Thursday, May 3, 2012
Almost a Year Later
I had no intention to update this blog again, but imagine that... I thought of an excuse.
I can't believe that just over a year ago I was leaving Mexico! What a year!
This week I was asked to write a review on Central's program in Mexico and provide a little interview which you can see posted here! Interview for CCA: http://www.gooverseas.com/internships-abroad/mexico/central-college-abroad-mexico-internships-study-abroad
Rarely does a day go by I can't find a reason to talk about or think about studying abroad. No regrets about my exciting semester in Mérida.
A short update: Last day of classes was today, one and only final on Monday, then it's summer! This summer I'll be on staff with YouthWorks Inc. running mission trips for jr.high and sr.high groups. I started a new blog if you're interested in following - http://emilykmadsen.tumblr.com/ I'll be graduating in December of this year, and still figuring out what I think God has planned for me afterwards!
Take care,
Emily
Saturday, July 23, 2011
6 month update
Six months ago I boarded a plane for a semester of unknown adventures! January 23rd will likely be a date that brings back fun memories for many years to come - the day I hopped on a plane fairly unsure of what I was getting myself into. What a time it's been now that I've adjusted (pretty much) to life in the United States. I do love the good ol' USofA. I thoroughly enjoyed embracing my patriotic pride on the 4th of July as we should truly recognize how blessed we are to live in a country plump full of liberties and rights. I of course went a little over the top - singing every patriotic song in the book, dressing in red, white, and blue from head to toe, and waving Old Glory for a vast majority of the holiday. Yet even as I proclaim my love for the homeland, I am reminded of how much I adore our southern neighbors, where I spent four spectacular months in Mexico. It's hard to believe it all started six months ago, and oh how much I've learned in this past half year. Since returning home there are a plethora of things that remind of of Merida, and endless times when something will happen and I immediately search for my phone so I can call or text Katelynn, who was abroad with me, to share the story. My pre-Mexico life has been good at listening to my stories, asking me about Mexico-isms, and being interested in how things have been since returning on May 8th.
I walked to the Hennepin County Library earlier this summer, and discovered it takes 15 minutes from my house. So I equate this distance to be the that between my Mexican house and school. I have yet to find coconut popsicles or ice cream that can even attempt to taste the same as La Gran Michocana, and I miss my weekly treats. There have been days I've nearly died of the heat here in Minneapolis, complaining of the sweat, yet I compare the temperatures and heat indexes to Mexico and find I was suffering more there than here. I then ask myself "How did you do it?" I have yet to submit a reply. I've set my alarm clock to a popular Spanish song from my time in Mexico, and wake up to "Danza Kuduro" everyday. I still do a little dance before I pop my head off the pillow. And a 9 day trip to western Mexico in the middle of June to visit my family provided a flood of memories as I passed Oxxo shops, was immersed in español again, and tasted some of the great cuisine.
Summer is going fast, as we find ourselves nearing the end of July. Things are in full swing, busy as ever, and I nearly cringe when I see the school supplies on display at Target (but not as bad as the Christmas products already out at Hallmark). I am beginning to prepare myself for a very busy fall schedule, moving into a new house with five other friends, and migrating down south to Des Moines, IA (I wish it were slightly farther, to Mexico). I have been blessed this summer to have taken up the challenge of reading the Bible in 90 days, through a plan I was introduced to by a friend. God has revealed a lot as I sit down daily to read through His Word. He is abundantly faithful, forever full of Truth, overflowing with love, and providing me with much grace. We serve a great God. I continue to be passionate about seeking justice for the victims of human trafficking and modern day slavery, encouraging and advocating for the developmentally disabled, and being a breath of refreshing air to those around me in a very "worldly" world. Attempting to accomplish all this with the help and motivation of Christ.
After reading through dozens of outdated posts, I realized that I mainly blogged about food, the heat, and my love for my Spanish professor Ana. But looking back, underneath all of the superficial stuff, I learned valuable lessons about others and myself. I found the following thoughts from a blog written by a girl I don't know, but can relate to many of the ideas or laugh at the statements' reality as myself or other students went through the same things.
What I Learned While Study Abroad, by Amanda Hawkins:
Here are some of those lessons I learned while studying aboard, and why I think everyone should jump at the chance to do the same:
I walked to the Hennepin County Library earlier this summer, and discovered it takes 15 minutes from my house. So I equate this distance to be the that between my Mexican house and school. I have yet to find coconut popsicles or ice cream that can even attempt to taste the same as La Gran Michocana, and I miss my weekly treats. There have been days I've nearly died of the heat here in Minneapolis, complaining of the sweat, yet I compare the temperatures and heat indexes to Mexico and find I was suffering more there than here. I then ask myself "How did you do it?" I have yet to submit a reply. I've set my alarm clock to a popular Spanish song from my time in Mexico, and wake up to "Danza Kuduro" everyday. I still do a little dance before I pop my head off the pillow. And a 9 day trip to western Mexico in the middle of June to visit my family provided a flood of memories as I passed Oxxo shops, was immersed in español again, and tasted some of the great cuisine.
