Mike and La Huacana Teens; A Good Combination

Mike gets along with teens. He has always amazed me. Back at home, kids like him. I have knocked it off as him being their 4-H agent. After all, youth development is his specialty and what he gets paid to do.

I have been surprised that it is the same here. Teens in La Huacana want to be around him. It is clear that the kids come to our home to see Mike just as much, probably more, than they come to see our kids. I watch him interact with them students closely. The teens enjoy his company and respect him. That can be easily seen through their body language and how much they laugh with him even as they struggle to understand each other's words. More incredible, the students are eager to teach him, spending a lot of time saying the same words and phrases over and over until Mike can get it out correctly. In this picture above that is exactly what is going on. Maddy and I were amused with this conversation that went late into the night.

This is Tony and his cousin, Rando. Mike is studying Proverbs with them. Mike read a verse in English and then one of the guys read it in Spanish. We are so thankful for the Spanish bibles we brought with us, thanks to a friend!

What a wonderful way to study language together.

A MESSAGE FOR THE LADIES @ CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY

Hi All! Want to let you know I am thinking about you and praying for you this weekend. I know the ladies retreat is this weekend and I wish I could be there with you. I went last year and had a fantastic time. I was greatly encouraged spiritually through the teaching but what I liked most about the retreat was the ability to let my hair down, to laugh and enjoy my sisters in the Lord. There was a lot of time allotted to enjoy each other, to play together and share in the things of the Lord. Last year, I particularly remember having the opportunity to get to know and appreciate Cindy J. We have been friends every since.

This weekend I pray for these things for you! I pray God moves heartily in each of your hearts accomplishing want is needed in you as individuals. May you laugh, and cry together, grow closer to God together and come home refreshed and better equipped to serve your Lord and King!

Love to You All, From Mexico! Tammy

We are Half-way There!!!!

I can't believe it! I just realized today, we are at the half-way mark.

We left Dec. 9th from our home town in Oregon. April 1st is the tentative date for our arrival back. I flood of emotions have hit me. Just last week I was desiring to fly home, and now today I realize that I have so much that I want to accomplish here, with only 7 weeks left to do it.

Amanda H., my good friend, sent me an encouraging word last week. She encouraged me to make every day count, that in light of eternity, our stay in La Huacana is extremely short. At the time, those words were like smoothing sauve on a wound. That week was my hardest yet. Isn't God's timing always perfect? There was a few of us in the family with real bad attitudes. Missing family and friends, exhausted from the heat, sleep-deprived from the crowing roosters and barking dogs, weary of constant company, sick of Mexican food, fed-up with the dust and dirt, irritated from loud, continual music and just plain cranky. And, I was sick and tired of being, sick and tired! Today, my heart has been renewed. Half-way, already! Could it be true? So little time and so much to do! There is no time for bad attitudes or ungratefulness.

I Am Sad Tonight. Tony's Story. . .

I'd like to introduce this young man to you. His name is Tony and he has become very fond of our family. At least it seems that way since he spends as much time with us as he can. When I introduce you to Tony, and I am also introducing you to countless other young people like him. The reason for this is his story is all too common in Mexico.

Tonight started out to be a delightful evening. We walked into town to have a taco. With us was Lupe and her children, the owner of the house we are living in, Tony and one other student from the escuela secondaria. We enjoyed a tasty dinner and a long stroll afterwards. The evening ended very sad. Lupe, Mike and I got into a very heart-felt discussion. Mike told Lupe Tony's story. Lupe went on to tell us more than our hearts wanted to hear.

Tony's story is very sad. See, his father died when he was a baby, serving in the Mexican army. Shortly after, Tony was forced to move in with his grandparents and lives with them to this day. His grandparents are very poor. Why did Tony move in with his grandparents? His mother decided she wanted to start a new life in America. She found herself a new lover and moved to America and has stayed there every since. Tony's mother has had four more children of whom Tony has never met. This means Tony never saw his mother again.

Lupe wasn't surprised by Tony's story. She knows how true it is. Lupe told us that "mucho" of the children in her school live with relatives. Parents abandon their children to chase after a new, promising life that America offers them. The reason they don't take their children with them? Because they have to get to America through dangerous territory, crossing deserts and swimming across waters. Many die trying.

Tonight Tony asked us if he could come back to America with us. We said, "Yes, you come over to see us in America. You will need a VISA". Tony replies, "No, I will go around". I am sad for this young man and all of us are loving on him while we can. Tony knows that VISAs into America are rarely granted.

