The Final Ciaos

I just got home from saying goodbye to my amazing group. All I can think is that it is a good thing the Church keeps everyone so close together. I know I have already said this but they really have become my family. I can't wait to see them all again in Provo and I am looking forward to every reunion. Plus - from what we have figured - almost everyone has verizon. What an easy way to keep in touch. My heart hurts just thinking about spending the rest of my summer with out them...Good thing we have texts and facebook. Maybe I can get some to take another vacation and visit me :) We will see how that goes.

And then the kids we have met in the ward down here. They have done everything for us. I really love them and I hope that we can keep in touch. I don't know if I can thank them enough. They have been so understanding and so willing to help. They talk to us - even with our broken, struggling spanish! They drive across Guadalajara to pick us up. They have really spent every minute they can with us and I am horribly sad to say goodbye.

Goodbyes: ROUND 2

I have already said goodbye to my cute service girls and last night I had to say goodbye to Hermana Stallings and her family. They really have become my family out here. Hermana stops anything to help us and she so sincerely loves us. I am so happy that they will be a family I can see time and time again while I am studying at BYU. Her daughter, Rachel, reminded me so much of Kelsey. You know, that funky yet adorably unique style? So Rachel. She is so sweet and always ready to have fun. Then Stephen reminded me so much of Porter! Tuesday at the dance party on the boat - definitely Porter. He has that adorable round face and is just the entertainer. Although - Stephen dresses like a little skater boy with his tight pants. Porter wouldn't be caught dead wearing those! haha They also had a friend with them, one of those friends that you grow up believing is a cousin. Natalie. She is so special and amazing mature for going into 12th grade. I had a ton of fun with her. She is rambunctious and daring. Fearless and fun. I will miss them. Good thing everyone lives in Utah!

tonight will be the hard part - saying goodbye to my friends. This group of 25 that has literally become my family. I have a whole lot of new sisters and 2 amazing new brothers. I am a little nervous to not have them for the rest of my summer.

Under the moon

We tried sleeping on the beach again last night. This time it was a success. We could see the moon and sometimes even some stars. We even had a full moon so everything was well lit up. I think we had a bat chilling at the top of our little umbrella hut - the moment Nat and I stopped talking to go to sleep he started making noises. I guess everyone had a rough time trying to sleep on those chairs but I am pretty sure I didn't move once. It was a wonderful night :)

our day cruise!

We spent yesterday on a boat. It was an amazing amazing adventure. We started with a breakfast of fruit on the boat and then headed to some rocks for snorkeling. There was a total of 3 types of fish and if you saw one, the other 2 were close by. You didn't have to do much searching...They were cool fish but the water wasn't very clear and we didn't have coral to watch the fish swim in. Not the best snorkeling but we had a ton of fun. The water is amazingly warm.
After snorkeling we dropped people off for lunch and those who wanted to go hiking to the falls (ME!) got to keep going. It was like a half hour walk there and back. We also followed horses, which wasn't all the pleasant. The scenery was beautiful though. And when we got to the falls - gorgeous! We swam for a little at the bottom of the falls and enjoyed the rock slide going along side the fall. We played there for about half an hour and headed back. There was a 6'8'' boy on the hike with us with is 5'11/6 foot girlfriend. I noticed they were both wearing ucla shirts - later come to find out he is going to be a sophomore for the ucla basketball team. I think he is from Serbia. Nikola Drac...something. Pretty crazy!
After the hike we went back to the beach and enjoyed some lunch. Ashley, Jess, and I swam from the boat to the shore. It was so nice to just swim...although there were some jellyfish and Ashley had already gotten stung the first day of our trip. We were screaming and trying to swim as close to the top of the water as possible. I am sure everyone just thought crazy americans. After we ate we dove write back into the water. The beach here was clearer and not as sandy - it was more rocky than the silty sand at our beach. It reminded me a little of Waimea. The waves crashed pretty much on the shore and would have been horrible for boogie boarding but turned out wonderful for just playing around.
The boat ride back was the best. We get on the boat and before long they are playing the Macarena. Our group was at the front shaking what we had. Everyone else loved it, of course. Then we went into the new electric slide dance followed by Achy Breaky Heart en espanol and of course YMCA. Soon we found ourselves upstairs dancing on the open deck. The boat swayed a lot more up top and pretty much our dancing consisted of trying to keep balance as we moved back and forth. Ashley tried to dip me and of course here comes a toppling wave. haha We both ended up on the ground - the only 2 to fall. We really had a good time.
Once we got back to the harbor Hermana walked up to me and in spanish said that my mom must have taught me how to dance. I laughed and told her I couldn't dance. Then she went on to explain that I know how to move my hips and she actually seemed very impressed! haha I still don't know what she is talking about. I remember mom trying once to teach me to dance to Back to life by Soul II Soul back in like 7th grade. haha That was a joke and we haven't tried since then. They also had a huge map of the states of mexico on the ground and I should have gotten a picture of me standing right north of Baja California. We actually found people to make the entire west coast. Made me miss home...

