It's Cinco De Mayo!!! WARNING!!!!!! IT's a NOVEL!!!
I can't help but feel so excited for today! Cinco de Mayo means different things for Cheryl. The younger Cheryl loved Cinco de Mayo because it meant we got to have tacos and loud dancing music playing in the quad in elementary school. It meant that we talked about people like Cesar Chavez and the rights that he was able to win for his people.
As a High School student Cinco De Mayo meant more things, It meant that my Spanish teachers Dressed up in their native costumes and we watched "Mrs. Patino" dance her heart out! fresh tortillas, and Hot Latin guys imported to dance for us... HOLLar. I had allot of Hispanic Friends and I'm grateful that they always were true to their culture. I ate the most amazing food and would frequently look around the room being the only "white" girl around. I learned to laugh at my self Allot.
Most of you know that I went to BYU right out of high school- like litterally days after graduation. I think that's what saved my life. I think when I got to BYU I still had a blood alcohol level and I for sure woke up with a belly ring- thank you Amy and Jen for stopping me from getting the tattoo... Seriously. the scar of a belly ring is much better than what ever it was I thought was so vital to get tattooed on me that night.
Anyway, after a year in Utah, and at BYU I had changed. I wasn't that girl anymore, and I really missed my Hispanic Friends. Being around so many white people wasn't something I had ever done before, the culture was so weird here, and to be honest I wanted to go home. So after a year or so at "college" I went home to Bakersfield California.
A few things that people don't always know about Bakersfield is that it is infiltrated with a HUGE immigrant population. HUGE. Our economy was based on agriculture, and based on the season citrus, or grapes you can feel the influx of people. I literally had 3 close Friends in High School that were White, and like 10 Really Really Close Friends (BFF's) were English was not the first language. I think because of this, my few of politics and social systems are very different than that of any one else in the United States.
Going back home from Utah, I went to a community college (SHOUT out BC) and declared I was a Chicano Studies Major (the study of US born Mexican Americans) My brother was a professor of Politics at the same school, and I remember having some very heated conversations about the immigration policy and "liberal" attitude I had adapted to. I was the only White member of the M.E.Ch.A Club (props to anyone that knows what that means... seriously. especially out side of Cali, you are cool if you are living in Utah and can tell me what that means)
I was blown away by the history and amazing Heroism that was shown by "our" Hispanic fore-fathers. I was put in many "interesting" conversations taking allot of heat for what white men have done which is fair enough. Natives to California were subjected to allot when "my people" decided to head that direction. (Little do they know my people actually came from England on the Mormon Trail and were persecuted a bit too. My grandmother lost 3 kids over the ocean then walked across the United State bare foot so she could practice religion freely, but lets focus on our Friends south of the border today) My dad being the CFO of a major Vineyard put me in an interesting position. I took classes about the big corporations taking advantage of the cheap labor of illegals and the social issues that this oppression caused then I realized my DAD was the man who was literally responsible for allot of the complex social issues we were out to solve. OK so that's allot of responsibility to place on one man's shoulder- the issues really are so complex, However, lets imagine for a minute men standing up for another mans HUMAN rights. can you imagine the change in the world?
I was in my Chicano History Class, first semester. Mr. Torres, my professor stood up in front of the class and presented the history of Meso-America. He presented the Toltec people, Aztec's, Inca's and some of the greatest civilizations that the world has ever seen. I was touched by the words Mr. Torres spoke, and knew that what he was saying was true. At the end of the lecture when Torres started to address the Spanish Inquisition he mentioned the symbolism of Jesus Christ in the history of those people. There were certain things that the cultures had in common that all pointed to the truth that Christ had been Among those people.
At this point in the lecture Mr. Torres stopped the class and asked if anyone in the room was Mormon. Here in Utah this isn't a big deal right? Back home in Cali, admitting your Mormon is sometimes opening your self up to much degrading, and awkward situations. I am not going to lie. I almost didn't say anything. I hesitated. Then after a couple seconds I Lifted my arm and looking around I noticed not only was I the only Mormon, but I was the only "white" girl in the room. 2 direct hits.
