The “camionetta” is the mode of transportation and prized possession  of the campesino. In Chiapas state they are mostly little red pickups with the bed enclosed with corrugated stainless steel sheet on the sides. They are always clean and in good repair reflecting a pride in ownership.  The roof is open so everyone standing in the back can look over the sides or cab and view the scenery as they barrel down the mountainous roads. If it is raining they tie a tarp over the top so everyone stays dry.  Across the top of the cab is lettered a message such as:
God is love
Jesus saves
Jesus is the way
Gift of God
Only God knows my destiny
All we want is God
Thanks to God
Guide me Lord
Lion of Judah
There are many more that I don’t remember or can’t translate readily. Emblazoning a reference to God across the front of their prized possessions indicates to me, that God has a prime position in their lives.

As I study this society, I notice that in some regards it is like what America used to be. I am not saying everything is good about that, but I can’t help take notice how children are more obedient and respectful. The family unit is closer. The reverence towards God. Little evidence of drugs. The lack of crime (and this means when they immigrate to the USA the crime rate goes down where they settle). Abortion is illegal. Everyone values their job and tries to excel at it.  Authority is respected.

My Spanish instructor at the Latin Community Center also instructs the police department in the Spanish language and some cultural sensitivity issues they need to now about. She said when a Hispanic individual is pulled over in a car, he will not look  the officer in the eye. He will look ahead or down as a sign of respect. (I have no doubt that many cops have taken this as a insult requiring a call for backup and some flashlight therapy). I see similarities here when I encounter people younger than me; often I will hear someone say “de donde viene?” but I am unsure who said it and weather they were talking to me, because nobody is looking at me.

To some extent, I am seeing Mexico through rose colored glasses.  Not being fluent in the language I miss a lot of what is going on around me and I am just not too observant. To understand the culture, one needs to be involved in peoples lives, and all my relationships so far have been superficial. I see all the big smiles, but I don’t look far beyond them; but I am beginning to slow down and study things better. My lingual ability, (or LACK of lingual ability) is the big obstacle in getting to know people better.

 With all that being said, it’s still very impressive that I have had zero bad experiences in the months that I have been here. Sooner or later SOMETHING has got to happen that will tarnish the sparkle; however, it doesn’t look like its going to happen this trip, shortly I will be closing the door on Mexico and entering GUATEMALA! I hope its a lot like Mexico.