Cuernavaca: Days 10 and 11

So yesterday started out ROUGH!! I hit a wall with Spanish, it was hot, I was tired and crabby. But it ended well. Carmen's daughter came over to eat with us - she is lovely just like her mom. After dinner otros estudiantes went to into Cuernavaca for a walking tour, but because I was hot and tired I didn't go. Instead we played card games and talked and laughed and ate. It was so nice just to be...

After a good night's sleep and getting my mind in the right perspective, today was a much better day! The afternoon excursion for teachers was to visit Fundacion Don Bosco, a local school that in my understanding is neither public or private. The location we visited had a primary, middle, and high school campus. 

We started our visit with middle schoolers and middle schoolers are middle schoolers regardless of language, culture, location, etc. Not a bad thing, just a fact. Like my other visits to Mexican schools, the staff and students were so kind. We spoke to the principal of the middle school briefly and his philosophy of kindness and inclusiveness of all was inspiring. He was young and full of energy and it was evident he adored the students. 

The staff member giving the tour was remarkable as well, and interacted with various students throughout the building. She knew them all and proudly shared their accomplishments. All the students spoke of their personal goals and the staff about the goals of the overall school. One student, 17, was going to graduate soon and shared that he works and goes to school. He works at a taqueria and is planning on working full time for a year to save for university. He wants to be a vet. I hope he, along with all the students, achieve their goals!

After school we went to Carmen's daughter's house to eat. Que rica. Carrot soup, meat, mashed potatoes, salad! While the food was amazing, time with them all was better. I am getting to know my housemate better - a young woman the same age as my daughter - who is allowing me to see that my own children are young adults. Having this time with people of various ages from different places and backgrounds is special. Not because I don't have this opportunity at home, but I am realizing I don't see it when it presents itself. This experience is allowing personal growth and self understanding that can only come from taking a risk and making myself vulnerable. 

So after a swim and homework, I had a great day today. Who knows what will happen tomorrow but today was good and that's all I really need right now. Buenas noches.