Surprisingly, Mr Torres continued the conversation by saying something like this; "you Mormons have a book that teaches your people that Christ was on the American Content right?" and I said "yes, that's right, the Book of Mormon" Mr Torres said, "Mormon was a prophet that keep sacred record on gold plates right and then it was put in a book form for all to read?" and I said hesitantly "right" (at this point I'm just waiting to get slammed... and have to drop the class) BUT Mr Torres said "MAYBE THE MORMONS HAVE IT RIGHT AFTER ALL, they are the ones that teach Christ was here in America, and no one else teaches that."
Mr Torres went on to talk about how the inquisition affected the people of Mexico and how Mexico at the same time of America was built up and even at one point had a Constitution. The difference was that "the Church" was behind Mexico and the people were oppressed, where in the newly formed "United States" religious freedom was emphasised. The great test of time... Catholics VS. Protestants. Freedom to be Educated, and Enlighten Vs. Oppression and might I add "Communism" (big argument to make however I'm prepared if any one would like to challenge my thought process GAME ON.)
I learned allot of things in that class room that day. I Learned for the first time in my life everything I had been taught about the Book of Mormon, the ancient civilizations could also be intellectually evaluated as well as spiritually. (I fear being manipulated by "feelings" sometimes) I learned that I knew the solution for Mr Torres's longing for his ansestors and his heritage, I knew the name of his great Grand Fathers, and I knew where they came from. Lets start with Lehi, and then Nephi, throw in some Mormon's and Moroni's and Bam his family history is done) I learned I was so grateful to be part of a religious organization that deeply values education, and even promotes that. I sat in a room with the remnants of a people who truly had no idea of their GREAT heritage. I learned I liked Chicano History more than the usual Us history CRAP we were feed. The history of the United States is so much more than memorizing dates and names. It's people, and it's the lessons we can use to integrate into our lives to be better people.
I think the biggest lesson I had been taught by Mr. Torres that day was that I knew my life would change forever. I learned I'd be serving the posterity of those great civilizations for the rest of my life. I learned that most of my Friends, and experiences I had in my life up to that point was pointing me in a direction to serve the Hispanic community for the rest of my life. I knew at that moment I would some how learn to speak Spanish, and I knew I would serve them on a mission.
I knew this so strongly that when it came down to figuring out classes I would need to take to finish my degree I purposely put off the Spanish classes because I KNEW with out a doubt I would come home from a mission and test out of them, so why waste your time now right?
I went on my mission (barely, I think any one around during that time would agree that it was the HARDEST thing I have ever done). Fittingly I was called to Serve in Nashville Tennessee, Spanish speaking. Being engaged when the call came, I didn't even open it. My sister Ceri and her fiance at the time Jerry (now husband) came to my work and my sister opened my call right there in Beverly's craft store (she wasn't about to let me have a big white envelope laying around the house). I wanted to go to Italy SO badly. I watched the called to sever video probably everyday for that last year of my life, and the red head was sent to Italy (yes that is what I based my Mission Knowledge on- called to serve video) When she said "Nashville, Tennessee" I thought to my self "Hooray I'm going foreign, where's Tennessee..." I was completely clueless. Completely. However, I looked at the paper after a few moments and then realized it said Spanish speaking. I knew at that point I was not getting married... No way that guy had a chance.
As I learned the language, my heart was touched and molded in ways I can't express. I knew what I was doing would literally change generations to come and I took my role as an ambassador for Christ very seriously. Lets us not be confused, I still had a party when ever I could, but I knew my purpose of the service and I knew the eternal importance of my decision. Language never was a struggle for me. I don't know if it's because I had grown up around people who spoke Spanish, or if it's cause my brothers spoke it to me (usually inappropriate words, but those came in handy too) But I never struggled with Spanish. I knew that if I loved those people and understood my mission as Christ representative the rest would fall into place, and it did.
Don't get me wrong every missionary struggles. My struggles were in other areas, but the language and people were never an issue for me. Love is step one and I had that one down.
I can't help but feel so excited for today! Cinco de Mayo means different things for Cheryl. The younger Cheryl loved Cinco de Mayo because it meant we got to have tacos and loud dancing music playing in the quad in elementary school. It meant that we talked about people like Cesar Chavez and the rights that he was able to win for his people.
