I'm Off to Mexico!: Blog 8 11 Aug 2015

Back to School Soon!

Just like all of you, we are gearing up for the school year here. I imagine some of you have already started. One of the other teachers and I spent Monday cleaning, preparing, and organizing. As of now, our first day is scheduled for Monday, August 24. The classrooms are really not that different from American classrooms. The biggest difference is the language.

Trip to the Border! part 2

Last week Jenny and I drove to the border for the sole purpose of "legalizing" my vehicle. Last week, I told about driving my car and getting it inspected. We were on our way to the Texas department of Safety to obtain my driver's license . . .

Jenny dropped me off. I noticed there were many people seated, waiting their turn, so I looked for a place to get a number. I walked up to the lady at the desk to request one. In the middle of my question, she asked what was the purpose of my visit today.

"I have just moved from Arkansas, and I would like to obtain a Texas driver's license."

"Do you own a vehicle?"
"Yes."
"Do you have proof of insurance?"
"Yes."
"Has it been inspected?"
"Yes."
"Has it been registered and licensed?"
"Not yet; I came here first."
"Here is your number, have a seat."

So, of course, I sat down with the others. I noticed that there were two different sets of numbers with one from each set periodically being called to different windows. When my number was called, I gathered all of my paperwork and went to the window. The lady asked me the same questions as above, then proceeded to hand me forms to fill out. She also wrote down for me the six things I needed to bring back tomorrow in order to get my license.

"Can I not get my driver's license today?"
"No."
"May I ask why?"
"You have to have your vehicle registration before you can even apply for a license."

I have never even heard of, let alone lived in, a state that required you to register for a license plate before you can even be permitted to apply for a driver's license! My blood pressure is now somewhat elevated.

It is now 5:10 pm. I message Jenny to come back for me.
(To be continued . . .)

Ladies' Soulwinning! (still the silent partner)

This week I was privileged to partner with Hermana Eliud, a lady from a little south of Monterrey whose husband was reached through the ministry here. They met while attending the institute, married, and have reared their children in this church. Her son is our song leader; he and his wife have a son the same age as the twins. Her daughter recently finished school and is one of the church pianists. Hermana Eliud is a faithful and dedicated soulwinner. I prayed while she led a young girl named America to the Lord. Although the mother of the girl gave permission for us to speak to her about Christ, she would not permit her to attend a non-Catholic church.
The six ladies in Mrs. Brenda's vehicle led six people to the Lord.

Soulwinning Related Story:

I met a new friend at church named Lydia. She speaks English fairly well because she and her husband (who is from here in Monterrey) lived in Houston for a while. Although they were both saved and baptized in Houston, she is attending church here because some ladies from Mt. Hebron gave her literature, prayed with her, and invited her. She has been coming here only a little longer than me. Her husband does not attend with her. I have seen her at church almost every Sunday.

New Food of the Week:

Pescada a la poblano!

Fish {with} chili

I had the best fish I have had in a long time. It was cooked perfectly and covered in green chili. It also had elote (corn) and Mexican cream sauce (not really sour cream and definitely not tartar sauce).
I know that I say on here that I have liked everything so far but that is because I honestly have.

News Bulletin:
I have officially resided here for 8 weeks and have not been or even felt sick once!!
PTL!!

Language Update:

I am excited to announce that I finally passed Unit 1 in Rosetta Stone! Not lesson 1; Unit 1. I had to re-take some of the speaking portions numerous times to get the pronunciations correct.
On to unit 2!!

First Driving Experience!

I actually drove for the first time here in Mexico the previous week, but because of my trip to Texas, I really didn't have time to write about it. And, I did a little (very little) of the driving to the border, so that gave me a few extra tidbits.

First of all, my lack of a sense of direction makes moving anywhere extra challenging for me. After fifteen years, I still occasionally lost my way in Hot Springs. So, Mrs. Brenda Ashcraft let me drive her to "S-Mart" for practice. It is less than ten miles down the highway and right on the corner; so no getting lost. She was very patient and gave good directions about changing lanes and entering and exiting the highway. All of that said, here are my observations and experiences:

Obviously taken when I was not the driver!

1. At least we drive on the same side of the road as in the US.

2. Motorcycles not only weave in and out of lanes as they do in US, but also occasionally drive on wrong side of the highway.

3. People often stand dangerously close to the side of the highway in hopes of crossing faster.

4. People often park on the side of the highway to avoid crossing and recrossing the highway if they want to stop at a market along the edges.

5. These drivers parked along the side of the highway often open their car doors without looking.

6. El barrial, or my neighborhood, does not waste money for signs to mark speed bumps; if you don't see them the first time, you will remember them the second time.

7. There are no signs for the end of the lane, either; if the white lines are gone, or if there is suddenly an orange cone in front of you, then the lane has ended.

8. If you are in the left lane (going @ 60mph) and a semi truck in the right lane suddenly puts on his left blinker (going @ 45mph) do not panic and brake as I did: he is putting on his signal indicating that he wants you to pass him.

9. The policia leave their lights on for the duration of their shift. It is impossible to tell if they are actually "in pursuit."

Pics of Boys:

I am not sure, but I think I enjoy game and craft time with the boys as much or more than they do.
We played futbol (soccer) outside, then some blocks inside.