Mas Sol

I am sunburned. Surprise.
Ok - so yesterday was father's day. We went to church and really that was it. Church was really good but I won't lie, we were all beat dead. We never seem to get enough sleep. But it was SO nice to just relax and enjoy ourselves. No rushing, no appointments, just having fun. On the way home, lucky me, I sat on gum. I noticed this once we reached the hotel. I could feel it on my dress but it took me forever to see it. I asked the girls if they saw it but they had to search. The gum is exactly the same color as the flowers on my dress and that is right where they were.
Last night I went on a walk with Ashley and Jessica. Before long we were walking in crocodile land - good think I remembered one of the girls in our group mentioned that and we turned around and made it home safely. It was beautiful to walk along the beach at night though. We then decided we should sleep out on the chairs. I was out in no time ( soo tired) but before too much time passed the girls woke me up saying it was raining. I was under the fun umbrella hut so I had no idea. We had fun though!
Monday was spent on the beach. Nat and I had tried kayaking on Saturday with Natalie and Maggie - that was an adventure for sure. 4 on one kayak - with only 3 paddles. I am slowly finding bruises. But Monday, when Nat and I tried, it was so amazingly simple. I was all excited for some huge work out - ha. Then we boogie boarded all afternoon. I had a last run - I must have caught the wave horribly. I have never hurt myself boogie boarding until yesterday. My board went straight into a nose dive and so I tried to push it one way and somehow my chin got it good in the sand. I got up and was afraid to move. My jaw was pretty tight and my ears were aching. Now - I feel like I went to the orthodontist and he messed with my mouth...but really, so far so good.
Last night we went and visited the real Puerto Vallarta. So we are in Nueva Vallarta - which is in a different state completely. Just neighboring cities though. Puerto was fun, definitely not beaches like the one were are on but we walked down the boardwalk and enjoyed taking pictures

I LOVE MY DADDY

happy father's day!
I am so thankful for my daddy. Everything he does is for us - his family. He knows my potential and pushes me to reach that. I can go on and on with stories I have of my father, and for the most part they are actually quite entertaining, but I will restrain from sharing all.

This last winter semester was really hard for me. I was having a hard time getting into my program (special education). Who knew it was so hard! I made it on the waiting list and was devastated - but then there was my dad. He had so many stories to tell me about waiting for doors to open when it comes to careers and just having faith. It was amazing to hear all the things my dad did for my family and how he only makes choices through the help of our Heavenly Father. His faith amazes me.
He has a testimony like no one else I know. When he gets up there to bear his testimony I can't control myself. I love his face when he bears his testimony. You can tell it is taking everything out of him. He is so sincere and I always look forward to hearing my father bear his testimony.

I remember we had this ward youth conference in Utah. We watched The Testaments one evening and when we walked out - there was the Salt Lake Temple, beautifully lit up. Kelsey and I were still trying to dry our eyes from the movie and just looking at the temple. Then comes dad. He just wraps us in his arms and we stood there together, tears streaming down our faces, for a good solid 5 minutes. I will never ever forget how much love was felt in those minutes.