Summer is going fast, as we find ourselves nearing the end of July. Things are in full swing, busy as ever, and I nearly cringe when I see the school supplies on display at Target (but not as bad as the Christmas products already out at Hallmark). I am beginning to prepare myself for a very busy fall schedule, moving into a new house with five other friends, and migrating down south to Des Moines, IA (I wish it were slightly farther, to Mexico). I have been blessed this summer to have taken up the challenge of reading the Bible in 90 days, through a plan I was introduced to by a friend. God has revealed a lot as I sit down daily to read through His Word. He is abundantly faithful, forever full of Truth, overflowing with love, and providing me with much grace. We serve a great God. I continue to be passionate about seeking justice for the victims of human trafficking and modern day slavery, encouraging and advocating for the developmentally disabled, and being a breath of refreshing air to those around me in a very "worldly" world. Attempting to accomplish all this with the help and motivation of Christ.
After reading through dozens of outdated posts, I realized that I mainly blogged about food, the heat, and my love for my Spanish professor Ana. But looking back, underneath all of the superficial stuff, I learned valuable lessons about others and myself. I found the following thoughts from a blog written by a girl I don't know, but can relate to many of the ideas or laugh at the statements' reality as myself or other students went through the same things.
What I Learned While Study Abroad, by Amanda Hawkins:
Here are some of those lessons I learned while studying aboard, and why I think everyone should jump at the chance to do the same:
Freedom and Independence
As depressing as it sounds, while studying abroad you will no longer be connected 24/7 with your friends and family. You have to create new friendships and learn to not rely on your close relations for everything. But under all of the sadness you may feel from being disconnected to your friends and family, you will gain a sudden feeling of independence and freedom. You will learn how to be alone and that it’s okay to be alone.
Without studying abroad in a foreign country without foreign experiences, you may never learn to live on your own. If I wouldn’t have spent six months on Spain I would be completely dependant on my friends – but I learned that it’s okay to take a walk alone, self, sit at home alone and read or even see a movie alone.
As depressing as it sounds, while studying abroad you will no longer be connected 24/7 with your friends and family. You have to create new friendships and learn to not rely on your close relations for everything. But under all of the sadness you may feel from being disconnected to your friends and family, you will gain a sudden feeling of independence and freedom. You will learn how to be alone and that it’s okay to be alone.
Without studying abroad in a foreign country without foreign experiences, you may never learn to live on your own. If I wouldn’t have spent six months on Spain I would be completely dependant on my friends – but I learned that it’s okay to take a walk alone, self, sit at home alone and read or even see a movie alone.
Facing Adversity
While abroad you will meet many different types of people from different countries with a vast variety of backgrounds and opinions. While abroad, you will have to learn how to face adversity. Everyday you will go out into a new world that you know nothing about, where you will learn independence. You will learn how to not be alone but also how to rely on almost perfect strangers for support.
Studying aboard, to me, is a warning for what “real life” is to come. You are thrown into a completely new situation and you won’t know what’s coming – you will have to roll with the punches. That’s what studying abroad is – a completely new place, a new culture and a new set of rules. It’s about learning these new rules through trial and error. And sometimes your host mom will yell at you for using too much electricity, but you will learn how to adapt.
Confidence
I studied abroad in a country and with a program where I was required to speak a foreign language most of the day. Each day I felt more and more comfortable with my skills. I soon learned by overcoming this adversity that, “Wow! If I can do this, I can do anything!” I also didn’t have many non-American friends, so I tried to make an effort to talk to complete strangers in the grocery store, at the bus stop and downtown.
Like me, you’ll return to the U.S. and show off your newfound skills by talking to complete strangers and making a fool of yourself but that’s okay! You’re confident now.
Friendship
When you return to the states this is the true test as to who matters to you. Who did you stay in contact with? Who did you bring back gifts for? After being gone for six months, who do you want to call the most? This new experience will teach you to appreciate your friendships more than ever. And your new friendships will become increasingly important. You and your friends from studying abroad are now forever bonded by this experience together. 10 years from now when I look back to my Spain blog or my photos, my first thought will be, “My great friend Liz really made that experience special.” And she really did.
What I Learned While Studying Abroad
While abroad you will meet many different types of people from different countries with a vast variety of backgrounds and opinions. While abroad, you will have to learn how to face adversity. Everyday you will go out into a new world that you know nothing about, where you will learn independence. You will learn how to not be alone but also how to rely on almost perfect strangers for support.
