Some Musing on Experiences and Science Fair

I will begin with another Tapatio observation. Tapatios really don't seem to mind the unbearable May heat. Naya and I realize this more and more as we see Tapatios of all ages wearing sweatshirts even when its 95 degrees our with no wind and high humidity. Our students are a prime example of this. They will run around the field in PE in the dire heat with their sweatshirts on. It's loco to me.

On another note, we are on our final two months here. Our students express their distress on a daily basis as they become more whiny and lazy. The teachers also express their tiredness through sighs, yawns, and lots of expressions like "oh my goodness, I'm tired." Naya and I are trying to remain strong in our teaching despite the heat and light at the end of the tunnel (aka June 30th - the final day of school). However, we are also trying to remember to not count the days, but make the days count, which is a poster at school. We also also trying to spend time with other teachers. Yet, we really miss our friends back in the States...a lot! We miss our church also a lot!

One big event we recently were a part of was ITJ's Science Fair. It was a special day for two reasons. 1) It was my birthday, and 2) It was a day where Naya and I got to see our students shine! I realize that one of the greatest rewards of teaching is seeing your students shine after lots of hard work and dedication to something that you were a part of. Overall, I was very impressed by many of their projects! For my birthday, Naya surprised me with a cake and lots of love! She is my best friend and monita, and I can't image being here without her!

Besides work, we have once again been to Tonala to buy Mother's Day gifts and a few things for us. Tonala is definitely a place we want to return to because of all the amazing handmade goods they have, and for such a great price! Today we are going to a beer festival, which should be good times, and tomorrow we are going to a waterfall/swimming hole near Tequila :) I've been looking forward to this for a LONG time! We would get out of the city A LOT more if we had a car. It is probably the biggest annoyance down here because there are dozens upon dozens of beautiful places around the city that we simply can't get to because we do not have a car. The bus system is great IN the city, but outside of it, it stinks.

Just a few weeks ago I was talking with Naya and we both agreed that after about 10 months of being here we feel that we've gotten to know the culture quite well. We've also simply become more accustomed to life down here. That is not to say that we are comfortable or always content, but just more used to it. One reason for this is because people are beginning to recognize us at the places we go. For example, there is is chocolate shop in the Real Center called Rey Armargo and the ladies there recognize us. These kind of small things make life a little more enjoyable and friendly. Also, the workers at the little tienda definitely recognize us and talk with us. These are the sort of things that make a place feel like home. The ironic thing is that in two months we will be returning to a place that we consider more of a home. Naya and I both have affirmed that Guadalajara is a place that we sincerely want to visit again many times in the future. We now know people and beautiful places we can explore even more.

Below are images of student Science Fair posters, my birthday lunch, a Mexican "road sign," my slackline in a nearby park, and more.