These are a few of my favorite things...

-My home.  The one I have in Pennsylvania and the one I have here.  After a day of classes or time away both feel like a refuge and are full of love.

-My family.  Those in the US and mi mama and mi abuela here.  They are all so loving, caring, and supportive and without them I would be lost.

-My friends.  The ones from home who send me emails, skype me, and message me just to check in and send their love.  I am so grateful for true friendships that are not changed by distance or time apart.  My friends from here have been amazing as well.  I am so thankful for these words "...en mi tenes una amiga/hermana.  Entiendo lo dificil que es estar lejos de tu familia y amigos...podes confiar en mi." Or in English, "In me you have a friend/sister.  I understand how difficult it is to be far away from family and friends.  You can always count on me."  I've been here two months and have already formed a friendship that I know will last forever...how lucky am I?

-Tea time.  It warms my heart when I walk in my house from a long day of classes and mi abuela says "hola, como estas?  Queres un te?"  Or in English, "Hi, how are you, would you like some tea?"  I of course say yes, and I can tell she gets excited to be able to sit and have tea with me.  It doesn't matter how much homework I have to do, or if I'm not really even in the mood to drink tea, I will always say yes to her.  We sip our teas and talk about everything.  I tell her about my day, she tells me about her's and the conversation continues.  Everyone in the world should sit and have tea with mi abuela.  It will change you for the better.

-This city.  I am grateful for a city full of history, a city where on the weekends many shops are closed because here most people work to live...living to work is frowned upon.  A city in which the smells of panaderias permeate through the streets and kioskos tempt you with endless selections of delicious chocolate.  Minus the fact that robberies are common, this city is great.

-Spanish.  I am so far from perfect at it, but I am grateful for the fact that while I sit here and write this blog post, both Spanish and English come to mind.  I'm grateful for slow and steady improvements and for moments where the right complex verb tense comes to mind without much thought.  I love little victories and definitely celebrate them.  I am also grateful for this language in which love can be expressed using an array of different words, and for the beauty of this distinct Cordobes dialect.

-Culture.  I am grateful for kisses on the cheek and drinking mate.  For breakfasts of bread and late night dinners.  For taking buses everywhere and walking to the grocery store.  For surprise visits and no schedules.  For boliches and cheap, amazing tasting wine made in the province next store to Cordoba.  For endless hours spent talking with friends, without tv, without cell phones, without distractions, just real, genuine, intimate time spent building relationships.  For dulce de leche and empanadas and anything else mi abuela whips up.  For love between strangers and acceptance amongst all.

-What I find important.  Grades have their place, as do personal goals, but relationships are always more important.  My relationship with God, with my family, and with my friends should and hopefully from now on will always be more important than anything else.  Argentina has truly taught be the importance of being a relationally-driven person and from now on I hope that I will always stop to talk to someone, put homework aside to help a friend, be a better listener, and always make a point to be supportive, loving, and present.

-My barrio (neighborhood).  Despite being robbed on my front porch, I love this neighborhood.  I love that everyone walks everywhere, that it is very close to the center of the city, and that there is a little park that I can safely go for runs at around the corner from my house.  I am grateful for the little old lady who sells vegetables and fruits right out of her home, and for the kiosko where I can go to buy anything I need.  I am also so thankful that I am no longer afraid of here, of walking alone, and of motorcycles.  I am careful, but I am no longer living in fear because this feels so much like home and I don't think that one can be truly afraid of their home.

I am officially two months in and already thinking about how sad I will be to leave.  I miss home, but when I go home, I will miss it here.  At least I know that I will always have a place and people to come back here to...people who will be ready with open arms to lovingly welcome me at anytime.  I am feeling so blessed being able to call home two different places and I hope the next 3 months and couple weeks go slowly, are intentional, and that I continue to learn and grow. 
         

A mish-mosh

The past few days have been interesting.  My feelings have been a mix between excitement and happiness, along with sadness and missing home.  I just feel like a confused mess, but I've still had so much fun.

