First Impressions, Etc.

"I love you O Lord, my strength" (Psalm 18:1).

So I'm here! My flight got in around 11:30pm GMT followed by an hour an a half car ride. Woke up this morning and realized I was in another country, on my own. Some first sounds: Elvis' music being blasted by a truck passing by, footsteps on the cobblestone road, Spanish spoken rapidly. The roof of where I am staying looks out upon the city

 

as well as the porches of neighbors. Mistaking the man next door as an American my "good morning" was met with a "buenos días" instead.

It's been nice to not have an agenda and to be able to settle in and explore. The woman who owns the "casita" lives downstairs so she gave me directions to the local mercado so I could get some groceries. Had to come back to get clarified directions after wandering a bit. :) The women at the market were really nice to me--I mean, they totally could have ripped me off and I would never have known..but they picked out the produce for me and one lady even threw in two limes to go with my "pepino" (cucumber)! Here are the spoils, all for under $10 (plus I got toilet paper!)

not pictured: grapefruit!

Also walked to the central plaza in the "downtown" area of San Miguel. I stopped in at a couple of the churches and just GAWKED. They have huge oil paintings, enormous vaulted ceilings, gold filigree. My favorite so far has been the Templo de la Inmaculada Concepción, which was quiet with only a few people praying. The most famous one, La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel was full of tourists who were totally interrupting the wedding that was going on! The most interesting thing about all the churches was that they had life size figures of Jesus, Mary and many other saints.

Thank you so much, again, for all of your prayers, emails and blog comments! Sometimes I catch myself getting afraid because everything is so new and challenging, but then I remember that the Lord is my strength! Plus, he has given me a fun blessing--an unexpected companion:

I think Kay said his name is "Tito" or something? Anyway, he really likes to be petted. Meows and meows and meows for some T.L.C. I tried to get him to calm down so I read the Bible out loud in Spanish and it actually seemed to work!

Anyway, it's time to eat dinner! Good ol' rice & beans (they're "peruano").

New Developments!

Exciting news! I've been admitted to the School of Social Work for their undergraduate program!! Holy Cow!! I totally hadn't expected to hear back until I left, but it's so nice to know so soon. :) 

It's been such a journey with God trying to first of all whether I was going to go to college at all, and then it was a whole other animal trying to figure out what to do once I got to UW, and then recently it's been just waiting to see whether I would get into the program.. Man, oh man--and now I am in it! Things have gotten from so global and overwhelming with all of the possibilities to now getting more and more directed and focused. 

Only about a week remains until I leave and I am eager and excited for the new adventures that await. I'm so thankful to everyone that has supported me in the entire process--your words of encouragement and prayers mean so much.

Metas (Goals)

A required activity for the internship program is to create goals for my time in Mexico. I have to say, I am not really much of a "goal" sort of person, thinking that goals are too "linear" and "Western." ;-) However, I hope they will prove helpful in providing a framework and structure to guide my work.

IE3 INTERNSHIP GOALS

Professional Development

1. Apply anti-oppressive social work theory to my interactions with the children and the mothers, to treat them with dignity and respect, to acknowledge their agency, to empower them and foster growth based on their desires and strengths

2. Understand the children and women within their context--the different systems they are a part of that affect their situation--family dynamics, community, economic/political forces, culture, resources and economic constraints, spirituality & personal values

3. Learn from staff workers and Donna (the founder) how they approach their work, how the non-profit operates financially, organizational logistics, team work and cooperation among co-workers

Personal Development

1. Learn to live independently, navigate an unknown space without my natural social supports physically present (parents, family, friends, mentors, church)

2. Develop confidence in speaking Spanish as much as possible, quitar el miedo de equivocarme (get rid of the fear of making mistakes)

3. Persevere when encountering difficulties--with culture shock, language barriers, challenges at work/burnout, loneliness

Cross-Cultural Understanding

1. Become better aware of my cultural identity, establish it further and become secure in it

2. Gain an understanding, respect for and appreciation of Mexican culture in a manner that is NOT generalized or oppressive, but rather form a holistic and insightful awareness regarding the Mexican people

3. Be aware of the challenges of cross-cultural work and do my best to work through them, use resources back home (social workers @ Consejo Counseling & Referral Service, students and faculty at UW School of Social Work) and locally (founder Donna Quathamer and other volunteers) to consult with