Some Things We Have Learned

The principle, Roberto, came to the house in an attempt to load me up to take me to the hospital. He had been very concerned about me having come down with dysentery and a day prior had sent a car to the house to transport me for medical attention. Twice he sent students to the house to request that I go. My stubbornness though won out; I knew that once the vomiting stopped, I would be able to treat myself with the medications I brought from the US, very likely the same medications I would be treated with by a doctor here. I was blessed by this man's kindness. Pictured here I had finally taken my first shower after a few days in bed. Roberto pulled out a tube of wrinkle -reducing, bag and dark-circle eliminating eye cream. He proceeded himself to apply it gently to my eyes having noticed my hallowed eyes. His visit cheered me up.


During that visit, Mike and Roberto were looking at pictures on the computer. My parents called from Oregon using Skype's Video calling feature. Mom and Dad were able to have a meaningful conversation with the school principle. This time, however, Mike and I were the translators! Practicing our brand-new language in front of family was quiet fulfilling, I must admit. My dad had many questions for our guest and Roberto reciprocated by asking questions about our country. I'd like to share some of those facts with you while throwing in a few others that we have learned.

In Mexico, "minimum wage" is $2 (American Dollars) for 8 hours worth of work (full day)

One American dollar equals 13 pesoes.

In the middle school, this year so far, 100 students (male) between the ages of 12-15 have dropped out of school to find work to help pay their family's way.

A mass majority of young men have no father in the home. For example, a young friend of ours, his father is in the United States working and sending money back home. This is very common.

Numerous children are living with grandparents and aunts with no male role models. Families move in together to survive.

Families choose between owning a house or owning a vehicle. Some can't afford either.

There is no such thing as "homeless" in Mexico.

It is very expensive for people to travel outside their home town and often difficult. Many people rely on buses and taxis.

A brand new truck costs around $31,000, same as in the United States.




A house like the one we are currently living in rents out for $38.00 per month.

In Mexico, you can purchase four nice houses for the same price as buying one modest one in America.

One of the reasons the laws are loose is that when a law is created and enforced, the people couldn't afford to pay the fines.

Living Expenses:
This week, it cost us $180 to have our van repaired at a local body shop. We were quoted $1500.00 in the US.
One meal eaten out at a "cafe" cost approximately $2 per person, including a drink. (Resort towns excluded).
Cost of a coca-cola - 62 cents.
Cost of one chicken quesidalla -$1.15
Cost of a whole BBQ chicken dinner for two, including 10 tortillas, lettuce, chili sauces, condiments and 2 drinks- $3.oo
Cost of one bunch of bananas - 61 cents
Cost of 1 kilo of maize tortillas - $1.15
Cost of fresh gallon of milk delivered to your door -$2.46 (milked that morning)
Cost of 1 kilo of ground hamburger $3.84 (equals 2 pounds)
Cost of gallon of gas - $2.47
Costs of using a public restroom - 23 cents!

Every single peso counts!

My purpose in sharing this and all the pictures is to encourage thankful hearts. I know my family could be more grateful than we are. In America, most people do not know how blessed they truly are. Basically, a person is fortunate to be "born" into America. What about the people who are "born" into this country? For them, fortunate comes in a different way.

After living in La Huacana, I have more compassion for the Mexican people and have come to better understand their day to day lives and who they are. Living with them has been eye-opening and creates in me a need to reevaluate what I thought I already understood. I hope this blog passes a little of that on to you and that it can be a means by which you can experience the goodness of Mexico as well. (The goodness of Mexico is the genuine, warm-hearted people - future post coming).

Feel free to email me your questions or to ask them when we return to our home in the US.

Snapped a Few Pictures on My Way Home From Santa Clara

Household Responsibilities Take Alot More Time

I am including a second post on laundering and about my Mexican dishwasher -by request.

Caring for my families clothing takes a large part of my day. I am fortunate enough to have an electric clothes washer but how I wash and how others wash here in Mexico are two different things. I wash 2-3 loads each day, as many that will fit on the clothes lines. With six of us wearing adult-sized clothing added with frequent changing due to the climate, this demands a lot of washing. I use my washer for every single load but most people only use their washers only for jeans -those that own washers that is. Instead, the cement cistern (I do not know what else to call it) serves as their washing machine. Mexican women scrub everything on the rivets you see here and with a scrub brush. I am impressed with how every one's clothes look. Meticulously clean and pressed. I asked Lupe why she doesn't wash all her clothes in the machine but she didn't explain. Could it possibly be because this is the way it has been done for generations or because their machines don't clean very well. I think it may be both.

