Nothing Witty. Nothing Poetic. Just Me.

Classes, Classes, Classes.  I really am very busy.  The first few days were fine, but I have three Unit Exams coming up in the next week and taking Ten classes means mucho tarea.  I am keeping up pretty well, even though now and then something will surprise me and my friend, Ale, will say, "Oh, I'm Sorry.  I thought you knew that."  She really is helping me though.  I've found other ways to keep myself occupied.  I am in Choir--though everything we sing is learned by rote, so that is very frustrating and immensely tedious.  Then there are the daily chores.  Nothing too major, but like I mentioned earlier, Mexicans clean everything overly thoroughly (although that phrase makes no sense).  Then there is the daily run to the library to try and keep up with emails (I apologize).  Sometimes they won't let me in and sometimes the time limit is shorter than other times, I don't understand the system at all, but I'm learning.  More people are getting more comfortable speaking with me in Spanish.  And English, for that matter.  I find that I'm learning constantly. 

This is what really makes me nervous, so much homework.  And it takes me ten times as long to do it because I have to translate everything into English, Process it in my Head and then Retranslate into Spanish.  However, I really am progressing though.  I've had several people mention that to me.  I know it's not anything that I've done though.  I simply know that God helps those who love Him and though my love is imperfect, it's penetrating.  I know that I can and will grow closer to Him in this adventure if I simply put my trust in him.

I found a map of North America in my planner and marked the distance between Mexico City and Home, that certainly surprised me a bit.  It even looked far on the World Map.  But you know what, home really is where the heart is.

P.S.  One other thing I have learned.  The gift of tongues is not only the ability to speak and interpret, but it is to understand the hearts of God's people.

8:15 Aerobics

This week we started a different schedule for classes. Someone had mentioned something about physical activity, but I thought that was maybe P.E. for the students who had that class as a requirement. After first period, Filosofía, I picked up my bag and waited for Ale so we could go to our next class. The teacher closed the door and everyone stood up. Honestly, I was a little frightened. I have been harrassed a bit since I've been here and who knows what they do to Americans. Maestra Ramos Ramirez turned on the television set and next thing I knew, I was watching a homemade Aerobics video. I started laughing so hard and then looked around and Ale had already started doing the exercises. So I followed her lead feeling like a fool. This lasted for 55 minutes. I felt so very refreshed after walking and jumping and stretching in my gray skirt and polo shirt.

**This is a photo my Grandma took of me in front of my house**

This is Me Being Really Happy

And Slightly Overwhelmed.

I finally got to talk to my family.  And I am on the internet without a time limit or anything being blocked (i.e. gmail chat or blog).  And I had potatoes for dinner.  And I ate an apple.  A real, crisp apple.  I also happen to love my grandparents.  

And "It's Raining Men" just started playing.  I have never been happier.

Iba a un Baile

Last night we had our first dance. I was very excited, because I knew that at a dance I wouldn't have to understand much, I would just have to move.

One of the girls in my house, Blanca, taught me some of their traditional dances and I went along with it, thinking that I wouldn't use them much. Then I taught her some of our line dances, the one from EFY, Cotton-Eyed Joe (is that really what it's called???) and the Electric Slide. That was fun...

So Blanca and I arrived to the dance kind of early, thinking that it had started at 4:30. I guess we were wrong. I didn't care though, I walked right into the middle of the dancefloor and started breaking out my white girl dance moves. Blanca was very embarassed, but I figured we would just start the dance.

About 15 minutes later they asked someone to say a prayer and then the dance REALLY begun. They started playing less American music and more mariachi band type schtuff. I went along with it and one boy that actually spoke decent English taught me a little of the dance (Salsa?).

This music and dancing continued for the rest of the evening. I stood to the side most of the time, because boys realized that I could not dance. I danced with two more tolerant boys, but the others...walked away. Yes, walked away. Oyve.

Still. I had fun. I drank water from a rusty drinking fountain. Got scolded by my roomate for my dress not completely covering my knees. Broke my zipper. Was walked home by a boy named Eduardo who didn't realize I didn't speak Spanish. And ate a sandwich with too much pepper on it. Overall, it was a successful evening. However, I am certainly nervous for the next dance. I may have to do some training.

The Lesson of Hard Work

When I first arrived, the Hermana (mother) of the home explained to me my chores. Nothing major, so it was fine.

Then the other night, Saymi (one of my roomates) came in and said to me in her slowest Spanish possible that we needed to clean the stove. "¿Ahorra?" I asked, (one of the phrases I have mastered). "Sí" So we were off.

I looked at the estufa and thought to myself, Well, this will be easy. The stove was so dirty that cleaning it wouldn't do anything so if we just rubbed it for a decent amount of time, we could be done. How very wrong I was.

