GRINGOLAND

- Student visa expired (I myself am technically an undocumented immigrant... ironic). This whole process of "re-validating" my student visa has cost me a lot of $ out of pocket when it shouldn't have expired in the first place. Not too happy about it. 

- Due to my student visa expiring, I was not able to apply for a work visa in order to earn a salary that I desperately need.

- I had to take the GRE exam and the school did not except it. Plan B...?

- I was sick for almost a month with some kind of virus that included an extremely high fever, body ache, and even a  rash on my arms, hands, and legs. 

- Did I mention it was extremely difficult and expensive to find my medicine here in Mexico? For those that don't know, I take Lexapro for generalized anxiety... its a bitch, but it is what it is. 

With all that put aside... I am still going strong. On a positive note I received my first "A" in one of my master's courses, which was taught completely in Spanish. I have to admit I patted myself on the back for that one.

I finally moved houses, and as hard as it was to move away from the host family that has accepted me into their home various times over the past four years, I have to say living with roommates has its advantages:

- I dont have to worry about waking people up if/when I come home late at night.

- I can be lazy and stay in bed all day without feeling guilty (on rare occasions). 

- EGGS, HASH BROWNS, AND FRUIT FOR BREAKFAST. Cooking for yourself at first sounds like a pain, but I am truly enjoying eating what I want and when I want . However, I wouldn't mind some of Rosa Maria's home made cremas, pozole, or tacos dorados... 

I have lucked out with some pretty great roommates over the summer. I have realized just how many friends will come and go in and out of my life over the next  couple of years. I am thankful to have met some great mexican friends who will remain here during my stay. As great as change can be at times, having  consistent support, whether it be in the form of family, friends, or co-workers, is truly a blessing. Regardless of the complaints we hear from others that their lives are "boring" or that they wish they were doing something different, there is something extremely comforting about consistency...at times.

With that said, I am extremely happy, excited, stoked, and anxious to be coming home for two weeks at the end of August. I will finally be back in my comfort zone, even though for only a short period of time. I will be back home for one of my best friends' wedding and then will spend another two weeks seeing and enjoying the company of family and friends.

Save the date folks! .................... August 22nd - September 4th, 2013. 

I know this was a short and brief update, but I hope that it helps those reading to have a better understanding of where I am currently at in my life and how my international experience is continuing to unfold.

It has been a bit more stressful and difficult than I had anticipated, but I have say that with the obstacles that have been placed before me, I can honestly say that I have learned how to overcome challenges on my own, away from home, and can truly claim that I have learned a hell of a lot about myself and my capabilities. That's what it's really all about in the end... isn't it?

Therefore, I can this whole experience has been successful - I can only hope for more success during the next leg of my journey. 

I miss and love you all back home. 

I, on this hot and sunny afternoon of 90 degrees, opted to play soccer with a group of kids. Bad idea? Not at all. This was, after all, after my meetings for the day, so I could have cared less if I showed up to work sweating, with my shirt un-buttoned, and my face painted black. This was a day for the kids. Now, I know I'm no pro, but these kids did not understand the idea of having two goals and putting the ball in the goal. Every man for himself! 

After showing off my awesome soccer skills (HA!) we unfortunately had to watch a clown work his "magic" in front of the kids. I say "unfortunately" because I have never cared for clowns, with their fake and often times creepy personalities and looks. Yet, the kids loved it. That's what mattered.

Spending the afternoon with these kids allowed for the inner kid in me to come out. I even got to mess around (I say mess around because "play" sounds too childish, but "play" is exactly what I did) with some Hot Wheels that we donated to each of the boys. The girls received barbies.  For a split second my inner child got to "play" with these kids, and I will admit that we were equally as happy. For a second I was five going on twenty-four. 

In that moment, I thought to myself, "what is it about childhood memories that puts a smile on our faces?" I realized then, that not everyone who reflects on their childhood ends with a smile on their face. Who knows whether these kids will one day look back on their childhood and smile, but hopefully they will remember that day, when a group of foreign "big kis", with foreign accents and foreign faces, came to celebrate Día del Niño - who came to celebrate them. 

I encourage anyone reading this to offer up some of their time to give back, whether it be to kids, the homeless, people with special needs, or an entire community through projects. As many of us are those with many blessings, it's our responsibility to give back.

Stay blessed my friends. 

          - The Gringo

* Check out my earlier post (Blog 2010) that has a link to my old blog. There you can see another experience I had as a teacher of an after-school English program we put together at another low-income school. Seeing minds grow is an astounding thing.