A Christmas Party

No posada (Christmas party) is complete without a piñata! Last weekend the members of the mission Jesús Pan de Vida (Jesus Bread of Life) held a Christmas party and invited their family and friends. Everyone ate tamales, which are corn-based dough filled with meats, chiles and cheese. They also drank traditional holiday punch - a sweet cinnamon drink served with real fruit and sugar cane sticks. When everyone had eaten their fill, it was piñata time! All of the children, beginning with the smallest child, got a chance to swing at the piñata. When it finally broke open, kids and adults rushed to grab the candy that fell out.

The evening also included a devotion on the birth of Jesus. It was a great way to remember the real reason for joy this holiday season.

Christmas Parties

Last night we had a Christmas party for the seminary students. We have been blessed with four seminary students this year. The students, their families and the missionaries here enjoyed a tasty Turkey dinner. Then we sipped rompope (a popular holiday liquor) and handed out gifts. It was a night to be thankful for the close friendships we have made down here.

A little about me

Here's a little info about me - I've been living in Mexico for just about seven years. I first came in January 2000 to teach English as a Foreign Language for one year. Hours after stepping off the plane, I was invited out with other missionaries to a taco stand. While eating there, I met Mike, who was serving in Mexico City at the time. We were married in September 2001 and the rest is history!

Staying Warm

The last few days have been "frigid" in Torreón, Mexico. The temperatures have been in the 50's and 60's. "Not bad," you might think, but here's the catch: there are no central heating systems in the houses here. Moreover, the houses are built out of concrete block, which provides very little insulation. When it's 50 degrees outside, it's 50 degree in our house too.Due to the cold, most children did not attend school last Friday. They stayed inside, huddled in blankets and jackets. We stayed inside, too, dressed in our hats and gloves.Some families have space heaters to help keep their houses warm. We have a couple heaters and they do help, but they do not heat the entire house. We're hoping for some sunshine and warmth later this week!

Welcome

Welcome to the blog! Here you will find regular updates on life in Mexico, its ups and downs, and the joys of working down here! Stay tuned for more to come.