Crocodiles and Tamales

I can't believe that July is almost over. This month has gone fast. We've doing much of the same things--teaching English and visiting youth. We've even managed to find the homes on our very own. We rely heavily on a map. We've learned that you have to find the Colonia first, then find the street (there are several streets with the same name throughout the city), and then the number (which may or may not be placed sensibly) Last of all, you ask someone when you get somewhere close. And speaking of street names, there are some very interesting ones here: 20 de Septiembre, 20 de Noviembre, Libertad Medine Cedillo, BLVB Adolfo Lopez Mateos, Universidad de Wi sconsin, etc. --long names that only partially appear on the street sign--if there is one. Many of the streets are named after generals and dates of war victories, it seems.

We feel very proud of ourselves when we actually find what we set out to find. And we feel very happy when someone is home. We love the youth here!

So we finally saw some crocodiles. We took a boat cruise around the "Laguna de Carpentiera" and saw crocodiles, iguanas, and birds. It was only about 20-30 minutes, but very enjoyable especially being with the other couples who are here serving. Afterwards, we visited a nice flea market near by.

We've come to love Tamales. A mother of a student brought us some and they were so good that we've been buying them at HEB every week. So good and easy to heat up. We're getting used to the chilli pepper here. They do have it and it can be very hot. We still love the NM green chillis.

The local missionary couple (the Blanco's) that we share an office with took us to 7 Leaguas (Mexico's Fast Food place) and we ate delicious hamburguesas, fries, and pop. Instead of lettuce, they put a type of cole slaw on the burger and it tasted wonderful. We're going out today to try "Pollo Loco" (Crazy Chicken).

It's still very hot and humid here. There's been some rain, but not a lot. They're in a bit of drout here. We're starting to adapt to it and even feel cold at times in air conditioning. I am so glad Anna Min encouraged me to buy the Birkenstocks--they are the most comfortable shoes here. When I don't have to walk anywhere, they are the best.

Today, over 1000 Seminary age youth are meeting here in Tampico for a Youth Conference. The conference will last 3 days with lots of things planned--one being a big dance festival, cultural program. We're looking forward to that.

We love our mission and feel it was meant for us. We're learning all the time. Poco a poco , little by little. Buenos Tardes!