Saying Goodbyes, Honoring Those Whom We've Come to Know and Love

The school director, Roberto, (right) welcomed our family into his school. He went out of his way for us by hanging an American flag next to the Mexican flag so that both could be honored. Roberto looked out for our family's well-being during our stay, providing us with free medical attention and free lunches. Once during a quick onset of a virus that comprised Madeline's lungs, had called the hospital ahead, making it possible to receive immediate attention upon arrival. Roberto visited Tammy while ill with dysentery, doing everything possible to drag her to see the doctor. He even sat with us one afternoon while visiting with Tammy's parents for a couple of hours through Skype. His leadership and fatherly nature made us feel well-cared for.

Having given up her home for over 3 months, Lupe (left) has shown us what real sacrifice is. Not only has she shared her house and all her personal belongings, she has been a friend. Many times she picked up Tammy to go to her school, to drive around town to take pictures, taught her how to make enchiladas, and accommodated Tammy's need to get out of the house to exercise a little. Lupe took the whole family to see Morelia for the first time, the city Tammy fell in love with. As a full-time teacher and a single mom, our family appreciated all of her sacrifice on our accounts.


Gumero and his wife Carmen (right) welcomed us into La Huacana for the first and most critical weeks. Gumero introduced us into the Mexican culture, took us out of town on several occasions and to a few local fiestas. Our kids were moved by his kindness. Little did they know that they were about to experience that sort of kindness by all the people in the weeks to come.
Our La Huacana neighbor, Fernando (left) is a strong brother in the Lord. Always a joy to bump into him, he is overflowing with the power and love of God, ready to give glory to Him. Fernando was our first friend in La Huacana and has seen us through clear to the end. His amazing witness is how he cares for His aging Grandfather, having totally given up his life in Acapulco. It will be impossible to hold back the tears when saying goodbye to Fernando.

Raramure (right) opened his heart and his home(s) to us. His gentle spirit and his kindness made us all feel at home in La Haucana and in Morelia. He has made his casa (house) our casa...giving us an open invitation in any of his three homes at anytime. In fact, we plan to take him up on his offer next year when we return for a month by moving into his empty house here in La Huacana. Raramure will also visit us in the US with his uncle and we look forward to showing him the same kindness he has showed us.

Enock (left) made it his mission, along with his nephew Raramure, to make our time in Mexico enjoyable. He spent a lot of time caring for our family and because of him, we were able to see many new places. He had treated us to witnessing the turtle project (See blog post Tortugas), amongst many other great places. Besides weekend travels, we played chess, dominoes, basketball, and ate enchiladas and carnitas together. Enock's personality is full of quick whit and laughter. Our kids decided that he and their Grandpa Ron would get along great. That is good news since Enock will be visiting the US in June in the new teacher exchange program between OSU and Mexico. The Knutz children have decided they would like to host Enock at their Grandmother's home for dinner, since that is the place of the best made American food they can think of.


Esther (right) is a kind friend to Tammy. I previous post told of how she came immediately to the house once she heard Tammy had come down ill with dysentery. With her she brought home remedies and a niece to help clean-up the house. Esther was a wonderful companion on our out-of-town excursions and made yummy food for all of us.

Enock's & Esther's three sons were as hospitable as their parents. Eatabean, especially, was always just a phone call away. Like the time his father called him to go and fetch a plant from his house so that a brew could be made to alleviate our family's pain from severe sunburns. I could tell many stories of all Eatabean's acts of kindness. A mother could only hope their sons will turn out as well as all three of these young men.

A Few That Stood Out in the Crowd

It's going to be very tough to leave this respectable young man behind in Mexico, having been adopted as a son. (Right). Calling me his "Americano mama", we share many laughs together. Although particularly drawn to Molly, Javier came to the house and spent time with all of us on a daily basis. Javier quickly became popular with each and every one of us. He has set the standard for how all young men in the future should come calling on one of our daughters. Javier will be a tough act to follow.

Eric (left) became very special to all of us and earned his title, as "Mexican son". He has a servant's heart, washing our dishes frequently. Communicating with Eric was challenging in words but definitely not in humor. He would easily make Tammy laugh until she cried. Eric spent every day with us. Both Eric and Javier, cousins, became so special to us, we couldn't spend a weekend without them so they were invited to an Ixtapa resort for the weekend with the family. Both share dinner with us every night.

Rodrigo (right) played games with us. How many games of UNO can a person play?

Tony (left in the center) was dubbed "little brother" early on. He always came with a smile on his face and was willing to work on learning some English to try and communicate with us.

Karen (left) is very special to us. She served as our translator frequently, once when Maddy had to visit the local hospital, and on several fun excursions out of town. Molly and her are very good friends and she will be greatly missed as being named as Molly's best female friend ever.


We all enjoyed getting to know Juan, (right), mainly known for being the subject of some major teasing at school. Our family visited his parents' taco stand on numerous occasions. They have a knack for yummy quesidallas. In future days, when authentic mexican food is thought of, Juan will be part of those thoughts.

