From Spanish Verbs to Snakeskin Gifts: Life in Mexico!

We officially wrapped up our Spanish classes last week! Each day we get a little braver with rolling our R’s and untangling verb conjugations. If we really concentrate (and maybe squint a little), we can carry on a conversation and understand most of what’s being said. My co-worker assures me that in six months we’ll be pros—which I think means we’ll at least stop accidentally asking for “soap” when we meant “soup.” Faith, patience, and a good Spanish translator are our daily companions!

To celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary, we took a quick trip to the beaches of Veracruz. 

It was four hours each way on a bus, but every bumpy mile was worth it. My favorite café had a delightful system: you clank your fork against your glass to summon hot milk for your coffee, while a mariachi band plays just steps away. 

Toes in the sand, mariachi in the air, food that tasted like heaven—it was our little slice of Sabbath rest.

Back home, our team toured a Talavera ceramics factory to dream up future Give Ye Them To Eat goodies. Let’s just say we left imagining coffee mugs and coasters that every team member will enjoy!

Then it was off to the ranch. The rainy season has turned everything into a lush, green paradise.

We sat on the porch with an oversized canister of bug spray while a storm rolled in, bringing every buzzing, creeping, and flying creature to say hello.  Then I crashed on the couch –best nap ever! 

Later, Pat discovered what he thought was an anniversary present above our bed: a freshly shed snakeskin in the rafters. My anxiety was cranked up, so sorry, taking a photo wasn't on my mind! Let’s just say I’ve never been more thankful for mosquito nets—and yes, I slept with one eye open. God really does have a sense of humor in creation.

But the farm wasn’t all bug battles and snake surprises. Veronica treated us to a farm-to-table snack of chocolate-covered plantains with walnuts grown right there on the land—holy deliciousness! 

I also spent quality time with the turkeys and goats, which are guaranteed entertainment. And we came home with armloads of succulents and plants. The secret to their beauty?

A compost blend of goat and chicken contributions, a dash of dry composting toilet magic, and veggie scraps. God truly does turn “waste” into abundance.

Looking ahead, our team is planning for 2026: a new style of two-story straw bale home, an outdoor dining area, and even a labyrinth filled with medicinal plants. On top of that, we’ve got three jungle medical missions and three community health worker trainings scheduled for next spring. Busy? Yes. Overwhelmed? Not at all. The peace here runs deeper than the schedule. Joy fills every corner. We’ve never once second-guessed answering this call.

City life is slowly becoming home, too. We’re hoping to buy a car soon, though Pat was apparently considered “too old” for a bank account on his first try (who knew?). The bank said to come back in a month to prove he’s still alive—resurrection paperwork pending, I suppose.

Of course, there’s still the luggage saga. We’ll be flying back to the U.S. next week to (hopefully!) finalize one last consulate document so our “stuff” can officially come with us. But truthfully, the more we live here, the more we realize we don’t need that much. God is gently teaching us to travel lighter—in luggage and in life. Still, we’re looking forward to a niece’s wedding, a WY Cowboys football game, and some sweet family time.

Through it all—whether it’s Spanish verbs, mariachi bands, snakes in the rafters, or compost miracles—we’re learning that joy, humor, and grace are God’s traveling companions. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.