The Day We Lost

I woke and was ready for church on time after Corn Pops and a homemade pear muffin. We made it and greeted everyone (they do that (personally go down the aisle and shake everyone’s hand)). I sat with Miguel and invited him to join me in the class with the adolescents. We sang many songs with familiar tunes but new foreign words; I enjoyed it very much. Class time came and we went with 14 or so kids to the room. We began a study of Peter in the gospel of John following and thinking about his experiences with Jesus. We went through chapters 1-5 and I would stop reminding them that they are Peter and ask them about what just happened in the story and what Peter must have been feeling. Each time I would go back to his calling by Andrew and pass through everything we read, adding the latest episode. We finished the chapters and we talked a bit about what Peter must have been thinking in reaction to Jesus. I gave them a little background on the process of being a disciple and the significance of Jesus calling them. I invited them to come over to the house to watch the US vs. Brazil in the FIFA Confederation Cup Championship match and for lunch. I encouraged them to read the first five chapters of John before next Sunday. Jorge talked to some of the parents after church and many were able to come to the house. We all crammed into the van and picked up a couple of roasted chickens and some beverage. We made it to the house and found the game already 30 minutes in the US was up 2-0 and that’s how the half finished. We enjoyed the meal and watched as Brazil scored 3 (really 4 the refs missed one a shot bounced off the crossbar down and in as the goalie batted it out) unanswered to win the game. It was pretty disappointing. We played some soccer in the back yard, a lenient game of Spanish Scrabble. We made plans for the week including a movie on Thursday, Class on Friday, maybe a baseball game Saturday and then class again Sunday morning. We went and dropped them off. It was a long afternoon but it was really good in helping me with the group as a whole. I’m excited about the events of the upcoming week as well as beginning to plan and anticipate the arrival of a group from Harding July 10th. We closed out the evening with pancakes and the after the kids went to bed us grown-ups stayed up to watch Ice Age 2. Life’s still good.

Football Rapido and a Fast Tongue

6/28

Saturday began with a look at the cartoons (not more than a glance). I began to prepare a bit for Sunday’s lesson and went to the gym. After a good full workout, I met MK at the caseta for lunch then Gerardo took us to the soccer arenas to watch Toti’s team play. It was a lot of fun to watch the field is smaller and is enclosed with walls. Five players plus a goalie per team. There were four fifteen minute quarters. They lost but it was still good to be there for Toti. Gerardo took us back to Jorge’s house. I continued my study for class tomorrow, I went to bed praying for the gift of tongues.

A Short Drive and What to do

6/28

I awoke to continue preparing and organizing my thoughts and ideas about what to do with the kids tonight. I took a break and went to the gym. MK and I then met Jorge at his parent’s home for lunch. From there we went to purchase a van. The post lunch siesta sitting buckled in the front seat of the car wasn’t ideal but what can you do. After a lengthy transaction, we were going to take both vehicles back to Tule, but we didn’t have time to do so because we were to meet the kids at 6 at the church. So I drove the new van on the streets of Oaxaca. (I only almost hit one taxi (I say I almost hit it was mutual (almost more than mutual (and when I say almost hit I mean almost hit by American terms not Mexican terms (I was well within the cultural and social driving norms of the country)))). We dropped them off at the grandparent’s house and made it to the church. After a search for the keys we entered the church and began. There were 5 kids there; I spent the first half hour setting up the purpose of our meetings (laying the foundation). The next half hour we talked about some ideas for the future and I introduced an activity I would like to do every time we meet called Compartir a Dios where we share sightings, hearings, and feelings of God we had during the week. I gave an example of my surfing experience in the power of the waves, and how I understood something more of God’s awesome power through his creation. We then began our tournament.

There were two tournaments both being a game of balance. The first is a pushing game (not as violent as it sounds) and the second was a leg wrestling match while balancing on the other. This lasted for a bit after which I walked them through some different Jesus accounts in Matthew and asked them about how Jesus kept his balance, what two things did he stand on. I demonstrated the ideas of teaching and good works (healings mostly). I told them that we must learn together so we can imitate the ministry of Christ bringing into balance work and teaching. I plan to have our activities and different times together help realize this goal and connect the spiritual world to the world they work, live and play in.