In the center is where a large amount of water is held; on each end is the deep square wholes. One end serves to wash clothes, the other for washing dishes. Each end has a drain for the soiled water. There are many living creatures swimming in that water and grasping onto the bottom and side walls. Madeline has made issue of it several times trying to show me but I have had to turn my head and look the other day. (What I don't know won't hurt me!) After all, my kitchen dishes are being washed in this water.

This end is where my kids wash the family dishes. The water is scooped up out of the cistern into large wash and rinse containers. The dishes dry outside in these drainers. All the water is room temperature. This cistern can be handy. I haul out all the dirty dishes and scoop water into them to soak. They can wait outside until someone is ready to attend to them. Meanwhile, the kitchen inside is clean!

Once I am back in America I will kiss my dishwasher and my washer and dryer! I have heard my kids discuss how incredibly disappointed they will be if they learn upon their return that our dishwasher has broken down. They say it with a giggle. However, I wouldn't mind having one of these handy things on my deck!

The Cena Meal in Mexico

The Authentic Mexican Enchilada

"Cena" is the last meal of the day, translated "dinner". It is eaten late in the evening, somewhere between 8-9:30 PM. The food you see cooking here is being fried-up all over town in numerous outdoor eateries. This is what most people do for a living - cook from their home. And, like in America, many people eat their meals out. This has surprised me. The difference is price though; our whole family eats out very cheap.

Our family was taken to this restaurant last night. My kids used to by shy about ordering but last night we must have had a break through! They have eaten out enough now to know what they will be getting. The welding teacher and his wife have taken a new interest in our family and have taken us out to eat four times this week! He hoovered over the kids, Mike and I, standing ready to order us our next entree. The people have been so kind to us. Every time we have eaten out, our friends insist on picking up the tab. This is hard for us, knowing that their income is significantly lower than our own. We all go home completely stuffed.

This "stove" is classic for what is used to prepare Cena. This one is powered with gas but I have seen several that are made out of stone with a fire built beneath.

There is pollo (fried Chicken in back row starting on the other side of the red spatula), then papas (fried potatoes), taco rolls, guesidallas, enchilada fried tortillas, and then more of the taco rolls. Not far away is a table lined with containers that have all the ingredients that will finish off the meal. Shredded carrots, shredded cabbage, pickled onions and peppers, chili sauces of all flavors, chicken feet, and jalapenos.

Enchiladas are the community favorite. I guess after eating tacos for breakfast, then again for the 10:30 meal, and a third time for the 3:00 meal, when it is time for Cena, enchiladas are a welcomed treat. When planning to eat Cena with Mexican friends, their faces light up while they declare they will be taking us somewhere that serves enchiladas. They are proud of this Mexican speciality and want the Americans to delight in them as well.

In Mexico the enchilada is not anything like what is made and served in America. The first few times I had one, the entire family decided that we didn't like them. But, after being "treated" several more times by our friends, the flavor has grown on me. I now look forward to the next time I will get to experience the authentic enchilada.

The enchiladas are made like this. They are served like a taco with a layering of ingredients:

1. a tortilla deep fried in oil after first being dipped in a home-made enchilada red sauce
several are slapped on the plate with ingredients piled on top
2. shredded fresh cabbage
3. a fresh pickled salsa made of carrots, onions and peppers
4. fresh diced, cooked potatoes
5. jalapenos
6. a sprinkling of cheese (very different than US cheese)
7. A piece of chicken served on the side for you to shred and include in your tortilla

Bountiful Bananas

Bananas grow year around. Banana trees are everywhere you turn. Each family is sure to have a variety of trees in their yard, including mango, agave, lime, lemon, orange, and even hot pepper trees. Mexicans take pride in the fruit that grows in their country.

Last night we went for a walk a long a street of homes. I was able to get a clear shot of this banana tree over the top of the fence. I plan to go for another walk with only Mike and I. This way I can freely take pictures of the homes themselves. On this walk, with us was the welding teacher, his wife, and several young men from the Hispanic family.

