Unencumbered

This setup, with Nola in the backpack and Marcelle in the sling, got Gretchen some time to catch up on a blog posting—and got Karsten some amused looks from the Chamulan (indigenous) woman across the street.

Since arriving in San Cristobal, we have made lists of various items to buy at the market. Among these items: eggs, milk, cheese, butter, bread, beans, tortillas, fresh produce, a can opener, matches, and, in a moment of weakness, an extra space heater (which we seriously considered buying—well, which GRETCHEN seriously considered buying—but then reconsidered, betting on a weather change). All of these items can be easily purchased at the local supermercado, the large mercado, from street vendors, or even at a large Meijer-like store on the outskirts of the city.

The “what if I need” instinct in me—the me from home—tempts me to buy as much as possible in one trip. It seems silly to go back later if I can simply buy more now. But then I think of the very small cupboard back at the apartment, and the two pots and two burners we have for cooking, and the dorm refrigerator already housing some leftovers and a very large bottle of Coca-cola, and I realize that I need very little at the moment. One stick of butter, one quart of milk, one dozen eggs, one bag of beans, one half of a kilo of tortillas—this is enough for several days for most of our neighbors here in San Cristobal.

I know a lot of people return from trips to developing countries and simplify their lives. Yes, I have done the same. I’ve cleaned out my closet and vowed to stay out of the mall. I’ve recalled my brothers and sisters in poverty and pledged to pray for them and act in ways that honor their witness as well as mine. On previous trips to Mexico, however, most meals have been prepared for me in restaurants and homes. We have moved into fully-furnished, fully-equipped hotel rooms and apartments. On previous trips, we have needed very little. Here, on this longer trip, the surroundings are a bit more stark (but not too stark). Nevertheless, the needs are more obvious, more tempting (especially when that space heater is $40 and it is 40 degrees outside, and we have the $ for such a purchase). I suppose I could lament the fact that I forgot to pack certain things, or that I need to buy ______. However, I am beginning to realize that I have been given the gift of time, and of practice. If I know that my world view will change the way I live my life when I return to the U.S., why not practice such discipline now? After all, couldn’t practice make close to perfect?

Gretchen

And a few easy updates for you all:

First of all, we will be starting Spanish lessons on Monday. This is all very exciting not only because our Spanish needs some serious work, but also because we found out that Nola can take private Spanish lessons in the mornings AND preschool-level lessons in the afternoons. She doesn’t need those extra lessons, especially since these are preschool-level English lessons, but the important thing is that she’ll be able to interact with some kids her own age. The last few days, Nola has been asking when she’ll get to play with some other kids. These extra lessons will hopefully fill that void for her. Here are a few pictures of the Instituto Jovel de Lenguas (and its beautiful courtyard):

Second, the weather has warmed considerably since we arrived in San Cristobal. We spent yesterday and today basking in glorious sunshine—and wore sunscreen today! Our apartment is finally warm. Here are some pictures of the view from our apartment window (and one of the apartment--we live upstairs):

Third, our kids are doing great. Marcelle has mastered the art of waving to complete strangers. Today, we walked through the city and in addition to the normal stares and smiles from the locals, we also got some waves. I then realized that Marcie was smiling and waving from the backpack. We took a video to document this helpful skill:

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all of you back home. We hope that these pictures, videos and updates help you to experience the many sights and sounds we’ve encountered these last few days. Our final video sums up the action on the streets of San Cristobol (especially the last-minute participation from a local child asking us to write our names in her school book—a common tactic that turns into a request for 10 pesos):

Hasta luego!