Hugo (left) was content just to "hang" with us. We were unable to communicate much. He enjoyed watching sports channels on our TV.

A sweetheart and a crack-up, Carlos (right) spent many afternoons in our home playing games. He was in continual competition with Tony for the "little brother" title.

Adeleine (left), from L.A. and living in LaHuacana for only a year, we could relate with each other as fellow Americans.


Antonio (right) whom we had many great times with. He could jump quiet impressively at the La Presa.


Paola, (left) a very shy and intelligent young lady that Josh picked out among the crowd...


Rieece, (right) a friendly soul who helped teach Tammy how to make maiz tortillas from scratch. His English also came in handy when our house was full of Spanish speaking kids.


Thank you to all these kids! We loved sharing our home and our hearts with you. You made our stay in Mexico more enjoyable!

Mariposa Monarca ~ Monarch Butterfly

During our most recent trip Morelia our friends, Enoch and Raramure took us to the easternmost part of the state of Michoacan to the Monarch Butterfly Reserve. This is the home of millions of Monarch Butterflies who travel from as far North as Canada and all over the United States to hibernate for the winter here in the Mexican highlands. They travel an amazing 3,000 miles at a rate of 7 mph at an elevation of 500 feet above the ground. Most arrive in October or November. March begins their breeding season. Males die shortly after breeding and females are left to make the treck back to the U.S. Interesting enough, the females will fly north but not reach their orignal destination. Their offspring will continue the journey northward. It may take up to five generations to make the complete mirgration from Canada back to Mexico.

After riding in the car for over 5 hours (we had taken the scenic route) we were ready to ascend the mountain to see the butterflies. Within the first minute of hiking, Tammy and I felt like we were going to pass out. We had to stop several times and take a moment to do deep breathing exercises. We then learned that the elevation of this mountain was equivalent to Mount Hood (11,000 feet). After reaching the top and enjoying the mass quantity of butterflys, we thought it worth the climb.

Refreshing Treats

In my freezer are the common fruit ice treats. Down the street a lady sells them from her home for one peso each. They come in numerous flavors and are delicious while the cool you off. I plan to make them myself once I return to the states but I doubt they will be as good as these.
All over towns and roadsides are these containers full of refreshing fruit drinks. Everything from orange, to watermelon, to coconut and pineapple, these unique flavors will quench your thirst.

This is our good friend Enock fetching some "aqua fruita" for Molly.

"Just Because"

I like this picture since it is typical of what our home looks like on a daily basis. There are kids around the corner in the living room and likely a couple in the kitchen to the left. One of my kids just randomly snapped this picture and I like it since it looks so natural. (Although Carlos is posing). My pictures always serve some purpose while this one is "just because".

Molly and Xavier are studying languages together, Molly Spanish and Xavier English. They often sit at the table and help one another.

A Few Useful Natural Remedies For You; Friendship

This is Esther, Enock's wife with her niece. Esther has been a very good friend to me. The language barrier has been challenging between her and I, but even when you cannot communicate well with words, the spirit of love comes through loud and clear.

Esther drove straight to my house the minute she heard I came down ill. In fact, her sons came with her. With loving concern, they all were eager to check in on me. Esther brought with her one of Mexico's natural remedies to settle a volatile stomach and stop diarrhea. How well it worked I am still unsure due to the nature of my illness. I am not sure it is fair to judge it when trying to stop a strong case of dysentery. I'm certain I benefited from it's use. Here it is for you to try the next time one in your family comes down sick. She claimed that it serves as a instant plugger-upper.

1 heaping tablespoon of corn starch
2 fresh squeezed juice from lemons (small lemons)
1 small bottle of coca-cola (use of the caffeine, coffee can be substituted)

Take 2- 3 times in one day.

Natural remedies are widely used in Mexico. Medicine isn't as prevalent as in America and is very expensive for the people, most of which are very poor. As vinegar is valued in the US, lemon juice is in Mexico. Lupe is always telling me of how I can get rid of this problem or that with the use of lemon juice. It can be used to stop the mosquito itch, and it can be rubbed all over your skin to prevent the mosquito bite.

Mike stubbed his toe badly, it having swelled up more than twice it's natural size. Our neighbor across the street, Alahaundra, went to her yard to pick some Arnica leaves. She lovingly wrapped my husband's toe in fresh Arnica leaves and by morning all the swelling was gone. (I would have liked to have access to these leaves in great quantities when I badly sprang my ankle a few summers ago and it was swollen for months!) Later, I learned that I have an Arnica tree in my own back yard. It is an important plant for the Mexican people so everyone grows them. I'd love to be able to plant one in my yard at home.

Esther had not only given me the medicine that comforted my stomach but she delivered medicine that touched my soul. Her visit to help me in my hour of need was invaluable; she and one of her nieces also fully cleaned my messy house. The people continue to amaze me by their generosity, their positive attitudes, their readiness to help and just how happy they are. Most Mexican people live in challenging circumstances so it is obvious that their happiness isn't determined by these means. I pray this is what I can bring home from Mexico with us.

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.

