Last Weeks Blog

Sorry to all of you who have been checking out my blog to see if there are any updates, but there has been some technical difficulties and they have been keeping us pretty busy around here. I'm trying to find my groove with this new schedule and life style, because living with about 50 people in one area can be interesting. It kind of reminds me of my messy college dorm days except with more international diversity, although a smelly dorm is a smelly dorm no matter where you are from. Orientation for the school is over and our days consist of lectures, worship, work duties, study time, free time, and local outreach once a week. I am loving the diversity amongst the students and all the stories of how they got here and what it is like at home for them. The city is beautiful and I am enjoying all the colors and flavors that Mazatlan has to offer. Getting in touch with my roots also includes eating what my people eat, which means a little something called "Tacos de Sesos", a.k.a. cow brains. With a little extra salt, lime, salsa, guacamole and anything else I can cover it up with it's not too bad. All the Mexicans out here love my effort in learning Spanish and they have been so incredibly encouraging. Although they get a kick out of my Mexican name "Luis Levoardo Sanchez", and the fact that I can't speak fluently. For the local outreach opportunities the school has been developing relationships in area of town know for drugs and prostitution. We went out there on Friday night to evangelize, which was the first time I have ever attempted that. I ended up talking with a group of teenage guys that hang out in that area. The time was basically spent building a relationship with them and also spent laughing because of the Spanish that they were teaching me. I hope to upload some photos soon and I should be able to write about once a week. Week two begins tomorrow . . .

The Journey Continues

I arrived in Mazatlan yesterday morning and was welcomed with open arms. I can't believe that I am finally here!! Upon arriving I know that this is exactly where I need to be and it is like my extended family has been waiting for me to show up. I am one of a handful of students here early and the rest of the crew should be flooding in tomorrow. The staff members and students here are very kind and passionate people that I look forward to growing with. It looks like I will be able to stay in touch pretty well because several of the students have brought lap tops. For those of y'all who hope I will pick up on some spanish, I have no other choice!! My roomies are from Durango Mexico and I have to speak to them in spanish. Others that have been here for a while have become encouraged to try harder to learn the language because most of the staff here speaks English and they become content, but they can see my dedication and efforts on the first day and they know that I am going to challenge them. Thank you all so much for your support and prayers and I look forward to keeping everyone updated on this incredible journey. More to come. . .