As a High School student Cinco De Mayo meant more things, It meant that my Spanish teachers Dressed up in their native costumes and we watched "Mrs. Patino" dance her heart out! fresh tortillas, and Hot Latin guys imported to dance for us... HOLLar. I had allot of Hispanic Friends and I'm grateful that they always were true to their culture. I ate the most amazing food and would frequently look around the room being the only "white" girl around. I learned to laugh at my self Allot.
Most of you know that I went to BYU right out of high school- like litterally days after graduation. I think that's what saved my life. I think when I got to BYU I still had a blood alcohol level and I for sure woke up with a belly ring- thank you Amy and Jen for stopping me from getting the tattoo... Seriously. the scar of a belly ring is much better than what ever it was I thought was so vital to get tattooed on me that night.
Anyway, after a year in Utah, and at BYU I had changed. I wasn't that girl anymore, and I really missed my Hispanic Friends. Being around so many white people wasn't something I had ever done before, the culture was so weird here, and to be honest I wanted to go home. So after a year or so at "college" I went home to Bakersfield California.
A few things that people don't always know about Bakersfield is that it is infiltrated with a HUGE immigrant population. HUGE. Our economy was based on agriculture, and based on the season citrus, or grapes you can feel the influx of people. I literally had 3 close Friends in High School that were White, and like 10 Really Really Close Friends (BFF's) were English was not the first language. I think because of this, my few of politics and social systems are very different than that of any one else in the United States.
Going back home from Utah, I went to a community college (SHOUT out BC) and declared I was a Chicano Studies Major (the study of US born Mexican Americans) My brother was a professor of Politics at the same school, and I remember having some very heated conversations about the immigration policy and "liberal" attitude I had adapted to. I was the only White member of the M.E.Ch.A Club (props to anyone that knows what that means... seriously. especially out side of Cali, you are cool if you are living in Utah and can tell me what that means)
I was blown away by the history and amazing Heroism that was shown by "our" Hispanic fore-fathers. I was put in many "interesting" conversations taking allot of heat for what white men have done which is fair enough. Natives to California were subjected to allot when "my people" decided to head that direction. (Little do they know my people actually came from England on the Mormon Trail and were persecuted a bit too. My grandmother lost 3 kids over the ocean then walked across the United State bare foot so she could practice religion freely, but lets focus on our Friends south of the border today) My dad being the CFO of a major Vineyard put me in an interesting position. I took classes about the big corporations taking advantage of the cheap labor of illegals and the social issues that this oppression caused then I realized my DAD was the man who was literally responsible for allot of the complex social issues we were out to solve. OK so that's allot of responsibility to place on one man's shoulder- the issues really are so complex, However, lets imagine for a minute men standing up for another mans HUMAN rights. can you imagine the change in the world?
I was in my Chicano History Class, first semester. Mr. Torres, my professor stood up in front of the class and presented the history of Meso-America. He presented the Toltec people, Aztec's, Inca's and some of the greatest civilizations that the world has ever seen. I was touched by the words Mr. Torres spoke, and knew that what he was saying was true. At the end of the lecture when Torres started to address the Spanish Inquisition he mentioned the symbolism of Jesus Christ in the history of those people. There were certain things that the cultures had in common that all pointed to the truth that Christ had been Among those people.
At this point in the lecture Mr. Torres stopped the class and asked if anyone in the room was Mormon. Here in Utah this isn't a big deal right? Back home in Cali, admitting your Mormon is sometimes opening your self up to much degrading, and awkward situations. I am not going to lie. I almost didn't say anything. I hesitated. Then after a couple seconds I Lifted my arm and looking around I noticed not only was I the only Mormon, but I was the only "white" girl in the room. 2 direct hits.
Surprisingly, Mr Torres continued the conversation by saying something like this; "you Mormons have a book that teaches your people that Christ was on the American Content right?" and I said "yes, that's right, the Book of Mormon" Mr Torres said, "Mormon was a prophet that keep sacred record on gold plates right and then it was put in a book form for all to read?" and I said hesitantly "right" (at this point I'm just waiting to get slammed... and have to drop the class) BUT Mr Torres said "MAYBE THE MORMONS HAVE IT RIGHT AFTER ALL, they are the ones that teach Christ was here in America, and no one else teaches that."