Studying aboard, to me, is a warning for what “real life” is to come. You are thrown into a completely new situation and you won’t know what’s coming – you will have to roll with the punches. That’s what studying abroad is – a completely new place, a new culture and a new set of rules. It’s about learning these new rules through trial and error. And sometimes your host mom will yell at you for using too much electricity, but you will learn how to adapt.
Confidence
I studied abroad in a country and with a program where I was required to speak a foreign language most of the day. Each day I felt more and more comfortable with my skills. I soon learned by overcoming this adversity that, “Wow! If I can do this, I can do anything!” I also didn’t have many non-American friends, so I tried to make an effort to talk to complete strangers in the grocery store, at the bus stop and downtown.
Like me, you’ll return to the U.S. and show off your newfound skills by talking to complete strangers and making a fool of yourself but that’s okay! You’re confident now.
Friendship
When you return to the states this is the true test as to who matters to you. Who did you stay in contact with? Who did you bring back gifts for? After being gone for six months, who do you want to call the most? This new experience will teach you to appreciate your friendships more than ever. And your new friendships will become increasingly important. You and your friends from studying abroad are now forever bonded by this experience together. 10 years from now when I look back to my Spain blog or my photos, my first thought will be, “My great friend Liz really made that experience special.” And she really did.
What I Learned While Studying Abroad
Well imagine that, another lengthy post by Emily Madsen. I just wanted to share some thoughts at this six month mark and express my gratitude once again for the time I did have in Merida, Mexico! Take care, and enjoy the rest of your summer!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
First week back in the homeland
It's hard to believe it's just been one week since I returned home. In some ways I feel like I was just in Mexico, but in more ways I feel like I've been home for much longer! It's been a week of adjustments and a little confusion. At times I felt weird to be here, and at other times it felt weird that I didn't feel weird. Parts of my routine seemed so normal, while other activities seemed way out of whack!
My visit to Drake was really wonderful - it was great to see friends before we all went our ways for the Summer. I got to ride with Katie Bell and Danielle Heffernan which was so fun, because all three of us studied abroad in Latin America, so we had lots to share and compare! Katie and I made our rounds seeing people between their cram sessions in the library as they studied for finals (it felt so good being there but not thinking about classes!). We made the mistake of going to Hubbell (the dining hall) soon after we arrived Monday night and as we entered we were so overwhelmed with lots of people and lots of chaos. We slept in our old room and beds in GK 228 just like old times :) Brushing our teeth in the bathroom with the music on seemed way too normal. It was a beautiful and warm two days in Iowa, so I loved being around the sunshine!
That was about all the sunshine I've seen, until today again. The cold is one thing, but I need some sun!!! Hopefully this next week will be better! Throughout the rest of the week I got to see my friend Jacoby (we made tie-dye cupcakes... real cool!), babysat two different kids from church, sleep in a day or two, more family time, relax, get my summer work details in place, and today I had a full day between church, a visit to Sr. High youth group at church, and then Vespers at Bethel University tonight with church friends and to see Kial!!! We hadn't been apart for that long in the 17 years we've been friends! So an all around good first week!
What have I realized during my first week about life in Minnesota and the good ol' USA? Well a lot, but here are a few quick notes:
- It rains here. Way different compared to my one "day" (maybe an hour) of rain in Mérida all semester
- People don't speak Spanish
- There is sales tax
- Water is free at restaurants, and drinks usually have free refills
- Gas is crazy expensive
- Cell phones have so many options, bells, and whistles
- I miss my American and Mexican friends a lot
- There is grass, and a lot of it
- Where is the beach??
- People stop at stop signs, and pedestrians have rights
- There is diversity
- I can throw toilet paper right in the the toilet here (I still search for the waste basket usually)
- It's chilly, and a little difficult to remember how to dress for this weather
- I barely sweat here (a major highlight)
- My humor works a lot better than in Mexico
- We have a lot of options and choices
- Target is still great, and I could still pass hours there
- Anytime I hear Spanish I nearly break my neck as I search for the source
- Driving was initially odd
- It's hard to really pinpoint my "favorite part" of the semester, "best experience", or reply to the question "how was it?" - all of which I've been asked numerous times over the last seven days. If you have longer though, I could probably talk about my love for Mexico all day :)
Many people have been asking me if I'm done blogging, etc. I wish my life was exciting enough to keep updating this page, but frankly I don't plan on visiting Mayan ruins or diving through caves anytime soon - so I'll probably refrain from my life's boring details. However I have grown to love blogging and I enjoy the very light and loose writing that it provides, so I'm debating starting a different blog, with no particular goal or topic. I'll post something on here if I decide to do so!! Any ideas would be appreciated - since joining Stumbleupon, a newly popular website/tool, I've realized how many blogs are really out there - on almost any subject!!
