Two blogs ago I asked for prayer for the new girls who would be coming to work at El Monte and would be living next door to me. I asked you to pray for their adjustment and that I would get to know them quickly. Thank you for your prayers. Both girls are very friendly and kind. There are now four girls in that apartment, and I invited them for a meal Monday evening.
Sunday morning Roxanne texted me to see if I wanted to go on a little excursion after church. Of course! We stopped at a restaurant first, and what a treat it was! The first thing I noticed in the parking area after I got out of the car was there were tree limbs growing through a wall. Obviously the wall was built around those trees. The pic on the bottom right is of the restrooms. It is hard to see, but the spot on the wall on the right side is a flower design. That's the only sign indicating the women's restroom. The new girls came along too.
I ordered Huarache--little shells stuffed with ricotta cheese topped with chicken and cream. Cactus and onions were served on the side. My plate was almost like pottery. I wanted to order enchiladas (on right--one of the girls did so I took a pic), but was told it was quite spicy so maybe I'll try that another time. The restaurant was mostly under a roof but partly outside too. I loved the little playground for antsy kids.
We walked around the town, stopping at a few shops. It was a little rainy, but people just put out awnings or coverings and continued with business as usual. I marvel at the size of corn on the cob here. The cobs are monstrous!--two to three times bigger than what I have seen at home. Mexicans will poke a stick through the end so they can walk around eating it more easily. They spread mayonnaise on it rather than butter, and sprinkle it with--you guessed it. Chili powder!
One of our goals was to get an ice cream-type dessert called Tepotznieves, which Tepotzlan is famous for. There was a very, very long list of flavors to choose from, AND each choice was made up of four flavors! I ordered a bowl with two scoops. One scoop had dark chocolate, white chocolate, chocolate with crisps, and hazelnut. The other scoop had mango, cream, strawberry, and nut. I would go back to that place again just for the ice cream, but there was also so much to look at. The benches and area below the counter were hand carved and colorful, of course. We sat down to eat our ice cream, and a man walked in from the street and started to play his saxophone! He was so talented and clearly enjoyed entertaining us. That was as much a treat as the ice cream!
As we left the building, we spotted a man on a bicycle across the street sharpening a knife! When we first saw him, the sparks were really flying! By the time I got my phone out to take a pic he must have just been putting the finishing touches on the knife. Notice that he has something under the back wheel to make the bike stationary. Also notice the little whet stone wheel near his knees in the pic. Talk about pedal power!
Monday I was talking to one of my students about this, and he said that someone sharpening knives using a bicycle was common in Mexico. I wasn't sure I could believe him (He likes to joke a lot.), but I asked a friend here, and she said that this was true. Also notice the stone pattern in the street. It was beautiful and throughout the town.
I have to share a few pics from around El Monte. It has been the rainy season for several months, so more and more flowers are popping out. The orange ones are wild and all over now.
Please pray with me.
Praises
- I have quickly become friends with the two new girls.
- The first seven weeks of class have gone well. I am grateful for the relationship I have with my students and Katrina, my director.
- I am thankful for God's direction as I plan lessons and look for supplemental materials.
- Electricity and internet have been fairly reliable this week. Yay!
Prayer Requests
- In another week El Monte will be hosting a large group for a conference. Please pray for all the planning, preparation, and the staff's workload. My duties will be different that week. Pray I can figure out how to help wherever needed.
- One of my students continues to struggle with some health issues. Please pray for whatever is needed for healing.
- Please pray for staffing needs including an English teacher for next semester.
- Pray that God would be honored through all the work here.
- Pray for souls to be refreshed and for souls to be saved.
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
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love these pictures!! the colors around town are beautiful : )
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