ADIOS MEXICO!!!

Well well well.

Here I am. Practically finished packing and feeling a little sentimental about my amazing Mexican experience. Though it's been extremely difficult sometimes and I am anxious to get back and see my family and friends, I wouldn't change a thing about my stay here. I am so thankful for this opportunity that came up just in time.

In a quick summary- school has been finished a couple days. We had the performance on Tuesday (didn't go as badly as I thought) and the next day we had a party with at least 10 bottles of pop. Nice.

I've been contemplating how weird life will be when I get back. First, I've actually got to COOK! When you spend 4 1/2 months only eating what others make for you, making yourself something as simple as a sandwich seems like a chore. I'm tired just thinking about it! I don't even want to start with thinking about school! Though I've had LOTS more work than I ever imagined here being a head teacher, it's nothing compared to finals, tests, and endless papers.

Lastly, I've got to find a JOB. Job hunting is never fun, much less in the cold weather that I'm not yet accustomed to. But, I know that everything will work out.

I am also excited to get to Utah and see some real Christmas decorations. Though there are a couple of houses with lights in this city, it's nothing like beautiful Utah with the beautiful mountains in your own home.

All of the goodbyes this time have been much easier on me. I haven't cried once (yes, I know. Shocking), I suppose because it really feels like I'm going to see everyone again. I know that it probably won't be anytime soon, but I'll see everyone again.

Though I've grown close to everyone here- I think that this experience was mainly for myself. I have found out so many things about myself. I've done many things I didn't know I had the strength to do, I've LEARNED SPANISH, I've learned more about the Mexican culture than I ever had before, and I accomplished SO MUCH more than I thought I ever could in such a short amount of time.

Almost all the goals that I had set for the last 100 days have be completed- which was a huge deal. Completing the goals weren't necessarily the most important thing overall, but having something to work for. I wasn't perfect in a lot of the categories, but I definitely tried, and that's all that mattered.

So, for the last Mexican post, I have added a page (next to the 100 days link at the top) about 70 things that I wish I would have known before I came to Mexico. Some are really funny, some are actually really helpful for anyone that will ever come to Mexico. But, I hope that you look at that and enjoy :)

I believe I'll be continuing this blog even when I get back, because I never know what life has in store for me. So if you want, check up on this page every once in a while.

So, I'll be home in a little less than.... 48 hours until I land in Salt Lake. I hope everyone continues to be safe, healthy, and happy.

With love,

Alicia

Here's some pictures from the party of a few of my adorable students.

For the Strength of YOU!!!

Alright. This post is slightly off topic but I thought that it was something super important to share.

Today, I received a facebook notice from the Church today about the updated Strength of Youth pamphlet. I had no idea that they were even updating it, but now that I've read through the whole thing, I can see why! There are many things that have been changed or added to the new booklet that is so important to this new generation.

For those of you who would like to read the entire thing yourself, here's the link: https://lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/language-materials/09403_eng.pdf?lang=eng

But, I've also copy and pasted the most important pieces to those who want an overview. These added pieces are a BIG DEAL. So- without further ado, let's jump in!

"When listening to music, be courteous to those around you. Keep your music at a reasonable volume, and remove your earphones when others are talking to you or want you to be part of their activities."

REMOVE YOUR EARPHONES!!! How awesome is that? Because I think that we all have one of those friends who still have their earphones in when you're talking to them and it makes you feel slightly bad.... Of course, I'm not saying I'm perfect at this, but I'm definitely going to make it a priority!

"If you listen to music constantly, you may not have the quiet time you need for thinking, feeling, and receiving spiritual guidance."

I'm definitely going to have to work on this one. I'm almost always listening to music in some form or another and I could definitely use some more time to think and ponder and listen to the spirit.

"Take care that your use of media does not dull your sensitivity to the Spirit or interfere with your personal relationships with others. Spending long periods of time using the Internet or a mobile device, playing video games, or watching television or other media can keep you from valuable interactions with other people. Be careful that your use of social media does not replace spending time with your family and friends."

WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!! BAM!!!! That one hit me right in the face! I've been spending large amounts of time on facebook since I'm so far away from home. I'd like to think that is the exception to the rule.... But, I'm going to seriously try and lessen my time on facebook.... when I get home. :) I've ALWAYS agreed that playing video games is a serious time waster- and was so glad that it was added to the strength of youth.

"Guard your safety and the safety of others by taking great care about what personal information and images you share through technology. Do not communicate anything over the Internet or through texting that would be inappropriate to share in person. Obey the laws that govern sharing music, movies, and other copyrighted items."

Diddo. Safety first.