On Friday,  I had my first "class" (I use that word lightly because we are only graded on attendance) that takes place at a farm on the outskirts of the city.  There, we ride horses, cook, dance, eat, and play games (all things Argentine).  It was a blast, except for the fact that I am not that good at riding a horse.  I kid you not, all the other students were riding their horses in a single file line, and there I was with my horse in the middle of the field by myself going the opposite way.  The instructor told me that my horse was crazy and she even gave me a stick to hit the horse with.  I was just laughing the whole time as my horse neglected to follow every single direction that it was given. Regardless, it was super fun, and I didn't realize how much of a workout riding a horse is!  Me duelen las piernas.

We then made empanadas, and I can officially say that I know exactly how to make them, and they are surprisingly easy!  If you want the recipe, ask me!  While the empanadas were cooking, I played futbol with a little boy who lives there at the farm.  We took the ball down to the area where we rode horses and kicked it around in the horse poop/mud mixture.  It was so great to run around and play futbol with him, and I tried to not be too phased by the fact that he picked up a pile of horse poop with his bare hands and tossed it to the side.  I guess it was in his way.  This kid had no fear.  Then, we learned how to do a folklore dance.  This also was not my forte, but I enjoyed it and just laughed my way through.  And after we ate, we played a game called bochas, which is actually just bocci ball (I guess it's popular here!).  Overall, it was super fun and I'm excited to go back again next time!

On Friday night I went to a seminar in the Facultad de Trabajo Social (school of Social Work) at the university and there we discussed the rural poverty that exists in Argentina and what needs to be done about it.  To be honest, I didn't understand much, nor was I trying to.  I was exhausted at this point, everyone was talking at the same time, so a large part of me just quit trying to follow the conversation, and I just counted down the minutes until it was over so I could go home and sleep.  You win some, you loose some, I guess.

On Saturday, I went out on the town with this crazy:

I think she finally understood the idea of a selfie!!!

The two of us are trouble together.  We laugh SO MUCH.  

 

We walked from our house into el centro and there we walked around everywhere, went to a book fair, got ice cream, and she let me stop and take lots of pictures since I finally have a camera. Here's a few of them:

Mi casa

The view of el centro from my house.

And old, BEAUTIFUL church.

And another one.

La Plaza de San Martin

Laur, this is for you.  Yes there is crossfit here!

 

After we traveled by foot all over the city, we went to the apartment of mi abuela's sister to relax and visit for a bit.  I love sitting and talking with mi abuela and her sister.  They are adorable, so sweet, so loving, and so encouraging.  They could not imagine ever being separated from their loved ones for the amount of time that I have to be here away from my family, so they are very sensitive to that, and always wanting to love me.  We talked about my family, life in the US, life here, cultures, food, and anything else you could think of.  These ladies LOVE to talk, but I love it as well and really appreciate them and their willingness to be so open and loving towards someone that they just met two months ago. 

This picture is so bad, but in mi abuela's sister's apartment, she has a clock hanging up to represent each of the places she's traveled to and all of the time differences.  The three clocks in the middle are from left to right:  Los Angeles, Cordoba, and New York.  Also the three time zones that my family and I are living in right now.  My sister in the LA time, myself in Cordoba, and everyone else in NY time.  Seeing this made me think of my family and friends and how much I miss them and love them. I love it here so so so much, but I also miss my loved ones very much and can't wait to see them again.

 

Yesterday, my parents went to one of Eastern’s field hockey games and told me all about how they saw my friends, and saw the team kick some butt.  I think in that moment it actually hit me that life at home is continuing without me and that I am missing out on things with people who are so important to me.  I know that I am creating my own unique experience here and I do love it, but sometimes I wish I could be in two places at once, and yesterday was definitely one of those times.  I just felt a little bit sad and confused.  I don't want to leave here, but at the same time, I'd love to see my loved ones at home.  I think it's confusing because I am beginning to feel like I have two homes...here in Argentina will always be a "home" to me.  Someone smart once said that "home is where the heart is", and my heart is in two places, and I think it might always be.  It's confusing and weird and scary and great all at the same time.  