We made plans to have class on Sunday and split. Jorge took me, MK and Aaron to get tlayudas in the old hood (where Jorge and his family used to live). We made it home in time to shower and crash. I say crash, because it’s Friday night in Mexico and that is a reason to celebrate. I tried to sleep through the worst karaoke rendition of Total Eclipse of the Heart I have ever tried not to hear. There was also a Mexican Achey Breaky Heart (not worth dreaming about). The party didn’t end until 1.

Pasame la Botella and Enjoy the Show, My Father’s Eyes, My Mother’s Eyes And a Load to Carry

Attachment: Jorge came by Gerardo’s house the other day and said that the family was returning to the States Thurday morning and that I would stay with them (essentially move out of Gerardo’s house). Gerardo gave me a hard time about it, joking and all, but said that when his wife heard that she was going to cry. And she did. When we were sitting down for our customary cup of coffee in the evening Gerardo told her I was leaving the next day, and sure as Spanish in Mexico she started tearing up. My mother’s eyes told me she didn’t want me to leave. I felt in my heart in that moment that I didn’t want to leave either…
We woke up (my protégé and I) and went to the caseta. As we were walking to the caseta I passed a man with gray stringy hair, bent over by the weight of a large trash bag, with shoes on that barely had the soles attached. I walked by him thinking what could I possibly do for the man. We weren’t far from the caseta so I asked Rosa Alma for a torta. She made it very quickly and I caught up with the man. I put my hand on his shoulder and said, “Amigo, Dios te ve y Dios te bendiga.” I handed him the torta as he mumbled some sort of thanks, but as I turned to go he glanced up and caught my eye. I can still see his eyes very clearly, blood shot and half closed, a dark brown that was deep and heavy. I turned away with tears filling my own, being pounded with the thought that this man could be my grandfather, this man could be my father, this man could be my brother. I walked away thinking about how much I would want for someone to give my grandfather, father, and brother a sandwich if they were in such destitution. I couldn’t shake the thought that my father could be on the streets and could have that same look in his eye. It tears my heart out, but I still have faith that God will provide food for that man daily and was glad to be a hand that was a part of it. I returned and had some eggs and coffee; we then caught a bus to Tule because I was to be nanny for the day.
On the bus I noticed the sign above the driver said Pasame la Botella and was hoping that no one had yet. I was sitting behind MK who was sitting behind two little rascals. The ringleader was probably two and half years old while his cohort was one year three months by the looks of his biceps. These guys were straight jokers. The oldest bouncing up and down (thrilled to see a couple of white guys I suppose) and poking the younger who was the smilingest little bugger I’ve seen down here. They laughed and giggled no stop for ten minutes solid. It was quite a show.
We arrived and I sat the babies for a few hours. MK was the new item so he was asked to play all of the games (which I was really really interested in playing (I would have but didn’t want to intrude)). The padres returned and we had some pizza. At this time I was given my assignment in detail. I was going to be in charge of the adolescent group (11-16) for the next 4 weeks. We would meet on Fridays for a couple of hours and class on Sunday morning; we would probably get together other times to do stuff as a group also. But the point is it’s my show in another language. It’s my show trying to show God’s show. I have been wanting this all trip, but I am very much aware of the potential difficulties that lie ahead with such a group and my own shortcomings. However this isn’t an option (thankfully) and I’m preparing my best for the upcoming event on Friday while also thinking down the road so as to have some continuity. Tomorrow my mind will meet my hands and hope that my tongue doesn’t screw it up.

The Lucky Pig's Foot, Poop Marks the Spot, Gringos are Falling from the Sky and San. Miguel

