I have always thought I was a good communicator, which of course is the problem. Anytime we’re good at something, it makes it harder to learn.
I have made presentations and conducted training in a room filled with hundreds of people, once with standing room only. My expertise was men and family planning, the needs of young fathers, and the role of routine HIV testing in a reproductive health setting. Maybe if I had a PowerPoint presentation I could communicate better, LOL.
Sunrise near our property.
The trouble is, I don’t usually know there’s a problem until it hits me upside the head. Have you ever had a conversation with someone, a co-worker, spouse or one of your kids and felt like you were each speaking a different language? It’s like that here, because we ARE! Even someone who has a reasonable command of English, doesn’t really. It’s the same with my Spanish. It’s about so much more than words.
We’re trying to build a house. We are unfamiliar with the procedures in Mexico. As foreigners, the bank holds title to our property, even though it’s paid for. We must give the bank power of attorney to sign all kinds of documents to get permission to build. It’s the way things are done. This week I felt like I was living in that old Abbott and Costello routine, “Who’s On First”. It helps to have a sense of humor, but frustrating when the house we thought we’d be living in by now, hasn’t started construction. Not by a long shot.
While I realize this sounds like complaining and breaking the “no complaining in paradise” rule, I hope it isn’t. I love where I live. The process may be moving along at a snail’s pace but it’s moving. This week I sat on our soon to be neighbor’s patio and looked at where our house will stand. I looked at the lake and listened to the birds and could visualize living right here. I could FEEL it.
The view from our dock.
Folks ask often how the house is coming along and I have avoided discussing it. The answer is slowly, very slowly, often due to a failure to communicate.
the adventures of dos tortas 
I love your attitude! And I hope you can begin building your dream soon…
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Thanks L. It’s the only attitude that keeps me happy!
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Yes it can be slower than slower. 3 years for us now and only 10% left. There is no manana as manana can mean now, tomorrow or forever. It will come together!
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Yes it will.
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The sunrise photo is exquisite. The construction of your home will be a fabulous experience in learning and growing. Love you – Kathy
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Thanks Kathy, it sure has been a stretch.
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You’re building a house in one of the most beautiful and pristine places in Mexico. Keep in mind that if it were easy and simple to do so, it wouldn’t be such a desirable place because by now it would be another overbuilt version of Cancun to the north. : )
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Always good to remember. And you are so right.
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When it’s done you will forget the months of frustration and just smile.
Sent from my iPad
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You are so right Nancy. And we get to live here NOW while we wait. Doesn’t get any better.
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It will eventually happen, and you will have your home, just as dreamed.
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Yes Emilie, I believe we will and it will likely be better than we dreamed. Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude.
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What a grand adventure….a continuation of, that is. You have just the right attitude and gratitude. You go, girls!
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Thanks Nancy. Glad you stopped by. You need to bring your happy @$$ for a visit girl.
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I know! I know! I’d love to come visit!!! Can I bring my pony too? LOL!
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Once in college, my Indian professor of World Religions told me my thinking was good, but, I was too hasty. To be American is to be hasty. Dream of your house. Envision. Enjoy the journey.
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Yes, cultural differences make a huge impact on communication. USers are notoriously impatient.
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