Then, of course, there is the jack black, pee your pants funny side of my dad. He makes everyone laugh and really is the heart of any good party. Get him singing some karaoke and your life will forever be changed. Or start him going on some good movies like Nacho...Have you ever seen the faces he makes at all the cute little kids at church?! haha Those were the faces I grew up with.

Dad's new big thing is photography. I love it! He will come back from BYU games with the greatest pictures! His action shots are the greatest AND then he has this amazing shot of Bryan Kehl. Haha That will always be my favorite.

So all in all - I love my dad. I used to be easily embarrassed but nothing he does can embarrass me now because I know he loves me and I love him and that is all that matters! He is the greatest. He is my foundation, the one who is never dramatic and keeps me from being quick to judge and worrying too much about what others think. He is my example and has set a high bar for me to follow. I know he has faith in me and that he loves me more than life. He is so willing to give me blessings and help me make it through all the "troubles" of a young college girl.

I am and forever will be your kukiluki. I love you dad!

Nueva Vallarta

We are here. We are in Puerto Vallarta - well, really Nueva Vallarta. It is beautiful here. We walked off the bus and we were instantly sticky. It was like being back in Roatan. The smell, the tile, the feel of the sandy sticky tile under your feet. I love it. We spent the entire day in the water. Our hotel is super nice and we rented out kayaks and boogie boards and it was wonderful to just relax and be in the sun again. Oh the SUN! how I have missed the sun more than anything. And the smell of the ocean, feeling of sand between my toes, the salt of the water...we had some good boogie boarding today. I even body surfed better than I have ever ever EVER done before.
We have lounged all day and tomorrow looks like it is mas o menos el mismo plus church.

well- think it's time for bed.

6 DIAS MAS

Friday the 13th!

Today was the last day of class. Crazy crazy crazy. Time has flown by. So along with this final day of classes came our final exam as well as oral presentation. Ah horrible. I can't speak publicly in English - let a lone in Spanish! I was pretty much nervous all day long and couldn't wait to just get it all over with. Our teacher wasn't there on Thursday to go over all the review with us. That threw me off by a lot and then today she gives us the test written by the other teacher. Definitely the hardest test we have had this whole time. Then my presentation - Oaxaca. State of Mexico where Nacho Libre was filmed. That was maybe my favorite part and I couldn't even say that right!

Then we had a fiesta and we were allowed to invite our parents. Yolanda and Guillermo are amazing. They were the coolest parents there by far. We had so much fun talking and they really really love us. It was a very cool experience and I love that I have come to know them so well. I will probably miss them the most. Guillermo kept telling us how happy and optimistic we are. How we just love life. It was very sweet of him.

After school Nat and I did some laundry (washed the clothes that smelt fom never drying) and then headed back to the centro to meet with our group. We got there and we were supposed to go to see the Mariachis and then to the haunted cemetery. We sat around for a while - Lucky me, I got to dance with Tyrel. haha It was really a blast! The cemetery didn't work - guess you have to have made reservations the morning of rather that afternoon - so we just went by the mariachis. We payed 200 pesos, got 3 songs and then they kept playing - I think they just wanted to see the American's dance. haha As we were leaving, some man with a toothy smile looked at me and said "Tu eres la guerra mas guapa! Ella es la guerra mas guapa!" What a compliment! It was for the most part fun, but now I am running on just about nothing...

We are off to Vallarta manana. I hope we get internet in the hotel. It should be really fun and I am looking forward to some time for relaxing and not being on a schedule.

I COME BACK IN A WEEK!

Teatro Degollado

Ok - we switched rooms and I miss my old room more than I thought I would. We have new roommates. They are from Texas and don't speak much Spanish...at all. They are nice - but I am a little bitter they are in my room. I guess it makes sense, we leave for Puerto Vallarta in the morning and so we have tonight and then next Wednesday and Thursday night here but here is the big dilemma - the internet doesn't work in our new room so I am sitting out on the balcony right now. Very fun...

