Update

So I am in Austin, still, though I plan to head out to San Antonio, then Brownsville, then Matamoros, San Fernando, Tampico, Poza Rica, Vera Cruz, Coatzacoalcos, Villahermosa, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, Brasil...soon, in the next couple days.

The Canadians will head towards San Antonio as well; one has already departed for Mexico. Perhaps I will attempt to catch up with her.

I have been researching Mexico and contacting people in Mexico. Those in Mexico City have said that things are peaceful there, but probably not as much in Oaxaca. Overall, throughout Mexico, I expect that along the border will be more sensitive because of the immigration as well as the drug-smuggling element. All throughout Mexico, though, I expect that perhaps an increased motivation to obtain posessions from travelers is present. In the very Southern state of Chiapas, which I may pass by to the North, heading towards Belize, because of the ongoing countryside struggle, a higher prevalence of weapons may lead to increased chance of getting assaulted.

However, if I play it safe and smart, I think that risk can be minimized to a reasonable level.

I am trying to contact churches along the way. I contacted one in the city of Matamoros, just across the border from Brownsville. They said to come by when I arrive in town and they will be able to accomodate me. I am also using myspace to get in touch with people my age there in Matamoros and other cities.