And the gratitude comes from the people here. They are friendly, helpful, and kind. Everyone here works hard just to survive.
Recently the Mexican government raised the national minimum wage from $4.25 to $4.70 cents a day. Yes, you read that right: $4.70 cents a day. About what we Americans spend on a latte or a trip through a fast food restaurant if we're lucky enough to get by that cheap.
Yet, somehow they get by. Some work two jobs. Others start small businesses selling everything from handmade jewelry to flowers to fruits and vegetables at the intersections on busy streets.
Also, they seem to have larger social networks than Americans, family to depend on when things get tough financially or when they're between jobs.
They also don't take life quite as seriously as we do and spend less time keeping up with their neighbors in terms of having the best house or the newest car. Their relationships seem to mean more to them than the things they can acquire.
They seem to wear life more loosely and are quick to find humor in most everything - qualities that I admire.
