Middle Earth & Mariposas

First, I just want to apologize for unanswered messages. I am alive! But I have limited access to internet (and am also inefficient by nature). But I will eventually write! I will! Heh hem...

On Saturday, a group of ten of us extranjeros (foreign kids) rode in a van for 4 hours to reach a magical place called Michoacán. As we drove, the desert climate of Guanajuato turned into green farm fields and lush mountains.

Once in Morelia, we drove up steep, steep, scary hills in search of our destination--billions of butterflies who rest there to have babies and frolic until California, Florida and parts of Canada are a little warmer. Our guide told us that this was probably the last week we could see them before they head north. As we climbed higher and higher, we started catching glimpses of butterflies along the sides of the road, among line-drying clothes, and we immediately started trying to snap shots. Little did we know, we'd soon be swimming in them! We reached the summit, and after being bombarded for a few minutes by vendors, we were allowed to hike into the woods to the place where the butterflies were REALLY livin'.

It was incredible. We couldn't even see the leaves on lots of the trees, because there were so many butterflies hanging out in them.

We had to be really careful not to step on the darn things ('twas a challenge indeed!). It was really cool when they just happened to land on us (except when they were mating or when their bodies got tangled in our hair). They really love bright things, it seems! I love that they're not afraid in the least of humans handling them. I think they love it!
Here we are. :)

It was also a day full of heartbreak, though. Before we left in the morning, one of my best friends here, Casey, shared with us that the 24-year-old sister of her boyfriend had been hit by a train and had died the night before. She had a 9-month-old baby and was struggling with schizophrenia--that night, she'd had headphones and hood both on. Casey and her boyfriend, Zane, both returned to Oregon to be with the family and help sort things out. I really can't even imagine experiencing something like that--would you guys please keep them in your prayers? Casey is gone for a week here, and we don't know if her boyfriend will be able to complete his semester in Spain. There is such beauty and such tragedy in this world at once--we experienced some of both on Saturday.

1The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
3There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them,
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
--Psalm 19: 1-6

1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
--Isaiah 43: 1-2