picture 1: My host mom and her grandson. She taught me how to make Chile Rellenos!
picture 2: At Cortes Palace

picture 3: Me and my buddy. Girls just want to have fun! I went over to her house to borrow some clothes on a moment's notice, as I was asked for a "sita" (date) downtown. I couldn't show up in (what I call) my park ranger clothes!

picture 4: My own room in my home! exciting!

Here I am again, trying to catch up on my blog. Forgive me for not being too reflective lately. In some ways I have been reflective, I just haven’t been writing about it. I feel like that is part of living in the present: loss of reflection time. I could argue for both living presently and for being reflective...I guess balance is good. Thing is, right now, I don’t want to be very reflective. I am enjoying life to much to think about it too deeply. Weird? Kind of. But if I think about how wonderful life is here right now, it makes me want to stay forever and it makes me resent that I have to come home. It makes me confused about what I should/could/will do in the future if or when I ever make sense of this beautiful mess I’ve made.

So, let me tell you what I’ve been up to...A whole lot of livin’ going on! Classes are truckin’ along. It is incredibly difficult to sit down and study for any period of time, especially in my house where family is always flowing in and out and (of course) I will prioritize playing with kids over reading about policy. But, I am doing homework. This week we visited an orphanage that cares for children that are abandoned, abused, or maltreated. It was beautiful inside and out. The campus was wonderful with donated outdoor jungle gyms, brightly colored dorm rooms. The people were beautiful too. The workers who are so dedicated to giving the children a fair chance at success, a chance of dignity and accomplishment. The children so friendly and vibrant despite their circumstances. They have been nourished by the labor of love of the workers who have diligently developed this state-funded home. We also visited a elderly care facility which again was equally as impressive. It is so interesting to compare these facilities and services with what we have in America. It is difficult to describe the feeling of these campuses. They are not cold and barren like so often I have found in the U.S. Rather, they feel warm and engaging, even though the people are struggling with the same difficulties as our social welfare. I see this beautiful light, this beautiful genuine love of humanity radiate from the workers and in the eyes of those they serve.

On Tuesday, we went to Il Centro to visit the Cortes Palace and see the murals by Diego. It was actually a pretty powerful experience: thinking of the legacy of conquest in Mexico, how radically the Spaniards (with the support of the Church) imposed themselves on the indigenous culture, and how the system of beliefs and values, the social structure was divided by race, gender, class, economic stance. It is incredible to think of the will of the people here, who still have such warmth and generosity, who still believe in the value of life though for centuries they have been told they are practically (and sometimes entirely) worthless in comparison to the ruling elite.

Wednesday after class, HW, and the gym, I went with my dance partner to salsa class. It was fun...and we realized how much we suck, and how much we need to learn! But, the instructor (who is gorgeous, I will not lie!) invited me to his dance event "Ritmos que se mueven el mundo" (Rhythms that move the world) that Friday, so I found someone to go with me and called him to reserve tickets! I love salsa!

Me and my classmate Julie facilitated lab group on Friday, and after the serious stuff, shared brownies, cookies, and milk while we talked about little things we miss and little comforts we have found here. After classes, gym, and HW, I went to the dance event. The dancers were amazing, but the site was not. Some man actually approached us and asked to take our picture "because Americans don't come here that often." We declined. I refused to speak in English to him and told him we were not animals in a zoo. There were also just rude barrachos (drunks) and the place was overpriced. Oh well. Lesson learned. I made up for it on Saturday at my favorite salsa club. Coincidentally, my maestro (as I call my dance teacher), was there and asked me to dance. Though maybe I was a little flattered, I was more embarrassed than anything! Whatever...it was still a great night/morning! ;)

Sunday...I tried to actually do something serious. Of course, mass is wonderful...and yes, I still hope to help out with the paroquia (grade school tutoring) here. I am just too busy with my host family right now amidst everything else. When I move back to San Anton in a few weeks, maybe then I can finally do something. Oh, and I forced myself to study. I hide here in the library in the basement because the distractions are at least diminished.

That's a brief glimpse of what I do, think, and feel. I could never adequately describe the depths of my experiences and my emotions here.

LOVE,

aly