So, for this post, I'm thinking I'll give you a quick life update, then do some pictures with explanations attached to them. That way, if you just want pictures, you can scroll right on down and ignore the words. :) Otherwise, enjoy the stories!
Life right now.... is pretty great. I went through a bit of a homesick spell, but I'm pretty sure it's because everything was simply unfamiliar. I miss my family, friends, home, knowing I can fix my own food when I don't like what there is to eat, etc. haha. But I'm over it.
My host mom: Maria (like most of our host moms' names). She is an artist. She actually does shows. I'll put up a picture or two of her stuff. She's EXTREMELY absent minded. haha. She's always asking "what's missing" at the dinner table, and it's usually an entire place setting... or three.... or just the plates missing. I love it. She tends to talk too fast for me to catch most of what she says, but she's getting a bit better at slowing down. Usually it's ok if I don't hear everything, though. She tends to ramble. haha. however, when I'm listening to her husband, she never fails to just start talking right over him and expects us to listen to her. He's very patient.
My host dad: Enrique. I love him to death. He is honestly what kept me sane those first few days when I was homesick. He is very attentive, speaking slow enough for me to understand, checking for comprehension, finding other ways to describe new words, etc. He's very kind. They are both grandparent age for me, for thier children are grown and have kids of their own. He owns his own winery, so he goes to work... but he can take time off whenever he wants. haha. I tried their wine, but it's still wine, so I hated it... :/ but my roommate loves it! He tried explaining the process of his wine making once. I caught a lot, but it was a bit complicated. I think he's going to let us go their one day, though. :D
As for me, I'm pretty good. My legs don't hurt anymore when I walk places (feet, depends on if I have to walk more than 45 minutes...). I wore a hole in my first pair of jeans, but they were already pretty worn. I'll have to hit the mall soon. I take the bus to church (well, I walk 30 minutes to the bus stop first). The pastor is from L.A., originally from Mexico, so I can understand his accent!! I love it. It's a little youth-service-like, but that's because there are very few old protestant believers. Almost every church is catering to new believers. Any Christianity other than Catholicism is often considered a cult here, but people are not eager to talk about their beliefs and practices here. Most would consider themselves Catholics, but very few are practicing.
I'm also leading a prayer group for the students in the program. I'm excited for that. We should be meeting for the first time this coming week. I'm on one of the praise teams, too. Every wednesday night, we have a service where we sing 4 songs and then have a message, so far delivered by our spiritual life coordinator (or whatever her title is), Katie Wiggins; picture to come. All in all, I'm doing pretty well. Classes are great. I love, and can understand, my professors. My roommate and I get along well. It's going to be a good few months. :)
And now, for the promised photomania. Love you!!
Well, I can't see the pictures that I've "uploaded" onto here. let's hope they work. Otherwise, you can find pictures on facebook soon! :D (these will be included, if you want the stories behind any of them)
Love you guys!! Until next time....
