...there was a woman sitting at our front door with an IV in her arm and Mamá looking very pleased with herself.
...I realized ballena means whale, not candle.
...Mamá started cracking up and I had no idea why (a frequent occurrence actually).
...everyone was staring at me (this happens any time "americanos" are mentioned).
...I realized we were out of toilet paper in the outhouse.
...she told us there is a hurricane headed for the island.
...it didn't ever stop raining.
...she loved my Spanish (Castillian) accent.
...she hated my Spanish (Castillian) accent.
...she told me my eyes are green...like a cat's (not a good thing).
...the power went out...again.
...the clouds rolled away and the stars were AMAZING.
...she remembered my name.
...she threw mud at me and I felt accepted.
...she grabbed my hand and said "mejor amigas" (best friends).
...I finished my first book in Spanish.
...they taught us Dominican card games.
...we taught them Dutch Blitz.
...we went running with "wild" (not tied-up) horses.
...God opened the doors for me to return for next summer.
To clarify, this was not written in chronological order, but based on what seemed to flow the best. Life was not just crazy and rough at the beginning with everything being roses now. Everyday is crazy, rough, and beautiful all at the same time. There are ups and downs, but overall things are great and I spend more time up than down.
Praises:
- God is good.
- His creation is amazingly beautiful and I've been able to see much of that splendor.
- I'm making friends and connections with people in the community.
- God has prepared a way for me to return in a really exciting position.
Prayer Requests:
- That I have the energy and self-discipline to continue to try to get to know people and practice my Spanish when I'm tempted to just curl up in bed and read.
- That I can continue learning Spanish so that I might better understand what people are saying.
