Some new adventures here in Mexicooo

Hello my beautiful amigas!

Or...I mean Dear Blog,

So we have finished exactly 2 weeks of classes and we have exactly 2 more weeks of classes left. Wheww! I had my first oral presentation on Wednesday in my Conversation class. I did mine on Thanksgiving and it was the most intimidating, terrifying thing I've ever done. Glad it's over! Then today I had my first written test in my Grammar class, not that bad so that was refreshing. Then in my Convo class, we watched a movie called El Estudiante...not a bad Friday!

Sarah and I have been laying out multiple days periodically throughout the week. It's something that is so relaxing for us after a long 4 stressful hours of class. Today, some guy who is maybe in his mid 30's (who we've seen once or twice before wandering around) offered us a drink, we said no thanks. Welp you bet your bottom dollar within a total of 3 minutes, he was right back with 2 red cups with Mali-freakin-bu (remember Bear!) and pineapple juice. Haha oh this guy. We laughed and drank some of it ;)

We went to Puerto Vallarta last weekend!!! SO FUN! Our hotel was more of like a resort, huge, right on the beach, 2 huge pools, 3 bars, buffet meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We loved it. Sarah and I got such a deal for the weekend. So cheap! And we didn't leave the place, food was included, drinks, everything! Loved it!

Tomorrow we are sleeping in for the first time in a while :) and then just hanging low all day. Yessss probably be out by the pool again ;), studying for our first Vocab test (don't worry it's just 5 chapters of words ugh.), eating and hanging out. Looking forward to it! Sunday we are going to the Gran Plaza in Zapopan. We will either take the bus or a taxi, it's only about 15 minutes from us. Lots of boutiques, good food, movie theater, etc. Our homestay money doesn't include food on Sundays so we are going then and not tomorrow since we have to buy food anyways for ourselves :) We're excited!

OH! We got hot water in our shower today!!! No idea why but it was the nicest treat ever. Never knew how much I took for advantage something like hot water, huh. Thank you Jesus for the little things. Also, there are giant ants in the bathroom. I mean GIANT. They're on toilet seat too; I'm always so afraid yuck! Sarah saw the huge cockroach last night. Supposedly our exchange sister has seen it before too. Disgusting.

Sheesh what am I going to do when I'm up at camp and don't have access to a computer like I do now! Shoot. I'm kinda getting anxious for my leader position for camp. 2 weeks and 1 day till I'm up there. I was asked or more informed that I would be speaking and giving "My Story" once I arrive to all the 200 people on the staffs of Forest Home during Orientation week. Very nerve wracking to have been chosen like that. But very exciting.

I'm praying for all 7 of you individually and for our group as a whole. Everyday. Love you friends. Miss you mucho!

my small updates.

Dear blog,

I have been applying for many scholarships in order to pay for schooling next year. I even applied for money from ellen degeneres.

I do hope that some, any, amount of money falls upon my lap within the next months. That would be delightful, and very helpful to my existence in its current state.
I do believe that my life is sad when the most exciting updates I can give are the current books I am reading. Now do not think, dear blog, that I have not been enjoying my summer for that is far from truth. I have been going on what seems to be a new adventure everyday. Whether these be big or small, they entertain me in the highest. I have felt a sudden urge of inspiration. However, I just realized that I have no canvases. Such a sad thing, for I have an idea and I am afraid the motivation for it might be lost tomorrow. We shall see how that goes.

Anyway, work has been interesting, Wednesdays seem to be my favorite. They are filled with laughter, which I very much enjoy. The new MFTs are very amusing. They seem to be interested in me, and do not think too highly of themselves, which one cannot always find in the trainee's, surprisingly.

I have been lost in my thoughts a lot lately. I find myself sitting quietly for long periods of time perfectly content, thinking about things. I am afraid I find myself terribly preoccupied with all of the interesting thoughts that the world creates.

I just finished three plays by Oscar Wilde yesterday.

These included, Salome, a short play filled with morbid sexuality, Lady Windermere's Fan, a tale that entrances you so greatly that you cannot help but be attached to all characters at all times, and of course, the Importance of Being Earnest, a hilarious play filled with lots of irony and unexpected outcomes. I must admit to you all that I find Wilde terribly amusing. The witty banter between the various characters mocks the social elite in such a way that one cannot help but be amused. Although many of you were required to read him in high school I do recommend that you go back and re read it. When one isn't forced to analyze every little thing, the actually beauty intended of the book shines marvelously through.
I have started reading Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

Another required reading book that I was not given the opportunity to appreciate fully.
I love and miss you all.
- yours.

Singapore

Dear Blog,

Landed in Singapore about 1:00am after a 20 hour flight with a stop in Tokyo. I think I finally mastered the art of airplane sleeping towards the last 5 hours. Probably because I was so exhausted! This airport is amazing. I feel like I'm in an modern playground. There are gardens, movie theaters, napping rooms, pools, arcades, and more... We should be in Nepal by 1pm their time. I'm so confused with days and times. I think we skipped the 25th but I'm not sure. Ok my Internet time is almost up. I think I'm going to find a prime napping spot. Love you guys and thanks for your prayers.

