has been breaded and fried; it was delicious being accompanied by a large glass of lemon-made lemonade. Once we finished dining we loaded the van and made our way to the zocalo. Emily had her iPhone so she played some music through the van speakers. Coco is driving of course, Latisha co pilot and the rest of us Kimb, me, Emily, Emi, Aaron, Jose and Migue are a conglomerate in the back. The first song that comes on is "God is not a white man", a most appropriate song to have in mind when considering theology and Christianity in a non-anglo society. So we are enjoying, singing along and considering all things G-d and good, basking in the final notes when were blindsided by American teen culture as "Who let the dogs out!" begins to consume our world. It begins with Coco doing some seat bounce dancing with an overhand shuffle (think hand jive on fast forward). The rest of course is pandemonium. The finale involved Coco parallel parking while tapping the breaks along to the beat; it easily took 2.5 minutes to come to a stopping point. Driving in Mexico is always an adventure.
We made our way to the zocalo, just strolling and listening to Emily's Shakira imitation and being taught how to Bernie by the same Emily. Making our way through the crowding vendors we stopped at Black Coffee for some, well, black coffee. I ordered a particularly succulent blend called 'Black Twister' it was a Brazilian bean with a touch of chocolate and whipped cream, cold. The best part however was the grains of coffee that were suspended throughout the brew and finishing with a chocolate covered bean. It was most excellent treat.
We returned to the church with more songs and of course more dancing. Every night this week there is a meeting, each time at a different church. Tonight was at our church. There is a women's class before each meeting, so we hung out with the youth group. We did some icebreaker name games and the human knot, then talked about different things we could do together this week. The theme for the adult meetings is Attacks on the Family so we sang together and listened to the lesson. Afterward we talked with many of the folks from our congregation that we hadn't seen yet and made plans to meet up with them later in our trip. It is so good to be surrounded by those we have come to love in past years, especially those who were new Christians and to see them faithful still and growing even in difficulties. This is a blessing.
We dropped Emily off at her residence and made our way home, but Kimb couldn't stand to pass the tlayuda lady so Coco pulled over and we all had a late night snack; it was truly supreme; back in the fall I had a dream about flying tlayudas (a very large tortilla that is more durable usually filled like a quesadilla with various ingredients). This was a long desire fulfilled.
We slept and dreamed of internalized tlayudas.
Lunch Pollos del Oeste (Chickens from the West). Of course I had the beef milanesa which is a very thin cut that has been breaded and fried; it was delicious being accompanied by a large glass of lemon-made lemonade. Once we finished dining we loaded the van and made our way to the zocalo. Emily had her iPhone so she played some music through the van speakers. Coco is driving of course, Latisha co pilot and the rest of us Kimb, me, Emily, Emi, Aaron, Jose and Migue are a conglomerate in the back. The first song that comes on is "God is not a white man", a most appropriate song to have in mind when considering theology and Christianity in a non-anglo society. So we are enjoying, singing along and considering all things G-d and good, basking in the final notes when were blindsided by American teen culture as "Who let the dogs out!" begins to consume our world. It begins with Coco doing some seat bounce dancing with an overhand shuffle (think hand jive on fast forward). The rest of course is pandemonium. The finale involved Coco parallel parking while tapping the breaks along to the beat; it easily took 2.5 minutes to come to a stopping point. Driving in Mexico is always an adventure.
We made our way to the zocalo, just strolling and listening to Emily's Shakira imitation and being taught how to Bernie by the same Emily. Making our way through the crowding vendors we stopped at Black Coffee for some, well, black coffee. I ordered a particularly succulent blend called 'Black Twister' it was a Brazilian bean with a touch of chocolate and whipped cream, cold. The best part however was the grains of coffee that were suspended throughout the brew and finishing with a chocolate covered bean. It was most excellent treat.
We returned to the church with more songs and of course more dancing. Every night this week there is a meeting, each time at a different church. Tonight was at our church. There is a women's class before each meeting, so we hung out with the youth group. We did some icebreaker name games and the human knot, then talked about different things we could do together this week. The theme for the adult meetings is Attacks on the Family so we sang together and listened to the lesson. Afterward we talked with many of the folks from our congregation that we hadn't seen yet and made plans to meet up with them later in our trip. It is so good to be surrounded by those we have come to love in past years, especially those who were new Christians and to see them faithful still and growing even in difficulties. This is a blessing.
We dropped Emily off at her residence and made our way home, but Kimb couldn't stand to pass the tlayuda lady so Coco pulled over and we all had a late night snack; it was truly supreme; back in the fall I had a dream about flying tlayudas (a very large tortilla that is more durable usually filled like a quesadilla with various ingredients). This was a long desire fulfilled.
We slept and dreamed of internalized tlayudas.
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