Today woke up went to the caseta for breakfast caught the Happening of the Hands again (today is actually the day I took pictures (Gerardo told me not to take pictures of the kids because passers-by would think bad things about me and probably the establishment (so I took pictures of him and his family running around (and a couple of a little hand poking through a gap in the wall))). Then I went to the deportivo, catching a very stylish bus. The bus was completely furnished including a lucky pig’s foot that hung just above the drivers head. It turned out to not just be lucky but had a functional side as it served as his means for communicating his distaste for other drivers (the horn). Feeling safe under the protection of the foot we sailed on. I made it without death or dismemberment, completed my lift with the help of Edgar (young wirey bloke), and went outside to run. The sun had again taken its place at the top of the sky and was doing a great job making me feel like I was going to spontaneously combust, when out of nowhere the largest cloud in all of Mexico came and covered the sun (this happening confirmed in my mind that the pigs foot was lucky). I finished my running and went back to the caseta. I had a Big (it’s a citrus drink that tastes like SunnyD). Here I embarked on a walking adventure to make my way to the house and catch some lunch on the way. I began wandering around in the direction I thought the house was in but at the same time was looking for Don Hamburguesero. I found the place but it was closed (the one time I wanted a burger), so I moved on in search of other sustenance. I wandered on and on walking and walking until I came to a place called the walker (El Caminante) so I decided this was the place for me. I had the pork. Soup, rice, beans, Fresca, and watched the USA beat Spain 2-0 in the Semi-Finals of the FIFA Cup in South Africa (get excited, it’s a big deal). I finished and continued in what I thought was the right way. I walked with my confidence waning a bit, but then I saw it. It is amazing what you begin to notice and remember when you are in a new place trying to get your bearings. I saw some signs I remembered, some colors on buildings, a veterinary clinic, but what sealed the deal for me was sitting just on the edge of the sidewalk. Courtesy of one of the wandering dogs there was a nice little brown load strategically placed where I would notice it (only because I almost stepped in it early this morning when going to catch the bus to the caseta); it was in this moment that a smile crossed my face as I fondly looked down at this little sign from God that I was almost home. I showered took a siesta, and woke up for a lot of food. After eating Gerardo and I went to church for class. We talked about growing in faith in the face of trials. At the end Jorge noticed a couple of guest and had them introduce themselves. One of them didn’t speak Spanish; his name was Kenny but he goes by Michael so we can call him Miguel. Miguel (who I will now call KM so as to avoid confusion with the other Miguel) was from California. I went and talked to him after class was over; he seemed happy to be here but very disconcerted with his current situation, KM is 18 and came to Mexico for the first time to join some missionaries as an intern (sound familiarish?). He arrived about a week ago and was working with the group. He had some disagreements with the group and so without any hard feelings he left. He had bought a bus ticket to Veracruz where he hoped to find another guy who is with a missionary organization, and was bored waiting on for the bus so walking around saw the building was open came in and joined us. He didn’t seem to be in a good place, so I offered to let him stay around a few days to get his bearings, process what’s been going on, and get some help with his future plans. He was very grateful for the help so we went and got a refund for his ticket (which was to depart in 2 hours (full refund two hours notice (what a great country))). We loaded up and went to Gerardo’s house. He hadn’t eaten so we played some dominos while he ate and Gerardo and I had our customary cup of coffee. Gerardo spoke a lot about Christianity weaving in and out of topics asking an occasional question about KM’s thoughts. I played the translator all night, and as it got later in the night I found myself drowning in two languages. I set KM up with the shower (he was smellin’ pretty harsh). He came up to the room afterwards and talked a bit, while I tried to dig the splinter like objects out of my thumb that I acquired while surfing. He talked more about his situation and what he hopes to do and find while here. I’m glad to be able to talk and help guide someone in a position not so unlike my own in my recent past. He has a good mind and a great heart for helping people, he lacks experience dealing with old people (it’s true sometime you guys are hard to communicate with (I don’t speak 70’s or 80’s)). We talked for a good bit, he went to crash, and I went to write; the fruit of which you have just now read. Cool huh? Now that it’s 2 am I’m going to sleep a bit. maybe.

