Tierra de Verano update and USA errand offer

[Jzmackenzie]

I - Jacquie Mackenzie at Tierra de Verano - was gone to the USA 15 days this time. Scheduled about once a month. I am willing to take mail that needs special attention or other small errands for people living in GTO.

I was in Dallas for a TV appearance and two very successful speeches, all related to the book. The Chicago to visit my daughter, Diana, and son in law, Dave, as Diana was in the Mrs. International contest. We had four years of face-to-face "catching up" to do. I was able to connect with two women from the American Library Association - Chicago is their headquarters. Got some very good advice as we are about to print hardback and need help knowing what the libraries need. Back in Dallas I made two more outstanding connections to help promote the book.

My husband Don and "sister of the soul" Jolene picked me up in Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico last night about 7pm - a full two hours after the driver told me we would arrive. It's so typical that three "unscheduled" stops were made by the side of the road. Additionally, two long meal breaks were taken in the 26-hour ride (only $111) from Dallas, Texas.

There was no stop for inspection at the Mexico border. The young driver walked deeply into the bus and took a charming Mexican grandmother on his arm. It was 1:30am as they strolled across the border station to the red and green light. She pushed the random choice button and "GREEN" appeared. The whole bus cheered as she return, again escorted by the gentleman who was also our bus driver.

The second biggest joy on the bus is getting to know the passengers. I have always been the only Gringo on the border runs. We had twelve children under twelve years of age on this trip. Not a one ever screamed, ran down the isle, or did anything else we'd expect to see with USA-grown children two years to twelve years of age after 24-hours in a bus seat. They were each very polite, quiet, and respectful of others space and privacy.

I met Lupie yesterday when we boarded the bus for our 26-hour ride from Dallas to Central Mexico. Lupie shared with me that she had spent an entire year with her husband. He just finished his 35th year of working in Texas in order to support the family. She has lived all her married life in Central Mexico where she raised their three children. Her children are now grown and she has a beloved granddaughter, but her heart still aches because she lives so far from her husband. We shared time talking on the bus and shared our two meals together. As always, I am honored to be around Mexican mothers. They take so much hardship in stride.

Cooperation instead of segregation is fruitful for everyone. It seems clear to me that we US residents need to take some responsibility for creating jobs in Mexico instead of taking no responsibility for creating a market for drugs. Perhaps, if more honest paid work went to Mexico instead of China, Tailand or Japan there might be fewer people risking their lives to create or transport drugs to fill the destructive habits of too many US residents. If jobs were available in Mexico, fewer people might be crossing the boarder looking for employment. There is an opportunity for a niche movement in a positive direction.

All is fine here at home. My next trip is planned for 17 days from now. Today, Jolene and I have children coming for equine therapy - back to normal.