 

Tonight, I was able to go to church again. In church, the pastor talked about God filling the role of a father for all of us.  He told a story of the foster children that his son has welcomed into his home and how those children lack the feeling of belonging, the feeling of being wanted, the feeling of being loved, and the feeling of having a father.  The pastor began to cry as he shared the story and everyone in the room seemed to be completely immersed in what he was saying…at least I know I was.  He just kept noting that God is our father and HE WANTS US, regardless of where we are, what we are doing, or the mistakes that we have made.  And being here thousands of miles away from home, it feels good to have the reminder that His love is always the same-strong, true, and never-ending.  So as I embrace all of these confusing feelings and try to sort through them, I am reminded that no matter how many places feel like home to me, the important thing is that I always find a feeling of security and comfort in the Father.  Because my state might change.  My country might change.  My job might change.  The people surrounding me might change.  My interests might change. My thoughts, feelings, passions, and abilities might change.  My home will change.  But what is different is the love that our Father has for us, and that, well that will never change.        

 
 

 

Get ready...

I BOUGHT A CAMERA TODAY!!!! I am so past the point of caring that my iphone never made it here...I mean don't get me wrong, I still really want to get it, but I feel like I've been waiting to start doing some things for "when I have a camera."  There have been times when people have asked me to do cool things or go to cool places, and I just say "I'll go when I have a camera."  I've been here 7 weeks and have missed out on a few things because I thought it would be pointless without a camera.

Well now, no more excuses, because I bought an old Kodak camera and here goes.  This is just the beginning of what will be endless posts of fotos...unless I get robbed again.  Haha just kidding.  That was a joke.  Sorry mom.

Here is mi abuela and I both obviously so excited about my camera purchase:

I swear that I told here this picture was happening...I think she got shy.

  

And another try...we will work on this.  I am laughing in this picture...that's why my face looks the way it does.


And here go all the pics of mi casa.  I'll start with this for today, but get ready for much, much more.

La mesa.

 

 

La cocina looking out towards the front door.

 

 

Where the magic happens.

The magic is happening.

 

 

The dining room table.

The other side of the dining room.

 

 

La Pancha.  This dog hates me...she barks at me whenever I move.

Out back we have these really pretty flowers...and maybe my sweatpants hanging up to dry as well.  I should try and get crafty to take good pictures of pretty flowers.

I tried to rotate this, but it didn't work...sorry.  Have fun turning your computers sideways to look!  This is the back of our house! And the balcony up top is the balcony right outside my bedroom!

Well, that's it for now!  But I promise you there is much more to come. 

 

Sunday reflections

I'm changing.  For the better, I think, but I'm changing.  I am noting more and more qualities about myself that have changed, or grown and it's scary and wonderful all at the same time.

For starters, they are getting less ugly.  And by 'they' I mean platform shoes.  I know.  I can't believe I'm saying this either.  A month ago I looked at platform shoes and laughed.  I looked at the women trying to walk and quietly (well okay sometimes not so quietly) judged them wondered what they found so cool about the shoes.  Every pair that I saw (meaning about every 30 seconds walking down the street), just made me chuckle because I thought they were the ugliest shoes ever.  And yes, I actually took these photos to give you examples. 

Now, however, I feel differently.  I see some pairs that I actually like, I think they look good as part of the outfit, and I even would not mind trying a pair on just to see how comfortable they are (or are not).  Would I ever buy a pair?  Probably not.  But the fact that in such a short period of time my perspective on something that I used to hate so much, has already changed, says a lot about the effects of complete cultural immersion.

Another thing that has changed is that I have become a bit of a night owl.  Prior to coming here, there was nothing I loved more than going to bed at a reasonable hour, waking up on my own at 7:30 or 8am, going for a quick run, and then sitting on my couch with a cup of coffee in hand watching the news.  I sound like an old lady, I know, but seriously, nothing I loved more.  I still love that, and I get excited thinking about going home at Christmastime and being able to do that again.  However, now I also love staying up late and sleeping in.

