Retro: Flag Bearer
It was a proud moment when, ten years ago today, Hannah had the honour of being the flag bearer at her school, Colegio del Bosque in Cuernavaca. Here she is, getting ready to lead the procession!
Retro
Retro: Lidstones
10 years ago today! We were hanging out at the Casteel’s “castle” in Cuernavaca, and here are some of the people we were hanging out with – Gary and Kim Lidstone! The Lidstones were in Cuernavaca from Canada, working on their Spanish for a little while. If I remember correctly, this was just before they returned to Canada.
This little picture of Gary (above right) is a bonus, from the same day. Whatcha doin’, Gary?
Retro: Kentucky (Style) Fried Chicken!
Ten years ago we were in language school, but we were getting ready for the next step – our “orientation year”. It had not yet been decided where we would move to. So we spent some time visiting Cuautitlan Izcalli (north Mexico City) and Ixtapaluca (SE Mexico City). Next was Texcoco, and the area to the east side of the city, with our friends Rollie and Jo Ann Smith.
So that’s where we were as an extra-long February came to a close. We shot a lot of pictures of the rows and rows and rows of houses in the housing developments in the area (similar to the house we now live in!). I believe the picture below was taken in Los Heroes Tecamac.
(Since this picture was taken on the 29th, I’m posting it one day early!)
Some of these houses were also businesses, such as this one, boasting “Kentucky Style Fried Chicken”! See if you can also find the Victoria beer sign, the Bimbo (bakery) sign, the bicycle cart, the water jugs, and the string of shoes (for sale?):
Retro: Giddyap!
We’re continuing our monthly series of pictures/videos from 10 years ago. This one is a picture. Apparently January 2008 was a big month for birthday parties. Of course, with all their school friends, a lot of months were big for birthday parties!
Anyway, a part of this particular party, for a friend from school, was horseback riding! So, here’s Hannah, ten years ago today!
Retro: MarÃa y José
Well, I just couldn’t resist posting this classic from 10 years ago today. Hannah and Nathanael, all ready for the church Christmas program in Cuernavaca. Hannah as MarÃa, Nathanael as José, and a doll named Susan playing Baby Jesús.
Retro: Elements of the Offering
This is a bit of an unusual retro post, but it does say something about what life was like ten years ago today.
The poster below was put up at our language school in Cuernavaca. It lists the “essential elements” of the ofrenda, the offering to the dead that you’ll see at most schools, homes, churches, and even at many places of business, during the Day(s) of the Dead.
The list itself, which I’ll translate for you below, says a lot about the mixture of pagan, Roman Catholic, and secular ideas that were a part of the celebration then, and now. (Examples: the images of saints – Roman Catholic. The “journey” of the dead – Aztec. The “Catrina” (skeleton figure pictured) – originally a political cartoon, although now has taken on religious meaning.)
It was at language school that we learned that this was for many people the most important and most “Mexican” celebration of the year. We were under tremendous pressure (as were our kids at school) to take part in the offerings to the dead. As far as cultural pressure goes, this is one of the most difficult times of year for Mexican believers.
TRANSLATION: Essential Elements of an Offering and their Significance
- The Altar: Becoming the most important part of the house, it is the table where bread, wine, food, salt, altar candles, incense, toys, candies, fruits, candlesticks, and other elements are placed by family members for the spirits.
- The Altarpiece: Here there are images of saints and a cross, which represent the resurrection and life.
- The Water: Representing the beginning of life.
- Incense: Uniting us to God with prayer.
- The Salt: Because one day we will be salt.
- The Altar Candles: Which guide the steps of the spirits in their journey to eternity.
- The Flowers: Representing the brevity of life.