There is no better day than the kind that starts off with no significant plan, and ends up being the most relaxing and satisfying. Today is one of those days. With just a little bit of time to think, to re-gather, to collect my thoughts and feelings... Suddenly it's as if my internal battery has been super-charged and I am ready to take on the world :) Then again, I usually am :)
Mexico is one of the great loves of my life. There is an unending parade of things to see and do. The people are friendly, open, and very festive. They have an inextinguishable joy about them, despite their sometimes unfortunate circumstances. They give with open hearts expecting nothing in return. I think there is much to be learned from a people such as this. The country itself is beautiful as well: ocean, beach, desert, forest, hills, plains, mountains, cities... Mexico has it all.
I just came back from a speed-tour of Mexico City, Morelia, Leon, and Guanajuato. I saw them all in 8 days. Granted, I had been in Mexico City before (hence the reason I returned for New Years – it's one of my favorite places), but nonetheless it was a lot of traveling. I got in this morning on the bus to Guadalajara with just 3 hours of sleep to keep me going. I am not complaining, though: time is short, and I want to take full advantage of it! From the sea of people filling Mexico's capital, to the quaint and quiet streets of Guanajuato, I marveled at the beauty of humanity. People are the same here as everywhere that I have traveled before. We all have the same basic needs – food and water, shelter, work – but more than that – love and acceptance. Don't we all long to belong? Doesn't everyone want to be noticed? To matter? I sure do :) And I've met a few people along the way who do as well. It is humbling to be living amongst a great range of people – those with BMW's, big houses, and money to spare – and those who sit on the street, crippled, begging for a few coins to scrape together a meal. The need is great, and it brings me to tears just walking down the street... Needs such as this exist all over the world, but not everywhere is it so blatantly obvious. It's such a good reminder of the important things in life and the blessed that I have been. Not everyone has an opportunity such as this to see the world through different eyes, and walk a mile in someone else' shoes.
I know that not all of you understand why I choose to travel like this... Swept along like the wind, without much of a plan, drifting... But that's okay :) I know why I do it. I learn something new every day. Every person that I encounter brings a new perspective - a new story - to the table. I am challenged to consider all that I have ever been certain of. My world view is broadened, and I discover more of who I am along the way. More than that, I discover more of who God is. I consider the places I go, and the faces I see, and I feel like I am peering into the face of God. I catch little glimpses of the Creator embedded in all of His creation. The big picture becomes just a little bit clearer day by day. And as for me, I am learning to worship. Learning to abide in the presence of One who loves me – no matter what :) My mind still can't quite comprehend it, but I am trying to wrap myself around it. I just can't help but to give thanks for the grace and mercy that I receive, and the beauty that I find in my surroundings. A process only yet begun, but God is faithful – of that I am sure!
I am quite settled in Guadalajara at the moment – I get around on the buses and tram all over the city. This morning I went to a wonderful church service not too far from where I am staying... For the first time in a long time, I feel like I found a place where I could connect – I wish I could have enjoyed it for longer. The afternoon has passed me by soaking up my much-needed dose of vitamin D in the sunshine at Starbucks. Time well spent :) A great part of me wants to stay and absorb all that is happening; however, I am excited for Cuba. I leave in just a week and a half! The point has come where if I weren't planning to leave next week, I would definitely need to find a job and start being productive. The tourist stage is over. Cuba is a whole new ball game, though, so the change of scenery will keep me quite entertained. I can only imagine the new things that I will see and learn in that mysterious country. This is the hardest I have ever had to work to get in to any one particular country! If you think of me over the next few weeks, send some prayers my way :) I would like to leave more behind in Cuba than some Canadian dollars! I know life isn't easy there, and I only hope that somehow a difference can be made :)
The sun is setting in Mexico, and it's time for me to move on.
All my love, and blessings from above :)
Stephanie
