Though I have already come to terms with the fact that I really am in Mexico , today I had a few more affirmations. As usual, I woke up and tried to go walking, but that didn't last long. I was really not feeling well. I studied a bit and went to class when I realized that I was already burning with fever. As class went on I began trembling, and when I tried to answer a question on the board I swayed as if I was close to fainting. It really felt awful. I do not like to be sick, nor do I like to admit that I am sick. However, Dad voiced his concern with my ongoing condition, I finally submitted to the sickness and left our SOCW lab early to go to the urgent care clinic at Bella Vista Hospital. Welcome to Mexico Alysson. You have a bacterial infection in your instentines. Oh goody!

I am really not to worried about it. I will just have to take some antibiotics. I figure this is part of the authentic experience of living in Mexico. Even the doctor's prescription was a prime example: antiobiotics for the bacteria, antacids because the antibiotic might upset my stomach, and another drug for the fever. In other words: taking drugs for the effects of other drugs. I can't take antacids because of my antimalaria drugs and I'm pretty sure some acetaminophen will take care of the fever, as would water and sleep. And, for your information, I have embibed at least 96 oz. of water today from my waterbottle plus multiple cups of tea :) While I feel positive about treating this now, there are several other students who have the same symptoms and I know that we will continue to share our bacteria for the rest of the quarter. Also, when we move into our homestays a week from tomorrow we will face a whole new set of germs. Though it may sound pessimistic, I think I could be sick in some way this entire trip. Let's hope not.

Another affirming authentic experience of Mexico I had today was my sporadic trip to mass with a friend of mine. She and I had been studying here in the library and at 6:15 she asked me, "Do you want to go to mass?" I didn't know there was a daily evening mass, so I asked, "When?" Mass "starts" at 6pm, but of course that translates to about 6:20, so we were right on time. Turns out it was the night of adoration to the Eucharist! Having never attended such a service before I was so pleased for our sporadic decision. It was a beautiful service and then time for reflection and adoration with intervals of silence and song. And, it was lead by a nun, which was delightful because while the majority of celebrants are female, they have a very small presence in church leadership of any kind. Heaven knows I love any encounter with nuns. As we reflected I again had that beautiful and consoling feeling wash over me: THIS is why I am in Mexico. I can sense the sincere and rich faith of the people here and yet it is still so delicate. It is just so fascinating to be in a place where faith in God, in the Trinity, and in the love of God for us is part of the cosmovision of the culture. My adventures in spirituality have been impressive and this is only the beginning!

I have been studying since then and am now going to try to sleep so I can study some more before our exam tomorrow. It has been a gruelling week and I am so ready for Friday. I was sad to miss my class tonight, but I will hopefully make up for it this weekend. The adoration was not only much more important, but much more fulfilling. I am happy that I am learning to be spontaneous, and to take each day one moment at a time. It is good practice of living in the present. And, as Fr.Jack wisely advised me: The ego of man makes him dwell in time, which is either in the past or the future. Only when we put aside our ego and stop thinking about ourselves can we hear what God is saying. Then we will be living with God and can truly love others. Amidst everything else I am learning here, I hope that I continue to learn how to be less selfish and more generous in loving.

Peace,
aly