I can now stay up until 5am and sleep in until 12 o 1pm and I have no problem with it.  In fact, I kind of enjoy mornings spent sleeping in, and then waking up to lunch time and a day in full swing.  It's not so bad.  It's also a sign that I am truly becoming a Cordobesa, seeing that here everyone, even little kids stay up until at least 11pm or midnight regularly.  It is a night life city and it is growing on me.  My avergae bedtime prior to coming was about at 11pm and now its around 1 or 2am.

I'm a cake person.  I've never hated cake, but I've always had a kind of take it or leave it attitude about cake (unless it's chocolate with peanut butter icing...that's a whole different story).  But here, I love cake.  Maybe it's that the cake here is always 100% homemade, or that it usually includes dulce de leche, or that it is always accompanied by the best cup of coffee, or that it is truly made with love.  I have no idea what it is, but I am a cake person and also now a believer that life is too short to not eat the cake. A piece of cake a day keeps the doctor a way?  Is that how it goes?  Regardless, it's good for the soul.

While on the topic of food, prior to coming here, I thought I was going to suffer with the meal times here, but I have actually grown to love them.  They make sense.  Every morning when we wake up we have toasted bread or criollos or medialunas (or whatever else mi abuela buys from the panaderia) with mermelada (jam) or dulce de leche.  We don't eat a ton; two or three little slices and that's usually it, accompanied by a cup of coffee, and the day starts out sweet, light, and delicious.  At around 1:30 or 2pm we have our big meal of the day.  What it consists of depends on the day, but usually meat, veggies, and potatoes...and bread.  Mi abuela eats every single meal with a fork in one hand and bread in the other.  I am not kidding.  I don't know what it is about the people here, but they love, and I mean LOVE their bread.  Around 4 or 5pm, we have what is called a merienda (snack) which consists of tea or coffee with crackers.  It's just a little something to hold us over until dinner.  Then around 9pm (this is actually an early time) we eat dinner, which is similar to lunch, but lighter, as no one likes to eat a lot right before bed time.  I am learning to love and appreciate these times, and my stomach has adjusted accordingly.  I rarely ever feel super hungry, and I kind of like going to be with a happy, satisfied stomach.   

Everything here is slow.  Not in a bad way, though, as I have come to appreciate the slowness of this culture.  Eating a meal takes at least an hour and a half, if not more.  In fact, mi abuela makes me get up early enough to have a half an hour to "desayunar bien" (eat breakfast well) with her.  So every morning, I happily oblige, and spend a half an hour slowly consuming my little pieces of bread and coffee as we watch the news together and chat.  Also, going anywhere does not happen fast.  For example, my friend lives about 5 minutes away...in a car that is.  Since I can't walk there because it's too dangerous, I take the bus.  It takes me 10 minutes to walk to the bus stop, 20 minutes on the bus (since it's not a direct route to her apartment), and then when I get off the bus, another 5 minute walk to her house.  It takes time.  Time makes it so much more intentional.  Here, if you want to see you friends, you are going to have to make time to do so, and it will probably be the best thing ever.  "Running errands" doesn't exist.....or it does, but it's going to be at a much slower pace than a run, and it will probably take all day because the bus will come late and you will stop and have mate with five different people.  Also, the people here don't look at it as "running errands" with the negative connotation that those two words together seem to have, but rather they enjoy going out and taking care of things and going shopping just because it's a part of their lives.  There are a thousand other examples, but to sum it up, everyone here lives their life in a way in which whatever they are doing can easily be put to the side at any time to talk with a friend or help someone out.    

I have become more confident, yet careful.  I don't know if this is due to the robbery or what, but I feel that while I've definitely become more careful, I have also become more confident in my ability to not look like a target while walking down the street.  I have become a master at hiding my purse.  I tuck it under my shirt, zip my jacket up over it, or just don't bring it.  I also always, always, always have $100 pesos in my bra.  That way I know that if I get robbed again, I at least have enough money to take a taxi home.  I usually hold my keys too...partly in case I need to use them as a weapon and partly because I would feel so scared if someone robbed me again, but this time also had the keys to my house.  I've also become such a city person.  In fact, now that I think about it, I can't remember the last time I saw a wide open space (that doesn't include the park here).  I am learning to love the city.  Prior to coming, I didn't really think about the fact that I would be living in the city, walking everywhere, relying on public transportation, falling asleep to the sounds of people, cars, and motorcycles.  I just really did not think about it, but that's the reality here and I'm loving it.
  
