Love letter to México

Dear Mexico:

My friend, this is my third year in your warm, friendly arms. I live close to one of your grand plazas in the relatively small town of Jocotepec, where berry workers and tienda clerks and butchers and cooks scramble in cars and on motorbikes every morning, and wave at me as I walk my dog. There are smiles and laughter, kids riding so adorable in front and back and between parents and grandparents and siblings to go to school, where the little ones now learn English!

I did not anticipate the freedom and joy my neighbors embody with their laughter, their frank words without agenda or feigned politeness. In my country we call this the “real deal,”  a true compliment. Your peoples are taught respect, courage and kindness through your religious heritage.  True freedom always holds within it a responsibility to the whole; the whole of the community, the welfare of its citizens. It’s what we would call in my country, “a tight family.” Your lands and love create this! I consider your religious heritage a massive part of the beauty of your people.

Only now, after 3 years, do I begin to feel this responsibility for myself and to my local community and my wonderful neighbors. You are my teacher, my friend, and more now than ever, you are my family. I cherish you and yours, and only wish to continue my journey here in your sweet arms, to learn your language better, to know you better and to serve you and the amazing people your love has birthed. My heart and soul are newly born here, and I end this letter of love to you now, with the utmost respect, joy and care.  Wherever I may travel in your land, I will strive to better know you and those you have created inside your sweet borders. Viva Mexico!

Love.