We spent yesterday in el centro before we met al Teatro Degollado another time for ballet folklorico. Nat and I were on missions for dulces to bring home and something special for us - actually buy presents for ourselves!! Nat really wanted a dress, I was just looking. Found the sweetest Argentina jacket ever. I love it and can't wait to wear it in the states. It is still rainy here which means I can't wear anything white for fear of it turning yellow. The rain already stained my new white shirt!

It was amazing - really amazing! We saw typical dances from Baja California (got to hear a lovely song about Tijuana...I laughed), Veracruz, Chiapas, Nayarit, San Luis Potosi, and finally - Jalisco!! There were mariachis, rope wizard men and some crazy kicking moves. I was thoroughly entertained and amazed. Nat just kept saying wow over and over again. We have really had wonderful experiences here in Mexico.

carne asada

So our good friend Jared is leaving us on Thursday (manana) to pick up his brother who is graduating from high school in Mexico City - I am pretty sure that is what I was told. His brother is studying at the LDS school there.
He invited some of us over for dinner and we ended up being there the whole evening. We were supposed to be picked up at 6:30 - that turned into closer to 7:15. Then we got there and had to prepare salsa, guac, and cook the meat. Luckily - that's where I ended up. I grilled the onions (which turned out delicious!) and fanned the bbq while Jared took care of the meat. We had some really yummy carne, mexican chorizo, and something that was supposedly like a hot dog but even better? We definitely ate well, that is all I have to say.

Then we sat around and talked until about midnight. We had a ton of fun in their cool hammock and the rain actually stopped for long enough to allow us to enjoy our time outside. (it is raining right now...again)

I really love the people we have come to get to know here. They would do anything for us and are so sweet. Just now at lunch, we were talking to Yolanda about when we were leaving and all this good stuff that had to be done. She is letting us choose what we want to eat for comida manana. We ended up choosing her chicken tostada salad stuff. Muy rico! She left Monday morning for something in Chapala and just got back this morning. Oh how Nat and I missed her. It is so nice to have her home. She told us today that she hates the saying goodbye part of these programs...I already know I will hate this too.
BUT at the same time - I am counting days to be back with my family again. Mom just told me that Grandma, Grandpa, and Michelle are coming for Porter's ordination. My baby brother is going to be a deacon!! I can't wait to be with everyone. soo soon. 9 days.

mis llaves y la lluvia

I finally found my keys! I haven't had them for over a week now. Last Sunday Stephanie came over to get some help with her music - you know, transferring stuff from an ipod to a computer. And of course I would know how to do that. So when she left I ran down to open the gate for her. When I came back in we went to the kitchen to fill our water bottles. I had my key with me and then the next morning they were gone. Nat and I could not figure out where they went. They were obviously in our house but - we could not find them anywhere. Normally we are together every moment of our lives here in Guadalajara but this week she has service and I don't so if I wanted to go do things, we would have to figure out the key situation. Well, last night we lost her keys right before Noche de Hogar. Really, they had just fallen our of her purse. While we were looking for hers I got this feeling to look in my junk drawer (yes, I even have one here in Guadalajara!). That night I looked...somehow they got to the very back under everything. There they were hiding from me!
THE RAIN - yep, it does not want to stop. Actually, it does not look like it is raining right now...of course. It was wet, not rainy this morning, so we went to the starbucks across the street from the school to get some hot chocolate. Yummy Yummy. Our feet were all nice and wet but we were alright once we got to class. Then came time to leave. It was not coming down as hard as Saturday night but we had to walk in this rain for quite a bit. And we got thoroughly wet. The temperature is nicer when it rains - but I have to say...I miss the sun. Oh, and all our laundry is still in the process of drying. Great.

