Escuelita

Had the last Bible/English school until January at my house on Saturday.  Seven kids came.  Litzy showed up at 8:00 with her puppy Nacho to help me get ready.  I was still in my pajamas.  "Why don't you come back in thirty minutes?" I suggested, since it doesn't start until 9 and even then not until 9:15 or so when the kids actually arrive.  She didn't think it was necessary to leave and come back since she doesn't have a watch.  So, we prepared together--made little diplomas, prepared materials for the craft, swept the garage, moved the table and benches out into the garage. 

When the kids arrived, we played a few games to practice English and talked about the Christmas story.

In Country

Two things I've noticed thus far:

1.) I'm short again.

2.) I can eavesdrop really well. 
"Just calling to say thank you..." "How ya'll doing?" "So I was talking to this security guard.  Not the security security, just one of those ones that helps..." "Uneventful..." "And I was like, what the *, I mean come on.  I'm not putting up with that..." "Were you visiting friends?"

Celebrating Don Cristobal

Had a fun little neighborhood get together at my house last Friday night.  We were celebrating the completion of our neighborhood--the last house is finished--and the neighborhood construction manager, Don Cristobal.  He's also the go-to guy for any problem.  Your sink is linking?  Call Don Cristobal.  Your window broke?  Call Don Cristobal.  Your pila's backed up?  Call Don Cristobal.  There was a break in?  Call Don Cristobal.  He'll fix it.  He's earned the trust and respect of the neighbors, and he has been a good friend to me as well as I've transitioned to living down here.

Thus, Johana and I sent out the invitations and several of the neighbors were able to come.  They brought dobladas and taquitos and tostadas with all of the toppings (beans, salsa, meat, vegetables, cheese), Johana brought the Christmas punch, and I brought the Texas sheet cake.  The neighbors spoke words of appreciation to Don Cristobal, led by the neighborhood president, and Don Victor said the grace and blessing.  I am thankful for my neighbors.

 About 1/4 of my neighbors--but the ones I know the best.  In my garage.

 Don Cristobal and Me

Me and Johana

Christmas at La Senda

I arrived at school yesterday afternoon to see three tables laid out on the porch, Christmas decorations strewn across them.  The La Senda kids were scattered around the various banisters, wrapping them with greenery and fitting the strands of lights among them just so.  The girls diligently checked each strand before putting them in place.   Rosita learned a fun little trick from Lito for fixing the fuses--simply put a piece of copper inside instead, and the lights are as good as new. 

Pam told me the intention was not to start decorating.  But the kids all got mad at her when she suggested they just bring down the decorations from the attic and decorate another day.  Christmas fever has struck.

Dieting

I've been saying I want to diet.  Guess I didn't specify which one.  Somehow the BRAT diet isn't what I had in mind, but it does seem to be a bit more--compelling--to stick to. 

I think I'm on the upside of this, though, so that's the good news. 

The La Senda Kids Are Growing Up

Wow! What an exciting day for La Senda! Geovany graduated from high school this morning—La Senda home’s first high school grad.  He graduated in the field of tourism and has landed a job at Holiday Inn, where he had his practicum. All of the kids made him a gift, and Zucy planned a special dinner and service in his honor. Pam made a delicious lasagna. We sang praise songs with a guest musician, Steve shared a bit, Dorcas and Jefy prayed. Everyone dressed up, and even though it was probably the coldest day that I’ve felt here thus far (I’m guessing in the high 40s or low 50s), we ate outside.


Saturday Samy takes an extremely important test to get into the high school he would like to attend. Please say a prayer for him. If he passes, he gets to follow the career path he’s chosen (they choose it in high school here); if not, he has to come up with another plan for next school year. He’s been studying nearly a month for the test, so pray the knowledge sticks with him. Thanks!

English Camp

The last day of English Camp is tomorrow.  We've had a good two weeks with a small crew of kids who I think have enjoyed themselves.  We've gone on bear hunt, visited where the wild things are, learned the true story of the three little pigs, and fed a very hungry caterpillar.  The kids have played all sorts of games--from parachute to The King Needs to relays--made all sorts of food in the kitchen (dobladas, cookies, tortillas, vegetable boats), and made keepsakes in crafttime.  We've also learned about compassion and the armor of God in devotionals.

Hoping to post pics and videos soon.

Spanish Misspeaks

Well, they keep piling up.  They seem a little more embarrassing in retrospect--in the moment they just provide a good laugh.

-Evidently today I said, "Don't lick me" instead of "Don't call me."  Of course, in this case saying the negative instead of the affirmative is preferable, but it gave my teacher a good laugh nevertheless.
-I told a guy once that he was hot when I was asking about the weather.  To avoid this problem, don't use the adejective "caliente" with the verb "estar."  Instead, use "calor."
-I told my friend Johana that I had dreamed of a man.  What I really meant was that I sounded like a man--my voice was a little hoarse.  Silly tilde and stem-changing verbs (sonar and son[n with a ~]ar).

Live and learn, live and learn.

A Day to Rest

Praise God.  I'm tired.

In Guatemala, today is a holiday--Dia de Los Santos (All Saints Day, or Day of the Dead).  Zucy dropped off fiambre, the traditional dish, for me to eat.  Yummy!  I'll let you know how it is.