My New Life...

The family:

I live with Doña Juana and her family … and I have not quite yet figured out what that means. I still don’t know who belongs to who and who lives where and who is just visiting when and all that jazz…it’s a bit of a headache to try to figure out. But I’m learning bit by bit. Lately there have been about 13 people sleeping here every night. I know Doña Juana has 3 sons, but I don’t think any of them permanently live here. Two of her daughter in-laws do, and their children. Others, including two of her sons, are in and out all of the time. Generally speaking, the people I see on a regular basis are Doña Juana, her daughter-in-law Gaby, and four of her grandchildren ranging in age from (I’m guessing) 2 to 15. But in the evenings tons of people come over and start whipping up a feast about when I’m going to bed.

The House:

Has taken some adjustment to get used to, and I can’t say I’m even close to totally adjusted yet. My ideas of comfort and cleanliness will definitely be stretched this year. Luckily things are already improving … there is now light in the bathroom where there didn’t used to be, and they are “fixing” the bathroom (I’m not quite sure what that will all entail). Ah well. I am definitely struggling with noise levels that seem to take over this house at about 9 pm when I am usually heading towards bed. But my ipod is being good to me and I think I might be able to hack it. Things are a bit cramped here as there are only two bedrooms besides mine and 13 of us sleep here. I know I should be used to it from where I lived this last year, but I am already missing the concept of walking around barefoot in my home. And with the cold water showers that freeze me to death I think I will be training my hair not to be washed every day!

Food:

1. My host family tells me I don’t eat anything.
2. my host family doesn’t eat fruits or vegetables.

2a. I told them those are my favorite foods, and since then I’ve seen a few … we’ll see if that continues…

3. we eat a lot of eggs. and hot dogs. a lot. I might become concerned for my cholesterol. Although I do love eggs.
4. I eat breakfast at the school, which is nice because it usually consists of cereal or oatmeal with banana and milk – which feels like a good balanced meal!
5. I’ve been trying to really not eat dinner. I’m never hungry and they all eat a huge meal at about 10:30 every night. So I usually just have some bread and warm milk with coffee/chocolate in the evening. I am content this way but would prefer some fruit too!
6. Lizy (the director) bought me fruit to keep at the school so I can be sure to at least have some every day there.

My Room:

I do have my own room. I have managed to pretty much make it my own, which of course means putting lots of pictures and quotes on the wall. Cynthia – thanks for the sticky tack – I’ve used it tons - Although I have my own room, that does not mean I have privacy…there is a “window” into the living room that is covered by a white/see through piece of fabric which allows tons of light and tons of sound from the TV that’s right on the other side of it to enter my room. Also, the door doesn’t shut so I have to prop stuff up against it, and there is a large gap next to the door frame through which a small child could fit. I do exaggerate, BUT it’s true that my privacy is being stretched. The first day here I was like there is no way these things can stay this way, but I think I’ve gotten used to them by now….

Here are some pictures of my room:

La Buena Tierra (my school):

1. the kids are adorable.
2. I brush a lot of teeth, wipe a lot of bums, and wash a lot of hands.
3. I am already reminded of why I studied SECONDARY education, but I think I will enjoy this year because the kids are seriously so cute.
4. and they pee their pants a lot. awesome.
5. I don’t really know what I’m going to be doing yet. A lot of just helping out. maybe teaching some English. Lots of translating for the sponsorship program (letters between the kids and their donors). we’ll see what else…

La Temporada de Lluvia:

Right now is the rainy season (through November I think), which has a lot of implications for me:

1. the air is very moist
2. my towels never dry (and are nice and musty smelling)
3. the Via (the “street” I live on) turns into a rushing river fairly often
4. I get a delightful serenade to sleep to due to the tin roof above my head and the rain
5. I feel gross and wet a lot. But have learned the hard way to take my umbrella with me everywhere

The City:

1. I’m starting to enjoy this city.
2. I found “my place” … it’s about a 10 minute walk from my house, it’s a coffee shop, they have great coffee, really nice staff, and wireless internet. I think I will find myself there, a lot. Whether to read, hang out, or use the internet. But I love it.
3. luckily I live on one of the hugest streets in the city which makes use of public transportation much simpler for me.
4. however, I also tend to just walk everywhere, if it’s less than an hour away. And I learned the hard way that tennis shoes are best for such endeavors
5. I have yet to really embrace/explore the zócalo and see what’s up down there.
6. I found a great, huge park. Although walking there involves a near death experience walking on the highway, I’ll probs head there often.
7. after lots and lots of searching and asking, I found a place I can watch football. And a friend to watch it with. I am pumped.

Okay so there’s a random quick (or long, sorries) overview of things right now. I continue to adjust and get used to life here in the Via, learning my way in Cuernavaca, and figuring out what “work” is like at Buena Tierra. I’m learning to like it more and more every day. The tone of my journal entries has gotten progressively more optimistic and happy this past week and a half…and hopefully that will continue! Keep the emails coming…they truly brighten my life. I apologize if I don’t always write back right away, but I will get there eventually I promise! Until next time …