Monday Morning Honors Program

Every Monday morning the school has an honors program where the band marches and plays during the flag ceremony. They sing the National Himno and the school song. Announcements are made and students are recognized. Being that this would be our last Monday here in La Huacana, the school principal Roberto, presented us with the Flag of Mexico. Molly also sang our National Antheim as they honored the American Flag that we had given the school. Both Tammy and I were moved to tears hearing our daughter´s beautiful voice and thinking about returning to our home country.

Molly sang an additional song dedicated to the staff and students of the school called ¨Do It Anyway¨by Martina McBride. The words of the song have such a good message that I am including them in this post.

You can spend your whole life building something from nothing One storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway

You can chase a dream that seems so out of reach and you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway

God is great, but sometimes life ain’t good And when I pray it doesn’t always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway, I do it anyway

This world’s gone crazy and it’s hard to believe that tomorrow will be better than today Believe it anyway

You can love someone with all your heart, for all the right reasons, and in a moment they can choose to walk away
Love ‘em anyway

Fiesta Adiós!

Last week the school took some time away from their regular schedule to throw us a good bye fiesta. It started with the school band playing tribute to our whole family. Their performance was excellent. Then Raramuli, a math teacher who has hosted us in his home and several excursions sang to us with two of his friends.

The school´s Mexican cultural dance team performed a couple numbers. We felt so honored by all the effort that went into the fiesta.

Then towards the end of the performances, Ranulfo and the Vice Principal Romiro presented us with white polo shirts with the schools logo on the front. On the back written in both Spanish and English was the commitment of unity of La Huacana Technical School and OSU to education and culture. Ranulfo´s wife had made the shirts for our family along with a minuture school banner.

As we reflect on our time here in Mexico, we have all agreed that we have been treated with the upmost respect and honor. We have made friends that we hope will visit Oregon and that we will be able to return in the future to La Huacana. We were told by several people before we came that we would really love the people. One person even said that we would be treated so well that we would not want to return. At the time I heard it, I didn´t believe it. But now I do. Good thing the highest tempertures of the year here in La Huacana are approaching in April and May. It seems like it is getting hotter each day. Even though we have been treated like royalty, the heat is making these Oregonians all the more eager to get back home.

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!

Saying Goodbyes, A Thank you To The Secondary School

For providing our family with a memorable school experience in Mexico. At school, the Knutz kids were able to practice their Spanish and build some strong friendships.

The school chose to honor the American flag alongside their Mexico flag during the Monday morning opening ceremonies.


We were treated to good tasting tacos for lunch every single day...







The Knutz kids were never lacking for attention.
*Note: Josh in the center of the crowd.

Many kids from the school will be remembered by the Knutz Family!

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).

U.S. Soccer Team defeats Mexico's 2 to 0

We had a house full last Wednesday night for the U.S. soccer team vs Mexico. We had over 8 students here and 2 teachers. You can imagine the huge disappointment when the US beat Mexico by 2 to 0.

Tammy prepared two batches of guacamole and two of Mexican Salsa. Tammy brought back to life her infamous 3 can chili green sauce that she had frozen by adding it to one of the batches of guacamole. It was hot! Hugo made a face that made us all laugh when he bit into his tostada with the secret guacamole sauce.

We were really blessed by the the Math Teacher Raramule who gave us a carving of Jesus that his uncle made. We have been entertained by him and his family all week. The following night, he and his uncle the Physics and Technology Teacher Enoc took us to a fish hatchery and had a fish fry. Both Raramule and Enoc plan on coming to Oregon this summer when OSU 4-H hosts teachers from Mexico.

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.

Jake Learns to Weld

Yesterday Jake learned to weld during the shop class at the school. The other students and the teacher were eager to help him.

The teacher gave me a new shop shirt like the one he has.

The Welding teacher told Jake that he learns much faster than many of his other students. Maybe Jake takes after his grandpa Ron with his welding skills. Anyway, Jake is looking forward to learning more here and getting some practice with Grandpa Ron.

Testing the Limits of My Hospitality

There is no quiet hour. Living here pushes all the boundaries of my hospitality. This morning I was in the shower. Around 7:45 AM, two of our regular student visitors show up. Maddy welcomes them into the house, something she does several times a day already. Unknowingly, I open the door to the bathroom to talk to my daughter who should be the only person in the house. She screams, "Mom! Be careful! We have company!" Madeline has to help me get from the bathroom into my bedroom and not be seen by the young men. This makes me chuckle and shake my head. Better be more careful!!!!

Welding class was canceled since a teacher didn't show up. Instead of waiting around school for the next class as normal, Reece and Rodrigo decide to come see us. I have learned to be extremely flexible! I am honored they all like spend time with us. Sometimes the noise level gets bothersome but I send up a quick prayer and remember why I am here.

I have finally drawn one boundary. No more basketball playing in the house. I am proud of myself.

Coolness

Xavier, Jake, Eric and Hugo. The three muchachos visit daily. Eric, behind, is wearing my women's sunglasses.
All the teen boys like to wear my sun glasses. The come into the house looking for them. In such a sunny culture, few people wear sun-glasses, at least in La Huacana. They are a luxury. A lot of times I leave them at home. Walking through town in sunglasses screams, "Rich Americano!"

Tony and Hugo sport both Mike's and my sun glasses. Mike gave his sunglasses to Tony; read I am Sad Tonight, Tony's Story.... He walks around town like he is real special now.

(I asked them to pose this way. It is a joke between us. They aren't really this tough looking They are well-mannered kids. I am hoping they rub off on my children).

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.

Volcan

Jake took this photo of a tree growing out of a rock. Nice job Jake!

It took about 30 minutes to hike up the mountain. We started about 8:30 in the morning so it was cool in the shade, but that disappear within the hour. Behind Jake are several pine trees. this area of Mexico looks much like eastern Oregon and even having pine forest in the mountains. They look like Ponderosa Pine.

Ranufol, geography teacher is explaining the history behind this volcano (volcan in Spanish). The Jorullo is a cone volcano with a crater 500 meters in width and 150 meters deep. We are standing on the crater wall where the lava flowed out from in September 29, 1759. Prior to that eruption, this area was a flat fertile valley farmed by the Don Pedro. Two rivers disappeared the first night of the eruption and continue to flow underground and emerge in geyser form with a temperature of 52 C or 125 F. We hiked down into the crater and could feel the hot rocks and steam coming from vents. Not something that we really wanted since we were already hot from the hike.

The class was able to hike out onto the lava flow which covers a 9 km (6 mile) area on the north side of the mountian. There is a large drop to the valley floor just a few feet from the students pictured in the distance of this photo.

Three students stand on the top of a church steeple that was covered by lava during the eruption. It is the only evidence left of the ranchero (small village) that once inhabited this place.

Mike