September 2006

Well, September has flown by here in Monterrey and I can't believe it's almost over. I would like to update you on a few things I did this month and show a few pictures as well.

School started in August, but has really picked up the last few weeks. I have mentioned before that there is a lot of wildlife on campus and occasionally I play with various animals to give myself a break from the monotony of homework. Below I am feeding some crackers to a crazy duck I named Donald. (I was feeling very original.)



The next picture was taken just outside the campus and the only reason it is being placed on the blog is for the enjoyment of my nephew Walton. The boy is infatuated with trains, which is perfectly good and natural. This is Uncle Shua with the Monterrey Express.



About two weeks ago I had the opportunity to travel south to the lovely city of Querétaro as well as to the thriving metropolis of Puebla. The next three pictures were taken at a party we had to celebrate the birthdays of my buddies Nate and Nolan. Nate is the guy on the left in the first picture. He is a missionary stud from Colima. Nolan is the crazy-looking guy in the striped shirt in the second picture. He is a complete dance machine, as evidenced by picture number three.







Upon arriving in Puebla, the first place we stopped was Krispy Kreme. Those of you that know me well know how excited I was. I immediately bought a dozen and took a few crazy pictures. The following is of me, Nolan, Nate, my boss Steve, and Steve's daughters Mary and Audrey. Audrey tried to take one of my doughnuts but I didn't let her.



While in Puebla, we celebrated Mexican Independence Day, which is September 16th. The first picture is of Nate, Nolan, and I doing our best Three Amigos impersonation. The second picture is of two crazed Mexican women trying to get a kiss at the El Grito celebration in Puebla. They couldn't handle the moustache.





Before we left Puebla to return to Querétaro we had the opportunity to ride some camels at the local VIPS (a Mexican food chain owned by Wal-Mart). The girls in the picture with Nolan and I are Amy and Mary, who are also missionaries.



The next picture is of Nate and I after the most random shaving creme fight with a party-happy Mexican family. We didn't know these people until the dad decided to shoot us in the face with shaving creme. Nate got it worse than I did, but it was a fun experience.



This picture is of a volcano outside Puebla. I tried to get a good shot through the window, but it is still a little dirty. As we drove away from the city a little smoke was puffing from the top. That was an awesome site.



The final picture is of some friends on Nate's last night in Querétaro. From left to right is Nolan, Mary, Francisco, Nate, Lila, myself and Steve's oldest daughter Stephanie.



I had a wonderful trip, but I am glad to be back in Monterrey. It is amazing how this place has began to feel like home. That is a real blessing. Even though I love to travel, it is always nice to be back here where God has called me. Well, I promise to not wait so long to update the blog again. I have better internet access now, so hopefully I will be much more consistent. Dios les bendiga!