Hand Washed

I just did the laundry - all by hand. I don't have service this week but Natalie does (or we thought she did) and so I was going to go get the laundry done. But then I decided that that costs too much (it costs more here than in the states) so I decided I could do it all in the shower. Took me a good hour and a half and we have wet clothes strung everywhere - but I got it done for free. I am proud of myself :) but my arms will not be so happy in the morning.
I finished at about 3:00 here and by 3:10 Nat walks back in the door. I was not expecting to see her until after 5! Turns out her boys might not have school - or they do, but just the first 3 days of the week and the lady said that most likely that means they won't come. She wants Nat to call everyday before she heads to service to see if she needs to come...So Nat spent a whole hour and a half round trip to service and back. Poor thing.

Last Sunday in our Guadalajara Ward

So for this entire trip we have been attending a ward in the Moctezuma stake - I am pretty sure it was even the Moctezuma ward, but I can't be positive. I did not realize how much I had come to feel comfortable in this ward. I still remember the first Sunday. Nat and I had been in Guadalajara 2 days longer than everyone else and feeling a bit homesick. We got to the church and when we walked in there was an instant change of feeling. We were at home. And the Temple is just across the parking lot. It is beautiful and I will definitely miss that.
We sit down and we participated in the releasing and calling of a new bishopric. It was just such a reaffirmation that this Gospel is the same around the world. I don't know names of nearly anyone in this ward but it was amazing to see that the new bishopric was made up of members that had stood out to me for one reason or another throughout this trip. It wasn't really a surprise for me to see who was being put in because they were the men that I could have pointed out to you and said that they are strong members and know the Gospel. Then for the sacrament hymn we sing "How Great Thou Art". There was such an overwhelming spirit. The old and new bishopric then had a chance to share their testimonies along with a few of their wives. A very good sacrament meeting. It then closed with me and my group singing "Joseph Smith's First Prayer." I will never forget how I felt singing that song with people who have helped me grow so much to people I have come to love.

Guachimontones, Gran Noche Internacional, and the RAIN

Saturday we went to the Guachimontones pyramids. I was really hoping we were going to get to see some ruins. We were originally spend Saturday in Tapulpa but with the talent show and everything being Saturday night, we didn’t think we would have enough time. The pyramids were amazing. They are the only circular ones around and really the whole tribe is sort of a mystery. We watched a movie about them in “English” but the Spanish accent was so strong and I was so tired that I really didn’t understand too much of the movie. We had so much fun taking pictures and exploring the ruins.

We were in a bit of a time crunch and everyone was starving. We decided to eat – but did not get our food until 2:30. Mind you, we wanted to be home by 3. Everyone was stressing - but we did get to eat some good food. The chips were flakey and delicious. Everything else was mostly fish so a bunch of us just got a hamburger and 4 good sized quesadillas. All that food for a high price of $4.50. Can’t beat that!

When we hadn’t left by 3:15, the tension was overwhelming. Luckily, we made it home with just enough time for me to shower and get ready and be at the chapel by 6. People were running around, setting things up, and trying to get in last minute practices. Before long we had probably about 200 people watching our “Gran Noche Internacional.” We had everything from piano playing, ballet, Polynesian dancing, and juggling. We opened with Color Esperanza – a favorite song amongst our group. I participated in the opening song, a group performance of THRILLER, the talking heads (you know, faces on the chins, singing upside down) we sang la cucaracha, and then we closed the entire show with Joseph Smith’s First Prayer in Spanish. It went very well. Yolanda came and I think she was very impressed. Natalie did a beautiful ballet piece and I am so very proud of her!

