Exploration 1: Merry Christmas - from New Mexico!

My first visit to New Mexico was during my sophomore year of high school. I moved to Albuquerque two days after my high school graduation. I graduated on a Friday. I checked into the dorm Sunday afternoon. I started my first college classes on Monday. It wasn't so much that I was super smart or eagerly wanted to get college going. It was more because that was my one way ticket out of the small, reservation town that I grew up in and I cashed it in the first chance I had.

I regretted by decision about two weeks into it. I remember getting so homesick. I literally didn't know ANYONE! What was I thinking?! Even my first day of college was rough. I didn't have the resources that would be available in the fall. It was quite a perfect example of "sink or swim." I didn't even have an idea where the dorms were. I remember the taxi dropped me off in front of the UNM book store and I struggling to drag four heavy suitcases, with wheels, all across campus trying to figure out - where in the hell am I going?! Luggage restrictions were still relaxed back then. There's no way I would have come with four suitcases if then was now.

The one thing that I did have in my favor was campus was empty. Because of this, not every building was being utilized, all the craziness that comes with the fall semester wasn't overwhelming me and I wasn't lost in throngs of people. In fact, wherever I didn't show up anywhere people noticed. Also, class was every day which I was used to, having just finished high school, so it wasn't the struggle it later would become after I adjusted to "college life" and it also kept me busy in the day so I had something other to do that wallow in my loneliness.

On the weekends I'd walk across the street to the nearby Blockbuster (remember those) go rent a t.v. series season, stop in at the Papa John's next door then return for a weekend of binge watching. At night, I'd call home.

I can't remember who I was on the phone with around this time when they said, "what you need to do is get a calendar and mark every day you're not home. Number it."

That sounds absurd right? Why would I do that? It seems only to emphasis the fact I'm alone and not at home.

"Just do it."

Periodically that person would call and check in. Before hanging up would ask, "How long have you been away from home?"

The first few phone calls, I didn't even have to look "35", "46". But then came the day when I had to peek, "53." Then came the day when I had to pause to look, "Ummm, hold on....58." Then the day, I estimated, "Oh I dunno, somewhere around 65." Then the day I really just didn't know, "I don't know."

Finally and I don't know when, she quit asking. Just before the fall semester started, she called for one of the last times in a while and she asked about the calendar. "I stopped keeping track," I admitted.

"Tyson. You're fine. You're not homesick. You're fine. Look at your calendar. Every day those numbers meant something to you, you missed home. But the less those numbers became to you, the more you felt at home. You'll be okay."

You know what? She was right. I never forgot that.

Then came the fall semester and the beautiful journey that followed. Next to the people I grew up with, New Mexico is where I made some of the longest, most meaningful relationships that I've been blessed with. We'll be celebrating around 15 years of friendship next year. Yes, I'm that old. lol

My New Mexican family, my mom - Nora, me,
Aunt Ruthie and Uncle Marty.

The state motto is, "Land of Enchantment" but the locals place a twist on it, "Land of Entrapment" hinting at the fact New Mexicans don't really leave - born here, live here, die here. When we are young I think we all have the perspective that, that is a bad thing. Let me tell you something, as someone who has moved around so much I think people are starting to think I'm in the military, I admire people who find a home and stay there. I think it's gorgeous. It's a blessing that God placed besides me.

I left New Mexico twice. My first time was after my first year of college. It wasn't because I didn't like it here or UNM wasn't for me. I was actually very sad BOTH times. I simply ran out of money for school. I was out of state. I moved to Reno and decided that was a place that I really DIDN'T LIKE and returned the day after I finished the year.

I ran out of money the second time too, but that initiated a whole new journey. Regardless, my heart, a piece of it at least, was in New Mexico and for the first few years I came back annually during Easter. Through a story that I'll save for another day, my adopted mom lives here so I'd come back to spend time with her, but also my adopted aunt. She's Pueblo Native American and according to their tradition, on Easter you go to your aunt's house other wise you turn into a frog. Well, I didn't want that.

Today, well, I am very much her frog. lol

As I walked through the airport yesterday afternoon, I looked at the all to familiar interior of the building, recalling my first impressions so many years ago. I don't know when, but I no longer have that excitement of going somewhere when I come here. Instead, it's been replaced with that comforting realization that you're home.

