*Originally posted October 2, 2018
The first time I landed in Mexico City was January 10 of last year. Since then, I have learned so much about the Mexican culture, the way of being, and the Spanish language! I have a good enough grasp of the language to have a fluid conversation now; whereas before, I was stuttering and taking a hot second to respond and understand everything in a conversation. There are still learning moments as I still continue to navigate myself in this culture.
Family
I’ve had trouble adjusting and still have trouble adapting at times living with a family. I haven’t lived with my own parents for the last eight years, and asking for permission has been a difficult adaptation for me because I am so free-spirited! However, I have learned so much from living with a Mexican family. Mexicans value their time with family to an extreme! They make whatever excuse they can make to come together, to “convivir” (to live together). I love that verb in Spanish because there is nothing like it in English. I have come to learn to enjoy time with my Mexican family and my extended Mexican family. They have so much love to give!
School
I’ve had my share of conflicts working at IME, the homeschool here in Mexico City. I’ve had conflicts with parents and teachers due to cultural differences, different professional backgrounds, and my strong personality. However, in each of these moments, through God’s grace, I’ve been able to learn and still learn the different perspectives people have about education. As a second generation Asian-American, education has been an important value that has been instilled in me since birth. However, at IME, it does not appear as so, which is totally fine, but it has been a hard adjustment for myself. They continue to challenge me in my growth and vise versa as well!
God’s Provisions
Through difficult periods of culture shock, it has been hard to believe that I would enjoying living here in Mexico exponentially more and more, but it is because God has been so gracious to me. He’s provided for me in so many countless ways possible! There have been times where I had been envious of the other missionaries when their parents come to visit. Just knowing my own culture and parents, them visiting me isn’t something that’s going to happen. It’s not because I’m in Mexico; no matter where I am, they would not come visit - just because. (I know it may sound harsh, but it’s just how it is!) However, God had provided other “parents” to come and visit me. Pastor Thomas Chen and his wife Esther visited Mexico City this past April. Pastor Thomas spoke at my church and I got to go to a Mexican soccer game and a luchador fight with my visiting “parents”. Pastor Thomas and his wife Esther filled that “parent visit void”. I can’t thank you them enough for their short but significant visit!
I really believe Asians Americans just attract each other! There are a scare number of Asian American missionaries; however, God has given me a community of Asian American sisters and brother (we are a total of five Asian American missionaries). Although I cherish the company of my other missionary friends here in Mexico City, there’s just something about talking with other Asian Americans; they just get you because we share cultural values.
God provides; even in those small details. As it says in Matthew 6:26-34:
26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
God is good!
631 days and still learning in Mexico City!
For those who have made it to the end, thank you! As always, I would appreciate any type of comment or like so that I know you stopped by!
I am also still raising funds to stay in Mexico City! I have actually extended my stay until July 2019! To support me, visit http://uwm.org/missionaries/31529/ ! Any support is deeply appreciated! Thank you!