!Que bonita!

I am alive and well here in Morelia. The city is beautiful! The city was even beautiful at night when I arrived Saturday evening because I could see all the lights from the houses and buildings on the ground while up in the airplane. Sunday afternoon Vico Jr., the second oldest son of my host family, and his friend drove me around the city for four hours to see some of the buildings and get me acquainted with the Mexican lifestyle. There is much to do here in Morelia.

My host family is very nice and welcomed me in with open arms. They have accepted me as part of the family and I am grateful for that. The meals are amazing. I haven't eaten this much in a long time. I tried octopus at lunch yesterday. A bit rubbery and "different". I will not be adding this to my list of favorite foods, but I am glad I tried it.

Varmond School has also welcomed me with open arms. The teachers are very willing to let me try anything. The students are excited to have me in class because I can offer a new perspective and I am someone new for them. Today I was teaching some of the sixth grade students how to solve Sudoku puzzles. Who would have thought? Good thing I brought some of these puzzles to Mexico with me and that I did my research project my first two years at St. Norbert on them. Coincidence?

Hoy es mi cumpleanos. This morning I was in the sixth grade classroom and in the middle of class we went to the auditorium so the students could give their oral presentations (in English) on dinosaurs. I was sitting in the back of the room listening and when they finished the teacher invited me on stage to give constructive feedback. My second day at Varmond and I was already assessing my students. The assessment process is going to be very different here in Mexico from what I have observed the last two days. After I returned to my seat, the teacher told the class it was a very special day for me - my birthday. The students immediately broke out in song, singing Happy Birthday, and the next thing I know I was getting hugs and kisses on the cheek from various students. I was in shock. The students knew me less than two days and they were happy for me. The news spread quickly. I also helped classes of seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students later in the day and each of these classes also sang Happy Birthday to me. What a great way to celebrate my special day. I was told that the teachers first found out this morning and I am not sure who knew. They understand that I won't be able to celebrate my birthday with my family and friends in Wisconsin. Thus, they are bringing me a cake tomorrow so we can celebrate Mexican style. Yay!

I introduced myself to one of the ninth grade classes today and told them where I was from. A student raised his hand and said, "Wisconsin like Wisconsin Dells?" I said yes. He responded, "I was in Wisconsin Dells this past summer." Crazy! A student from Mexico, miles and miles from my home state, was just hours away from me this summer enjoying Noah's Ark and traveling through Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. I pulled out my map of Wisconsin and he started pointing out all the cities he was in. I am not as much of a stranger here as I thought I was going to be. I know I am going to enjoy my time at Varmond.

I have more stories to share about Varmond and Morelia. Photos of mi casa and mi escuela coming later this week.

Buenas noches,

Stephanie