Hi Tina Marie, can you introduce yourself, and tell us about your projects in Mexico?
I am an active mom of four. Our family has lived in Mexico for three years. We homeschool, travel, and perform missionary work. I love photography and writing, so I try to blog about our adventures.
Why did you choose to live in Mexico?
We moved to Mexico to live a simpler life on less money with less stress. We also do missionary work, and many Mexicans enjoy the English language.
How were your first steps in the country? Was it difficult to find accomodation and to integrate with the mexican society?
We integrated into Mexico pretty easily. Our friends, who are part of our local Bible congregation in Mexico found us a home before our move, and those same friends helped us settle in the community. Having the same beliefs with the people who surround you, honestly, makes moving or traveling anywhere easier for us.
What does your everyday life look like in Mexico? Is the rhythm completely different to the US?
Oh my, is it ever! The life in Mexico is much slower than the US life. This makes life much more tranquilo and thus better for your health! With this in mind we still are a high intensity family with four kids, two cats, and a giant dog. We are always busy but at least we are doing what we love.
Mexico is a large country, which part have you seen, and prefer?
I don't know yet because I haven't seen it all! Mexico is beautiful and diverse. So much more than cactus and desert. We live in the mountains, and I love all the green trees and the temperate climate. The ocean is gorgeous as well. We have been to several parts. The downside about the shore is the heat. My husband can't take it.
How would you describe mexican culture? What surprised you?
Culture is like color. It adds rainbows to our life. That doesn't mean we always have to like it or agree with it but you must accept the fact that you can't change it. For example, we love the slower lifestyle, but we don't agree with the machismo attitude. We have to adapt. Every country has it's own culture and that is a little mind-boggling! Think of all we can learn.
As a mother of four kids, how would you describe the mexican education system?
My knowledge on this is limited because we homeschool our children. However we did try putting Sawyer, our five-year-old, in public school for six months, and it didn't work. Unfortunately, the public schools don't have enough government support, and are pretty poor. They couldn't manage our hyperactive kid and couldn't communicate with him. We were hoping they would help him learn Spanish but the system would need more funding and more teachers. I hear private schools are better. Many of them are bilingual. But I really don't know for sure.
Mexico is often seen as a violent and dangerous country, could you give us your expat point of view?
We have lived here for three years in two cities of Michoacan. We have never been harassed (besides a policía looking for a small bribe), or felt like we were in danger. We don't shelter ourselves either. We drive throughout the country and our missionary work takes us to all parts of the city. Rich and poor. Crime is here but we don't get involved in it, or with people who pursue it. We try to keep our noses clean. You know crime is everywhere. Some countries just hide it better.
Any advices for a soon-to-be expatriate in Mexico?
Of course! Read my blog!
