I must admit, it was very strange picking up all my belongings and cleaning (although cleaning is always strange for me) my house in Mexico so that I could return to my other home.
Yes. I can say that I have a house in Mexico.
Our last day in Mexico was just beautiful. We had a final intern meeting to discuss any changes that the leaders could include for the next round of interns and so on. Then Marisa and I cried.
Then we went home and finished packing and the family almost cried. They kept saying, "¡No te vayas!" (Don't go) and I had to keep explaining that I have family or something back in the United States to go home to.
Then we ate a final CARNE ASADA (kinda like a barbeque minus the BBQ sauce... and y
ummier). Our Spanish tutors Montse, Nadia, and Celene came as well as Sam, Ann, their girls and of COURSE the wonderful Sara. We ate so much I wanted to cry.
My teacher Montse
After the Carne, we hung out for a while and then left the house. Morelia prayed a beautiful blessing over Marisa and I (I wish I could describe how amazing this woman is) and we cried.
We went to Sara's house, watched the taped Opening Ceremonies of the OLYMPICS and it was so cool I wanted to cry...but didn't (please, I'm stronger than that).
Needless to say, there was a lot of crying. But even after a day that like, I feel even more blessed to remember the experience as a whole, for it was one that I will not forget.
The things that I learned in Mexico:
1. Everyone wants to feed you.
2. Everyone wants to talk about the US elections
(if they are over 20) or the Jonas brothers (if they are girls under 12).
3. Building/construction isn't necessarily done correctly the first time, but everything is done so that it is it's own and not a copy of something else.
4. I'm a güera.
5. The time difference between Mexico and Texas is about half an hour (Sara told me this one:)
6. Mexicans are proud of their country. For the most part, they do not want to be anything else than what they are. If family members come to the states, they are respected because they are leaving what they love and what they know to help those they are leaving behind. It is a humble and difficult SACRIFICE to make.
7. Morelia has fireworks in the Centro every Saturday night.
8. Mexicans are crazy about jello and I don't think I will ever know why.
9. A combis is a public transportation system that I think everyone should experience.
10. Mexican people are beautiful.
Morelia, Miguel, Marisa and I
Ok, I knew that last one but it's just so true.
I learned SO much more than what I can share on this blog, and I would be so happy to share it with you. I appreciate your prayers and support for my experience.
I assure you it has changed me.
I would love to keep writing, but I am in the airport and am stressing a little about missing my flight. So, hopefully I can write one more later and see you all soon to catch up and thank you in person!
Vaya con Dios,
Emily