Another change- I am NOT a germ-a-phobe, because you can't be one here.  I never really was a germ-a-phobe, but even more so since coming here I've become more lax about the idea of germs.  We all share the same mate and drink out of the same straw.  We all touch the railings and bells in the buses and sit in the same back seats of the taxis.  We all drink from the same cups and at times eat from the same silverware.  In fact, mi abuela usually eats off of and/or licks her knife and fork and then uses them to cut a piece of bread for me.  At first I thought it was a little odd, but now it's just life.  She wanted to lick the fork, I wanted a piece of bread...why dirty more silverware? We also all pet the same street dogs (even if you don't try to...some really like to snuggle), and inevitably walk in the piles of surprises the leave strewn about the city.  And best of all, we all kiss the same cheeks, because we all kiss EVERYONE that we are in contact with.  Personal bubbles and strict hygiene  policies don't really exist here, and I can't say I mind.

All in all, I'm changing.  I think it's for the better, because I am adapting and falling more in love everyday.  I keep thinking I can't love it more, and then it happens, I love it more, and the cycle continues.  Whether it's mi abuela's adorable fashion advice, mi mama's ability to make a delicious cake, the slow pace of life here, the people, the kisses, the love, the culture, I just can't get enough of it, and it is definitely making it's mark on me.    

      

Laughter, love, and cake

The past few days have been absolutely great.  I feel at home here.  I feel like I have a family here, and I just love it.

This past weekend was busy, but super fun.  I volunteered at a school in an impoverished area of the city.  They were having a celebration for el dia del nino (AKA children's day; here they celebrate children's day along with mother's day, father's day, women's day, etc.), and my speaking partner and a few other students and I went to volunteer.  It was super fun getting to know the kids, see where they live, and play with them.  Also for this future social worker it was interesting to learn about the poverty here and see an impoverished area...heartbreaking, but good to experience.

That night I went with my speaking partner to the birthday party of a friend of a friend of her friend.  It's normal here to celebrate your birthday with people you don't even know; although everyone is treated like family.  And below is finally a picture of my speaking partner and I...meet Florencia!

On Sunday, we celebrated the birthday party of the sister of mi mama. Friends came over and we celebrated and ate so much meat and veggies and cake.  Listen, mi abuela made a GINORMOUS cake for the birthday party and there is still cake left.  I have never wanted a cake to disappear before in my life, but I seriously want this cake to disappear.  Don't get me wrong, it's good, but it's just a lot of a cake.  Anyways, we spent all of Sunday afternoon talking, laughing, watching movies, and of course eating, and it was great.

Sunday night I WENT TO CHURCH!!!!  My friend Megan met someone who goes to a church called Centro Crecer and she went a few weeks ago to their youth group and loved it.  She said she wanted to go to the actual service and invited me to go with her.  I went, and I am so glad I did. 

About five minutes after walking in, the pastor himself came up and introduced himself to us.  After hearing we were from the US and here in Cordoba to study, he immediately introduced us to his wife and they gave Megan and I their cell phone numbers and home phone number.  They made us feel at home.  And, as it turns out, they are both from the US as well!  The pastor's parents were missionaires in Argentina, so he grew up in both countries, and his wife is from Kansas.  They were so loving, so kind, and told us they could be our "padres" (parents) here in Argentina.  My goodness, I loved this church before the service even began!  I didn't htink it could get any better, but it did!

The service was absolutely wonderful, the music gave me chills, the message was powerful, and I understood everything.  After the service numerous people came and introduced themselves to us.  These people are the church.  They truly are the hands and feet of Jesus and they are embracing their callings to do His work.  It was refreshing to see a church so open and ready to love whoever walked through the front door, and even more comforting to know that I now have a church to call home here.  I'll be going back this Sunday.