Mr Torres went on to talk about how the inquisition affected the people of Mexico and how Mexico at the same time of America was built up and even at one point had a Constitution. The difference was that "the Church" was behind Mexico and the people were oppressed, where in the newly formed "United States" religious freedom was emphasised. The great test of time... Catholics VS. Protestants. Freedom to be Educated, and Enlighten Vs. Oppression and might I add "Communism" (big argument to make however I'm prepared if any one would like to challenge my thought process GAME ON.)
I learned allot of things in that class room that day. I Learned for the first time in my life everything I had been taught about the Book of Mormon, the ancient civilizations could also be intellectually evaluated as well as spiritually. (I fear being manipulated by "feelings" sometimes) I learned that I knew the solution for Mr Torres's longing for his ansestors and his heritage, I knew the name of his great Grand Fathers, and I knew where they came from. Lets start with Lehi, and then Nephi, throw in some Mormon's and Moroni's and Bam his family history is done) I learned I was so grateful to be part of a religious organization that deeply values education, and even promotes that. I sat in a room with the remnants of a people who truly had no idea of their GREAT heritage. I learned I liked Chicano History more than the usual Us history CRAP we were feed. The history of the United States is so much more than memorizing dates and names. It's people, and it's the lessons we can use to integrate into our lives to be better people.
I think the biggest lesson I had been taught by Mr. Torres that day was that I knew my life would change forever. I learned I'd be serving the posterity of those great civilizations for the rest of my life. I learned that most of my Friends, and experiences I had in my life up to that point was pointing me in a direction to serve the Hispanic community for the rest of my life. I knew at that moment I would some how learn to speak Spanish, and I knew I would serve them on a mission.
I knew this so strongly that when it came down to figuring out classes I would need to take to finish my degree I purposely put off the Spanish classes because I KNEW with out a doubt I would come home from a mission and test out of them, so why waste your time now right?
I went on my mission (barely, I think any one around during that time would agree that it was the HARDEST thing I have ever done). Fittingly I was called to Serve in Nashville Tennessee, Spanish speaking. Being engaged when the call came, I didn't even open it. My sister Ceri and her fiance at the time Jerry (now husband) came to my work and my sister opened my call right there in Beverly's craft store (she wasn't about to let me have a big white envelope laying around the house). I wanted to go to Italy SO badly. I watched the called to sever video probably everyday for that last year of my life, and the red head was sent to Italy (yes that is what I based my Mission Knowledge on- called to serve video) When she said "Nashville, Tennessee" I thought to my self "Hooray I'm going foreign, where's Tennessee..." I was completely clueless. Completely. However, I looked at the paper after a few moments and then realized it said Spanish speaking. I knew at that point I was not getting married... No way that guy had a chance.
As I learned the language, my heart was touched and molded in ways I can't express. I knew what I was doing would literally change generations to come and I took my role as an ambassador for Christ very seriously. Lets us not be confused, I still had a party when ever I could, but I knew my purpose of the service and I knew the eternal importance of my decision. Language never was a struggle for me. I don't know if it's because I had grown up around people who spoke Spanish, or if it's cause my brothers spoke it to me (usually inappropriate words, but those came in handy too) But I never struggled with Spanish. I knew that if I loved those people and understood my mission as Christ representative the rest would fall into place, and it did.
Don't get me wrong every missionary struggles. My struggles were in other areas, but the language and people were never an issue for me. Love is step one and I had that one down.
On a day like today, Cinco de Mayo, I reflect on all of these experiences that I've had. I reflect on the feelings I have had, and still have. I reflect on those values and core beliefs I hold to so strongly. I am grateful for Chicano Holidays. As an American, I believe that it is the mixture of cultures and beliefs, and honoring the hero's of those cultures can bring us nothing but a better understanding of who we are individually, and as citizens of this world. I think Days like these are great opportunities to reflect on what it is we hold dear, and then Share that with those around us so they have the option to experience our joys with us.
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