The last two weeks were wonderful. On the 18th, my parents arrived to Mexico and we spent a week here. Then on the 26th we headed to Iowa, where I stayed until the 2nd.
The time with my parents couldn’t have gone better. We got to do a little bit of everything. On Monday night they arrived, and got a very warm welcome from my host family. On Tuesday, we hung out in Hermosillo. In the morning, we went to school where they meet several of my professors, we went out for lunch with the Exchange Office staff, and then took my host family out for carne asada and Mariachi. Then on Wednesday, after a delicious breakfast served by Luz Belia, we set off to the tourist resort town of San Carlos, two hours away, for 4 ½ days of relaxation. We enjoyed examining rocks and shells on the beach, observing all types of birds(from oyster catchers to ospreys) as well as spotting a few fish, eating sea food, listening to the waves break upon the shore, delighting in hot showers, and good old relaxing whether reading or playing cards. Then, for Christmas Eve, we went up to the mountain pueblo of Baviacora, the hometown of my host family. My parents had to stay up until 3:30 a.m. where they were always at the mercy of and need of a translator (me!). We had a gift exchange, ate a meal at 12:00 midnight, and overall just chatted with the family.
The highlight for me, in addition to being with parents, was the interaction between my parents and host family. My parents were intentional about asking them questions and talking with them, despite not knowing Spanish. Luz Belia treated them royally with her amazing food and formal hospitality. The oldest son Christian, I found out, speaks English quite well (having self taught himself with only movies and music). Both he and my parents enjoyed talking with each other. Edgar and Flor, who know almost no English, were both very intentional about hanging out and just being present. Dad and Flor enjoyed giving each other a hard time with their dry sarcastic sense of humor. Mom taught Flor Sudoku. And I had the fun job of translating all these interactions. However, it I wasn’t around, they still attempted to communicate with each other, sometimes successfully. Overall, our interactions were full of love, welcome, hospitality, laughter, and joy. It was very beautiful and humbling experience, especially since their acceptance of each other was a reflection of their love for me.
Then I headed back with Mom and Dad to Iowa. I spent Friday seeing a few dear friends before my brothers arrived. Then Saturday through Monday I spent with my parents and two brothers and sister in laws. We did celebrate Christmas with them while I was there, but the real gift was just being with Jon, Toni, Steve, and Rachel. (The snow and cold were nice too!)
What more could I ask for!