Many have asked - so I'll share on here about my Summer plans. I will be nannying 20 hours a week for a family who was looking for a nanny who speaks Spanish, for their daughter. She lives very close to me, and I look forward to getting to use a little bit of my Spanish! Additionally I'll be a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) for a 21 year old boy with Down Syndrome. I am very excited for this opportunity to try something new, and work a little closer to my major and future career. Hoping to stay busy yet find time to really enjoy these months off and with family and friends! We'll all be taking a trip in mid-June to Mexico (I knew they couldn't keep me away :)) for my cousin Nicole's high school graduation! More Spanish-speaking headed my way!!
So far now, farewell! It's been an incredible four months! Thanks again for reading, following, praying, being interested, acting interested :), and asking questions! I'll leave you with a few of my final photos from Mexico, and my arrival in the States!
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| Sad. |
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| Sadder. |
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| The craziness that filled up the Central House - and this wasn't even half of it |
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| Friends at the airport |
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| Last hours in Mexico together |
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| Leaving Mérida |
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| Saying our final goodbye to the city |
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| My welcoming team at the Minneapolis airport!!! |
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| Back home with Mom and Dad :) |
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Back in the USofA
I remain in absolute disbelief and feel that I'm living a bit of a dream. This certainly can't be reality - home already??
Loading up went smoothly, a few tears were shed, but we made it to the airport smoothly! The driver of the taxi van had a TV screen with music videos playing (a little odd) but we got to dance to some beats for the last time together! At the airport we weighed out bags on the official scales and I realized mine was a pound over. Val said they were pretty strict so I did some rearranging. Got it to 49.5 lbs!! All went smoothly, a few laughs were shared as a group such as us moved through security, etc. Then we sat in the very small terminal watching the Mérida sunrise which was absolutely gorgeous. None of us could believe what was happening - and this was pretty much the theme of the day. Since we knew we'd be rushed once we got to Houston, we had to say our goodbyes in the Mérida airport, even though we would sit on the same plane for the two hour flight. Once we hit the ground in Texas it was power hour. Madness, running, speed. Some of the group only had about an hour - but I had an hour and a half (still not a lot of squiggle room). We rushed through customs/immigration/security checkpoints/bag checks/more security - uffda! I luckily got caught back up with Katelynn, Austin, and Kaitlan right before the final security check, but Katelynn soon had to rush off and budge in line because her plane was taking off in 10 minutes. So it was a flustered goodbye to one of my absolute best friends!! I got to my gate with 15 minutes to sit and breathe before loading. I sat next to an older man who talked a lot with me during the flight about my semester, his own six children, a son-in-law who is Mexican, and his own travels/experiences. It made it so I couldn't sleep how I was hoping - but he was friendly! A little before 2pm we descended over home sweet home, and I soon spotted the Richfield water towers and my neighborhood!! My eyes were quick to notice the green grass waiting for me, but I couldn't miss the grayness and rain. During the semester it only rained once in Mérida, and it's true that I had missed precipitation (other than the sweat that was constantly appearing) but now wasn't the time for the dreariness! Fortunately later this afternoon the sun came out, and so far I haven't even froze too bad! Although the temperature difference is remarkable - so far I haven't gotten hypothermia. As we landed in Minneapolis I got a little teary eyed I think realizing that this experience truly had ended - and my gringos were no longer with me! But off I went to see my family!!! My mom, dad, and Paul greeted me with two big signs, one in Spanish and one in English! On a side note, I think my brother has grown 6 inches since I've been gone - so I barely recognized him. My luggage was ready really quickly and then we got to make our way to la casa! Carpet! Wood floors! My bed! Tap water! Flushing toilet paper! Easter candy! Homemade cookies! These things all grabbed my attention right off the bat! We all collapsed and talked for quite a while - there were some stories that I had been needing to tell them in person, and finally there we were! Later in the evening both sets of my grandparents, and my aunt, came over for Davanni's pizza dinner - Mmm I had missed that, and it was a wonderful time to see all my family! They were happy to see me here, at home and safe! Played a few games of Bananagrams with my family, gave them their gifts, and relaxed! I'm very very very tired - and it's time to catch up on a lot of lost sleep!! I already had to cave in and call Katelynn - it's incredibly different not having her a short walk away from my house in Mérida - and it will be hard!
Thank you, Lord for all that you did this semester. I have been so blessed and I pray that I will continue to be a blessing to others, based on my experiences there! Trusting in God has so much power and I have realized this semester what God will do to protect His children. He knows exactly what we need at just the right time. I've learned incredible things and can't wait to share my experiences with anyone who dares to sit and listen!! I have a feeling in the coming days and weeks (...possibly months...) I'm going to be so eager to just talk talk talk about all that happened in Mexico! It's hard for me to even process all that is happening, exactly what I should feel, and how I'm supposed to move forward now - but it'll be exciting to start Summer vacation (which feels weird to say), and start seeing everyone from back home again!
