Latest update: Epilepsy Support Group, Christmas Parties, and Random Observation

Hi everyone,

Here is the latest update. Another calm week, but then an amazing turnout!

1.) Epilepsy Support Group
This week, I met with the doctor and we finished making the schedule for the monthly conferences of 2014. It turns out that I will be presenting at the first one at the end of January. It's titled: "Que es la Epilepsia? Perspectiva de paciente a paciente, experiencia de vida"...(What is Epilepsy? From a patient's perspective and life experience). We have also decided that January 11th, we will go to the Zocalo and give out brochures about our support group, which will have the dates and themes of those meetings for the year.

On Saturday, I got two different messages on Facebook from people who have heard about what I've been doing here in Puebla. That was such an amazing feeling! I may be meeting up with one of them next Saturday in order to inform her about the support group and how to get involved. I'm really thankful for everything that has been happening.

I also learned that we may have some new members in January and some possible places to present at. I will keep you updated on that.

2.) Christmas Parties
On Friday night, I went to a party at the house of Mauro's boss and it turned into "mojito night." Everyone was going around the room with their mojitos and eventually, we got out the computer and started playing the favorite song of each person. It was definitely entertaining!

On Saturday night, I met up with my closest friends here and went downtown. We exchanged presents while eating pizza, then walked around downtown Puebla taking pictures with the Christmas lights. Tonight (Sunday night) we are returning to downtown and will be going to the Zocalo where there will be a snow machine at 9:00. There's a first time for everything! I think this will be memorable experience.

3.) Random Observation
Today I was in Starbucks and was drinking a TAZO tea from a bottle. I randomly looked down at the bottle and noticed the phrase: "Made in the U.S. from Imported Teas....Portland, OR"  Who would have thought? This whole time, I've been drinking those teas that came from my own city. That was a nice feeling, knowing that whenever I get homesick, I can go to Starbucks (which is Seattle-based) and get a Portland-based tea. haha Anyway, I just thought it was funny.


That's it for now. Next week should be pretty busy, especially next Saturday, December 21st. That's the day of the jornada (medical day with the neurologist) where we will be assisting numerous patients with epilepsy. Thank you everyone for your support and I hope you're having a wonderful Christmas season!

Calm week with a very good ending

Hi everyone,

Here is an update for this week. It started out as a very calm week with not much going on. I spent a lot of time walking around, taking new bus routes, and writing essays for my grad school application to Portland State for the MSW program.

Then on Wednesday, one of my friends took me to a suburb of Puebla called Atlixco and we had the opportunity to tour around there for a while. It turns out that Atlixco is known for Christmas lights and decorations. So, we began taking pictures by all of the decorations including numerous red flowers, pinatas, and skeletons with Christmas necklaces and hats on. I love these new experiences!

The week continued to be pretty calm. However, each day, I had the opportunity to teach English to two little boys, a 5 year-old and 8 year-old. This week I bought 1 book that has English-Spanish translations of different types of animals, and then got 2 coloring books with Disney themes in Spanish. I decided we could use the coloring books to keep the boys occupied and then translate the objects that they were coloring. This is definitely a learning process for me, but it's a good experience.

Then on Saturday, I had a FANTASTIC day! At 9:00, our epilepsy support group had a meeting and Christmas party. However, the doctor wasn't able to come, so that meant I was in charge. That made me kind of nervous, which is never good because when I'm nervous, I have to speak Spanglish instead of real Spanish. But it turned out really well. In fact, our group has some new ideas. We are thinking about adding:

1.) Art Night ---- art is healthy and useful for people with epilepsy. One of the girls from the group will lead session on painting, sculpting, and drawing once a month

2.) Yoga Classes -----yoga is very helpful for people with epilepsy because it is a way to relax and de-stress. Juan Carlos of our group is a yoga instructor and will lead classes once a month for those with epilepsy.

It is starting to feel like people are more attracted to our group. I always say this, but one step at a time. During the week I got nervous because I wasn't being that productive but then yesterday, everything changed. We can't have everything happen at once, right? :-)

After that, I met up with a college student named Jonathan who happens to be from Phoenix, AZ and studies at Boston College. He is studying abroad here in Puebla and is returning home on Tuesday. Then in January, he's going to Cuba for his next study abroad experience. Before coming to Mexico, he studied for a bit in Bolivia. Amazing, right? I'm thankful for having made a new friend.

Then on Saturday night, I met up with my wonderful friends. We all started talking about our Christmas plans. I'm excited to experience Christmas here. I don't know if I've said this already, but I'm planning on going to Tres Valles, Veracruz with my friend Mauro to celebrate Christmas and learn about the traditions here. I'm always up for new experiences.


Thanks for reading this. Keep enjoying your weekend everyone!!!!