Let the adventures continue...

Cal

Adventure and Beyond

Dear Blog,

An adventure is in the midst, the biggest one I have been on thus far. The departure to Nepal is on the 24th (Holy crap 2 days!!) and I am experiencing excitement with a bit of nervousness. I must admit that I will miss you all dearly, but I know you will be having amazing adventures of your own. This may be my last entry for the next 6 weeks, but I will do my best to give updates.You can follow our team updates at teambangladesh10.blogspot.com.
When I return I will leave exactly 2 days later to fly up to San Jose to bid farewell to Josh before he leaves for Sudan. I hope jet lag won't ruin this occasion.
Please keep our team in your prayers as we are traveling and in country. I love you all and thanks for always supporting me.

Much needed shout outs:
Bear, be safe and do work in China!
Mel, happy 21st and have a drink for me the next day!

Let the adventures continue...

Cal

All the way from Guadalajara!!!

Hi friends!!! First time writing on this, I'm excited!

So let me blog about this "study abroad" thing for a bit :) Sarah and I got here this past Wednesday afternoon. It was a stressful and anxious process of arriving because of the language difference. From the minute Sar and I checked in, we knew we were done speaking English other than to each other. Wow. My time here has been very interesting to say the least ;) haha.

The food issue is getting better. We have managed to figure out that after 3 in the afternoon, we will not eat again until breakfast the next morning. So being that we only get breakfast at 8:30 and a slightly larger lunch around 3, we are very hungry again around 7 or so. Sar and I have been laying out for an hour or so each day after school, have lunch and then we go for about an hour walk every day.

Yesterday we started school, our class is broken up with the first hr and 40 min with grammar and then we have a 20 min break, get a new professor and then she teaches our conversation class. The class has about 15 students. The grammar part is mostly all review but still a little complicated for us.. And the conversation part is pretty rough, very hard and difficult. It's only day 2 though so were hopin it gets a little better ;)

Also, it is so hot here. 90s during the day, 80s at night. It's muggy hot though not like Azusa hot ahh!

Sarah and I are still trying to figure out how to study (we have a lot to study already) and how to tour everywhere, relax and have fun all at the same time. haha been a little hard...

Kinda one of Sarah's guy friends is here too, Adam. The three of us are going to Puerto Vallarta this weekend!!! We are super excited. We have to take the bus all the way there, about a 4 hr ride. We will get there Friday early night and hangout at the beach all day Saturday, have a margarita, each tacos hmm what could be better since we've been here! Then Sunday we'll come back! Still trying to figure out where were going to stay for the 2 nights though. So excited :)

I'm going to study some flashcards now :/ bummerrrr.

Love you all mucho!!!

Busy Busy Bumblebee

Dear Blog,
I am so glad to hear about everyone! Emily it sounds like your site is a lot more exciting than previously thought. I am so proud of you! You do not have to give shots so all the babies must love you! I must admit I would love to hear more about how you and Rob are doing! Actually, I would just love to see your face. You would think that since you are right down the street that would not be as difficult as we have proven it to be.
Kris I am glad you are going to take summer school! That should be cool to do a refresher on your Armenian. I want to learn Swedish. Obviously there should be classes in that. I actually just looked it up, and there are some. So I am trying to figure out how to become enrolled in those.
I went to a wedding shower yesterday. It was very fun! I sat at the table with the older women and made sex jokes with them. I am positive I will be like them when I am older.
I have been surprisingly very busy. With all things that I want to be doing of course. But I feel like there are so many things still needed to be done. I am taking a lazy day today, well until I go to work of course. I am catching up some bills and other things that I have to do. I do find it nice to sit here for a little bit without rushing away to do something. I got 20 classic books for 6 dollars on ebay and am now so excited to read them.

I am currently reading Mrs. Dalloway by Virgina Wolf. It is such an amazing book. She uses the most beautiful imagery. I am in love with it. It talks about homosexuality, marriage, the effects of the European War, class issues, gender issues, everything one could possibly want in one book.

I am also currently obsessed with Billie Holiday. I cannot stop listening to her. I want to find some of her records, because everything sounds better on vinyl.
Hope to see you all soon. I miss you!
-Yours.

Dear Blog,

I wish i was back in school so I can just sit outside and see all you girls. Nothing too interesting here. Starting to read captivating again because I never finish it all the way through. THis summer i have decided to journal every day. As much as i know i will forget, I really want to stay at it. Work is work. Observing a lot, and learning all the insurance work that goes on in doctor's offices. I finally found a summer school class I could take! I am going to take Armenian reading and writing classes to strengthen myself. I guess I really can't get through summer without taking a class. haha. That starts in two weeks and is EVERYDAY! It's in Glendale close to my work, so i'll be able to take some half days.
There is one thing I value in our friendship the most. And that is trust. Steph and i went to dinner a few nights ago and she mentioned that trust takes so long to gain but something so little can cause you to lose it very quickly. THis is so true and it's sad that it happens like that.
No new pics, but hopefully one day soon all of us can be in my backyard talking about our summer's before we start SENIOR year! ya probably...