Tomorrow I'll head to Des Moines and go to Drake to see all my friends before they head back home for Summer! Katie, Danielle, and I will road trip down there - and it should be fun, because all of us studied abroad this semester!! Lots to talk about, compare, and relate to! This will be a quick turn around, and I'll surely be tired, but worth it!!
MIL GRACIAS a todos ustedes quienes han leido mi blog durante mi tiempo en México. Aprecio que se tomaron el tiempo para aprender de mi vida y mis experiencias del semestre. Espero que hayan disfrutado mis cuentos y recuerdos de un país muy cerca de mi corazón. Por favor recuerden lo que he compartido de México - que es un país increíble con mucho más que ofrecer que lo que dice la noticia. Me pregunta cualquiera cosa de mi tiempo en México, para sugerencias (todos deben visitar Mérida), o dudas. Mi dirección de correo electrónico es emily.madsen@drake.edu. ¡Gracias, otra vez - por su intrés en un semestre inolvidable!
Thank you to all of you who have read my blog during my time in Mexico. I appreciate you taking the tim to learn about my life and my experiences from the semester. I hope you enjoyed my stories and memories of a country very close to my heart. Please remember what I shared about Mexico - which is an incredible country with a lot more to offer than what the news says. Ask me anything about my time in Mexico - or for suggestions (all of you should visit Mérida) or concerns! My email address is emily.madsen@drake.edu. Thanks again - for your interest in an unforgettable semester!
I will probably write a few more times on my blog within the next week or two, more for my sake, to document how it's been readjusting to life in the States! But thank you for your faithfulness in checking in on my life! The constant updates are now over :) I can't believe I was able to keep it up everyday, but I am beyond thankful that I'll have this blog to look back on and remember everything!
Ps. My Godmom, Beth had a gift of Nutella waiting for me when I got home - to help me feel a little more like I was at my home in Mérida. AND My mom showed me with great excitement that she found me coconut popsicles!! I can't wait! Maybe they'll be close enough to La Gran Michocana :)
Loading up went smoothly, a few tears were shed, but we made it to the airport smoothly! The driver of the taxi van had a TV screen with music videos playing (a little odd) but we got to dance to some beats for the last time together! At the airport we weighed out bags on the official scales and I realized mine was a pound over. Val said they were pretty strict so I did some rearranging. Got it to 49.5 lbs!! All went smoothly, a few laughs were shared as a group such as us moved through security, etc. Then we sat in the very small terminal watching the Mérida sunrise which was absolutely gorgeous. None of us could believe what was happening - and this was pretty much the theme of the day. Since we knew we'd be rushed once we got to Houston, we had to say our goodbyes in the Mérida airport, even though we would sit on the same plane for the two hour flight. Once we hit the ground in Texas it was power hour. Madness, running, speed. Some of the group only had about an hour - but I had an hour and a half (still not a lot of squiggle room). We rushed through customs/immigration/security checkpoints/bag checks/more security - uffda! I luckily got caught back up with Katelynn, Austin, and Kaitlan right before the final security check, but Katelynn soon had to rush off and budge in line because her plane was taking off in 10 minutes. So it was a flustered goodbye to one of my absolute best friends!! I got to my gate with 15 minutes to sit and breathe before loading. I sat next to an older man who talked a lot with me during the flight about my semester, his own six children, a son-in-law who is Mexican, and his own travels/experiences. It made it so I couldn't sleep how I was hoping - but he was friendly! A little before 2pm we descended over home sweet home, and I soon spotted the Richfield water towers and my neighborhood!! My eyes were quick to notice the green grass waiting for me, but I couldn't miss the grayness and rain. During the semester it only rained once in Mérida, and it's true that I had missed precipitation (other than the sweat that was constantly appearing) but now wasn't the time for the dreariness! Fortunately later this afternoon the sun came out, and so far I haven't even froze too bad! Although the temperature difference is remarkable - so far I haven't gotten hypothermia. As we landed in Minneapolis I got a little teary eyed I think realizing that this experience truly had ended - and my gringos were no longer with me! But off I went to see my family!!! My mom, dad, and Paul greeted me with two big signs, one in Spanish and one in English! On a side note, I think my brother has grown 6 inches since I've been gone - so I barely recognized him. My luggage was ready really quickly and then we got to make our way to la casa! Carpet! Wood floors! My bed! Tap water! Flushing toilet paper! Easter candy! Homemade cookies! These things all grabbed my attention right off the bat! We all collapsed and talked for quite a while - there were some stories that I had been needing to tell them in person, and finally there we were! Later in the evening both sets of my grandparents, and my aunt, came over for Davanni's pizza dinner - Mmm I had missed that, and it was a wonderful time to see all my family! They were happy to see me here, at home and safe! Played a few games of Bananagrams with my family, gave them their gifts, and relaxed! I'm very very very tired - and it's time to catch up on a lot of lost sleep!! I already had to cave in and call Katelynn - it's incredibly different not having her a short walk away from my house in Mérida - and it will be hard!