GREAT DIFFICULTY IN MEXICANS OBTAINING VISAS

It is barely possible for Mexicans to obtain VISAS. We desire that our new friends here in La Huacana would be able to come to America to visit us and experience life there. They have been invited but they say there is no way. The process takes too long, is very expensive and they will be told no in the end. Our friends won't even give it a second thought knowing the facts.

I wanted to gain more understanding for the Mexican community. Wow. I have learned so much. There is about 7 weeks left. Wonder what else is in store.

Dengue Fever is a Risk Here

Unfortunately, there is mucho littering in Mexico. This picture was taken at the swimming hole I posted about last week. Right next to this man-made swimming area is standing water with litter floating. This is prime conditions for mosquitoes to live in that spread Dengue Fever. I sat next to this pool of water watching my family swim. (The water was NOT clean enough for me to want to climb in). I was ready to go home after 20 minutes since the water next to me was unappealing. Then, Tony, a student that spends a lot of time with us, guided us up the hill to a beautiful, refreshing site.

This truck is heading out with a load of kids to work on a community clean-up project. They will attend to all the streets of La Huacana. Mike, Molly, Josh and Jake have all joined the crew this week in cleaning up litter, looking specifically for containers that mosquitos would want desire to make a home of.

While not as well known as malaria and yellow fever, dengue fever is the most common disease spread by mosquitoes and is the biggest concern here. Dengue fever is increasing and more travelers return home with this viral disease. It is causes serious illness and can be fatal. Like Malaria, it is found in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Unlike Malaria, the mosquito that carries dengue, bites during the day and also at night. It breeds in urban areas where standing water can be easily found (e.g. in discarded tires, buckets, containers, etc..). Fornately, there is an effort being made in La Huacana to discourage these mosquitoes from living here by eliminating their chosen habitat. It seems to me though, this would potentially be a year-around full-time job. People readily leave their garbage everywhere.

We are getting bit by mosquitoes. As I speak I am covered with bites. Yesterday I visited a park with multiple swim areas. Today, I will cover my legs in deet before going.

There are measures that can be taken to prevent mosquito bites. Percautions should be taken just incase you are bitten by the mosquito that carries the dengue virus. Our family has made the practice of eating fresh garlic. I make garlic sandwiches by smoothering bread in butter on both sides and frying it as if it is a grilled-cheese sandwich. Then, I peel and slice 3 large garlic cloves; I sandwich them in between the bread. The last few bites are spicy but following with a cold drink makes it tolerable. Eating garlic is also helpful in recovering quickly from a sickness. It was amazing how much better I felt after eating several garlic sandwiches in one day. Garlic works as a powerful, natural antibiotic. The smell your skin will emit when eating garlic discourages bugs from wanting to bite you.

We brought tons of deet with us but forget to use it. The first several weeks the mosquitoes favored Molly. Her ankles and legs were covered in welts after each night's sleep. We figured out why; Molly was using aromic creams and lotions. Once stopped, the bites improved.

Dengue fever comes on quickly with a high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and a general feeling of weakness. As our children clean-up the litter that the mosquitoes are attracted to, we'd appreciate your prayers for God's protection. God has been with us every day of this trip so far. After many bites, no one has come down with Dengue Fever. And that is just one aspect of His ongoing care.

Community Clean-up; Protecting Against Dengue Fever

Mike heading out with a group of kids to clean-up garbage in the streets and in people's yards.

This is a work crew. Notice the garbage bags.

The students are knocking on doors. Everyday a new class goes out into the town. They search people's backyards for litter. Sorting through the burn piles is important to retrieve half-burned plastic bottles.

Thankful Pictures

I will be taking more pictures of Mexican homes. Next time I want them to be here in La Huacana.

Many people have dirt floors.

It has been a blessing to find out many young people are reading this blog. Abby and Grace J., Talia and Judah K., Kara and Bryanna L., Lacey K., Andrea, Cody, Zach, Jessica D., Kylah G., & Tiffany R.. That is the kids I know about! They are learning so much about Mexico!

Please let me know if you are reading this blog and are not on this list.

I have only seen one home that has a grass lawn. If you have grass, you also have money.

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.

Teaching Card Games

A House Full Every Single Day...

We are able to practice the language while showing God's love to kids who mostly come from very tough circumstances.

Maize Tortillas & Real Guesadillas, A Cooking Lesson

Three students came to our home to teach this American mom how to make home-made maize tortillas. We had a great time together. Reese, center, was a fantastic leader, telling everyone what to do. It took several hours but the product was worth it. We turned them into guesadillas. The flavor and texture of the tortillas in Mexico far exceed the ones sold in grocery stores in America. They are fairly easy to make. Also, I have never eaten such wonderful guesadillas. This is one skill I will be happy to take home with me.