Smuggler’s Run and Bumpin’ Nuns

Today I had a few priceless vistas (sights). I went to the deportivo to get a membership and lift weights, which I did (the facility is really nice, has a big outdoor pool, tennis and basketball courts, etc.). Then I jogged back to Tule which is a considerable distance by my standards. It was at the peak of the day with the Mexican sun beating down on my head, with air so light and poorly oxygenated at this altitude that I really was a sad sight. I did make it though. Here I let my body temperature drop back into the low hundreds, and made some eggs. After discovering that a bullet shot straight up into the air is not lethal on its descent (thanks MythBusters) I decided to return to the caseta. It was on the bus I met my first irony of the day. Sometimes the visual doesn’t match the audio in my experience, such was this case. I gave the bus the finger (index, used to indicate that you would like a ride), mounted and found a seat behind three nuns. A lady got on a bit later to whom I gave my seat moving back and finding another seat after it was vacated. Here I look forward and see the habits of the nun poking just above the seat, swaying back and forth with the road (keep this in your mind: this is the visual) while there is some heavy bass thumpin’ from some suave latino rapper blasting out of the speakers from the front just a couple of meters in front of the sisters (now apply the audio to the visual (funny right (well I thought so))). Good times. I made it to the caseta in time to see another incredible sight comparable to the Northern Lights. It was apparently recess at the school and the caseta just happens to be right alongside one of the walls of the school, and just around the corner is a barred fence through which hundreds (it seemed like) of little hands were reaching through with pesos, grabbing tortas, bags of chips, drinks, and candies left and right out of Gerardo’s hands as he scrambled back and forth taking orders and delivering food to the hungry little creatures. It was an unbelievable phenomenon that came and passed in twenty minutes. I couldn’t believe it (so I took some pictures to verify its reality). We then took (what seems like) our daily trip to Sam’s to reload the caseta after the little bandits had sucked the joint dry. We took our coffee and called it a night.

Cactus Bugs, Father’s Day and Black Pot

The family and I went to check out this place that harvest the juices of these bugs that live on cacti and use the juice as a natural dye for hundreds of different things. It was pretty neat to actually learn the processes of harvesting dyes from the bugs and other plants. We then went to a store that sells black pottery; they had some pretty interesting pieces.

We made it back to the house where I got hired on as co-nanny for the evening. I actually got to call and talk to mom and dad for a bit (since I missed dad on father’s day), and I talked to Kimberly (but don’t tell anyone). Before thinking, “what a horrible child care worker” it was on my break; my co-captain was taking the kids out for ice cream. The old people didn’t get back until midnight, so I crashed on the couch at Jorge’s.

Blood in the Streets

6/22
For the first time in a while I pulled the blanket up to my chin. The usual nocturnal sounds of the city were not so comforting after drifting off to the waves meeting the rocks on the coast. I arose to fall; gathered myself and went to church. Singing songs with familiar tunes but new words is a wonderful opportunity to examine what it is we are saying to God. The lesson covered Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Moses all in honor of Father’s Day. I met the group I’ll be working with during class; the adolescent group had 4 today but Latisha taught class, and afterwards we talked about getting together on Friday evenings to do different things. The ball’s in my court on this one. I also met with the parents to work out the schedule after class. Lulu (Miguel and Pedro’s mom) invited me to a going away party for Pedro (he’s moving to Puebla to begin his medical internship).
I went to the caseta (Gerardo’s shop) and had lunch with the family, went to the store for supplies for the caseta, and returned to the house. I took my first siesta. Pedro came and picked me up and we went to his grandmother’s house where the family had gathered for the celebration. As we were getting out of the car a man was walking toward us with blood running down his face, his arms and shirt were covered. Pedro jumped out of the car and went over to him; another you man was sitting on the curb bleeding from the ear. Another was trying to hitch a ride for the injured to the hospital. He talked with Pedro who called them a taxi while helping the first man who had a large, deep cut and inch and a half below his right eye. We went inside while Pedro stayed to help (he is training to be a doctor and has already performed may types of aid including stitching up injuries like this). It was really impressive to see Pedro’s heart shine through for a drunken stranger whose indiscretion caused him injury. The police arrived and the injured got a ride to wherever they were going. We went celebrated with sandwiches and desserts. The cake was awesome. I met a number of Miguel and Pedro’s cousins and we talked for a bit about different things. I was asked to say a prayer and did so stumbling over my words and pausing looking for the proper verb tenses. Sometimes my tongue works and other time it doesn’t. Afterwards Lulu, Miguel, Felix (his uncle who makes the pottery), and one of his aunts went to a back room where we circled around Pedro. Felix and his aunt said prayers of blessing and protection for Pedro.
They dropped me off at Gerardo’s house where Gerardo and I watched Rocky 3 and 4. We had coffee and cookies, and as Monday began I slept better than I have in a few days.