Penny for your thoughts...

Almost 4 months ago I arrived in Mexico City full of dreams and expectations for my semester abroad, now I am a mere two weeks away from the end of my adventure here. One thing that is evidently clear is that God had a completely different plan in mind for my time here than I did. As many of you have journeyed along side me via my blog I know that you are all aware that my time here in Mexico has been marked by many challenges. In the last few months I have encountered many hardships and struggles that have often left me disillusioned and confused.

That said, I don't want my previous words to overshadow the fact that my experiences here have also been painted with much joy and beauty. Through my travels, my relationships, and my studies I have learned an incredible amount about life and about myself. In many ways I have been blessed by aspects of this culture. It has been a slow process of realization, but little by little I have grasped how valuable this season of my life has been. I am walking with new perspective and new vision; I am changed. Although I am still with some bruises and scars, God has brought me to a place of peace and contentment and I am enjoying my days in Mexico.

Well, I just wanted to share with you my thoughts as of late. Thank you for your care, prayers, and messages. It has been a blessing to share with you my journey.

Value life, it is beautiful

There is no denying it, I have been terrible with keeping you updated on my life this month....Sorry :) But here I go now, so I hope you can keep up.

You will be happy to know that much has changed since my last blog. About a week ago God sent me a wave of encouragement and support that truly lifted me up. Some people read my blog and responded with sympathy and concern, others were inspired by God just to check in on me, and others still I contacted to share my story with. I received many messages, emails, and letters during this last week that have brought me incredible joy and warmth. Thank you all for blessing me with your love and concern, it was really just what I needed.

In addition to the support of many loved ones, I also had a priceless conversation with my papa mexicano. My host dad is someone I have come to respect deeply in my time here, and someone that has taught me some incredible lessons about life. During our conversation he told me that I still came across as a very timid person (despite my efforts), and in Mexico often someone is more reserved is viewed as proud and that the people here don't take too well to that. He also brought to light something that has been key for me; he told me that when things aren't going well that is not the fault of the people that I interact with so why should I let it effect my interaction with them. In other words, if I am having a hard time I still need to interact positively with those around me and not let my problems take away from my experiences. He told me Kristy (that's what he calls me) when you are walking down the street hold your head up, greet the people that you pass, and smile because you never know how you might touch someone's life. He encouraged me to talk more and to make more of an effort to get to know the people around town because that's the way to really learn spanish. At the end of our conversation I promised to try harder even though I really felt I was putting in a lot of effort to begin with, and since that day he has kept me accountable. Every day at lunch or at dinner he asks me so how did it go? I know they seem like simple words of counsel, but they gave valuable perspective.



Anyway, now to fill you in on life since then! Two weekends ago Violet and I went to Mexico City accompanied by our program director Irma and Javiar the maintenance guy (although he opted to stay in the car most of the time). First we visited the Dolores Olmedo museum (the impressive house and gardens of a deceased rich woman that collected works of Diego Rivera). After we finished touring the house Violet and I spent some time in the gardens taking pictures :) Then we stopped in Xochimilco a place known for it's beautiful vividly decorated boats. We didn't have enough time to ride one, but we did browse the nearby market a bit. Next, we stopped at the house of Frida Kahlo. It was fairly interesting, but not extremely. Most of her works are in museums so it was mostly some electic belongings, and documents. Plus, there were just way too many people there! Lastly, we stopped at the zocalo for about an hour to shop for souvenirs. Overall, it was a really fun trip and we really enjoyed spending time with Irma.


Then last week Violet and I went with Irma to the central market in Cuernavaca to prepare for Day of the Dead. Day of the Dead is a mexican holiday where loved ones who have passed away our remembered and celebrated. It is tradition that alters are built in honor of the deceased and adorned with pictures, food, candy, candles, flowers, and much more. At the market we bought fruit, candy, and flowers to decorate the alter at school for Emiliano Zapata. Violet and I spent about two hours putting together that alter and unfortunately had to miss some class to do so :)

Also, last thursday I had another precious conversation with my host parents. I listened for nearly two hours as they expressed to me the importance of having confidence in one's self and how we can determine the value of our life by the importance we give it. It really is a matter of recognizing that God created us and our lives with meaning and purpose that far outshadows our insecurities or trials. They told me, value your life, it is beautiful.