Y'all I can hardly believe I've been in Mexico for more than a week. That is officially more time than I have ever spent in Mexico, ever. Let me tell you, it has taken some adjusting. This first week has been full of getting orientated and settled in. I spent the first couple of days having different orientation talks with people from the organzation about things like church in Mexico, what people normally wear hear (AKA what I should be wearing), and just certain cultural differences between here and the United States. I also as able to go on the metro multiple times. At first it seemed pretty overwhelming. Still I only know where the places I will be going to most often are on the metro, but exploring any further than that may take some courage! The city is so much more sprawling than I thought.
On Friday I moved in with my family. I have my host mom and dad, and a 15 year old sister and 12 year old brother. Their names are Aiko and Akira. I share a room with the 15 year old, which has been really fun. They also have a sheep dog who is the cutest thing. We became friends over the weekend. My family also has some Japanese heritage, so the first meal we had together was eaten with chopsticks! Later the first night I was with them, we went to see a movie. We got there like an hour before the movie started to be sure we could get seats. Going to a movie here is much more of an experience than it is in the states, and you all know how much I love going to the movies. There was a crepe restaurant INSIDE the theatre, not to mention a candy bar, both caramel and regular popcorn (at cheap prices none the less), and super cheap tickets. I was in movie heaven.
We also went to a fair one night, which is a lot like any american street carnival you might come across but instead of funnel cakes, you have sweet plantains, and instead of popcorn, there's Elotes (corn on the cob on a stick) and esquites (corn in a cup). I ordered esquites with everything on it (chile, mayo, cheese, and lime). My sister asked me what I got on it and when I listed off everything, she responded with "Orale!", which in this case is basically spanish for "Wow, look at this gringa go." It ended up downpourng as we were out and I was still in my maxi skirt and sandals from church, so I was completely soaked like all the way up my calves. We all ended up laughing about it. I was one of those moments where I wasn't sure if they were laughing at me because I'm such a gringa wearing this out or if they just thougt it was really funny. Either way, we were laughing. Needless to say, I felt this whole night was a good bonding experience with my family!
I should be starting my Spanish tutoring next week and be meeting with the director of the safe home either later this week or next. I'm so excited to keep getting settled in and figuring out more about the city and my minstry. It's exhausting to be in your second language all the time, in a new environment, but I know the Lord is going to use my time here.
Thanks for reading, more to come, XXOO,
Riley