On Monday, I just had the best day ever.  After class I came right home and skyped with Lauren and Meg (FINALLY) and it was so great to talk to them and see them.  I went to introduce them (via skype) to mi abuela (because she had said she wanted to meet my friends and family), but I didn't realize that she had her curlers in her hair.  Therefore, when I abruptly turned the computer in her direction, she screamed and threw her hands on her head and began saying a bunch of stuff about how she was not in the proper state for others to see her.  I lost it and she did too and mi mama walked in the room and lost it as well.  So there the three of us were, literally crying because we were laughing so hard, and Lauren and Meg waiting on skype confused. 

We are still laughing about this.  Mi abuela's reaction was just priceless.  It was also just a moment of feeling like I have a family here.  A family to laugh so hard with that I cry.  A family to support me and love me.  A family to introduce to my US family and friends.  There is just so much love and laughter here and I couldn't ask for anything more.

And to top of a great week, it's officially the weekend for me!  Yep, that's right, my weekend is starting today on Wednesday...because there is a national Paro (strike) tomorrow so everything is stopping.  There are going to be riots and protests in the city and nothing will be up and running, so obviously classes have already been cancelled.  Oh Argentina, how I don't understand you at all, but love you dearly.
  

Do you miss home?

If I had a dollar for every time someone asks me if I miss home, I think I might honestly be a millionaire, or at least pretty darn close.

Do you miss home?
It's a natural question to ask someone who is in a foreign country and has no choice but to stay for almost a full six months, so I understand the reasoning behind asking it.  What I don't understand is my inability to answer it without confusing myself and the person who asked the question.  Prior to coming here, whenever someone asked me what I was afraid of, I always said that I was afraid of what would change at home while I was gone.  What would I come home to?  Would relationships be the same, different?  Would I struggle missing out on so much?  While away would I be able to be present, just not physically?  Therefore, the whole 'do you miss home?' question perplexes me all the time.

Do I miss home?
The actual home, yes lots.  The natural feeling of safety, the people, the comfort, our new couch (even if my neck almost breaks to watch tv), our porch, big backyard, close proximity to a farm and  a city, but usually quiet.  I miss all that.

I miss the people like you wouldn't believe.  My mom and dad.  My goodness, do I miss them.  For the past 20 years I have taken for-granted how great they are, and so this time without them is hard.  But it's not completely bad, because I'm being forced to be independent, to work through problems and feelings alone and try my best to do what I think they would tell me to do.  Regardless, this experience is giving me a new appreciation for them as parents and people, and for the constant support they offer me...even if they don't always agree with all of my ideas ;)

My sisters.  I miss them all so much.  Meghan is rockin' it as a mommy, a follower of Christ, and the best teacher ever, and I can't wait to go to school at her house some day!  Caity is doing her thing with her super cool top secret job being smarter than I will ever be.  Abby is making me one proud sister as she is finding her way and making her presence known on the other side of the country, while having a long distance relationship with my future brother-in-law (let's be real, it's gonna happen).  And Alexis...Alexis is moving into her dorm tomorrow and I am so excited for her and all that she is going to experience and learn in this next stage of life.  She is beautiful, bright, and so ready to learn and grow, and I so wish I could see it.

My friends.  I miss them a ton.  Every time I skype Lauren I feel like I can tackle whatever is ahead.  I remember one time we were skyping and I was venting to her about something and she just gave me the best advice.  I was telling her about a tough decision I had to make and that I thought the uncomfortable decision was the one I should make, but that I was afraid of it because it was uncomfortable.  She simply said, "So did you go to Cordoba to be comfortable or uncomfortable?"  Coming from the person that just may know be best, that was exactly what I needed to hear, exactly when I needed to hear it.  Some things never change.

