Monday morning didn't start off too productive- almost like the calm before the storm! Monday afternoon took Paul, Barb, Joel, Nicolas, Timothy, Felix (a man from the assembly) and I on a trip to El Borrego. After about 2 1/4 hours of driving, you sit down and are served a LARGE meal by Doña Petra. There is so much food that your stomach starts to feel full just looking at it! This meal included pasta, meat with some sort of swiss chard type of vegi, beans, agua de blackberries, hot tortillas, cheeses, salsa, and a HUGE bowl of homemade rice pudding. With all of that, I am probably forgetting something! However, it tasted good, and I was in BIG need of a walk afterwards! SO... Joel, Nicolas, and I walked around a little bit enjoying the sights and sounds, taking in the greatness of the perfect rainfall, and taking pictures.
growing pineapple
Don Reinaldo's grave
a glimpse of El Borrego
the entrance
Then, a gospel meeting was held where Timothy (interpreted by Joel) and Paul gave the messages. Afterwards, the trip home made for a late night. I thank God for his protection on the roads and for the message that went forth there in El Borrego.On Tuesday I began my first day of school at CEPE (part of the Universidad de Guadalajara) with an oral interview for my class placement. Because the student population size is down significantly from last year, the class offering were slimmer. I needed a literature class in the Spanish language as a graduation requirement for UNOmaha, so because they did not have enough students interested in literature, they offered me the opportunity to take the class privately. So, for the morning I went to levels 8 & 9 (out of 10 levels) until I got literature straightened out! I then took an hour bus ride home, ate, and out of exhaustion I took a lovely siesta while it rained outside. In the evening off to Bible study we went.
Bienvenidos! :)
inside the school...
Wednesday brought quite the flurry of activity. I went to school, leaving at 7:10am and got picked up at 1:45pm. Then the Thiessen family (minus Erika- the hard working practicum-er) and I joined the Castro family and Miss Jean (A.C.E. coordinator for Latin America) for a fabulous lunch- so much food, sooo delicious! :) Then we bustled off to the Castro home for dessert. Time continued to fly as we headed straight the the children's meetings at the Peñas home. We were there for a little while (enough to do my homework and take a little nap). Then, home again, home again! :)
The youngest Castro talking and laughing away about something to Joel! :)
Just a glimpse of the main course!
Today, Thursday, I started my first day with literature class. It is one-on-one, making it a bit interesting, but I think the class will turn out alright... and I may actually learn something (a novel thought, I know)! :) Then, I had a break (since I started at 8am) and then had my Nivel 8 class until 12:50. Then kind Paul saved me from the bus and then we headed home to where I sit blogging and doing homework! Soon, however, we will head off to meeting. Then I will pack up a couple of things and prepare for a little landing as we head to a rancho until Saturday! Something I am looking forward to experiencing! :)Sorry for the long blog posting... the week was busy, but I am thankful in so many ways!
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 136:1
Hasta mañana (ok, probably Sunday)...
Amanda :)
I'm glad you started blogging. :) It's so interesting to see what goes on here from your perspective! While an experience traveler (which means you do not have the new-seed-sower perspective of, "Oh, look! A dog! Oh, my! A garbage truck! Picture!" J) your point of view is different because it's not daily life for you. It's great to read about and spot the fun things, beautiful things, that I miss because I live here.
ReplyDeleteThank you Erika! I´m really starting to enjoy this avenue of writing more and more. Your comment almost made me laugh out loud in the lab! haha. :)
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying your thoughts! I liked the perfect purse entry too:) I like to see your perspectives as well. I am SAD thought that it looks as if we will not be seeing you AGAIN BOO!
ReplyDeleteI know the Castros and Ms. Jean!! Loved seeing the picture of their youngest son! Sounds like you're staying busy but having fun!
ReplyDeleteI know Shelley- I'm bummed to that I might not see you! I will hopefully find a ride up for a couple of things I brought down for the girls!! :)
ReplyDeleteAlanna- I am staying busy, but having fun as well! The Castros and Ms. Jean are so kind- how fortunate to know them! :)