After the show I had some time to mix and mingle with a few of the elders and of course all our friends who came to support us. Then the boys wanted to take us to do something. Of course we left with a plan, salsa dancing, and ended up doing - not that. Half the group sat at Burger King waiting to hear plans from us, the 11 girls and 5 boys in a big red truck. First, we came back to our house to change and drop everything off. We then drove around for about forever and decided we would try the cherry lobby…bad idea, a few of us didn’t have id’s and they were trying to charge us, when I know girls get in free on Saturdays. So we decided to get some food and ended up at some concert. Another interesting event. We finally ended up at a park – trying to play games in a gazebo. The game didn’t work and before we knew it, it was pouring. Wow, can it rain. The thunder and lightening was magnificent but we got stuck under this gazebo for a good solid amount of time. The wind blew the rain into the gazebo and we all ended up wet. We waited for a little break in the downpour and ran back to the truck where 9 people had to sit in the back. A night I will never forget. Within no time, the streets were flooded. That night there was one thunder that shook the entire house. You could here everything rattling. It actually scared me – but I was so tired that before long, I was asleep…until about 2 hours before I had to get up for church. I was asleep and moved my leg and BAM – a charlie horse. HORRIBLE. I couldn’t move and I just yelled for Natalie. I didn’t know what to do. Haha Later she told me our whole conversation was in Spanish. I said, “Natalie! Natalie! Tengo un charlie horse. Me duele! Me duele!” hahaha and she said, “Lo siento. Tu necesitas un platano…” Then she was asleep again.

Tlaquepaque and the Church Dance

So – It is pouring outside, which means the internet does not work. I am writing this now and hoping to copy and paste it in the morning.

What a weekend. Friday we went to Tlaquepaque with all the other exchange students studying Spanish at Autonoma. That was a lot of fun. We visited a museum and then a ceramic like shop. The shop was beautiful and the owner, Paco Padilla, was quite possibly the coolest man around. First, he makes these amazing ceramic pieces of art and then he tells us he is a composer and sings us a few songs. His voice was so soothing and no one really wanted to get up after he sang. We could have sat there and listened all day. He then took us to where all the artwork is done. He even began the painting of a plate, right there in front of us. He made it look so unbelievably easy, just the swish of a brush. Every piece is so unique that I could have spent hours in there looking at it all.

After Paco’s place, we headed to El Patio for lunch. Both Guillermo and Yolanda had told us that it was something you have to go to while you are in Tlaquepaque. They were right. Normally there is a mariachi of mujeres there but we were a little early. Still, it was the cutest restaurant. It was pretty much a huge patio. The horchata there was pink and had some yummy coconut flavor to it. I ordered sopes and they were fantastic. 4 sopes for 5 dollars – not too bad, considering how great they were. The waiters there were amazing as well. We only had about 30 minutes to get the ordering and eating done and they helped us do it. It was very nice.

For dinner Natalie and I hit up the Argentine Restaurant muy cerca to our house...I can't say I was that impressed. First they gave me a menu in english and instead of having the name of the food, it was some description that wasn't very helpful. They had no empanadas or gnochis - the 2 things I was craving. I ended up with another milanesa (this time with french fries - still craving the pure de papas con mis milanesas.) Nat got canalones with cheese and spinach filling. Really - the Argentine feel just came from the tango music playing in the background. We were also eating a little early, so no one was there - allowing our waiter to watch us like a hawk. That became a little uncomfortable.

Friday night was the 8 stake dance. Every single adult in Guadalajara was invited. We got there a little before the fiesta started – and we thought we were showing up fashionably late. It is always fun traveling in huge groups. I don’t know if the bus drivers love us or hate us. We took about an hour bus ride to the chapel and we were already an hour and a half late…Manuel was the dj and put on what I think he thought was American dance music. A lot of it was techno. Of course that is not what we were used to but we went out there and danced anyway. The single adults must have thought we were crazy and for a while we even scared them of the floor. Oh I wish you could have seen our performance of thriller at the dance. I wish I could have seen the faces on the members. All of the sudden we are breaking out crazy moves…it turned out pretty exciting.

