Days of the Dead in Oaxaca! Fran's progress!

Fran in front of the church at Santa Ana Zegache, restored by the local people under the supervision of the artist Rudolfo Morales.

Fran at the Days of the Dead altar to artist Rudolfo Morales at his home in Ocotlan.

Sand tapete (carpet) in front of the Basilica de Soledad, Oaxaca

Fran and Catrina, after the performance of "Copijcha" at Teatro Macedonia Alcala

 

Hi friends,

Last week Fran and I attended a production of "Copijcha" at the Macedonia Alcala (see clip above), and then we went for a day trip with David to Velasco, Zegache and Ocotlan.  She hasn't seen any of the surrounding ruins or pueblos, so I am going to try and gradually introduce her to the rich heritage that surrounds her in Oaxaca.

Fran continues to excel in her school work and to impress her teachers.  She tells me she is among the top 5 or so people in her class in terms not only of grades, but of turning in her work dependably and keeping up with all the requirements.  She is putting a lot of time and energy into her calculus class and it is really paying off -- that includes attending evening classes at the Learning Center, participating in a study group several times a week, and disappearing into her room for many hours to study.  She seems to have a boundless appetite for learning.
 
I am leaving for the States on December 11 and will return on December 30.  Fran will be here except for a few days to visit her family.  Marisol will be going to Mexico City around the 20th of December for about 3 weeks, so it looks like Fran will have the place to herself for 10 days, minus the time she is with her family.  Leeann and Steven will be visiting during that time, and so Fran will not be completely on her own.  During their visit they will sit down with me to help work out a budget covering at least the next year.  We will let you know what Fran needs to get her through this period.

Fran gets 2 months off school, and I am trying to find an opportunity for her to spend the month of January learning English.  This week I will be checking if she can attend the English class at the Oaxaca Library 4 days per week, which would be the most reasonable (financially) alternative.  I have my fingers crossed that Jay, the teacher, will not be on vacation.  Fran still does not speak a word of English because she has been putting all her energy into her other classes. 

She is still enjoying her new glasses, and realizing how much she wasn't seeing without them!  Sometimes a little thing can change your life!

If you are new to the blog and would like to contribute to Fran's education, I have periodically posted information about the Oregon Credit Union where she has her education account.  Or you can contact me by leaving a message on the blog.

Until next time....