There are a thousand other people I miss- my grandma, all my family, my nieces (they are growing up too fast), my brothers-in-law, my second set of parents (AKA- Jane and Larry), all of my friends, the field hockey team, the Eastern community, I could go on forever.  The point is that yes, of course I miss home.  Who in this situation would not miss home?  But I also don't feel sad about it.  I don't feel like I want to go home, not now.  I think I will be ready in December, or at least closer to being ready, but now, no.  I am here and I love it here.

With all that said, this past week has been busy but good.  My real classes started, so woo-hoo to advanced grammar and Latin American culture!  I actually really do like the classes.  In an odd way I love that my grammar teacher interrupts me kindly every time I make a mistake.  It's tough love, but it's what I need.  And my culture professor is brilliant, so I'm excited about all that I will learn from her.

Last weekend, I went to my speaking partner's apartment and learned how to make noquis (I forget what we call this in the states, but it's pasta made out of potatoes). My goodness, so good, and seemingly simple to make from scratch!  Below is a picture of the noquis before they were put into the boiling water.  Just potatoes, parsley, eggs, and flour mixed together, rolled out, and cut into little pieces.

We also made a homemade sauce to go over them.  Just tomatoes, onions, carrots, meat, sugar, salt, and I forget what else, but don't worry, i have the recipe! :)  Here's the sauce simmering.

And then we ate it all with some super good red wine, and it was marvelous.

I love that I am learning how to make family recipes from my friends here, and how I am truly delving into this culture.  My speaking partner told me that I am starting to talk like a Cordobesa...yayyy!!!  I guess my accent is getting there and I am catching on to more of the slang here.  Sometimes I feel like my Spanish is improving so much and then other times (when someone says something, and I literally do not catch one word) I just wonder if I will ever get to a point of near fluency.  But I think I'm getting there.  I am speaking in Spanish all the time, writing in Spanish, listening to Spanish, watching tv in Spanish, I am even thinking in Spanish now.  When I am skyping someone from home in English, both languages come to mind.  It makes me so excited and I feel like all the hard work may just be paying off! 


    

     

Where my heart’s at

I LOVE it here, absolutely love it, but that doesn’t mean that sometimes my heart is elsewhere, somewhere with those who are nearest and dearest to my heart, somewhere full of smiles, laughter, tears, unconditional love and support, and field hockey sticks, and running, lots and lots of running.

Today, these girls reunite to begin their field hockey season, and although I am so happy here, and do not regret a single decision I’ve made, my heart hurts knowing I won’t be there.  These girls have all had such a strong, positive impact on my life and I am forever indebted to them for that.  They have truly seen me at my worst.  And when I say worst I mean they’ve accompanied me to the ER at midnight on more than one occasion, they’ve helped me shower when I was too weak and injured to do so on my own, they’ve talked me through homework assignments while I’ve just cried, and they’ve been there for me when all truth comes out at 2:00 in the morning.  They have loved me, accepted me, supported me, and truly been my rock when I had nothing else to lean on.

These are the kind of people that some are never lucky enough to meet in their entire lives.  They laugh with you, cry with you, hug you, wait for you, help you, surprise you, encourage you, and lovingly in the name of Jesus kick your butt on the field hockey field.  The best kind of people, I promise. 

With that said, knowing that I won’t be there today to support them and love them hurts, but I will be their biggest fan from oceans away, and I will be praying for them every single day.

Girls, if you are reading, I love you and miss you all so much.  I will miss grueling hard practices with you.  Yes, I will.  I can’t believe I just said that.  I will just miss them because I miss you.  I will miss long bus rides, devotions, prayers, and the way that you all love and are devoted to Jesus.  Someone please be Lauren’s pee partner before games, as I will not be there to continue filling in that role, and I know you don’t want her to get left behind.  And also, someone please wait for Meg after every practice; I know she takes FOREVER, but she will love you for it, and so will I.  And all of you, please kick some butt this season.  I can’t wait to discover (from far away) all that God has planned for you.  You are a rock solid group of girls and I am so very blessed to know each one of you.  Thank you for being my rock.  I miss you and love you.

And mom and dad, since I know you will be at the games, I will really miss not being there to see you as well.  Thank you for continuing to support something that is so close to my heart.  Cheer loud enough for me too!!!