Tomorrow

Tomorrow is going to be a big day. My new "amigas," are going home. I am thankful for the six days we have had together. Marty needed help photographing the kids and I got to hold the flashlight and shine it into the childrens' eyes to bring out their "sparkle."

Marty's sister, Christine, who is deeply connected to the farm here, has been such a great help in every way. From warning me about the most embarrassing language mistakes to getting me into the village, I was lucky to meet her. She drove me into the city today to stock up on essentials including way more bug spray, coffee, paper, art supplies for the kids, shampoo, food staples for when I can't stomach the cheese-variety protein source here (it tastes sour to me, but some people love it), and more Crystal Light. When I told her I felt guilty for wanting/needing my comfort items, she share with me how important it is to pace oneself when entering a whole new set of cultural and economic norms. She majored in Anthropology and Agriculture (is that right Christina?) and I found every conversation with her fascinating.

But that wasn't the best part of the day. Christina wanted to visit an old friend in Teguc; a woman that had worked for NPH for a long time. (I can't remember her name, of course.) We parked the rental car near her home and suprised her with our visit. The woman was so happy to see Christine and hugged her/held her LA (Latin American) style, which always warms my heart tremendously. I always tell folks right away (or Christina does) that I don't speak Spanish so they know I am not being distant. They are usually super sweet and let me know that they understand with pats on the back and/or grabbing my hand and holding it. We all smile a lot to to compensate for our unshared language skills. I never have to fake it, not yet anyway.

People here tend to enjoy seeing themselves on digital cameras, and sometimes hint that they'd like me to take a photo. They laugh and laugh when they see themselves on the little screen. (Well, either that or the girls put their thumbs down like it's not "bonita." I think these folks were blessed with God's most artistic skills. They are beautiful, in my opinion.

I am stocked with snacks and other items, my list of "must-know" Spanish phrases, and ready to be more independent after Marty and Christine leave tomorrow at 8 AM. I will start the day in the tortilla house and then stroll down to the school to visit the English and music classes if possible.

My next blog will share my hesitation to "bond" with Treisy. . . my new "godchild"