Ranch Life in Full Color

I am enjoying the culture and Latino lifestyle here in Mexico.  After watching the Super Bowl half time show this week, this message really resonated with me.  


Bird watching (and more importantly, bird listening) at the ranch house has become my newest peace-filled pastime. It feels like God’s own Spotify playlist out here!  Have you ever tried Merlin Bird ID? Last week’s headliner was the Coppery-tailed Trogon. I didn’t even know such a pretty creature existed.

Meanwhile, I continue my efforts to seal every screen and crevice in the straw bale house.  Scorpions and snakes are going to have to try extra hard to make their way in! This round’s weapon of choice: spray foam. If duct tape is the handyman’s best friend, spray foam is its chaotic cousin. The house has about 15 tiny vent screens placed approximately 47 feet in the air (or so it felt), and I was up on a ladder spraying blindly into the abyss. I’m fairly certain I sealed the vents and only minimally sealed myself. Spray foam and I have a long-standing disagreement.


The weather has been ridiculously glorious. I’ve taken to sunning on what I now call our “Rooftop of Rejuvenation.” Best nap of the month; as I didn't know Pat snapped a pic! When I woke up, slightly crispy but refreshed, I looked toward Popo and saw heart-shaped smoke drifting above the volcano.  Even the volcano is sending valentines! It felt like a wink from heaven.
 

This week we learned how to play Padel—essentially tennis and squash had a baby and raised it on astroturf. It’s played on a smaller court, and here’s the twist: you can play the ball off the walls. So basically, it’s a sport for people who don’t like to admit they missed, and who don't like to run! Our instructor was incredibly patient, which was necessary. We had a blast, laughed a lot, and only mildly embarrassed ourselves. It remains to be seen if we will become Padel regulars.


And speaking of adventures—let’s talk food. I love, love, love the delicious variety here in Puebla (also known as the foodie capital of Mexico, and I am doing my part to support that reputation). This week at the ranch we had pan-fried iguana. Yes. Iguana. A first for me. I was slightly unsettled at the thought of eating what once felt like my reptilian roommate. I have to confess—it was surprisingly tasty. Somewhere between chicken and “well, that’s new.” Growth happens in mysterious ways.  Now we are going to have Iguana as an appetizer each time we welcome a new mission team to the ranch!


All in all, ranch life continues to stretch me—spiritually, culinarily, and in my ability to remove spray foam from unexpected places. There is something sacred about these simple days: birdsong at sunset, baby goats, the Mexican sun, laughter on a Padel court, and meals that gently challenge my comfort zone.  And more importantly, working with the GYTTE staff planning for future mission teams.  It's the best job!

It’s been a good few weeks. Lots and lots of baby goats! 

Thanks for journeying with us!



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