Week One

I stepped of the plane into Oaxaca City, Mexico Wednesday before noon, and couldn´t believe what a trip I´d had already. I managed to get my Passport in Chicago on Tuesday afternoon, make my flights without too many worries and arrive safely in Mexico.
My first day in Mexico was mostly sleeping. I hadn´t had more than an hours sleep since 6am Tuesday, meaning I´d been awake over 24 hours.
Thursday was my first real day as a missionay here in Mexico. In the morning I helped build a solar cooker. This summer part of my job is to perfect the solar cooker design so we can make them cheaply and then sell them to the locals. This is much needed because so many of the women have eye problems from stiring the fires all day, and wood is very expensive.

Most of my time is spent in the town of Tlaxiaco, about 30,000 people. The people here are so amiable and kind, the culture here is so open and inviting.
At the same time, language is still a small barrier for me, but the people are very understanding and just happy I am learning their language.

My favorite moments so far have been when the people ask me to teach them English. I know plenty of Spanish to teach English without question, and these times are so encouraging. I can´t wait to graduate and become a full time English teacher!

This summer is going to be a struggle; not talking on the phone with my Parents and Michael is going to be really difficult, but I am so excited for how much I will grow in my faith this summer!
I will post more details next weekend about my internship! Please keep me in your prayers, I miss you all!!