Different Worlds

Living in Chichihualco, Guerrero is like walking back in time. After living my entire life in the United States of America, I have moved to Mexico with my husband and our two children. Our daily life has completely changed. Making dinner was a huge accomplishment the first couple of weeks here.

Let me help you understand the life here as it really is, not about how you are told by the media. I am currently living in a town called Chichihualco in the state Guerrero. It is about an hour outside of Chilpancingo, which is the state capital. Before getting to Chichihualco, you will be searched by the Mexican military. You will be asked to get out of your car to be searched by 3-4 soliders. Afterwards, you continue your way to the town.

This is one of the checkpoints from afar. You are not able to take photos close up.

Chichihualco doesn't have a grocery store or Walmart. Everything is bought in the local Market. All the vendors live in town and slaughter the meat that morning. You must go in the morning to get the food for the day. If you arrive to late, you will not be able to get meat for the day.

The town doesn't have any parks or activities for children. One family has a pool that you can pay to go swim in and the town has a soccer field. When school is not in session the children work the fields with there family or work in the local stores.

In the middle of the town is a Catholic Church named San Miguel. It has a garden around it which is a gathering spot for people all hours of the day and evening. The Catholic Church is a huge part of the town. The city hall is in the garden of the Catholic Church in the section of town.