"Hop/Hope"

Just as it is extremely difficult for me to say certain letter sounds in Spanish, the Mexicans have trouble with some of our sounds/words.  A couple of my students say "hope" but it comes out as "hop".   "I hop to pass Friday's test" sounds a bit funny, so we continue to work on this.  Also, "hurricane" comes out as "hair-a-cane" or "hear-a-cane".  

We use purified water for drinking and cooking.  It comes in big jugs, and I cannot lift them.  I ask one of my students to bring what I need to my apartment when I am about to run out.  Yesterday he did this for me and as he was leaving, I said, "Have a good afternoon."  He responded, "Me too."  I must have given him a confused look because he paused, thought about his pronoun choice, and then said, "You too."  🤣

Mexican Independence Day was just celebrated September 16.  I have learned that the Mexicans are not a quiet people--they love to laugh and celebrate loudly. :) I heard many cries of "Viva Mexico!" At least a week prior to Independence Day, we could hear the drums from bands from the nearest town practicing early in the morning for the parades for the big day.  Several El Monte students and staff members celebrated with family.  I went with a few others to the church I have been attending for an evening of praying for the country and fun!  At one point, everyone was divided into two teams competing in a scavenger hunt of a sort--the first to get a cap, belt, or person with a mustache earned a point.  The teams were very competitive and boisterous! There was also a competition to create out of colored tissue paper a native costume from a region of Mexico for a little girl chosen from each group. Then there was a fashion show and judging.  Again, lots of  loud cheering and playful arguing!  Finally we all had a traditional meal of Pozole, a soup that is always served on Independence Day, pig skin "chips", and tacos dorados. The Mexicans are proud of their country and celebrate it!  I 'm glad I got to be a part of this year's celebration.

Monday evening we gringos (Paul Q and I) were invited to one of my student's apartment at El Monte for a traditional meal from the south Asian country where he hopes to go next year.  He was kind to tone down the spice for me.  We had chicken, rice, cucumbers in a yogurt sauce, and a homemade flatbread. All was very good (Really!), and the special tea was the best I ever have had.  This student's story of how he came to know Jesus is nothing short of miraculous!  We talked a long time.  We loved hearing his story, and he loved practicing his English. 

Friday always means a test of what was studied during the week, but after the test we clean the classroom, nearby restroom, and hallway.  Then we have "Fun Friday".  This means we do something fun while practicing conversational English.  Last week we watched a couple episodes of  The Chosen in English.  This week I decided to invite Katrina and the students to my apartment for lunch, dubbed "Rachel's Restaurant".  I served a common American lunch--chicken salad sandwiches on buns, raw veggies, potato chips, and chocolate cake.  We talked and laughed about many things including our best vacations.

This week seems like all I did was eat!  As you realize, sharing meals is a great time to get to know one another, and the Mexican people are very relational.  They are teaching me so much.

One more parting shot.  Even the weeds at El Monte are beautiful!

Praise and Prayer Requests

• First, thank you for reading all the way through my blog and for praying!  A friend texted me this week saying that she was praying for me, my students, and my friends here.  My heart melted.
• I am grateful for the close relationships I am developing with the staff and my students.
• Please continue to pray for the needs here.  Someone needs medication but cannot afford it.
• Pray for the people attending the retreats that are currently happening; pray they would grow in their walk with Jesus.
• Pray for two new girls (early 20s) who just arrived on staff and are in the apartment next to me.  Pray for their adjustment and that I could get to know them quickly.
• I will be leaving in December.  That means a new English teacher is needed starting in January for the next semester.  Please pray for this need.
• Thank you for praying for El Monte, my students, and me.  So grateful!  So blessed!

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid or discouraged.                                                                Deuteronomy 31:8