November 5, 2008 Global Volunteers Journal – The day after the Presidential Election

Thought for the day:

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And brings the tune without words
And never stops at all
-- Emily Dickenson

This morning we were giddy. Not only because we rose at an unusually early hour to meet our 6:30 A.M. departure deadline, but also because most of us were celebrating the exhilarating Obama victory and his inspiring victory speech. We met at 6:00 A.M. for coffee and breakfast bars with Jamie and Chuy. Armed with snacks, we boarded our Mercedes bus for the trip to Leon and morning of classes at UTL. We were accompanied by selected students from UTNG English classes.

Our bus wound through beautiful mountain scenery and picturesque city of Guanajuato which impressed our Global group with its beauty.

Arriving at UTL, we were greeted by the English Department staff, offered fruit and cheese to sustain us, and then whisked off to our class assignments. Team I and II each met with four classes. We all agreed that we were very impressed with the Leon students and staff, and we enjoyed a variety of class formats during our brief stay. We particularly appreciated the preparation and thoughtful questions posed by the Leon students who interviewed us concerning the Presidential election and U.S policy.

Following our morning classes we were served a delicious lunch in the staff meeting room which had been prepared by one of the teachers. Our Global Group was presented with individual awards in recognition by the Dean of the English Department. After a few photo ops in front of Global Volunteers banner, we boarded the bus for our return to Delores.

We enjoyed a few hours of "down time" during which some volunteers were wowed by a charismatic Catholic mass at the church on the plaza. Dinner at El Carruaje was a treat – the enchiladas verdes were delicious. WE topped off the evening with a nightcap at the Suite Bar next door to Las Campanas. Imanuel served us well and Janet enjoyed his version of “La Bandera”, a drink served in three parts and representing the 3 colors of the Mexican flag- white, green, and red, represented by lime juice, tequila, and spicy tomato juice.

Finally, it’s to bed in anticipation of another very busy day in Delores.