It seems we are settling in to this place....little by little. We have washed clothes (more than once) and have them in drawers. We have learned the basic patterns of the household. We are comfortable tooling around town and waving to familiar folks....even the girls can do so on their own (together) during the day. We know the appropriate greetings for each time of day, and when coming and going from the table or the house.
And now, we're also figuring out how to be sick in a new place and culture.....and learning the vocabulary for all of it! No, not fun, but a regular part of life, and an expected part of changing routines, foods, climates, etc, etc. Kent was down with a cold for a few days this week....slept lots, but kept going with morning music classes. (I wondered how we 3 would do them without him! We would've managed, but glad we didn't have to.)
And then, last evening, Luisa came down with a fever and stomach ache. She slept good, but she and I are home this morning. Her fever continues....and stomach/bowels are off. She wants so badly NOT to miss anything, like the dinner for volunteers this evening. She's not too sick to whine, "but I'm an extrovert!"
Generally, I'm feeling like we are ending the "honeymoon period" of our trip, and entering "reality"! Crossing languages and cultures is feeling hard/complex (as it is!), so I retreat to our bedroom and play a game on the ipod :) Or read about the Galapagos (in English) or read the Bible (in Spanish). Or practice ukulele.
As is typical in Latin America, our hosts are VERY concerned for our well-being....and they go out of their way to check on our sick ones :) Very sweet, indeed. It seems they go to the doctor much sooner than we do....but, why not? It's free! We are cared for well, by friends near and far. And God's presence is as close as the warm breeze, and the wonderfully fresh morning juice (from naranjilla fruit).
These are the ups and downs of real life.....no matter where we are!
No comments:
Post a Comment