Overview of Week 1

I don't have any pictures this time around, next post I'll try to have some.  The trip here was long and exhausting.  I was up at 4:30EST on Wednesday morning, and arrived at the airport by 6:30EST.  The flight to Chicago was nice enough, but the layover was tiring and left me fairly scatterbrained.  After a four hour flight to Mexico City, I realized how rusty my Spanish had become.  I managed to get through baggage check and customs with all of my stuff.  Cireno met me almost as soon as I made it to the main area of the airport, so I didn't have a chance to become hopelessly lost.  From Mexico City to Refuge Ranch is probably an hour's drive when there's no traffic.  It took us a good hour and a half I'd guesstimate, all the while I was able to watch the city turn into rural areas.
Upon arriving at the Ranch, either Anna or Carol greeted me immediately (they look a lot alike and I was fairly overwhelmed when I first got out of the car).  Then I met Josiah and Ruth, along with Dave, Julie's dad.  I was shown a brief glimpse of the main floor of the house before we made our way up to the basement (the school/dining room/warehouse).  I met Julie and her mom and aunt, before I was shown my new room and the school itself.  That first night was so odd, because I didn't help with school so I had tons of time at the house to meet the kids.  I learned to play Risk, I got to know Josiah well, along with Fidel and Leo, all of whom I played a game of Risk with (it's the favorite evening pastime for the older boys it seems).

To provide a brief idea of the daily schedule (for this week at least):
7:10-7:30--Wake up, get ready
7:30-8:30--Personal Devo time (I'm still trying to get these first two set)
8:30-9:00/9:30--Breakfast and morning family devo
9:30-10:00--Kids complete morning chores
10:00-1:00--School, I help with questions and supervisor checks
1:00-2:00(?)--Time starts to fade at this point; lunch, lunchtime chores
2:00(?)-6:00--School continues
6:00-7:00(?)--Dinner and evening family devo
After dinner--Some kids finish school work, after dinner chores, hang out and play
9:00/9:30--Bedtime for most kids, I usually head back to my room for computer/Kindle
By 11:00--Lights out

 My Spanish has already recovered, if not improved, and I'm able to understand a lot of the kids now.  Just yesterday I had to explain a math lesson to Ale (the newest son) in Spanish because he understands minimal English.  If you've ever tried teaching a kid about money, you know how difficult it can be.  Now imagine a language barrier, plus a cultural barrier for that same lesson!  These children won't use US currency anytime soon, but with a US curriculum, Ale has to learn about the penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and dollar.  What fun!
Saturdays seem fairly laid back.  The kids have chores, but the staff can sleep in and relax more than on any other day.  Since my roomie's sick, I'm sorta keeping her company while enjoying the peace in our room.  More to come next week on the classes I teach, as well as cute anecdotes that I keep becoming a part of!

Preparation

     Less than 3 full days until my departure.  I've said most of my "good-byes" already, and each one has been more difficult than the one before.  I'm not scared of this trip.  On the contrary, I'm excited and still slightly in shock that I've been called to serve God in such a way!  I've heard a rough work schedule for my time on the ranch.  I'll teach English to a group of 7 children in the mornings, and twice a week I'll be in charge of a bilingual kindergarten class for two of the girls.  The rest of the time, if I understand correctly, I'll be helping wherever I may be needed.

     As far as preparation, my suitcase is packed except for a couple of small items that I forgot were supposed to be in my checked luggage.  A huge thank-you to everyone who offered books for the children!  I have a second bag to check because of all the donations, and an extra 25.6lbs to juggle through customs.

     I appreciate any prayers for the Ranch, the Zaragoza family, the trip as a whole, and that God's will be done in these next 6 months.  If anyone wishes to make a donation to Fishers of Men Mexico, it would certainly be appreciated.

Checks can be sent to:

Fishers of Men
P.O. Box 352016
Toledo, OH 43635

Fishers of Men Mexico Homepage 
Fishers of Men Mexico Blog 

Thank-you everyone, and I'll write again when I'm safely in my new home!