The Full Meal Deal - Dealing with Dysentery

I was teased by email yesterday by a friend that I had taken this desire to experience Mexico way too far; I have come down with the all too common dysentery. Today, I can hold my head up long enough to write this post. Yesterday, I was violently ill unable to keep anything down, including the medication my family doctor sent for this very purpose. Today I am drinking fluids (praise the Lord!) but not without a price since even the fluid causes a ruckus in my gut. My stomach burns and churns and rambles and rolls continuously but there is an improvement since yesterday. Diarrhea continues but the throwing-up has ceased. I am thankful that I can sleep today and can intermittently watch the American Network Channel here in Mexico which makes me feel like I am at home in my own bed.

Before I left the states, I had set-up an email prayer chain where we could send out regular prayer concerns to those who committed to pray for our needs; I also wanted it in place in the case that any of us in the family contacted dysentery. It took much time and effort to form that list - getting over 60 email addresses entered correctly. When desperately needed, it only took 1 minute for Mike to type up a quick prayer request and shoot it off to our praying friends. Also, two telephone prayer chains were set into action, one through our home church and one with the Christian Cowboys that Mike's parents host at their home. If you were missed in any of these efforts, this post is for you!

For this I thank everyone at home who are praying! Yesterday I thought it possible to die and had a very worried husband; torrents of fluids were leaving my body. My inbox was flooded with well wishes, I love yous and I am praying for yous. Mike came into my bedroom multiple times to update me that you all were writing me and what you were saying. All of this has been comforting. Once I have gained my strength and can eat again, I plan to post again about my experience with the well-known Mexican plague. For now I wanted you all to know how much I appreciate your prayers. Back to bed....

More on Our Time at the Beach

The meal we shared together on Sunday evening after playing in the tropical ocean. We ordered a seafood platter. Since tortillas are served with everything in Mexico, it is easy to figure out what to do with the new foods you are served. Our family has come accustom to eating with our fingers.

I can see and hear the ocean from the hut I am resting in. Little did I know I was already infected with Mexico's famous dysentery and that I would be violently ill in a little more than 24 hours.

After witnessing the turtles make their venture into the sea world, the group drove to a privately owned beach. Enock has friends all over these parts so were able to relax the rest of the day in a covered hut that served as a restaurant and provided numerous hammocks with an ocean view.

Our Trip to the Beach

Holes were drilled into coconuts so we could sample fresh coconut water.

The fishermen prepared us an incredible seafood cocktail. Yum!

It was a beautiful drive to the coast, the roads being lined in palm trees, banana plantations and other fruit trees such as mango and agave. The locations we visited were privately owned, which meant they were not flooded with people and were quiet; a huge difference compared to our trip to Ixtapa.

This is Esther and Enoch with their three grown sons. Last week alone, we spent 6 days out of 7 with them. Enoch made the arrangements with the fishermen so that our family could witness the harvesting of the sea turtles and then them being released into the ocean.

I can't say enough good about these 3 brothers. They have joined their parents in their effort to entertain us, and take care of us. They are incredibly nice young men with hearts to serve others.

Sea Turtles "Tortugas"

The Knutz family got a real treat this last Sunday when we went to the coast. Our host, Enoch and his family took us to a sea turtle conservation project where local fisherman in cooperation with the University of Michoacan are working to protect sea turtle nesting grounds. The site was less than a couple acres in size. But what a joy to share in the this conservation effort. We were able to watch as one of the fishermen and Enoch's son Erwin dug up a nest of hatchling turtles.

Sea turtles begin their lives as eggs buried by their mothers on a sandy beach. After 45-70 days of incubation, baby sea turtles emerge from their sandy nests and immediately head for the ocean. They reach maturity in 25 to 50 years. After mating, adult females often cross ocean basins back to their original nesting beaches to lay eggs and renew the cycle. They are excellent navigators, able to sense minute variations in the Earth’s magnetic field. The chances of surviving to adulthood are extremely low, so turtles lay up to 150 eggs per nest and may nest up to three times in a season. They nest every two to three years.

The Black Sea Turtles that we released have declined globally 80 percent over the last 150 years. Breeding populations of black turtles off Mexico are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. In the 1980s, black turtles at their major nesting beach, Colola Beach in Michoacán, Mexico, declined significantly from 5,500 nesting females to a low of 171. The population is now increasing, though numbers are still well below their natural levels.
There are two other varieties of sea turtles that nest at this site, one of them being the leatherback sea turtle. Since 1980, leatherbacks have declined by 95% at their major Pacific nesting beaches. If current trends continue, Pacific leatherbacks will go extinct within the next few decades and there is a 50% chance they will be gone within 11-12 years.

This was our eniter party. Enoch and Easter have three sons who are gentlemen with a heart to serve others. Enoch and his family have really befriended us and have invited us to several outings. Enoch teaches welding and physical science. He always has smile on his face and a good attitude.

The two girls are Karen (in the red shirt) has been a wonderful translator for us. She has also become good friend to Molly. Her sister Adeline is a joy to be with as well. They live in L.A. but are spending this year in La Huacana with their aunt who is also in our group photo (left).