We scrubbed that thing for at least half an hour. Honestly, I saw no difference, except for the fact that my fingernails were stained black for the next three days. Lessons learned:
1) Sometimes cleaning isn't for the sake of the beautifying or the improvement of the object being cleaned. Sometimes you just have to clean for the sake of cleaning. And even if you don't notice a difference, at least you got the job done.
2) Sweat washes away tears.

I Forgot One - #11

11) If a boy or a girl sticks out their cheek towards you, kiss it.  Or at least make a kissy noise and touch your face with their face.

[P.S.  Everywhere I look there are novios y novias--I would not survive in this culture.  I am too afraid of cooties]

Also--here is a stunning picture of me.  I am not doing so well with this language.

Things I Have Learned from 24 Hours in La Ciudad de Mexico

Things I Have Learned from 24 Hours in La Ciudad de Mexico:

[in Chronological Order]

1) Never bring more suitcases than you have hands (or in my case--my guitar. Getting from the luggage conveyor to the exit doors took me three times as long as it should have)

2) I am a terrible driver (The streets in Mexico City don't even have lines. How my Grandfather avoided an accident, I will never know)

3) When eating in Mexico, eat as the Mexicans do. Some things aren't intended to be eaten with a fork. There is such a thing as being overly polite.

4) Listen closely when Mexicans tell you their names. It may sound like it just blends into the rest of the palabras, but it is very separate.

5) If you pray in English in front of Mexicans, watch out for the squeal afterwards.

6) Always wear shoes. If you come to scripture study sin sus zapatos, you will be scolded.

7) Hot Dogs are NOT for Breakfast. (I personally don't agree with Hot Dog consumption at anytime, but if you eat one for breakfast, it will come back to bite you)

8) The Spirit speaks in Every Language.

9) Two Mexican Men trying to speak English are more difficult to understand than One speaking Spanish

10) When looking for someone who speak English look above the heads of the rest. The tallest is the most helpful.

People Watching

I am sitting in the San Diego International Airport right now and was able to get free wireless internet connection.  This may be my last chance at that for a while. 

Hey.  I'll miss you.

Tomorrow

This is actually happening.

Yesterday I went to the Eighth Ward and got to talk to everyone about it there. Then last night we had a couple people over for a birthday/going away celebration. I am so grateful for all of the people who are supporting me in this. I know I am crazy. But I also know that this is right. And I am ready for the adventure. And all the ups and downs that it will bring.

I had to add Jakey to My Blog. I will miss this Beluga :)

White Girl Goes South

My sisters found a sombrero. I swear--our conceptions of the Mexican culture are SO Americanized. From Taco Shop to High School Spanish classes, we can only guess. This is an opportunity for me to immerse myself in a culture that I have never fully experienced. I have always been drawn to Latinos and to their culture and now I get to take part in it. This is wonderful.












This is my brother Eric. He is going to the Concepción, Chile Mission in a few months. He is going to have an amazing cultural experience as well. Plus. He looks good.

I'm Flying AeroMéxico

The flight is booked. My departure date is next Tuesday, December 20th. Just enough time to finish finals, get my grades up, attend a murder mystery party (hosted by Isabella "Karina" Banks), complete my personal progress, celebrate Eric's birthday, get a family picture taken, box up my room, visit the Eighth Ward, sing in Ward Choir in Sacrament meeting, lead a Youth Committee Meeting and maybe get packed.

Six days.
And then Five Months.

This is no longer just an exciting opportunity. This is real. The Great Adventures of Rachel Jean continue. But now, in a foreign language :)

Poppin My Collar

The latest development in our story: Uniforms. No, not the horrid plaid things, but whatever you can find. So yesterday my mother and I spent several hours scouring stores for white polos and knee length solid skirts. The old woman section became the "jackpot." (--k.m.d. aka mom)

But, Hey! If I look this good next to a polo, then I'm bound to look good in one. ha. ha.

It does remind me of my water polo days though. Man, those polos looked good. And this one goes out to Julia Ward "Ever since I can remember I been poppin my collar" :) good ole gangster days

Abigail Yakkity Waffle Howe

Rachel `jean
she has a bean
but also is going to hogwarts


--by the Yak herself
(she's the movie star with the glasses)

Peace, Love and Benemérito

Yeah. So I'm going to México [pronounced Meh-Hee-Ko]. I'm White. And can't speak Spanish (very well). But Marly and I decided to take some Mexican shots to prepare for the voyage. So these beauties will mark the epic beginning of my Blog. Enjoy!

Claire wanted to contribute as well :)
and Lauren mijita







a little "ketchup" inspiration