These young men visit our home daily. We cook together, play cards, play basketball, practice our language and go swimming. I wish we would have brought more games and card games. We have played a thousand rounds of UNO.

This is Tony. He is one of our regulars. His mom lives in the United States, having remarried and started a new family after his father died. Tony lives with his Grandparents and is extremely poor. (We have heard lots of stories like this).

Read it and weep, these nice young men insisted on cleaning up the mess after cooking. In my house, the rules stands; if you cook the meal then you don't have to do the clean-up. I tried to shew them out, really, I did!

This Cracked Me Up

You have to have a sense of humor when you are an American living in Mexico. I was headed out to town on my daily route and around the corner from my house was a donkey grazing in the street. I failed to get the picture of him I really wanted since as soon as he noticed me he high tailed it out of there.

We Are Official Skypers

Wanted to let you all know that we have downloaded the Skype software and are offically online chatters. We have used it multiple times this week, although not without difficulty. We have a webcam so we can be seen when called. It really is a simple process and easy to learn. Our mistake has been to skip the tutorial step. The connection is clear as a bell. I talked to my brother last night which is over 3.000 miles away for about an hour without missing a word. He was even able to send me a picture through skype while talking! And, all this for free! This is so great for us since we can talk long distance for free. Our current long distance charges are $1.59 a minute.

Here is how it works. I don't think it works for dial-up users. Anyone know?

1. Google Skype. Find the offical website. Register as a new user.

2. Download software.

3. Go through the tutorial.

4. Search for us under contacts using Tammy's email address. Add us to contacts.

5. You will need either a headset with microphone OR a webcam. I was told these are relatively inexpensive.

6. Give us a call

*Ask some computer savy person for help if this sounds overwhelming.*

Thank you Steve M. for letting us know about skype. Before leaving the states, he handed us a headset to take with us telling us about skype. And, as soon as he heard we were hooked up to DSL, he gave us the needed nudge. (Thanks Steve). Neither of us knew about it.

Oh, and the picture was taken in Ixtapa right before we boarded a boat to head out to Ixtapa Island. That was a few weeks ago.

Streets of La Huacana

When looking through the blog I realized that the pictures do not display what we see everyday. I am working on getting new pictures and will be posting more on common sites in Mexico. Yesterday Mike and I drove to a nearby town. I was able to get some pictures of peoples' homes. These pictures are especially hard to get since people are often outside in large groups.

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

Happy Birthday to My Baby Sister!

Taking a Small Intermission from the Mexico Tour

Today is my sister's 37th Birthday. I am missing

her so much today since I am over 3,000 miles away and mom and I can't take her out to lunch. She is my only sister and younger by 3 years. At a very young age my brother dubbed her "Care Bear" and that name stuck for obvious reasons.

My sister and I are as different as night and day are different. I have used this phrase a hundred time to describe us. Not only is she a blondie and I a brunette, she is short and I am taller and we lead opposite life syles. She knows this, and I know this. What I love about our relationship is that we can disagree with each other lovingly and don't judge each other. We can talk on the phone endlessly, sometimes till my jaw hurts. My sister provides a comforting shoulder to lean on; a safe place for me to spill my guts. I can trust that she will do her best to understand me, to love me and to provide her best counsel.

Even though my sis and I are so very different, having strong conflicting views in life, we manage to fully understand each other. I love the sound of her perky voice on the other end of the line, better yet when she is in person. Kerry is a bright spot in my life and I am so glad God gave her to me as my sister.

Happy 37th Birthday Sis! I love You So Much!

"Pastel Leche" Translated "Milk Cake"

This cake makes my mouth water. I haven't been too fond of the different desserts that are offered here. They are drastically different than what we are used to. The leche cake though is out of this world. I new there was a reason why I like to pour milk over my cake in America. If you have never tried a leche cake, you can order them in bakeries in America. Although they are the norm here, you have to special order them in the states. The leche cake is usually served at all fiestas.


Don't miss out on giving this dessert a try!

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.

Agriculture Education

Having been an agriculture science and technology teacher, I was most impressed with this program. The school owns a 20 acre farm that includes cattle, lemons, sorghum, and mango trees. There are a few schools in Oregon that operate a farm which is called a land lab. Students get a 2 hour block to work at the school farm (parcella). The cattle are cross bred between beef and dairy breeds in order to have duel purpose animals (Meat and Milk). I took this photo of a Holstein and Brahman cross. She was one big cow and their best milk producer. They also had crosses of Brown Swiss and Shorthorn. The Brahman breed is from India and known for being hardy in very hot weather. It is not uncommon to have temperatures in the hundreds during the summer. I couldn’t resist taking a photo of the calves born over Christmas time.