~BTW, I have said it before on this blog, if you haven't tasted a fresh banana from Mexico, you haven't tasted a real banana. When eating my first banana, I couldn't stop oohing and awing. Bananas are my absolute favorite fruit even before leaving Oregon. This incredible fruit doesn't last long in my house and I can't blame it on my four growing teens. One day this week, I ate three consecutively. Mike has been known to hide a bunch somewhere in the laundry room hoping to save himself at least one. In La Huacana, bananas are 8 pesos for a large bunch. This converts to $.64 dollars. The pineapple is equally as tasty. Has the fruit in Mexico ruined me forever? Wonder what it will taste like from Winco.

Ignorance was Bliss

The other day I was "let in the know". Lupe told me that my family's clothes looked wrinkled and that I needed to start ironing. Since I come from the states and own a dryer, I normally only iron on special occassions. If something looks terrible coming out of the dryer, it is usually replaced easy enough. A few little wrinkles have never bothered me. Also, I use this handy-dandy wrinkle-release spray, and whatever job it can't handle, well, I usually don't wear that item to often.

I have been informed though that here in La Huacana, wrinkles bother everyone; that people are staring at us and thinking ill thoughts. This all came as sort of a shock. I ask my kids what they know. Molly confessed that someone had asked her if Americans iron their clothing. Had I been letting Mike go to school and teach classes everyday in clothing that would make him look ridiculous? Mike and I have been teaching the kids to adapt to the Mexican culture. They are frequently reminded that we are guests in someone else's country.It took days for that talk with Lupe to sink in. I decided to think on it awhile. She, afterall, was asking alot from a family of six all wearing adult-sized clothing. While "thinking on it", I started observing all the people around me. Sure enough, it was true. Every one's clothes were meticulously ironed. Not a wrinkle anywhere to be found. Even t-shirts get ironed. Oh, my goodness, this means life in Mexico was dramatically about to change.

Today, I ironed for atleast two hours, after ironing three yesterday. I am ironing silly t-shirts, basketball shorts, casual shorts, blouses, everything accept socks and underwear. I have to admit, I think Lupe and the rest of her country are right. The clothes look so much nicer. I can hardly believe we were walking around a wrinkled mess. The clothes line just doesn't cut it. For seven weeks I didn't iron and for the next seven, it will take time out of every day. This mama won't be able to do it all on her own. This week was declared "learn how to iron" week. I should have took the suttle hint way back when our translators dropped us off in December. Norma had told me that an iron and I would become best-friends.

Aldama Street

I love this picture! I pass this house every day since it is about 4 houses down from mine. I have come to love Aldama Street. The past week, we have all become a little sad and are realizing that before we know it, it will be time to pack up and move out. That is still 7 weeks away but it seems way to close.

Every seven years Mike can take a sabbatical leave from his current job for academic development. This period can be 3 months, 6 months or even as long as a year. Mike chose a 3 month leave for two reasons. His job as a 4-H agent couldn't do without him that long and because of our four teenage children. Unsure if they could handle an extended time away from home, a 3 month stay was the best option. All of our kids have a load of friends and are heavily involved in numerous activities.

After 8 weeks, all four of our teenagers have adjusted well. Surrounded by friends, they are happy and thriving, most of the time. If we could go back and redo it, a 6 month to one year stay would be chosen. We have fallen in love with the people and we'd like to stay long enough to perfect learning the language. Many of our adult amigos are teasing us, saying we should remain in La Huacana forever. Students are signifying to us by rubbing their fists into their eyes that they will cry when it is time for us to depart.

I am sure I couldn't make this my permanent home but I could visit for an extended stay annually. Molly, however, has become Mexican. She is asking me if she dyes her hair and tans her skin if she'd pass. Of all my kids, she is the one I predict will reture here in the future on her own accord. Molly adores Mexico, their customs and culture, especially the warm-hearted people she has met.

Roadside Memorials

Roadside memorials decorate all of Mexico. God knew that I should stay uninformed as to their significance until just the other day. I recently learned that for every roadside memorial, someone has died in a car accident. Eeek! That would be quiet a bit for they are all along the roads and highways! Based on the driving here, it is believable. It has been an adjustment for me to travel in Mexico. For 6 weeks, I was frightened to get in our van. Yesterday while driving to Morelia, for the first time I was not afraid.