Never did I think New Mexico would become one of my homes, but it did. A part of me did get trapped here. The land is beautiful. The people are beautiful. The food is delicious. Everything about it is wonderful. I'm glad New Mexico kept a part of me.

My plane was delayed an hour while in Dallas so once I landed there wasn't much time to dilly-dally. My mom picked me up and we dashed right over to pick up my Aunt Ruthie and Uncle Marty. Like most people in my stories, they aren't actually related to me. Back then my mom lived in the part of Albuquerque known as the "South Valley." It's said to be the rough part of Albuquerque. If it is, I've never seen it. Perhaps because I "grew up" there. Ruthie and Marty were my mom's neighbors and they were frequent visitors.

As time went, most of neighborly connections we had faded into the past. But not Ruthie and Marty, they stayed. They were family for it's only family who can really stand the test of time.

From there we darted off to "Pars." A Mediterranean restaurant.

I recorded a snap around this time and when
I explained how we are eating here because
this is "Jesus Food" the table next to me started
laughing with amusement. They hadn't thought of it.
Totally accurate though. I feel like Jesus.
WWJD? He'd eat this! lol

Two years ago another family-like-friend, April, and I spent Christmas here and we ate there Christmas Eve after Ruthie and Marty expressed they did it the year prior.

I know it seems like an odd choice. What American eats Mediterranean on Christmas Eve? The innovative ones, that's who! Our reasoning, well Christmas is about Jesus, right? From birth to death, Mediterranean food IS what Jesus ate. It couldn't be more appropriate.

My first time here I tried to keep it authentic by eating with my hands. This year I tried, but had to use a fork from time to time. I'm going to blame age. lol Regarding my vegetarian journey, it was perfect!

I remember this happened two years ago with April. Back then she was a vegetarian (the Army derailed her.) Our plates varied from Chicken and Lamb, but April ordered one of their many vegetarian dishes. When they arrived, her's looked the most abundant and beautiful. We all oohed over it. Don't get me wrong, all our dishes were well enjoyed, but April's just LOOKED good.

That happened this year. I ordered the "Vegetarian Delight" and when it came, we all laughed as my mom kept finding herself gazing over at my dish.

After we dropped Ruthie and Marty off, we made a quick pass around the neighborhood known for their Luminaria displays. This is real New Mexican tradition. They are simply brown paper bags, weighted with sand with a candle burning inside. However, when placed by the thousands they look breath-taking. According to New Mexican practice, you placed them out and light them on Christmas Eve to light the way for the Baby Jesus.

My first experience was while at UNM during an event called "Hanging of the Greens." Since UNM is closed Christmas Eve and most students leave, to give out of state students (such as myself) the opportunity to experience it, campus hosts their own "Christmas Eve" before the semester concludes. I walked around admiring the designs and beauty of it with my closest friends, three of which survived the time - Sara, Nicole and Morgan.

I ended up returning to Northern Nevada that year on a short Christmas visit to mimic it in my dad's front yard. Nobody knew what I was doing, but they appreciated the small demonstration when complete.

My mom's kitchen table this morning.
I'm currently wearing the sweats she gifted.
They are SUPER soft. I'm just happy to be here
with her.

When we got home, my mom and I watched the first episode of season two of "The Crown." It's a Netflix series. We both love the royal family and got into last year when I was here on extended period for Thanksgiving. Since I was coming again this year, we both waited to engage until we could watch it together.

After she went to bed, I returned to the part of Albuquerque known as Old Town to celebrate midnight Mass, the first Christmas mass, with my friend and priest, Father Andy. Christmas mass is said to be the most beautiful mass of the entire year and it very well might be.

At this point, I came home to realize that I had officially been awake for 24 hours. So I crawled into bed and not long after fell asleep.

This morning I woke up to mom cooking breakfast with a gift in front of me; her yelling at me in the background, "Santa Came!"

This is home and I'm happy to be here for the time that I am. Wherever you are, whoever you are with, I pray that you are in good spirits and finding the joy in not so much Christmas, but just in the company you're in. Nothing is more valuable than our relationships with each other. Always be thankful and always strive to love. I recently heard someone say something that I found rather profound and have worked it into my morning prayers as something of a mantra.

"Aim to live of life of simplicity. A life of generosity. A life of service. A life of welcome and hospitality towards everyone."

From my heart to yours, Merry Christmas.