"Remember that these standards for your use of language apply to all forms of communication, including texting on a cell phone or communicating on the Internet."

Don't text, email, or comment what you wouldn't say in person.

"Your emotional health is also important and may affect your spiritual and physical well-being. Disappointment and occasional sadness are part of this mortal life. However, if you have prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, or depression, talk with your parents and your bishop and seek help."

How refreshing is this? They've added emotional and mental health as well.

"Honoring the Sabbath day includes attending all your Church meetings. Go to sacrament meeting prepared to worship the Lord and partake worthily of the sacrament. During sacrament meeting, be reverent and willing to learn. Refrain from activities that would distract you or others during this sacred meeting. Be on time for your meetings. As you do these things, you invite the Spirit of the Lord to be with you."

Wow. I think that said it all. I've got to work on being more attentive during sacrament meeting. I think that once I can actually go to an English meeting, it will be much easier :)

Well, that's all the changes that really stuck out to me. I hope that it was an eyeopener to a few others besides myself. The church is true. It always has been, is now, and always will be. I know that the prophets are aware of everything that is going on in our lives today. I know that the Lord knows each and every one of us and is doing everything in His power for us to succeed in this life.

Crazy life.

Familia, amigos, y otras personas del mundo,

Okay. I know that the "I am so busy" excuse is a bit overused... but it really is true!

This is our last full week of school this week so things have been terribly crazy. My "to do" list is 3 papers long (yes, 3 papers), and I've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I really feel like I don't have enough time in the day and I look forward to the days where I can sit lazily around dreaming about.... I don't know... boys? Sorry, I'm forgetting what subjects there are to daydream about- I'm doing it less and less these days.

2/3 of my to do list consists of things that have to do with our upcoming school performance. After every semester, the teachers and students prepare a performance to show off to the parents. Preperations for this is a full-time job in and of itself. It's like putting on a primary program where every child is not speaking their first language and have costumes and props to work with (along with 60+ kids). Yeah. It's pretty daunting. But, I'm sure that when it comes down to it, it will go well. And if not, they can't exactly fire me because I'm heading back to the states in 11 days.

Another part of my "to do" list is an unexpected visitor from a town a few hours away called San Luis Potsi. ILP is setting up a school there so the director came down to see first hand what ILP is all about and to see the teaching in action. Since we only have a few days left of school, what better time to have a visitor? Not only do I have to entertain and talk with (in Spanish) this visitor- but he's also going to film my teachers tomorrow (for future advertising purposes). Great. Imagine having to not only put on a difficult Primary program, but having someone come by in the midst of all of the havoc and filming! Ah!

I'm so sorry- I don't mean to be so negative and complain so much. But, I'm just trying to wrap my head around my crazy life.

ANYWAY! The teachers and I have plans this Saturday to put together a dinner party for all of our host families. It will be something along the line of a Thanksgiving dinner (yes, we're making turkey). I believe that all of the host families are excited and I hope that they call come (because we are planning to have LOTS of food). This also means that I have to learn how to cook a turkey. I've never done that before- I've always sort of depended on my dad to do that kind of thing. Does anyone have any tips/suggestions before I rely on the internet for most of my learning and education? I can't exactly get any hints from anyone here because they don't really use the oven.... but I'm sure everyone will give me suggestions anyway. Thanks Mexico!

Then Monday we have a dress rehersal during classes. Tuesday is the performance, and Wednesday is a class party. Then, everyone heads off to vacation. Well... everyone except me. They're all headed to a place called Costa Esmeralda, and I'm going to be enjoying being at home. I figure that I've been to the most beautiful beaches on earth and everything else will be kind of a letdown :)

Then, after a few days of "vacationing", everyone will be back Sunday night and we'll have some sort of going away party.

I leave Monday morning. Oh my goodness!!! How exciting!!!!

Oh yes. In other news, I finally got an email from BYU-Idaho telling me what track I'll be on. Unfortunately, after 6 weeks of waiting, I got an email saying that "accepted students will not be given their track assignment until mid-January".

Because of that, there has been a slight change of plans in my life- which often happens. I enjoy planning out my life (at least a year ahead) so I know what to expect. Except, 95% of the time, things don't go as planned. I was just reading something in my journal the other day- it (I) said "I am thankful for a God that says 'no' sometimes. If I got everything I wanted when I wanted it, I would be in a very different place that is not nearly as good as I am now." So, though I'm slightly irked about this slight change of plans, I know that it's for the best and gives me more time to think over my decision.

I'll end with a picture of some of the cutest little boys on the planet. They're both in our Kindergarten program. Their names are Hector and Roberto.