"Life is Good Today"

Life was good in Queretaro today.

Perfect weather, team survival through all the “firsts:” first day, first meeting, first class. Feeling more comfort and confidence in what we’re doing thanks to tons of support and coaching from within the team. Meeting goals: having fun and serving, proving once again one always gets more than one gives….remembering there is more that connects us than divides us as we listen to the students who want what we have wanted for ourselves and our children—a good job, raise a family, find love, have fun, to be acknowledged and valued.

Life is really good in Queretero today.

“It’s better to light just one little candle than to curse the darkness.”

Breakfast was by dawn’s early light in the hotel and then off to school with Santos at the wheel of our white minivan. At school, I am sure I learn more about Mexican culture from the students than the English they learn from me. It’s a good trade.

I want to express my gratitude to the women in our group. I realize that they are about a generation ahead of me. I listen to stories about gallivanting as a young woman in Europe, living in Turkey, and I realize that these women have helped blaze trails, making my adventures seem blasé and so“everyday.” Thank goodness for trailblazers and those who lead by example.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."

I would be remiss not to mention again, last night’s dinner, in front of the Santa Rosa Cathedral with over 100’ of fountains programmed into a beautiful sound and multicolored light show—the sound being the magnificent voice of Andreas Bocelli. It was a treat for all.

This morning we climbed into Santos’minivan at 8:15 for what would be our daily drive to UTEQ. A delicious breakfast of chilaquiles verdes and fresh orange juice awaited us. After introductions with the English language teachers and a tour of the campus, we met with Julio to get our schedules for the two weeks. Finally with a certain level of apprehension our first classes began at 11:00. Most of us then had a break from 12:00 – 1:00 followed by our second and last class of the day.

Class time was spent in groups of 6-7 (some 4-5) with each teacher, all within a classroom. At times, it was rather like the noise of the dueling bands on Saturday night. The students were lively and eager to practice their English. Their levels ranged from beginner to advanced within each group.During free time, it is hoped that teachers will chat informally with students in the cafeteria. Some students clearly resisted but many welcomed the opportunity.

Lunch next to the University at Vera Cruz at 2:00 was called a “light lunch”…only three courses! I hate to imagine what a normal lunch would be! We piled into the van a happy, satisfied and tired group for the return trip to Hotel Hidalgo and some free time before dinner at 7:00.

Big breakfast at the hotel. Pam provided general information in her usual efficient, clear and concise way. Carolina arrived and “received” us—expressing her genuine and heartful appreciation for the team. After she left, more team work on goals and team building. And more information.

Another break, another large lunch at a different hotel and an evening meal while enjoying the entertaining and beautiful offerings of the fountain.

I was struck by the similarity of goals of this team as well as the shared enthusiasm in working with students tomorrow. And we already met some of our goals of warmth, fun, cuisine and culture!

Team: Feb 18- March 3

Our first team gathering began with dinner. All team members were present except for Joan, Tom and Karen. We ate a delicious dinner, socialized with each other and listened to music. One kind of music though one ear and another group with the other—different music to the immediate right and left of us—like the battle of the bands.

A Day in Queretaro by 2011 Volunteer Mary

We got up early this morning for a quiet, do-it-yorself breakfast and walked to our bus pick-up point. It was still dark when we left the hotel; the morning air felt cool and refreshing. All was quiet on the street and the Jardín, which had been crowded with people the night before. There had been a band playing, people dancing and enjoying the music, children playing and families enjoying a walk and ice cream on a warm Sunday evening.

I had four classes today. The students were well prepared, attentive, and eager to learn and improve their English speaking skills. Between classes in the cafeteria area I had several enjoyable conversations with students, as did the other volunteers.

At 1:00 p.m. it was off to lunch at the nearby restaurant before the journey back to the Hotel Hidalgo. We arrived warm from the now hot (25° C) midafternoon sun and tired from our work. Many volunteers, myself included, took a bit of time for a siesta, Others bought more food and supplies to keep us all fed and energized.

At 6:15 we had a team meeting, read the journal and inspirational daily thought. Discussion centered on a farewell party hosted by the volunteers for the UTEQ faculty on Thursday. The planning committee has great ideas for food and musical entertainment. First rehearsal Tuesday. After that a pizza and beverage party was enjoyed by all, along with good conversation before ending another day in Querétaro.


Thought for the day:

Tell me and I will forget,
Show me and I may remember,
Involve me and I will understand.
~ Chinese proverb


Shared by Volunteer Mary D.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo — or the fifth of May — commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.

Cinco de Mayo traditions include parades, mariachi music performances and street festivals in cities and towns across Mexico and the United States.

~ Information courtesy of History.com