Gracias

To all of you who helped fill a suitcase with shoes, THANK YOU.

                           

Shoes!

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who gave me shoes to bring back to Mexico. I prayed that I would be able to fill a suitcase with shoes and thanks to your help, I was able to do that and more! I ended up putting shoes in my carry on, because the 67 pairs wouldn't fit in the suitcase alone.

I've already given a few away to some very happy little people and am going with Greg and Natalie to distribute the rest at the end of the month. I'm really looking forward to seeing more smiling faces. I'll take some pictures so you can see them too :)

Next Adventure: The Middle East

Sorry, I lied. I won't be trading my flip flops for a burka any time soon... but now that I have your attention, I need your help. 

I'm going back home for five days for my Grandpa's memorial service. I can fit all my clothes in a carry on which leaves me one free checked back for the way back to Mexico... I would love to fill it with shoes. 

Greg and Natalie are a wonderful missionary couple who live here on the Isla. They share a whole lot of love with the people who live here, in addition to nice comfy shoes for kids who might not get them otherwise. Check out their blog at http://islazapatos.blogspot.mx/

So here's where you come in.... help me fill up my extra suitcase. 

What: They need children's shoes from baby sizes up until size 11. Any new tennis shoes, flip flops or sandals would be worn and greatly appreciated =]

Where: I know many of you who are reading this are either related to me, a good friend, or went to high school with me. SO you know where I live. I'll be putting a box outside my house where you can drop the shoes off. I will also be in the Rochester and Binghampton area, so if you live there, send me an inbox and I'll tell you where to drop them off. Also, spread the word at work, church or among your friends. I know it's late notice but it only takes a second to pick up a cute pair of shoes at Target or Wal- Mart!

When: From May 25th- May 28th

Why: Why should you care enough to buy a pair of shoes for a kid you don't even know? Well, I think because if you are reading this  you have a lot to give, whether you are rich or not. My idea is not give cause you are wealthier than most but somehow to make a sacrifice.  Give something up, something that you are gonna feel. Instead of going out to the movies on the weekend, stay home and rent one. Instead of going out to dinner, make it at home. Instead of buying another piece of clothing you don't need, don't.  Instead of going to Starbucks, use your coffee pot. Sacrifice something.  Mother Teresa asks,

     "Have you ever experienced the joy of giving? I do not want you to give from your abundance... I want you to give of yourself. The love you put into the giving is the most important thing."

 

For when you feel far away...

I’ve been in a weird mood lately, so I’ve been avoiding the whole blogging deal. I hate to sound whiney or unhappy, but the truth is,  life isn’t always a  bowl of cherries.

My grandfather passed away and since then the longing to be with family has really intensified. He was such an amazing man, someone who saw family as a number one priority. He always took the time to show his family that he loved us. Obviously, such a loss is hard to take. It had me wishing I was home and could cry on someone’s shoulder, get a hug, or just sit with someone and reminnce about all the wonderful memories.

My little island

 But, I’m in Mexico… so, I didn’t really have that. I found myself quite down and feeling really isolated.  After a phone call home to my brother, I realized that even though I felt it, I wasn't alone. Instead of looking for all the ways I felt far away, I began to look at all the ways I feel loved. Even here, far away from the place that I call home and far away from my family.

I realized that I get hugs everyday. My students bombard me with them when they come to class, when they leave, and sometimes in between. My kinder students smile up at me, and sometimes slip and call me “mama” or “tia,” which I must say, kinda melts my heart every time.

My church here in Mexico has been so supportive and when they found out my Grandfather passed away they invited me over to enjoy breakfast and sincerely prayed for my family.

Friends Paulina, Andrea and Persi

My friend Andrea brought over cupcakes and was there to listen to me when I needed to talk.

Flor, Miguel, Sarita y Alex

A few weekends back Andrea and I were invited to go to our friends’ hometown in Merida where we were treated like part of the family. Miguel and Flor drove us to Merida, provided a place for us to stay, and chauffeured us around the whole weekend. We ate all our meals with their family and had a great time joking around. It reminded me of the times spent with my own family and it was so nice to feel like I have a family here as well.

Family Dinner in Merida

God provides for us no matter where we live. He knows we need to feel loved. If  we concentrate on all the ways He shows us his love through the people around us,  we will be overwhelmed. He knew how hard it would be for me to go through this time “alone” in Mexico, and He even provided a way for me to visit my Grandparents in Florida over my break. I had the opportunity to spend some time with my Grandpa in the hospital and to say goodbye, even though I didn’t know then that that’s what it was.

So here’s the cheesy part. No matter what you’re going through, no matter how isolated you feel, you are loved. Start counting the ways that God shows you His love. If you’re reading this and don’t believe in God, start counting the ways you are loved by people, cause it’s interchangeable. We are able to love because He first loved us. Appreciate the people God has placed in your life TODAY. Appreciate their encouragement, their smiles and the hope they offer.

Whether you live close to family or far away, know that some things never change and whether you feel it everyday or not, YOU ARE LOVED.

Stuck in a rut?

Ever get stuck in a rut? .... The answer is probably yes, even if you don't know it.
I've recently had the epiphany that I was in just that place. I didn't realize cause I was too busy being, well being kind of lazy actually.

What brought about this epiphany you might ask? My wonderful boyfriend paid a visit to my little island and I had such an awesome time, it really got me thinking about my life here on La Isla.

When Guillermo was here we rented a golf cart and explored the island. He gave me lessons on how to drive a moto, we tried different kinds of food, went to beaches I've never gone to before and took a trip to Isla Contouy, an island about an hour away from Isla Mujeres. Through being adventurous and getting out more, I learned so much about the place I live. When he was surprised I hadn't been to so many of these places, I would shrug and say, "I'm busy" .... which of course, is a pretty lame excuse.