Thank you, Lord for all that you did this semester. I have been so blessed and I pray that I will continue to be a blessing to others, based on my experiences there! Trusting in God has so much power and I have realized this semester what God will do to protect His children. He knows exactly what we need at just the right time. I've learned incredible things and can't wait to share my experiences with anyone who dares to sit and listen!! I have a feeling in the coming days and weeks (...possibly months...) I'm going to be so eager to just talk talk talk about all that happened in Mexico! It's hard for me to even process all that is happening, exactly what I should feel, and how I'm supposed to move forward now - but it'll be exciting to start Summer vacation (which feels weird to say), and start seeing everyone from back home again!
Tomorrow I'll head to Des Moines and go to Drake to see all my friends before they head back home for Summer! Katie, Danielle, and I will road trip down there - and it should be fun, because all of us studied abroad this semester!! Lots to talk about, compare, and relate to! This will be a quick turn around, and I'll surely be tired, but worth it!!
MIL GRACIAS a todos ustedes quienes han leido mi blog durante mi tiempo en México. Aprecio que se tomaron el tiempo para aprender de mi vida y mis experiencias del semestre. Espero que hayan disfrutado mis cuentos y recuerdos de un país muy cerca de mi corazón. Por favor recuerden lo que he compartido de México - que es un país increíble con mucho más que ofrecer que lo que dice la noticia. Me pregunta cualquiera cosa de mi tiempo en México, para sugerencias (todos deben visitar Mérida), o dudas. Mi dirección de correo electrónico es emily.madsen@drake.edu. ¡Gracias, otra vez - por su intrés en un semestre inolvidable!
Thank you to all of you who have read my blog during my time in Mexico. I appreciate you taking the tim to learn about my life and my experiences from the semester. I hope you enjoyed my stories and memories of a country very close to my heart. Please remember what I shared about Mexico - which is an incredible country with a lot more to offer than what the news says. Ask me anything about my time in Mexico - or for suggestions (all of you should visit Mérida) or concerns! My email address is emily.madsen@drake.edu. Thanks again - for your interest in an unforgettable semester!
I will probably write a few more times on my blog within the next week or two, more for my sake, to document how it's been readjusting to life in the States! But thank you for your faithfulness in checking in on my life! The constant updates are now over :) I can't believe I was able to keep it up everyday, but I am beyond thankful that I'll have this blog to look back on and remember everything!
Ps. My Godmom, Beth had a gift of Nutella waiting for me when I got home - to help me feel a little more like I was at my home in Mérida. AND My mom showed me with great excitement that she found me coconut popsicles!! I can't wait! Maybe they'll be close enough to La Gran Michocana :)
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Goodbye, Mérida
It's time.
I write to you early in the morning, 4:14am on Sunday - and I need to write quick because the taxi will be here at 4:30!!
Today was a beach day - we soaked up our last bit of Mexican sun and really enjoyed ourselves! A lot of the day consisted of reminiscing and sharing stories. I will miss these people. I'll miss the beach. I'll miss a lot.
Once back home I scurried around to shower, pack final things, look around at my empty (and sad) room, and then chat shortly with my mom! We ate flan - one of my favorite things that she makes, and shared a goodbye! Loaded up all my bags into the little Volkswagen and off we went to Central. I nearly busted a wheel unloading, but hopefully it will survive the day of traveling! Said our goodbyes, so weird after sharing a home for four months, but what a time it has been! All good things, and I feel so blessed to have been with Pati while here. It was a very good fit!! Central was a little sad - everyone arrived after saying goodbyes to their host families, and we lugged in all of our luggage. We spent about an hour weighing things between two different scales, helping each other move things around to get under 50 lbs, or get all those souvenirs to fit :)
We went out to Los Trompos for dinner and then to a few of our favorite places from the semester - La Parranda and ChiliMoon. So much of the time was spent repeating "Remember when...."s about different fun stories and events throughout the semester here. It's obvious we've made lasting memories and such great friendships!! Got some last minute dancing in, and we got to a point where there was no more time to sleep - so off we'll go!
