On the Road Again!

Hola! Wanted to let everyone know that we are departing today at 5 PM! As you can imagine, we are all very anxious to be home and reunite with our family and friends! There are many mixed emotions since we will miss our friends in La Haucana. Everyone has been so very good to us!

We ask for prayer covering while we travel. It is epecially important the next three days since we are traveling this time alone with no translators. Choosing safe hotels along the way is very important, and traveling through the border towns can be risky. We expect to cross the border on Saturday in Nogales Arizona.

Should be seeing you all next week then! Drop by the house to see us. We are used to a full house!

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.

Another Weekend in Morelia

Last weekend we went to Morelia with Enoch and his family. We were able to stay two nights at his brothers Cabaña (cabin) on a hilltop just out of Morelia. This place is a work of art. It has a lot of handcrafted wood items from doors, pillars, and more. The vista was beautiful. We also enjoyed the cool mornings. We actually wore a jacket for the first hour of the morning.

On Saturday we went to Moroleon the city with the large clothing market. The clothing is inexpensive and Molly and Tammy prefer the more feminine styles.

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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!

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!

In My Opinion by Mike

What I Will Miss About Mexico
-The wonderful friends I have made
-Javier and Eric, our Mexican sons
-Sunshine every day
-Visiting the tropical beach
-Fresh fruit & veggies
-Fresh meat and chicken
-The students of the esculia secondaria
-Weekend excursions with Raramure and Enock and his family
-Authentic Mexican food

What I Won't Miss About Mexico
-Hot afternoons
-Bumpy Streets of La Huacana
-Waking up at 4 AM with all the roosters
-Megaphone cars with their advertisements

What I Look Forward to Once I Return to America
-Seeing my family
-Being in my own house and bed
-Attending services at Creekside Community Church
1. Worship through song
2. Hear Steve's teaching in person
-Cool weather, even some rain
-Yan's Chinese Restaurant
-Our dog Ayla

In My Opinion by Tammy

What I Will Miss About Mexico
~All the teens we have come to know, especially my adopted Mexican sons, Javier and Eric
~The wonderful adult friends we have made, namely Raramure, Enock and Esther and their sons, and Lupe and her adorable children
~Being treated so kindly and lovingly by all the people; respected and honored by the young people
~Experiencing such good manners in Mexican teens
~Having kids in and out of my house all day
~Trying new foods
~My husband's work schedule being less demanding (having him home in the evenings and weekends)
~Buying hand-made items for good prices
~The strong sense of community - the town plaza, a place to go and find friendship
~Experiencing a different culture and see how it effects people's lives
~Being apart of something so amazing that started 20 years ago

~Learning new lessons about life, some of which are:
*People and relationships are above everything else
*Learning to be more thankful for all that God has given me
*Seeing life from a renewed perspective
*Learning what factors effect the Mexican people and make them who they are
*Falling in love with the Mexican people
*Growing in compassion for those in need
*Learning how to be more flexible, rolling with the punches
*Becoming more hospitable
*Being taken outside of my comfort zones and challenged on every side of me
*Being 100% needy and requiring God's sustenance
*Learning a new language
*Growing in Faith- God constantly being faithful as provider, protector and friend
Knowing He is with me, esp. during times I didn't acknowledge Him

What I Will Not Miss About Mexico
~Extreme bouts of home sickness, the emotional ups and downs
~Cobblestone streets
~Dry, cracking, high-maintenance feet
~Being 3,000 miles away from my family
~Night times - constant concern of scorpions, bugs and lizards that are in my bedroom
~Mexican roads, Mexican driving
~That my church is not here
~Grocery stores- the uncleanliness of them, challenge of feeding my family with different and limited ingredients
~The heat
~Our family being such an item of interest (starring in the market place)

What I Am Looking Forward to Once I Return to America
~Hugging my mommies and daddies, my sister, having some girlfriend time with friends
~ Winco - to "drive" to the store and buy a week's worth of groceries in one wack
~Appliances: dishwasher, washer and dryer
~A cleaner and more organized house; a house that seals out weather, smoke, noise, dust and bugs
~Having the family back on some kind of a routine
~Cooking for my family, American food
~Consistent full nights sleep & snuggling up under blankets with my hubby
~Worshiping with Creekside Community Church
~To seeing all the ways this journey impacts our lives, coming to a fuller understanding of all God's purposes. Being changed. Watching my children grow in wisdom and character.

