Removed

Old Man In the Mountain

So once again my friends we have snow in El Paso. Aren't the mountains beautiful!

Photo Credits: Pepe

El Paso Dictionary Continued #1

El Cucuy- the mexican version of the boogey man, except ur parents can call him to terrorize childeren any time they misbehave, also an alternatize to the word ugly. Example: If u don't behave the Kukuee is gonna get u! Not to be confused with Bon Qui Qui ;) Both are equally as scary but very different.

Elephant Butte- (prounounced BEWT) Not what it seems. A tiny lake (For Northern Americans it would be classified as a large pond) and pretty much the only body of water around here for miles and it is located in New Mexico. Not sure whether or not it counts as it is man made.

Rio Grande- (Words can be deceiving) Very tiny trickle of water which separates Juarez from El Paso. Literally a trickle.

Removed

Removed

Dry Erase Boards

In the Sign Language we are encouraged to use visual images in order to convey thoughts and ideas as much as possible of course. The use of mind-mapping is a necessity if one ever wishes to progress in sign language or wishes for their Bible students to progress as well. One tool that is used exclusively here in El Paso however is the WHITE BOARD! (Dramatic Music plays in the back ground)

These simple blank slates are a staple item at any meeting. For each and every talk these little miracles are put to use. Making for interesting entertainment, including the setting up and displaying of the white board, the writing on the white board, the taking down of the white board, and the white board being carried onto the stage single handedly by a brother half the size of it more or less.

I always expect to hear super hero music and a television commercial voice, (preferably Joe Dawson if you know him) stating, "HAVE NO FEAR WHITE BOARD IS HERE!" Keep in mind that this little invention is not pushed aside in service....in fact it is ingeniously used on Bible studies. This cheap little item turns Bible studies struggling with language barriers (let's face it 50% of our Sign language territory is Mexican Sign only) into full on Bible discussions.

Our Watchtower conductor always asks the young ones in the congregation to draw a small mind mapping scene either from the whole WT or just a paragraph or main point. These drawings are then posted (onto the white board) for all to enjoy and ponder during the WT discussion.

The thing is the effort and time that these brothers put into their parts is so heartfelt and loving. The white board is just a small example of their teaching style differences.

El Paso Dictionary

Tamales: Scrumptious corn husk wrapped packets of deliciousness
Manana: The answer to any question regarding time restraints

CHICO'S TACOS

If you were to ask for something uniquely El Pasoan, then Chico's Tacos is where you would visit. Loved and adored by El Pasoans and N'sync alike this hometown classic was established in 1952 and has made a kaboodle since. It is one of those things however that you love or hate. Chico's Tacos consist of tacquitos filled with a beef mixture, soaked in a tomato soup broth, topped with mild cheddar cheese green chili sauce, and then devoured before your stomach knows what hit it.

Removed

Removed

NEVER SAY NEVER!

So since we've moved here it has been made clear that basically there is only one week of wintery weather in El Paso all together, and this consists of a day or two here and there of colder conditions, light rain, and possibly a flurry or two. Needless to say this winter it appears that El Paso would like to welcome us with open arms and in an effort to make us feel more at home has decided to bestow upon us some of the worst winter weather conditions that most El Pasoans have ever seen.

We awoke to find ourselves blanketed in snow (about two inches which is like a blizzard by their standards). The sound of a light scraping came from the neighbors across the street. I opened my blind to see one of our neighbors on his flat roof top sweeping the snow off of it into the yard in order to avoid water settling and causing leaks. A girl at work informed me that she used a dustpan to scrape the ice and snow from her car this morning. Desperate times call for desperate measures my friends.

We bravely decided to battle the elements and headed out in the ministry. Passing the park up the road we watched amused at the parents out playing in the snow with their children. All kids had a two hour delay today and literally all of El Paso was smiling at the white blessing from the sky. I have never seen such happy people in all my life. You would have thought they had all discovered a great treasure! I just love the people here, smiling even when it is wet and cold!

Then to top it all off I go to work and find a makeshift snow man greeting me at the door. The baristas and a few children got together to make this creature early in the morning. A photo of it is posted. He is very short but then again, why would you expect anything taller. :)