Last Day of Class

Today we had our last day of Spanish class and said good-bye to our teachers and other friends that we have met at the school. We've been surprised at how close we've become with those with whom we have talked for almost three hours every day over the last ten weeks and how important they'd become in our lives. Saying good-bye was hard.

I'm by no means fluent in Spanish, but I (Jay) can hold a conversation for the most part--especially if the other person is willing to speak slowly for my sake. I'm suprised by how much I've learned in the ten weeks we've been here and how much more comfortable I am in the language now. I can tell each week that I've made significant progress. The challenge will be finding ways to keep practicing when we return to Michigan. 

As the week of classes drew to an end, we were asked a number of times by our teachers what we will miss in San Cristobal and what we are most looking forward to in our return to Michigan. The best answer to both is the people. We've been shaped in remarkable ways by the people here and the kindnesses we've been shown. By their patience in working through our language difficulties and their willingness to let us see a bit of their lives here. We've made real friends and we've even begun to feel a little settled. Just as the time is coming to an end, we've discovered jewels hidden in the city--restaurants with amazing food for just a few dollars, an aerial arts class that Emma and Brianna adore, extraordinary handicrafts around every corner, a vast array of fresh fruits and vegetables, and friends to play with in the local plaza. People we didn't know at all before we came have sacrificed their time and resources on our behalf. At the same time, it's also the people back home we're most looking forward to seeing again--friends and family and everyone who is such a part of our everyday lives.

We've finally begun to adapt to the cuisine here, and will need to find a way to add a bit more 'pica' to our usual recipes when we return. This trip has been an adventure that has been hard at times, incredibly rewarding most of the time, and although we can't articulate it specifically, we feel changed. 

Our apologies for not posting more here sooner--we were without internet for about a week after a small tornado went through the town. Apparently these are not all that uncommon--at least in the last few years. Our teachers said there used to be a mountain that acted as a blockade for the converging weather systems, but that mountain was destroyed in a search for oil. Now, solely in the last four or five years since the mountain disappeared, San Cristobal suffers three or four small tornados a year. They're not fierce, but they are a huge deal since the homes are close together and typically not built with tornados in mind. We've been told that many people lost their homes in the storm two weeks ago.

In the last couple of weeks we've continued to explore Chiapas.  We've visited a couple of water falls and a series of lakes (Lagos de Montebello) near the border with Guatemala.  Only Bri was brave enough to venture in for a swim.  One day we traveled to Tonina to tour a significant Maya temple site.  We climbed all the way to the top and back down again!

A highlight of the last couple of weeks was getting to participate in the first gathering of a new branch of Presbyterian churches, hosted by the ministry that our friend Gloria directs.  There were about 50 people from 3 different churches, gathered for worship, a meal and fellowship.  There were rich conversations about unity, and we got to receive communion with the folks there for the first time since we've been here.  After the meal there was an impromtu 2 on 2 basketball tournament.  Jay led his team to victory, despite some good natured teasing about his height advantage.  We were deeply moved by many of the stories shared and by the prayers offered on our behalf.

In our last few days here Jay and Emma are planning a day trip to go to Palenque to tour some more Maya ruins, while Peter and Bri and Elizabeth pick up a few more gifts and visit some favorite restaurants.  On Sunday we are hoping to visit another small presbyterian church in the area before packing for our trip back to the States.

Thank you again for all of your prayers - we are praying for you as well.