This memorial here is a little more extensive than some. Some are left up for a few months, others forever, while some are displayed annually in remembrance of a loved one.

Primary Education

School Supplies is scarce. This was it for one classroom. Most learning is done through recitation.

Dance is very important part of Mexican culture. Kids practice everyday after school in all grades.

I regularly visit a primary school in LaHuacana. I have had the privilege of playing volleyball many times with some younger children. My blue eyes are of great interest. Mexican people may get to see someone with blue eyes once in every ten years. Like my kids, children crowd to my sides trying to communicate with me.

This is after school help. The children have already gone home to change out of their uniforms.

A Series of Photos on Mexico Homes

Mike and I drove to the closest town to us to get groceries. It was only an hour away. I snapped some pictures in the in-between small towns. People in America need to see how most of the people here in Mexico live. We could all be more thankful. I will be calling these my "Thankful pictures".

I know that there are many who love to look at landscape, architecture, plants, and scenery. These pictures are for you.

Wouldn't you love to live here? Like in America, there is the rich and the poor. There is town life and country living.

Where's the Beef?

WARNING: Photos in this post may contain graphic images that may not be suitable for younger audiences or those who don't know where their meat comes from. Animals were killed in the making of this post.

Unlike in the states where your meat may be starting to brown at the supermarket, meat here in Mexico is fresh. It is likely slaughtered the day before you purchase it. Another aspect that I have enjoyed is walking into the carneria and seeing the wholesale cuts of meat in the cooler. I asked the butcher to cut the meat or grind it into hamburger right before my eyes. Just like the old days in the U.S.

The down side of this old fashion service is the reality check of where your meat comes from - as you can see from the photos I posted. This doesn't bother me since I grew up on a farm and would often watch steers and hogs get butchered. Tammy prefers that I purchase the meat. I am sure we would have a lot more vegetarians in the U.S. if they had to purchase their meat like this. Not only is the meat fresh but I have noticed that there is not much fat as well. This is likely do to the fact the steers are pasture feed and that Mexican people still use lard to cook with.

My family had a small hog farm growing up with over 250 head of hogs in the operation. My dad would often say that unlike other livestock, people use everything but the squeal. By the looks of the hog head, I'm sure they live by that saying here in Mexico. ~Mike

Farming the Old Fashion Way

During another visit to the School's parcella, I learned that they do things the old fashioned way. I am about to plow a field in preparation for planting Sorghum. Actually, I learned that they just want me to have a photo with the plow team. I was thinking, I can't believe they are going to have me plow without any instruction. Just another one of those communication errors.

They may plow the old fashion way, but they use modern technology for growing the crop. The teacher explained to the students that this planting will be grown organically. During the class, students inoculated the seed with Mycorrhizae a fungus that has a symbiotic association with the roots of the plant. The fungi grows between the cells of the roots and uses ten percent of the carbohydrates the plant passes from the leaves to the roots. In return for the energy taken from the plants, the fungi grow out and search far and wide for nutrients and moisture and effectively extends the roots of the plant 10 fold.

La Huacana News Tonight Featuring the Knutzs!

The local television company came to our house and interviewed and taped our family. The program will be airing tonight at 7:30 PM. He took turns interview the kids and the parents. This man asked us many questions like~

What has been your greatest challenge?
How do you like the weather?
What do you think of school?
Why did you come to La Huacana?
How are you doing with learning Spanish?
ECT...

He also asked us to speak two sentences each in Spanish. That must be for the comedy section of the show....

Mail Service; Thankfulness

This is La Huacana's postman. He rides up on his bicycle during the heat of the day and taps on the bars of my gates. A basket holds about ten envelopes to be delivered. After a couple of deliveries to our la casa, this man has been happy to deliver to us. To assure that our mail gets careful attention, we have decided to tip him.

We were told before leaving the states that mail in Mexico is very undependable; our mail from America may make it to us or not. There were a couple of very important packages that we were concerned about containing needed medicines. Our friends were praying for protection over these packages. Not only did these packages make it in a timely fashion, but several others as well. I am thankful for the two Christmas pictures that were sent. They hang on my refrigerator and we look at them daily. These are the only pictures that I have.

