Blog 6 28 July 2015

Beautiful Pictures of

Beautiful Mountains

The top picture was taken from my road facing the opposite direction of my previously posted pic.  The bottom pic was taken from my porch.  The house is my neighbor's. Jon & Jenny (& the boys) live about 1 mile down this road. 

The last pic is the same direction from the middle of the soccer field  which comprises my back yard.

Writing New Books!

Aside from organizing the paces and school books and playing with the boys now and then, I have been spending my time writing.  My little cabin is perfect for this.  I have a beautiful view and, for the most part, quiet neighbors.  I have been able to do some typing / editing for others as well as some of my own selections.

I have a few titles in the works and hope to have some ready for publication in the new year.  I will include information at the end for those who may be interested in purchasing.

New Food of the Week:

Since I posted last, I have had two new items to taste.  One was cactus on my tacos.  It was REALLY good!  Of course, it was mixed in with the other pico de gallo ingredients; but I liked it. The other was "Jamaica." Not pronounced like we would say the country in South America -- but "ha-mika." 

The cactus is in the forefront of the picture.  When it is chopped for tacos it looks similar to celery or okra.

You can see I took this pic off the internet.  This is because my drink was in a white styrofoam cup. Possibly, you can also tell that it is a tea-like drink made from hibiscus leaves.

Ladies' Soulwinning: (still the silent partner)

Everyone was glad to have Mrs. Brenda and Jenny back this week.  They were sorely missed.  I was glad to have them as my partners.  Twelve ladies went about thirty minutes away to invite people to a fairly new church pastored by a graduate of the Mt. Hebron Bible Institute.  The five ladies in our van saw three saved.  The Institute has at least one graduate in each of Mexico's 31 states.  There are several graduates laboring in Nuevo Leon, the state in which Monterrey is located.

Language Update:

I have progressed to Core Lesson 4 in Rosetta Stone, and at least one day I passed the speaking portion.  My tone-deafness prohibits my ability to repeat the words with proper intonation.  I would appreciate your prayers as I strive to improve in this area.

Encouraging note: While returning from the store with Jenny, I was able to determine which was our exit for home.

Some Things I Have Learned:

1. How to properly pronounce the numbers to 20.
       It appears I will be learning some things right along with the twins.

2. The difference between a tostada and a tortilla.
     A tortilla is soft and bread-like.
       A tostada is crunchy like a taco shell, but flat.  
       According to the Spanish dictionary ap, a tostada is sweet-bread that is
                     dried, then re-baked.

3. The difference between "bebe" & "bebe`."
      One is a drink and the other is a baby.
      What I should say is that I learned to ask for a "refresco" since I cannot 
                properly pronounce the difference.

4. That there is a marked difference between Mexican toilet paper and American toilet paper.
          What I should say is that once again I should have listened to Jenny.

5. That FaceTime works through your e-mail.
       It requires data, but not minutes.  
       As long as I am connected to Wi-fi, I am good to go!

6. The difference between a bulldozer and an excavator
      Because some things are important when you're an aunt to 3 1/2 year-old twin boys.

Book Info:

Two of my books are currently available digitally on Kindle or in paperback through Amazon.  Any proceeds made from these publications will greatly assist in my being able to continue to work in the missions school here in Mexico.

Where's the Next Jenny? 
          This is basically the story of how I came to be called "Aunt Emily." Seriously, it is a practical handbook for encouraging and influencing young people.  It is the story of Jenny becoming a missionary.  This book would be a tremendous asset for parents, teachers, bus captains, and youth workers.

Every Kid is Different 

          This book is an encouragement for teachers and teachers-to-be; all the things they failed to teach you in college.  I share stories of some of the students who have passed through my classroom: from my first-year's teaching in a rural one-room school-house through my last year in the states.  My experiences in Mexico will have to be their own book.

Three books in process:

365 Days of Thankfulness

          Taken directly from my FB posts, something to be thankful for every day of the year.  Some entries are personal and others are things we see or use every day; but all entries guide each of us to an attitude of gratefulness.       

Message me if interested in pre-ordering to use for the new year.  Obviously, will be finished no later than 01/01/16.

Tangents Around a Common Circle

          This book is barely started, but will be the story of my life's journey.  As a young person, I thought it was just important to be headed in the right direction.  I am learning that is much more important to be centered, or balanced properly.  I promise that you will not have to remember everything you learned in high school geometry to glean from this one (but it might help if you could remember a little).

What I Learned From My Mom &

What I Learned From My Dad

          I have not completely decided whether or not to split this into two books, but regardless, it will be the first in a series.  Though inspired by my thankfulness posts: "What I learned from my Mom while she was battling cancer" and "What I learned from my Dad while my Mom was battling cancer" the book will not be limited to the topic of illness. It promises to be both practical and inspiring.