the Gospel, saying ciao, horses, and basketball

Yesterday was probably our biggest day yet. I had to say goodbye to my little girls...
We were a little late getting to service, but it was for the best reason. We sat down for what we learned today, is not almuerzo, but comida. haha It was really delicious yesterday, but as we were talking with Yolanda she mentioned she had a friend whose mother had just passed away. She then asked us what we do when some one passes away. So we talked about how we believe in eternal life (mind you this was the most difficult thing i have ever had to do in Spanish and there is just so much I want to tell her!). We believe in the Resurrection which turned into talk of Christ. Once again, she was surprised to see we believe in Christ. This turned into him visiting the Americas and the Book of Mormon and then she was very interested in the temple. We tried to explain baptisms for the dead and sealings. It was a very good thing Nat and I were together because while one was speaking the other was thinking of what to say next. Neither of us could have done that alone.
Then I got to service like 20 minutes late and as I was walking down the hall I could hear the girls asking where I was. Normally they don't sit in the kitchen so I was confused but the moment they saw me...they rushed me, held hands over my eyes and walked me the forever long distance down stairs and through turns, to their room. When they uncovered my eyes the room was full of balloons and they had written us letters on the chalkboard. It was adorable. We danced and took pictures. Although, the little girls couldn't come over so I had to go visit them. I just love them so much. At 4:15 we put on a little show for them - had no idea we were going to. We closed by singing I Am a Child of God in English. When it was time to say goodbye, girls were crying. I was hugging two of the older girls and a little one, Violetta, came and buried her face in my legs. When the older ones left I knelt down to look at her and she was so distraught. She was sobbing and had tears all over. That was all I needed to see before I was right there crying with them. We said goodbye for over half an hour and I just couldn't stop crying. I pretty much had to run out of there because every time I tried to leave, another one would call my name. They are amazing girls and I really hope they find the best in life.
Then it was off to horseback riding. We of course were close to an hour late...it was a good thing Hermana Stallings was with us. So we get there and they pretty much saddled all 30 of us in not even 10 minutes and we were off. I think my horse's name was Maromas...not completely sure though. My horse had this thing for kicking and trying to bite. No joke, he kicked both Marc and Mindy when they rode by me. Then who knows how many horses he got. I could feel him when he was kicking too...he would move like we were going to fall forward. After we road for about 30 minutes they let us take off in an open field. Ashley's horse had a thing for mine and followed us everywhere. It was convenient for me and Ashley. Anytime I could get mine to move faster than slow - ashley and her horse would be there running next to me. Tons of fun but I don't know that I have ever had so much dirt stuck to my body.
We finished this fun activity around 7:30, giving us just enough time to make it to applebees to watch the Lakers and the Celtics...sadly, after more than half an hour of trying, we were informed they didn't have ABC. I was a little distraught. So excited to watch basketball...but the american food was sort of nice.

Mis Niñas

So today I found out Thursday is our last day at Casa Hogar. We have been doing service there this whole time and thought we were going to be going through to next Thursday. Turns out the girls don't have school next week. I really am going to miss their adorable faces. I have just started playing with las niñas - the younger half of the girls. They are so much more fun - we can play more than we need to talk, which is easier on me. Plus their homework is quite a bit easier. Those word problems in Spanish are ridiculous. But teaching English is a lot harder than I thought it would be - especially since it isn't like I am fluent in Spanish.
I have gotten really close to the youngest group of girls. Ages 5 to 7. There is Andrea, Jazmin, Violetta, Mili, y Sofia. Mili is the cutest girl in the world. I noticed her the first day but spent more time with the older girls. Today she ran right up to me and dame un beso muy grande. It was so cute. It has really made me miss my students back in Utah.
Tomorrow we are taking them to a park - a 20 minute walk. 4 byu students and 25 girls. Fun. haha But this is our goodbye fiesta so we have bought water balloons, balls, and dulces. It should be wonderful and I am sure I will have tons of pictures.

