Here I am again, behind with my updates to you all. I do have a good excuse this time (or not). I spent most of the month of January in Merida, Mexico in the Yucatan. The few weeks in January that I wasn't in Mexico, I was either getting ready to be gone for 2 ½ weeks or I was writing my final report for the class that was the Mexico trip. Now I'm settled into the Spring semester and have a few moments before Theology class to write a few lines to you.
First off let me say that if I ever have to go somewhere for longer than a week, Charles better be on the guest list or I'm not going. With that said I can truly say that I missed Charles and the children a great deal while I was away. The funny thing is, before I left it was no big deal to me. About three days in and not being able to communicate with the family regularly (other than e-mail) I became quite anxious. After a week and a half I was ready to go home and be done with the whole trip. The good news is that I did survive and the family miraculously survived (I'm really impressed with Charles' and the kids' perseverance) and overall I did have a great time.
The weather was in the high 80's (F) for the first week then a cold front came in and it dropped to the low 70's (F). We actually had to wear long sleeves for a few days. This was at the same time that Charles was taking S to the morning bus in 18F degree temps.
We went to two Mayan ruins sites--Uxmal and Chichen Itza. Both were magnificent and I got to climb a small pyramid at Uxmal. Going up was not too much trouble, but coming down was a problem. I knew it would happen that way but I couldn't stand the thought of telling my children that I had the chance to climb a pyramid and didn't do it because I was afraid. I did make it back down with the reassuring company of two of my classmates--Kelly and Jamison.
I, of course, went to the beach--Port Progresso--while I was in Mexico. If you have ever been to a commercial beach in America--then you can imagine the beach in Mexico. The most unusual thing was the massage huts right on the beach. We didn't have time to get a massage--but I would recommend it to you if you go to Port Progresso--they are only $10.00US for 45 minutes.
We went to three local senotes (say-no-tays) which are underground (usually) springs. These are the water source for the Yucatan other than rain. The keyword here is underground, yes they were in caves. Getting to them is a matter of climbing down into a hole--one had a lovely staircase that was not too steep, one was a ladder that went thirty feet down into a small hole and the last one was a staircase with a very low entrance. I went down all three--here again because there were some awesome images that my children would love. See the photo page to see some of the photos I was able to get to come out. I did not swim in them; (although in one, I was able to wade in a small pool) others did swim in them. The most amazing thing was that the water was incredibly clear and was beautiful colors of blues, greens and turquoises.
I could go on for quite a while on Mexico--the food was wonderful, the people gracious and the history rich. I am back and am glad to say that my report and experience gave me a satisfactory pass for the course.
Back home, we celebrated B's birthday earlier in the month as Charles has so beautifully shared. All of B's friends enjoyed themselves and that is the goal. So, even with the technical difficulties the whole affair was a success.
As I said, I've started the spring term. This semester I'm studying theology (again), Presbyterian history and polity, and Hebrew exegesis. The Theology class is a continuation from the fall semester where we studied who God is; this semester we are studying who Jesus and the Holy Spirit is. My favorite class is Hebrew exegesis because we dissect the language and how the text is put together and then evaluate how that tells us what it might mean. Presbyterian history and polity is dry but necessary as I move forward toward leadership in the Presbyterian denomination. Overall, a good start to the semester because this is the first time I've started a semester without going into syllabus shock. Syllabus shock is the overwhelming feeling that it is not possible to get it all done and make the appropriate grades--I must be mellowing out either that or I'm so seasoned to the fact that I'll get it all done somehow I just don't waste the energy getting anxious about it. Either way it is a good thing.
Our visit to Charlotte over the Valentine's weekend was a blessing--apologies to those we missed catching up with--it was a very quick trip because I did not have Monday off like the rest of the family. I enjoyed seeing my Sardis family and getting the necessary boost of encouragement. I was especially surprised to be included as part of the Sunday school discussion on ministers and what the future leadership of the church looks like.
Blessings to all of you and continue to pray for us as we venture into even more uncharted adventures at seminary. Please feel free to drop us a line to let us know you are thinking about us.
Peace,
Diane