Endings and New Beginnings

I can't believe my time in Cuernavaca is almost over. This week is our finals week. I took my Grammar test on Tuesday and did OK. I'll have my final grade today sometime. Not sure what that will be like. I take the Literature test today and then the school is giving us a goodbye party and taking us to a traditional Mexican comida. I'm excited.

While this adventure is ending, a new one (or two or three) will be beginning. I got the news on Tuesday that I have been accepted into the PsyD. program at George Fox. This is of course contingent on me passing the Psychology GRE in April and paying the $200.00 tuition deposit, but God will provide as always. I am very excited about this program because, as many of you know, I had been wavering between a PhD. and a PsyD. for some time. After much research I discovered that the program at George Fox is a wonderful mix between the two. I will have a be a doctor of Psychology, but I will have much of the experience of a PhD. as well. In other words I will have research experience as well as practical clinical experience. My fifth year of school is an internship. I will have to apply at many APA approved sites, and with my new Spanish skills I will be more valuable to any program and hopefully I won't have to move to another state, which is a posibility. Terry knows this and is supportive, thankfully! I have such a wonderful husband.

Speaking of Terry, we will be looking for a home together shortly after I return. We hope to find a nice place that is somewhere between Newberg and Hillsboro so neither of our commutes will be horrendous. We are excited about this. To re-emphasize, he and I will be celebrating a wedding with everyone to publicly dedicate our lives together on June 15, 2007, shortly after I graduate, god willing, with my bachelors degree in Psychology. I will start the PsyD. program in August or September next year. So, there is another amazing year ahead and it will be more amazing since I have a wonderful husband at my side. Isn't God great? YES!

I'm putting up some pictures, some may or may not be interesting to you. I have been reluctant to play the tourist and take pictures of my neighborhood, but I've been doing that this week. I also finally took a picture of my family! Geeze! Hope you enjoy them!

The first picture is of my brother Alfredo (Fredy) and his girlfriend. People here don't really have names at time, she is just "La novia de Fredy". Next is Billy Joel, he was just a scruff of a pup when I arrived, he's almost a real dog now, making his share of noise in the neighborhood racket. Next Jackie, He is a good watch dog, but sometimes he goes above and beyond! Terry can tell you about that. :)

Next is the street that I walk up to get to downtown Cuernavaca, Terry should recognize it. It doesn't look steep in the picture, but it kind of is. The next is a classic picture of bigger stores, yes, all in one tight space, cars, motorcycles, washers and dryers, and furniture. Not unusual, except, that it's all in one line of sight! The third is of a nativity scene in the Governors palace. Next is Stephanie and Hannah with Florencio (better known as Flor). He sells jewelry and assorted videos and books once or twice a week at school. He sold me a necklace and earings one time. I keep thinking of buying for others but they are soooo large that it's hard to know who would enjoy them. I'm not sure I'll wear what I bought outside of Mexico. :)

Next is the rest of my family. I took them out to dinner at the Italian Restaruant that Terry liked so much. From left to right is: My Mom Carmen, Me, The sister of Becky (another one without a name) My brother Eric, Becky holding Alan Alfredo (almost 5 months old) she is the wife of Leo who is next. :) Fredy couldn't come to dinner because he is a teacher of English and is working on a Christmas project for his kids.

This is probably my last post from Cueravaca, I am not positive. Tomorrow is a free day and then Saturday I am leaving here. Hopefully I will come back. I'll post a closer from Portland rounding things out. For now, please know that your love and support has meant the world to me. Your comments have helped to make me feel close to home even though I have been so very far away. I have the best friends and family I could ever want! Blessings to all!