small small world

It is amazing how the Church brings everything and everyone together. Saturday after Tonala we had the adult session of stake conference. President Watkins (mission president) was of course there along with President Sorenson (temple president). Their wives bore their testimonies and I followed every little thing they said. That was great! Then President Watkins spoke. No joke - I thought of Jim Bird the entire time they spoke but I didn't think anything of it. He said something about how they had previously been serving in Argentina so of course I ran up to him and his wife after. I was mostly talking to his wife and she asked where I was from. When I said San Diego she got very excited and told me they were from Poway. President Watkins got whisked off somewhere talking to someone but then came back to our group and asked if any of us were from San Diego. I said that I was from San Marcos and he asked if I knew Jim Bird. I just smiled. I informed him that Jim was one of my favorite people in the world. I grew up best friends with his daughter and then President told me that him and Jim had worked together for more than 20 years and were good friends. I laughed and told him that he reminded me of Jim the entire time he was speaking. President said that he had just talked to Jim a few weeks earlier - then realized it was because Jim had a friend flying into Guadalajara without anyone to pick her up. That was me!
Then Sunday I met sweet Hermana Keller. When President Watkins heard about us he gave Jim the Keller's number because if we were stuck, we could call them and they would help us. We told her that when we met and she was shocked. She hadn't even heard about us. haha But then she asked if there was anyone in our group from California. I told her there were a few of us but I was from California. She then told me she had a daughter-in-law from Laguna Niguel. I couldn't help but laugh. What were the chances. I told her I grew up in Laguna Niguel. She asked if I knew the Rodriguez family. Of course I did! haha We talked about them for a while and she even got teary eyed. She really loves them. She then told me that she felt like she was talking to a Rodriguez just talking to me. What a sweet sweet lady.
After all of my connections we had a picnic with the group outside of the chapel. What a great, fun filled weekend!

tonala and my milanesa

Saturday we spent the morning/afternoon in the little town of Tonala. Supposedly, this is where you find all the best and cheapest buys. I think that was right...I came away with quite a bit. We only had 3 hours but that was plenty of time. It has been extremely hot here so as great as the shopping can be, we get worn out quick.
The best part of this trip for me was the lunch. Nat and I were set on just eating some street tacos because we had yet to do that. But then we ran into some other girls from our group and together we searched for a nicer sit down place. We found El Jardin. We looked over the menu to see whether or not this was the place to eat (and if it fell in our budget). I saw milanesas and that was it - that is where we had lunch. Oh the milanesa was great...I mean, I had to eat it with rice and beans (not nearly as yummy as mashed potatoes) but it was wonderful. To eat something familiar and not super spicy. Perfect day. [please note that in the picture it might look like I am about to cry. I was THAT happy :) ]

zoologico guadalajara, pizza hut, banda dancing

Friday after school we went to the Zoo. I have heard so many things about the zoo here - mostly about the vista it has. It took us at least 2 hours to get there, a very long ride. It was really a ton of fun though. We took a train ride through all the animals pretty quick and then we got to take a safari ride. No joke, we were really off-roading and had ostriches and giraffes coming right up to the car. Definitely something you don't get to experience often in the states. Then we had about an hour to run around the zoo. We never made it to look at the view, sad, but I did catch a glimpse of it before our safari ride. What we did catch was a pair of rhinos going at it. That was pretty intense. You could hear them knock against each other.
After the zoo Nat and I had to get pizza. We had been craving it so much. Funny how all of the sudden I want things here that I would never normally eat in the states. I actually enjoy McDonald's here - one place I never happily go...and Pizza Hut? I never eat pizza unless it is homemade or costco. haha But oh did it taste good. We ate like pigs...and it was definitely satisfying.
Laura - our roommate for 2 weeks - had her 2oth birthday. So after the pizza we ran home for a little fiesta and cake with her. It was very tradicional with all the singing and what not, but very small. I got a few pictures and now have some new traditions when birthdays come around!
Then the boys took us to experience Banda dancing. Of course we brought the birthday girl with us. An experience that, as fun as it was, is only needed once. It was interesting - the only way I could put it. A little on the dirty side but sometimes interesting to watch? I don't even know. The Mexicans at this club were definitely a lot gutsier than at the other clubs we have been to. They weren't afraid to ask us to dance. I got followed around by a few of the boys and dancing with boys who weren't from church - made me very grateful for our member friends here. We didn't make it home until 3...