Maddy has been encouraged by a couple of friends who have sent letters. I told her that she is getting kind of expensive since I have to tip the mailman every time she gets a letter. (Not really, keep 'em coming).

So far, everything that has been sent has made it no problem! Thank you Lord.

No Seat Belt or Car Seat Laws

I have been trying to get this picture since I got here. I have to be sneaky. The fuzzy photograph was taken though the windshield of our van. Of the people who own a vehicle, a a small truck is the most popular. There is no need for mini vans like in America since a truck packs a lot more people in the back. Also, people can haul their goods from town.

Most people don't own vehicles. Walking, buses and taxis are what most people depend on.

This is What Makes Mexico, Mexico

El hombre (a man) riding his cabello (horse) down the

middle of the street, with the rest of traffic. I have yet to get my photo with an old-man on a donkey.

Snapping pictures can be tricky. I try to be discreet but sometimes there is no way around it. Today I got a dirty look. I have missed a lot of great pictures for fear of being rude. I have not seen people here taking pictures ever, like we do in America. Electronics are more expensive than in the states, while everything else is considerably cheaper. ~T

Policia in La Haucana

Police usually hang together in groups in our town. It is not usual to see them riding down the streets and highways in five or more in the back of a truck, especially on the toll roads. They look sharp!

We have been comforted by their obvious presence here in La Huacana. Armed and ready, they stand outside the town hall, with their M16's draped across their bodies. Imagine 6 or more together with their guns. Quiet a sight! Our family has felt safe since our arrival. ~T

Milk and Water Delivery to our House

The milk the lady is pouring is still warm. It is that fresh. They come every day around noon to bring us a gallon of fresh milk. Imagine that! Delivered to my door! I pay 32 pesoes for 4 liters. That makes it $2.56 a gallon in American money. The kids love their fresh milk.

Purified water is also delivered to us weekly. It is very inexpensive. I was reading over our travel packet yesterday and by their standards, we should have come down sick long ago. We have broke every rule in the book, like brush our teeth in the tap water, use tap water to wash our fruits and vegetables and have been eating what we want, from wherever we want. Like the time I ate Uchepas from the back of a truck.

I have decided to start boiling the fresh milk. That sort of makes me nervous. Even the residents of La Huacana recommend that. I'm very thankful that we have had no sickness and credit that to God's protection. Thank you to all our friends and family who pray for that daily.

Told You Josh is Tired After School

Have you ever relaxed in a hammock? They are absolutely amazing! In the afternoons, I need to rest my feet so I grab my book to read for 15 minutes with good intentions of getting back to my work. . . Zonk!!! Sweet dreams! Didn't get past the first page....

I think it is because the hammock contours your body perfectly and literally rocks you to sleep with the gentle sway produced from climbing in. Once in, you don't want to move a muscle. For a long while. Everything that seemed so important no longer needs your attention.


You can see here how much Josh likes the hammock. He enjoys a daily siesta. I am thinking about taking one back to Oregon with us but am wondering if that would be wise. We might like it too well.


Do you think it would look too tacky in my living room? I'm sure they come in different colors.

School is Quiet an Experience, But Anything But Quiet

Do you see Josh in the middle of this crowd of kids? Josh said this is what happens when he slows his pace or sits down. My kids are quiet popular since they are white Americans. Josh said he was asked to sign autographs yesterday. I will be asking if he actually consented. (I sure hope not). All of the attention and being immersed in a foreign language makes them very tired after school. Josh routinely finds the hammock on the back patio. (Not to mention the heat and having to wake up earlier than they ever have had to). School starts at 7 AM! Public school is a first for all of my children. They have all been home schooled their entire lives.

School in Mexico is just like every other part of Mexico - loud. Classrooms are very rowdy. Just like in America, some teachers are better than others. Every day teachers don't show up for their classes. There is no such thing as hiring a subsitute. Kids are left to hang-out and goof off during those class times.

Molly has a Face book account and Josh has a My Space. Both of them are recording their Mexico experience and posting pictures. Maddy and Jake have personal email accounts. Email me if you want their address.