It was wonderful to see most of my family last Sunday night, to play games, and to laugh and relax before the trip. I will say that saying good-bye to Gabo was the hardest thing I've had to do in a very, very long time. At the car all three of us (Gabriel, Isabel and I) broke into long, prolonged sobs... Eric told me later that night when I called him from the airport that Gabo was crying (wiping his eyes and nose) most of the way home. I realize that it must be hard for him to be at the house now without us. Please keep him in your prayers. |
Our flight out of LAX was a bit of a nightmare: we had to deplane (due to mechanical errors), took off 3 hours late (at 3 a.m.), and barely—and I mean barely made it to our connection in time in Houston. The moment we landed in Querétaro, however, I felt instantly happy and at home. My dear friend Gabi was waiting for us at the airport and as we began chatting away in Spanish, Isabel began to tear up and I could tell that the two of us were emotionally in two very different places.
Nevertheless, when we entered our beautiful home and she saw the basketball court in the yard, all tears disappeared and she was all smiles. We immediately went out to eat at the little place around the corner, a typical Mexican restaurant with an outdoor patio.
The rest of the day was filled—and I mean filled—with errands. Looking back, I can't believe we didn't even stop to nap! We headed out (on foot, because everything is ridiculously close) to the bank, to get spare keys made, to the cable place, and to Costco (yes, Costco!). After taking a cab home with all the purchases, we were about to head out to the supermarket for more staples, when Héctor (the caretaker), stopped by to make sure all was well. I was so glad he did because I realized the pilot light to the water heater was out and there was a piece missing, making it impossible for me to light it. After about an hour of hard work, Héctor finally got it on (thankfully, because showers were definitely needed at the end of that day!).
The rest of the day was filled—and I mean filled—with errands. Looking back, I can't believe we didn't even stop to nap! We headed out (on foot, because everything is ridiculously close) to the bank, to get spare keys made, to the cable place, and to Costco (yes, Costco!). After taking a cab home with all the purchases, we were about to head out to the supermarket for more staples, when Héctor (the caretaker), stopped by to make sure all was well. I was so glad he did because I realized the pilot light to the water heater was out and there was a piece missing, making it impossible for me to light it. After about an hour of hard work, Héctor finally got it on (thankfully, because showers were definitely needed at the end of that day!).
After Héctor left, we decided to head out again before we lost steam. Off we went again to the bank, the cable company (again), and to the supermarket, where we spent another couple hundred dollars on an enormous amount of items! We finally taxied home by 9:30 p.m. and had a light cena (supper) of salad, cheese and crackers. Around midnight I took a deliciously warm shower then headed to bed, having not unpacked a thing but too exhausted to care!
The next morning I was up uncharacteristically early after rushing to answer the phone, only to discover they were asking if I'd like to consider a promotion on the satellite TV to include "adult programming." I declined. After a shower and several cups of coffee, the three of us decided we'd have a relaxing day. I postponed a meeting with Gabi until today, Wednesday, and we all hung out at the house, playing games, having a lovely meal, and shooting some hoops in the yard. Isabel and I made a point to "study" for her entrance exam, going over some math and language arts questions. In the early evening we all took a walk through our lovely park so Caitlin—the alum who is living with us—could familiarize herself with her new neighborhood. And then it was bedtime for Isabel and Caitlin, though I was up until about 12:30 unpacking (which I still haven't finished).
Right now it's Wednesday morning. We got up very early to come to the entrance exam at Isabel's school, Thomas Jefferson, the same one she attended in 2nd grade in 2008. I must say it has been very traumatic for her. Lots of tears and anxiety and goodness, the exam is long!! Consequently, I'm sitting here outside her exam room and freezing; I must be in a wind-tunnel or something. They had come down to the reception to get me earlier because Isabel was in tears. I got her calmed down and convinced them to let me sit here in the hallway where she can see my head through the frosted glass in the window, which has relaxed her a bit. But I think she's exhausted and discouraged. My heart feels so heavy right now for her. Although my guess is that she'll be admitted, I may investigate a couple other schools to see if having another option is desireable.
I'll write more soon (I hope), but for now here's some pictures of our first day here and the house we live in.
The next morning I was up uncharacteristically early after rushing to answer the phone, only to discover they were asking if I'd like to consider a promotion on the satellite TV to include "adult programming." I declined. After a shower and several cups of coffee, the three of us decided we'd have a relaxing day. I postponed a meeting with Gabi until today, Wednesday, and we all hung out at the house, playing games, having a lovely meal, and shooting some hoops in the yard. Isabel and I made a point to "study" for her entrance exam, going over some math and language arts questions. In the early evening we all took a walk through our lovely park so Caitlin—the alum who is living with us—could familiarize herself with her new neighborhood. And then it was bedtime for Isabel and Caitlin, though I was up until about 12:30 unpacking (which I still haven't finished).
Right now it's Wednesday morning. We got up very early to come to the entrance exam at Isabel's school, Thomas Jefferson, the same one she attended in 2nd grade in 2008. I must say it has been very traumatic for her. Lots of tears and anxiety and goodness, the exam is long!! Consequently, I'm sitting here outside her exam room and freezing; I must be in a wind-tunnel or something. They had come down to the reception to get me earlier because Isabel was in tears. I got her calmed down and convinced them to let me sit here in the hallway where she can see my head through the frosted glass in the window, which has relaxed her a bit. But I think she's exhausted and discouraged. My heart feels so heavy right now for her. Although my guess is that she'll be admitted, I may investigate a couple other schools to see if having another option is desireable.
I'll write more soon (I hope), but for now here's some pictures of our first day here and the house we live in.