Another Whirlwind Week!


This week has been another whirlwind — we’ve done all the things, met a lot of people, consumed amazing food, and explored more cultural corners. It’s been such a blast!

Speaking of FUN (or lack of patience for me), it only took us four hours at the government office to get our tax ID number — another step required before opening the bank account - and, of course, a blank USB drive! Patience may not be my forte, but God is making sure it’s in the curriculum!  If you really want to know about the experience, try captioning this pic!

I thought it was a good sign when, on our third attempt to open a bank account (which we need in order to buy a car), we were greeted by a random parade right outside the bank. Clearly, they were pumping us up for the 3.5 hour appointment we had to endure!  It was good juju and provided the stamina to survive the process.  We managed to avoid paying insurance and taxes on a car we have yet to purchase.  (We had been warned about some of the bank scams!)  All was well until the bank officer decided Pat was too old to open an account (what?!!?!?!) so they only authorized him for a month!  He has to go back in person in 30 days to prove he is alive and kicking to gain full bank access.  Oh the joys of graceful aging!!


Random street moments continued when we spotted two boys dancing their hearts out to Bruno Mars in the middle of the road, possibly raising money for food… though it looked more like they were just having the time of their lives. There’s a lesson there: joy isn’t always tied to circumstances. Sometimes you just dance, rain or shine… or hunger!


The Great Amazon Adventure has begun... since we have nothing for our new digs, Amazon MX has become our best friend, maybe?  Here’s what we don’t take for granted anymore: in the U.S., your packages appear like magic. Here you must be physically present during business hours and share a password to receive your delivery. If you work or go to school full-time, this is basically logistical Olympics! 

We took a rainy field trip with students from the Spanish Institute to the Estrella de Puebla - a Ferris Wheel on the middle of town, with pouring rain, and it was beautiful.


Then there was the theatrics of Lucha Libre — a Monday-night-only Mexican wrestling match at its most colorful!  While it may not have been my favorite thing to experience, I had to admire the athleticism and the costuming!
The cemitas were the big draw and they are large enough for 4 people, and a must-have when watching to show! A cemita is a popular Mexican sandwich (originating from Puebla), consisting of a huge sesame seed-sprinkled  bun filled with tiny strands of shredded cheese, avocado slices, onions, jalapeños, papalo (herb with a unique flavor), fried cutlets of meat, potato chips, tomatoes, lettuce, and mayonnaise. It was surprisingly delicious. Vendors stroll the arena carrying colorful baskets on their heads selling their goodies. 
We chanted “¡Último!” and “¡Tal-a-ve-ra!” with the diehard fans behind the caged area. 
The best part was the post-event street scene — 1000’s of people, vendors, mariachis, and mask sellers filling the night with music and color.

We stumbled upon our new favorite restaurant a quiet, tranquil place with amazing reflecting pools and good food too! All of the fruits and veggies are grown on their property.


This past weekend’s highlight: the Cheese Festival in Cholula. All types, all flavors, all glorious yumminess.
We narrowly escaped a massive storm that brought three inches of rain and hail. People were shoveling hail off the streets. In some areas, there were actual rivers of hail! It was like the weather couldn’t decide between “winter wonderland” and “summer storm” — so it went with both.

Thanks for journeying with us and for your prayers and support.  We are off to the Ranch this week to observe our first medical certification program for about 35 women (and check in on the goats!).



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