Val just got here, and we'll all load in a big taxi van to get to the airport. Pray for safe travels and smooth connections (as some students have barely an hour.... to go through customs, etc it could get tight). WOW I can't believe I'm saying farewell to Mexico and I'll soon need to say some tough goodbyes to amazing friends I've made. A big PRAISE GOD to all He's provided and allowed me to do this semester. I am truly, truly blessed! OH NO THE VAN IS HERE!!!!!
So,
It's time.
I write to you early in the morning, 4:14am on Sunday - and I need to write quick because the taxi will be here at 4:30!!
Today was a beach day - we soaked up our last bit of Mexican sun and really enjoyed ourselves! A lot of the day consisted of reminiscing and sharing stories. I will miss these people. I'll miss the beach. I'll miss a lot.
Once back home I scurried around to shower, pack final things, look around at my empty (and sad) room, and then chat shortly with my mom! We ate flan - one of my favorite things that she makes, and shared a goodbye! Loaded up all my bags into the little Volkswagen and off we went to Central. I nearly busted a wheel unloading, but hopefully it will survive the day of traveling! Said our goodbyes, so weird after sharing a home for four months, but what a time it has been! All good things, and I feel so blessed to have been with Pati while here. It was a very good fit!! Central was a little sad - everyone arrived after saying goodbyes to their host families, and we lugged in all of our luggage. We spent about an hour weighing things between two different scales, helping each other move things around to get under 50 lbs, or get all those souvenirs to fit :)
We went out to Los Trompos for dinner and then to a few of our favorite places from the semester - La Parranda and ChiliMoon. So much of the time was spent repeating "Remember when...."s about different fun stories and events throughout the semester here. It's obvious we've made lasting memories and such great friendships!! Got some last minute dancing in, and we got to a point where there was no more time to sleep - so off we'll go!
Val just got here, and we'll all load in a big taxi van to get to the airport. Pray for safe travels and smooth connections (as some students have barely an hour.... to go through customs, etc it could get tight). WOW I can't believe I'm saying farewell to Mexico and I'll soon need to say some tough goodbyes to amazing friends I've made. A big PRAISE GOD to all He's provided and allowed me to do this semester. I am truly, truly blessed! OH NO THE VAN IS HERE!!!!!
So,
It's time.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Lots of dulces with Dulce
Today was a day of packing - and things are looking good! I don't think my bags will be bulging as much as they did on the way here, and hopefully my muscles won't be sore Monday from carrying things, like they were the Monday after my flight into Mérida. Once I had things pretty well set and divided between bags, I got our house scale and did the big test... After converting from kilograms to pounds, I discovered my bag weighs exactly 50 pounds! Proud, and amazed! I'll have to check again at Central tomorrow with a scale in pounds to make sure a) I did things right and b) after I throw in the odds and ends that you come across last minute, that it still is within the weight limit.
We had a traditional Yucatecan lunch - a sort of puchero, with a soup base, pork, spices, vegetables, and then rice and tortillas thrown in on top! Mmmm I'll miss this food!! My mom has been trying to squeeze in all of these last minute things before I leave! She knows me too well :) What a great cook I've had all semester, fortunately I have a great one to go home to as well - so that will make the transition easier!! All I know is there was flan baking on the stove tonight... tomorrow will be a good day :)
My mom and I got to sit and talk for a longggggg time this afternoon as we were both waiting for people. She was waiting for Montse to drop off the two kids, and I was waiting for Dulce. Dulce is the daughter of my uncle César's nephew. She's 22, and goes to the University of Anahuac-Mayab here. I haven't seen her since Nicole's quinceañera in 2008, but Dulce lives here in Mérida and we've been trying to get together all semester. Between different school schedules, weekdays were tricky - and on the weekends I was gone a lot on excursions, etc, and she has her own commitments. Needless to say, Dulce got a hold of me today and we finally decided we were both free! But she got held up at school and ended up not getting to my house until a few hours later than she expected (but totally normal in Mexico :)). So there Pati and I sat, in our little chairs, on the front patio, enjoying the Mexican breeze! It was nice to have that time to relax and be together for one of the last times! There are some stray dogs that like to call the empty lot next door their home, and there has been a new addition within the last week. Seriously the dogs in the street are nicer and do less harm than the ones who have owners - but they don't really get what they need, and that' where we come in. My mom brought the little one cookies (not sure why she picked this food...) and then got water! It's so funny when the dogs search the neighborhood for any bit of shade, sometimes the smallest sliver against the wall in our yard!
So getting Dulce to my house brought me a little pride. I had to give her directions, and I successfully did so in Spanish, and for a city I've only known for four months! Now if only I could do the same back in Minnesota!! Not going to lie, I even impressed myself!
