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.
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put some neosporin on that splintered area
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