LOVE YOU!
Kris

First Day

Dear Blog,

Today was my first day of community clinical. I am working at Buena Vista High School in Chino (oh hey Cal!) which has a large population of teen parents. They have 3 day care rooms for the babies whose parents attend the high school. Watching 16 year old kids coming to visit THEIR kids during passing period is an experience I can't really explain. Imagine being so young and learning how to be a parent. Wow. My heart breaks for them but at the same time I so admire them for making the choice to have their babies. Keep them in your prayers!

While I was there I also got to be nurse for the babies :) I went to all the rooms and evaluated the kids who weren't totally healthy. Remember when you were little and the doctor would stick the thing in your ears and look down your throat and listen to you with the stethoscope? That was me. It was SO FUN. Little 3 year olds were lining up wanting me to shine the light in their mouths too. Wow, I could do this forever.

That's all for me!

Until next time,
Em :)

Book #1 of Summer Reading

Dear Blog,

If you are looking for a great book to start off that summer reading I suggest Sold. WARNING: This book is intense but eye-opening to the realm of sex trafficking. Its an easy read and I finished it in four hours. More suggestions to come.

Let the adventures continue...

Cal

Home

Dear Blog,
Everyone has departed ways thus I sit here in my bed, alone of course, wondering about them all. The summer this far has proven to be adventurous. However, I must admit I do enjoy school, and rather miss it. A large part of me wishes I was taking summer school. I must keep in mind however, that there are many things that need to be done. Well not necessarily need to be done, but things I would like to do.
Therefore, I will continue to read and create, in the hopes if creating something worthy, or learning something new.
Here's to worthy newness.
-Yours.

My Thoughts (sorry if it's too much)

Dear Blog,

I'm sitting at home (not APU, the one with cows) contemplating the struggles of being a female. With Mother's Day recently passing childbirth comes to mind as a horror, yet joy of our gender. Seeing that I want at least four children, like my own mother, I will have to endure 3 years of gaining weight and four painstaking births. This is not a pretty sight either, trust me, I have seen it multiple times. Also, as of today I completed my first female appointment. Let's just say I would not call it an enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, it is not a one time procedure and must increase with age and/or pregnancy. Oh the whoas of being a women. So with these thoughts I applaud every mother who put aside their own comfort for the children they bare. Ladies, I have decided we are going to be great moms in the future. I know you all agree.



Let the adventures continue...

Cal

Dear Blog,

Finally came home from school on saturday night. Graduation wasn't too long, and the girls who went (and James and Tyler) had a blast playing games before the ceremony even started. Discovered a bunch of bruises on my legs from moving everything from one apartment to the other. Missing all the girls and wish we were all together for one last night. Remember when we had operation [give it back]? Mother's Day was good. We went to lunch after church, and that's about it.

Love you girls so much!<3

Kristina

Dear Blog,

I wish I could be with my girls this week, its seems like they have had quite a splendid week. This makes me shed tears of despair and pain. I am sitting in bed, watching the RAIN fall in walnut creek, and this of course makes me miss them more, and reminds me of Melanie's gigantic fascination with puddle jumping, with normal shoes on. I am glad I came home though, Jessica had her senior ball on saturday (pictures are to follow) and looked gorgeous. They went on a party bus, that looked like a black school bus and once all ONE HUNDRED PEOPLE were on, I took the liberty of getting on with them, embarrassing jessica so badly, i even danced. yes. i danced. passed out some water bottles to those who were already parched from their 5 minutes of dancing in the bus, so i was definitely of assistance to those. And Adam came, the guy jessica has a crush on from armenian camp, and he told her she looked GREAT while taking pictures with her, so she was beaming :) On friday we took pictures for mothers day... and it went very well we think :) mom loveddd them and said it was the perfect gift :) some of them are on facebook so you can go take a gander. I miss all of you so much, and cant wait to see you when I get back!

infinite x's and o's.....

Our most "adventurous" adventure yettt...

Dear Blog,
Claire here. It seems that as of last night, we have outdone ourselves, yet again. This adventure, of course has brought us closer together in ways we didnt think humanly possible. Blog, it is quite amazing what a little adventure can do for friendship. While, for the privacy of the participants, I am unable to say exactly what was done..let me just say that it was quite the sticky mess. But all in all, I'd say that we learned a lesson that we won't soon forget. I do wish there were pictures to post, but again, privacy is most imortant. Until next time..

Yours.

And so it begins

The day was slow today. We of course paid a tribute to our mothers, however one, meaning Melanie, was unable to visit with her mother due to unfortunate circumstances. For this reason she was able to celebrate mother's day last weekend. Pictures should be coming. We hope you all thanked your mothers for the hardships they endured raising you all.
The time has now come for operation clean it up. We do hope that it does not hurt as much as we think it will. Results of the night will follow.