Saturday, September 20, 2008

For the first time

Over the past couple of weeks, I have had the chance to do some new things in Tijuana.  So I thought I would share my list with you.

For the first time I...

*went to a quinceanera.  Stephanie and I joined our friend Ruth Gollings and we celebrated Sarai's 15th birthday.  It was a beautiful celebration, much like a wedding in the states.  There was a ceremony in the church to start and this was followed by a reception.  Throughout the ceremony she was presented with gifts from her family and friends including her first pair of high heels!  I think this had to be my favorite part.  It was a sweet moment as her mom and dad took of her sandals and placed the high heels on her feet.  The pastor had her take a turn around the chairs to prove that she was ready to walk in them :-)  In addition to the sentimental value of the moment, I am just impressed with Mexican women and their ability to wear high heels.  Whether the terrain is good or bad, they look lovely and walk well.

*celebrated Independence Day in Mexico.  September 16th is Independence Day in Mexico, and the eve before is the time to celebrate.  The Baja Staff went over to our church for dinner and games and we ended the night at the Palacio Municipal.  Here we found thousands of people out celebrating with music, food stands, carnival rides, and probably the biggest pieces of cotton candy I have ever seen.  It is traditional to yell !Viva Mexico! at midnight, but we missed the offical grita (yell).  I have heard that the best place to celebrate this event is in Mexico City.

*ate a hot dog in Tijuana.   A friend of ours has been claiming to know the "Best hot dog stand in Tijuana" and so we headed out as a group one night to give it a try.  I admit it was good.  Beans, salsa, onions... and much more than that all on a hot dog.  Pretty tasty.

*have my own functioning bathroom.  That is right, this past week I had the first flush and first shower in my new bathroom.  The water was officially turned on.



Stephanie, Ruth and I joining Sarai at her quinceanera.


The site of one of the best hot dogs in Tijuana!


Staff laundry day at the Castillo


Duane and I working having fun sanding the walls


Another view of my little room and the functioning bathroom in the background

1 comment:

Mama Griffith, said...

great pictures! I love the mexican tradition on 15 birthdays, I would have loved to feel special around that ackward time and to have a huge party woud have been awsome. are you still soaking in all the culture? and can you speak spanish fluently? keep blogging!