lauging

I just totaled my spendings for the last several days and it was a shock to see everything that I´ve done represented in the space of five days. I feel like I´ve been gone for a month at least. Even though I´m on the same continent, I feel a world away.
I´ve spent the past several nights bumming at a friend´s place (the other guys on STINT) because our apartment isn´t quite ready yet. We´ve been trying to figure out how to move around the city, order food without getting sick, and get along with fourteen friends in close quarters. Most days have had some traingin involved. Every day has been a different advenure trying to do something simple like make a deposit in the bank. Our big, loud, laughing group of white people is pretty conspicuous, especially when we´re all holing maps and staring up at the street signs.
Today was the first day of language school (and the first of thirteen nights living with ten people in one house), and it seemed pretty good - I hope it gets a little more challenging soon (school, that is), but I think I´m going to try to capitalize on the chance to learn vocabulary without feeling like I´m drowning in a sea of strange sounds. Also, we don´t have tests, so my only impetus for learning is my (earnest) desire to be able to speak, understand, and enjoy the Spanish Language.
Getting used to a new culture is going to be a lot of fun - I´m having to weed out some of my "North African" habits like giving a cheek peck with a handshake, which is okay for girls here, but NOT for guys. The food is magnificent, even though we´ve mostly eaten out. And I´m not sick ...yet, so Mexico is still fun. I´m eager to unpack my suitcase and get into a routine of campus ministry.
Please be praying for the continued unity and health of our team - we´ve got one guy on the way back from a stomach nastiness, but the rest of us are still pretty healthy (not that the girls would tell me if they weren´t). Also pray that we would keep our purpose of sharing the gospel in the forefront of our minds - it´s been pretty easy to get distracted by finding food and getting sleep.