In My Opinion By Madeline

What I Will Miss About Mexico
~Learning Spanish through immersion
~My friends Javier & Eric
~Warm beaches
~Seeing other places
~Living a simpler life that is less busy than in America
~Walking around the town plaza and seeing friends there
~The cute little lizards

What I Will Not Miss About Mexico
~The starving dogs that walk around town
~Litter everywhere
~Scorpions
~Mexican food
~Hot climate
~Our La Huacana house
~Dirty floors


What I Look Forward to Once I Return to America
~4H
~Friends & Family
~My house, my bed
~Walking around the house with fuzzy socks, my comfy robe, wrapped in a blanket while looking out the window and watching it rain
~That cleaning our house will be easier
~My Church, Creekside Community
~English TV
~My rabbit and my dog Ayla, and Lily, Molly's chicken
~Quiet nighttimes

In My Opinion by Jake

What I Will Miss About Mexico
*Beaches, tropical water, Ixtapa, hotel, the sand
*Javier's friendship
*Tony, Carlos
*Beautiful scenery
*Mexico's money system - purchase stuff for much less money
*Fresh meat

What I Won't Miss About Mexico
*The climate- being sweaty all day every day
*Ants that come into the house
*My bed or bedroom
*Not being allowed to flush toilet paper
*Night times with dogs that bark all night and bugs that bite you in the night
*Having to wash dishes everyday by hand
*Crusty clothing off the clothes line

What I Look Forward to When I Return To America
*Working along side Grandpa Ron
*America TV programs, video games and movie rentals (all in English)
*Being cozy in my bed under blankets
*4-H activities
*Hanging out with my friends (Air soft war games)
*Wide variety of supplies in the stores
*Real American food

In My Opinion by Josh

What I Will Miss About Mexico
*Javier, Karen, Carlos, Tony, Sandra, Paola, Hugo, and other friends
*Be with my friends every day, visitors at the house all the time
*Some of the food, esp. the fresh chicken and fresh fruit
*Experiencing the unusual- living a different lifestyle for a short while
*Visiting new places and seeing new sights


What I Won't Miss About Mexico
*General uncleanliness of the environment, being sweaty and dirty
*My La Huancana bedroom, dusty and hot
*Climate is too hot
*Nighttime - too warm and too loud
*Cobblestone streets - having to watch the streets ahead of your steps, feet hurting after walking
*My clothing coming off the line crusty

What I Look Forward to Once I Return To America
*The need to use blankets at night
*To only have to shower once a day
*My bedroom and bed
*To play my electric guitar
*Our house
*Quiet nights
*Our dog Ayla
*Creekside Community Church and the youth group
*Drew Family, Isaiah K.,

In My Opinion by Molly

What I Will Miss About Mexico
~Karen, the best female I have ever clicked with
~Javier, a great guy who clicked with my entire family
~The sunshine, happy & bright atmosphere
~Not being lonely (constant companionship)
~Tasty food such as tacos and enchiladas
~ Fresh fruit; mangoes, coconut, starfruit, papaya, guava, avocados, pineapple
~The looser, more carefree attitude towards life
~The school and all my friends I have made
~The super-cute feminine clothing styles

What I Will Not Miss About Mexico
~The sugar ants (constant problem in the house)
~The bumpy, shoe-ruining, toe-stubbing cobblestone streets
~People who stare at our family because we are white
~The guys and men who holler and whistle at me

What I Look Forward To Once I Return to America
~Creekside Community Church And Youth Group
~Grandma Diane, her country home and her cooking
~Ice Cream (no such thing as mint flavor here)
~Anna D., Chris M., Andrea D. & Cody D., Nathan M., Brad H.
~My white coachin chicken named Lily
~Walking around in public and not being starred at
~Excell Fitness Gym (my job and exercise)
~Running in the morning with my dad

Night Pictures of the Cathedral in Morelia

I have posted pictures of this cathedral before but these are different - much more beautiful. This is the biggest and most visited cathedral in Morelia. It is located right by the town square. Travelers come from all over the world to see it.

I took these pictures standing beneath the cathedral. A person feels sort of engulfed in it's majesty. This is only one small section.
A unique view...