The FM3s!

When we went to apply for our FM3s, Francisco at the Consulate told us we could pick them up in Mexia, Texas. Mexia is a small town east of Waco with a population of about 6,500. The Consulate was having an outreach day at a church there.
We arrived Mexia around 11 a.m. Once we were on the correct street, it was very easy to find the church. Luckily, Francisco had told us we did not have to wait in line, because there were at least a hundred people outside of the church and in the fellowship hall.
Once inside we were waved right over to see Francisco. He was busy helping someone with their Mexican passport. He got our paperwork out, had us sign in the proper places and we were done! As a token of our appreciation, we had brought a box of candy – M&Ms, Starburst and Snickers. Since 8 people from the Consulate had made the trip I’m sure it was appreciated. Francisco told us he would be in Puerto Vallarta for Christmas and has already purchased his plane ticket. We agreed to keep in touch and get together in December. Pictures were taken to commemorate this big event.
As we were leaving I remembered that others mentioned having a fingerprint on their FM3. I went back into the church to ask. Francisco told me that usually the first time you cross the border the immigration official will do the fingerprint. But, he said, I could put it on now if I want. So I put the official right thumb print on the FM3, then Harold went in and did his.
The outreach was from 11 until 3. Numbers were handed out starting at 9, and as of when we were there, 350 numbers had been handed out. We were amazed that in a small town so many people needed the services of the consulate. Driving around Mexia we could tell there is a sizable Hispanic population.
We stopped for lunch at a restaurant called The Farmhouse. Expecting to have chicken fried steak or something similarly Southern, we were surprised to find coconut shrimp on the menu. Served with cole slaw, green beans, rice and some delicious hush puppies it was a good lunch.
Now we have the official documentation to begin the next phase of the Mexican adventure!
Next week, we are off to Myrtle Beach, SC for a vacation with Harold’s sister Debbie. After Myrtle Beach we will spend a few days in Philadelphia.