If it bugs you, bug me

Well today after Sacrament meeting we decided to make a little trip across the border to visit Mexico. It wasn't really that interesting. There are a lot of little stores that sell cheap crap to any sucker who wants to buy something that is made in China or some Mexican home. It is always a humbling experience to walk around a third world country and see all that people have to go through just to survive. Many times, I complain that I can't go on some trip across the country or something a little more extravagant, but many of these people are selling whatever they can just to put food on their table. I was going to buy myself a sweet belt buckle, but didn't find anything of great interest. My friend, Mike, bought some little pinatas for his kids. At times, I felt like a black hearted jerk because I had to tell all of these old ladies and cute little Mexican kids that I had no change to give them.

 

Nuevo Progresso is an interesting little border town. There is about one street that is lined with various stores that offer stuff to potential buyers. About 60% of the stores are pharmacies and dentists. A lot of people came over here to buy their medicines at a price that is almost half the price that it is in the US. They also offer a bunch of different cheap dental services. Maybe it's just me, but I won't ever get my teeth worked on in a foreign country, nor get a tatoo. Anyways, it was nice to feel like I was back in Brasil, but it wasn't that interesting.

Well everbody,

 

I am currently situated about 3 miles from the US/Mexico border and I have never felt so lost in America as I do now. Even though I am in the good ol United States of America, everytime I drive down the road I feel as if I am in a completely different country. Everything around me is in Spanish and has that South America feel to it. I guess it is hard for me to explain what that is like, but those who have been to any South American knows what that feeling is like. I have been really surprised at how much Spanish I can understand, even though at times i wish that I was able to speak with them. But for right now, I get a kick out of listening them talk about me. Silly Mexicans!!

 

It has been interesting to be living here in Southern Texas and to talk to people about their lives. Most of the people here were either born here in the US or they are here legally, but I have met a few people who are awaiting citizenship. This one guy was supposed to go take his citizenship test in Oct. 2001, but because of the Sept. 11 attacks, he is still waiting for citizenship. Something cool happened today in the Rio Grande Valley and I was unable to participate. Pres. Bush made a brief visit to this area to talk about the immigration reform and what not. I think that it would've been a great experience to witness. A lot of people were so interested in what he had to say because it is something that they witness on a daily basis.

 

Speaking of illegal immigration, I was talking to this guy who works with the border patrol. I began asking him if he likes his job and he told me that he did, except when the gov't gets involved. Continuing with the conversation, he said that the latest mistake that the gov't made was to send the National Guard down to the border. According to this guy, the National Guard isn't really allowed to do much. They pretty much man the cameras and lok intimidating. The border patrol ends up baby sitting the National Guardsmen. Intersting piece of insider information that I got this week.

 

That is it for now, I think. I will be in contact until I come home. Love, Peace and Chicken Grease

It is great to be back in the technology world again. I sure hope that it doesn't happen again. I just wanted to express my happiness that this summer is almost over. I have never been so tired in my whole life and all the days mix into one. I just can't wait to get back to the wonderful land of Logan where i don't have to worry about killing bugs everyday for 12 hours. Anyways, only 3 more weeks until I get back to the west.

Just to let you all (Aaron especially) I will be changing locations and I believe that the place I am going to be living in will not have an internet connection. So don't be leaving any negative comments on my space.