Dulce picked me up and quickly gained major points as she handed me a piña con chile trole (an icy treat that is the essentially the consistency of a popsicle, but frozen in a cup and eaten with a spoon)!! I had warned her before she came that we may need to convert to English, because I wasn't sure of my Spanish skills. However we spoke Spanish the entire four hours we were together! We were just planning on going out for ice cream quick, but Dulce made it a much more exciting evening! Since the ice cream was taken care of, we went to her house so I could see her mom, Azucena! We sat out on their patio and caught up on each others' lives, families, my time in Mérida, etc! We shared some laughs as we reminisced on visit that Jose Luis (Dulce's dad) made to MN a few years back with César, and two brothers! It was hilarious to realize that the same stories we in Minnesota talk about, were the exact same that they continue to retell here in Mexico! After a tour of their new and beautiful home Dulce and I headed out! I had plans to meet up with a few friends who are staying in a hotel downtown tonight (I decided not to stay there, because I wanted to sleep at my house for the last night) so we went downtown together so I wouldn't need to take the bus! On the way we stopped at her church, which was gorgeous, and then a bakery so I could try a few "must eats"! We walked around by La Plaza Grande a while and then she wanted to take me to try one of her favorite treats! (Wait, isn't that what we had been doing for the last hour and a half...?) We stopped a cute little cafe that used to be an old home. We sat in the open-air part and ordered our nutella waffles to share! Oh and what would a chocolatey breakfast dessert be without ice cream in the middle?? It was so nice to talk with Dulce and learn about what she's been up to! Last summer she spent a month in Minneapolis doing a program at St. Thomas so she was eager to tell me about all of the places she went (which mostly consisted of all the places she ate... We both could relate that when talking with people from back home about our times abroad... food was a central topic). Dulce also began compiling quite a list of places we must go WHEN I return. Notice this is not an IF statement. I have had so many homes offered to me (I'm at 5, and counting), that it really would be rude for me not to come back... soon. Once we were done at the cafe I decided I'd just skip going to the hotel since it was getting later, I was getting tired, the rest of my things weren't going to pack themselves, and Dulce could drop me off at home rather than having to take a taxi or bus home after being with friends! Seriously, another memorable and wonderful evening here in Mexico! I was sad to say goodbye because we were just getting started with all of the fun - but I was so so so happy it worked out for us to finally get together, unfortunately just two days before I'm leaving! Dulce spoiled me tonight with such a great night!!
Once back at home, I threw some more things in my bags, and moped as I was reminded this is my final evening in my Yucatecan home :( Tomorrow night most of the students are staying at the Central House, since we are catching taxis at 4:30am on Sunday. This way it'll be easier, and nicer for the families! Tomorrow I was supposed to go to Silvana (my host niece)'s first birthday party, but my mom and I realized today it's next Saturday!! Bummed - I was looking forward to the final time with family, and hitting the butterfly piñata of course! Thursday night I did my last night in the hammock, now tonight is my final night in my bed! How did I get to this point? As my room is looking more and more empty, it reminds me of my first few days here. But back then I was working to fill it, now I've been slowly tearing things down. But my first week here seems like just yesterday (cliché, but never felt more true). Tomorrow I will drink my last glass of fresh orange juice, take my last shower in my doorless shower (which doesn't even seem odd anymore), go to the beach for the last time, walk out my front door for the last time, take my final ride in our white Volkswagen bug, and say a sad farewell to my Mamita Yucateca!
Más Fotos
Here are a few odds and ends of photos from recent events, and then some from last night!
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| Nayeli playing with PlayDoh before church |
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| Talina, Gio, Nicole, Nayeli, and I at church! |
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| Iglesia Biblia La Roca |
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| Pollo Rico - which doesn't look nearly as appetizing in photos! |
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| Pizza en el Centro |
THE CORN GROWS RIPE: A MUSICAL!
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| Ready to make tortillas - which quickly dried into chips |
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| The house was looking so great! |
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| Katelynn and I |
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| Carlos, Me, Pancho |
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| Panchito and the ladies! |
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| The milpa! |
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| My family in the play! |
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| All the staff so fancy :) |
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| Katelynn with her Shaman makeup |
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| The great programs Kayla made! |
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| Yep, pregnant and dancing - superstar. |
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| A scene at our Mayan home |
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| Val!! |
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| Dede - Katelynn's host mo, |
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| Pati - My Yucatecan mom!!! |
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| Mamita Yucateca |
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| Taco al pastor - yes please!!! |
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| Marquesitas! |
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| Kim and Kaitlan |
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| Everyone chit chatting |
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| Two of my favorite people in this city! |
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| Ana and Pati |
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| Talking with my mom, aunt, and cousins |
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| TACOS AL PASTOR :) |
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| Claudina and all her marquesitas! |
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| Kayla, Me, Jamie, Austin, and Silvia |
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| Princess Cinthya! |
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| Everyone enjoying the despedida! |
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