The parcella raises sorghum to feed the nearly 20 head of cattle. The milk goes to the school for the candy making class and the surplus milk and beef is sold in town to fund the parcella. The lemons and mangoes go first to the school’s lunch program with the surplus being sold as well for the operation of the parcella.

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.

A Beautiful Place to Cool Off

We found a refreshing place to swim. It is located about a half mile from our house. A student took us there. Down below is a man-made swimming area where most of the people go to swim. Our family prefers to hike up to the more natural, private and cleaner pools. Mike said this was the first time he was chilled since our arrival.

Isn't this beautiful?

I didn't post the pictures of the family jumping off the side of a cliff since I figured it would be concerning to grandparents. LOL!

Several of these pools are located on up the hill. Hike a little further, and there is another place to swim and places to jump into cool water.

My Guacamole Girl

A Recipe

Here is a recipe that I tried last night and liked. Guacamole though really doesn't need a recipe. Just mash a couple of avocados, add chopped onion, chopped tomato and whatever other flavors you like. I have sampled numerous varieties since being in Mexico. Madeline is very good at throwing ingredients together and making the dip delicious. She has decided to make her own recipe for the Yamhill Co. Favorite Food Fair.

Avocados are extremely nutritious, raising your omega oils which is often lacking in most people's diets. The problem is, they are very high in fat, up to 60 grams! (Imagine the calories). Mexico produces 80% of the avocados in the world most of which are grown in Michoacan. They are also very cheap. On any given day, there are 6 or more large avocados on my counter. There is no wait time since they are ripe enough to use right away. When I serve avocado dip, I try to substitute it as my "meat" for that meal. They are that hearty. Lunch is often a tostada, smeared with avocado dip and topped with fresh salsa. Yummy!

Here is the recipe

2 large avocados
3.5 TBSP. minced fresh cilantro
3.5 TBSP finely chopped onion
3/4 cup chopped tomato
2 serrano chilis, finely chopped
1 avocado pit
salt to taste

One secret to mexican cookery is finely chopped ingredients, esp. the peppers! Add fresh squeezed lime or lemon juice to the dip to keep it from turning color. Garnish this dish with a little of the onion, tomato and cilantro, and drop the pit in the center to make it attractive.

Speaking of peppers, there are numerous varieties. Mexicans call all peppers "chilis". It took me awhile to figure that out. I had been shopping for chilis as a form of a pepper. I plan to search online and study each type. Each recipe requires a different pepper and each kind does drastically change flavor.

Women use stone bowls and stone tools to grind ingredients. This looks interesting so I plan to buy one to bring home!

Muchachos in the Afternoon; Ninos in the Evening

It looks like we will host the muchachos after school and the ninos in the evening. . . What a blessing this evening was! Two little guys rode on by on their bikes, around the ages of 3 and 5. Hussling into the house, I searched for the gifts that we brought for the children. They consist of mini bubbles, gospel bracelets (see wrist of the boy) and Spanish bibles. Amanda H. came over the week before we left and made over a hundred of these with my children. Sherri J. donated a bag full of small, Spanish new testaments. (Thank you ladies!)

The two little boys brought a couple of friends and then those friends brought their friends, etc.... before long we had a very large excited group of children in front of our house. They were in no hurry either. They stayed quiet awhile asking questions about our family.

We have learned enough Spanish in the time that we have been here to be capable of telling these children the gospel story, using the 6 colors on the bracelets. Bright-eyed, the children left saying, "hasta manana!" which means "see you tomorrow!" Looks like I had better figure out how to make cookies over here! Or this may be where the animal balloon making kit will be handy that Sherri and Gabe J. sent with us because I have a feeling we will be having frequent young visitors!

The children are a blessing to be around. They are very sweet and friendly. (Wish I had attended CYIA in Spanish)! I have to admit though, the kids lighting fire-crackers right in front of me with no adult supervision was a bit stressing. It was concerning as to rather they would get out of the way or throw them fast enough before they ignite.

After School Visitors Every Day

School kids come home with Mike and the kids everyday. I need to start looking for some cookie ingredients to feed all the muchachos! No chocolate chips here though. Or cocoa powder for that matter. This has become routine; if they don't come with my kids, then they will be coming home with Mike.

The three shorter guys on the left closest to Mike, well, that is Mike's fan club. They hang very close to Mike at school and are eager to help him with his Spanish. Mike says they are always flipping through his dictionaries to look up words. They are nice boys and like Mike's company.

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