me and Briseyda(one of the youth in the church)
What a rich last few weeks. Relationally, I've really begun to put down deep roots here. I've had my share of challenges, especially learning how to be vulnerable and honest in a different culture that doesn't always understand me or the way my culture works.
Sara, Elías & friend
(kiddos from the Center)
(kiddos from the Center)
I've begun a neat relationship with a woman named Reina. She's my age or younger, but has a three-year old and an infant. Her job is to clock in the "U" trufi, which is one of the buses that goes through my neighborhood. She's a new Christian in our church, and I've been trying to build a relationship with her for the last 5 months. I keep running into the awkward barrier, where we don't have anything to talk about and it feels fake. On my way home from school last week, I stopped by her clock-in station to say hello, and we talked for an hour and a half! She finally opened up, and is such a delight to be around. I hope she might even become a good friend here.
It's Carnaval now, which means that everyone is fair game for a water balloon or a thorough soaking with a water gun. Yesterday, I was minding my own business, grading papers on my balcony, when a water balloon slammed next to my face. OUT OF NOWHERE! Now I feel like I'm always being watched.
Today, I was locking the gate as we left the house when I got ambushed by a gaggle of boys, armed with super-soakers. There was nowhere to run, to I just turned my back and got a full soaking of my backside. I'm sure there will be many stories to follow, as this is just the beginning of the water madness.
Today, I was locking the gate as we left the house when I got ambushed by a gaggle of boys, armed with super-soakers. There was nowhere to run, to I just turned my back and got a full soaking of my backside. I'm sure there will be many stories to follow, as this is just the beginning of the water madness.
Ann, Drew & Jennymy housemates with the neighbor kids
after a SERIOUS waterfight
I've started up Quechua lessons again, and was thrilled to see that I haven't lost that much over the last two months. The neighborhood where I now live is primarily Quechua, so I get to use my Quechua almost every day. I can now hold a basic conversation with someone in Quechua! ¡Walej walej!
me and Tina (my Quechua teacher)I leave you with this:
Psalm 27:14
Love to each and every one of you.
Kati
"Wait for the Lord;
be strong, take heart
and wait for the Lord."
be strong, take heart
and wait for the Lord."
Psalm 27:14
Love to each and every one of you.
Kati
2 comments:
I'm so happy to see you serving God in a way that fits you so well. It's a blessing to follow your updates. Thanks for sharing!
Katie! Collin said he talked to you today, and it made me wonder how you are doing. It looks like things are going well! I love hearing your experiences and your insights...I admire your faith and your obedience. Oh, and also your scorpion slaying skills. What a gnarly pic.
We're taking Collin out to an Irish pub tonight for his 21st, but don't worry, we won't let him do anything stupid...except I think that at this pub, on your birthday you have to stand on the bar and sing a song, so we'll probably make him do that!
I pray that you are well...
Love,
jeff
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