You think this is scary, I went out on the road after... but don't worry,  I decided I'm going to stick to walking.

I live a mile and a half from this place and had never been!

I am not proposing dangling off a ledge to get out of a rut, just G's idea of a good picture.

 I'm definitely an adventurous person, but I got so caught up in work and just being lazy really, that I became complacent with doing the same old same old. I always go to the same beach, (and only on the weekend) the same restaurant (across the street) and run the same route every morning (if I manage to even make it out of bed). I'm embarrassed to admit this to all of you who think I have some crazy exotic life or something, but hey, it's true!

But now, thanks to my best friend, I'm getting out of this rut. This morning I woke up early and went for a run along the south side of the island. I took in the refreshing ocean breeze (as I was doubled over, gasping for air, but regardless...) and stopped to chat with my neighbors a bit. I have all my lessons planned out and tomorrow I'm going to go snorkeling in between my classes. I'm looking at each day as being full of opportunity to explore this beautiful place and I'm making a conscious effort to do so as much as possible.

The fact is, it doesn't matter where you live.... life can become boring. So don't let it. Here's your slap in the face [smack!]. Get out, do something fun that you've never done before.  ENJOY. Cause life's short.

Carnaval

 My mom was able to come and visit during the week of Carnaval. I was so happy that she was able to experience the craziness of the week and also that we were able to spend some time together. In Cambodia, I remember missing family so much and feeling incredibly far away. Here in Mexico,  I'm just a short plane ride away and it's a lot easier to keep in touch with family.  It was really nice to have my mom here to see where I live and also to experience a different culture. Here are a few pictures from the week:

Getting my face painted at the fund raiser for school

I loved the bright colors and never wanted to wash it off really...

Downtown trucks carrying spandex clad Mexican women in high heels pull up, music blasting

The girls and guys line up and get ready to perform their routines while the passerbys and people eating at restaurants stop what they are doing to watch

And the shimming and hip shaking begins... I thought many times, "Wow, American's really just can't move like that"

Andrea and me taking pictures with the dancers. I loved how sassy this lady was.

Carnaval is just one example that in this culture, having a good time is always important. It doesn't matter if it's the middle of the week and everybody has work the next day, people are ready to drop everything and show up in town to socialize with neighbors and family.

Valentine's Day

 I love Valentine's Day. As a teacher it's the perfect day for me to show my students how much I care about them. In my kinder class we made valentines and learned how to say "I love you." I was bombarded by my eleven little ones screaming "I love you!" and knocking me over with hugs.

Let's face it, Life is about LOVE. Not just today, but every day.

Living Situation

I've had quite a few questions regarding the "living situation" here. Since some of you think I live in a hut, here are a few pictures to prove otherwise. Ha.

My room

I'm proud of the fact that I only packed one suitcase... :D

View of the street from my room

Amazing taqueria across the street- delicious Mexican food.

The houses are so colorful here

My "desk"

My standard of living here seems quite high to me. I even have hot water! Yesterday the water wasn't working and I had to take a good 'ol bucket shower and I actually enjoyed it. It reminded me of my days in Cambodia and quite frankly, nothing wakes you up better in the morning then a freezing cold bucket of water.

What Qualifies being Qualified?

My first week of classes went well... I think.

I have never taught adults before and didn't go to school specifically to teach English. I spent my undergraduate hours making lesson plans and learning how to teach children how to read. I feel comfortable doing these things, but teaching people an entire language is a daunting task.

I had a few moments, ok hours... of panic. I felt like I didn't know where to begin and I began to fear that if I didn't succeed as a teacher, my students wouldn't gain the knowledge they are so desperately seeking. That  would be heartbreaking, cause that's why I'm here...

It's a beautiful island and I know a lot of people think I'm here cause I'm sort of a gypsy and can't stay in one place too long... ahem...  while that may be true, the real reason I'm here is because I feel I have something to give. I care.

I may not have extensive training in teaching English as a second language, but I believe my students are going to learn. I plan on taking my heart to work every day. I plan on giving it my best and asking for wisdom. And most importantly, I plan on trusting God every step of the way.

With these "lesson plans" in place, I look forward to seeing my students succeed.

The awesome library- books in English and Spanish.

"Teacher's lounge"

Our Classroom

& here we go again...

I've promised I would continue to give updates via the old blog sooo here we are again...

Brief synopsis of what brought me to Mexico:
* I quit my job on a Friday, got an e-mail from the principal of an English school that very same day
*Interviewed
*Got hired
* Two weeks later flew to my new home on La Isla Mujeres

So I woke up this morning ready to explore my new home. It's a very small island so I basically walked all the way down to the North end. In some parts, the island is so narrow that one can see the ocean on either side! Despite the fact it's so small, I was pretty sure I would still get lost but actually ended up finding my way just fine.

I started the day out right with a good breakfast and an even better view from my balcony... until the gale force winds started blowing the cheese of my eggs, then I had to eat inside.

On the way, I took in the beautiful sights of the ocean and practiced saying "Buenos dias" to just about everyone who passed. I decided that I really want to be a part of the community here and being friendly wasn't a bad way to start. It seems that most people here are friendly and laid back.... it is after all, a beautiful island.

I had to whip the camera out of the backpack for this view.

So my goals for this blog are to keep it simple and provide you with some info on my adventures. I'll be sharing the insights God teaches me along the way, and I pray we will both be learning a lot.