Recently, as we left church after our third mass of the week, Magdalena said "I don't get Catholics; at least Mennonites have fun at church!" After some laughter, I had to delve more into that comment. Magdalena explained further, "we have social time, there are ways for others to be involved in the worship service, we don't listen to one man talk the whole time, we have good singing, and we have things for children to do like children's time and Sunday school." It has been a challenge for Magdalena, and all of us, for this Catholic parish to be our primary worshipping community during these 3 1/2 months. But I'm glad for her to experience a different way of doing church. It's also helpful for all of us to realize what we appreciate about Faith Mennonite our home church!
Comparisons of here and home have been a big part of our experience away, thus far. We aim to be open to new ways and ideas, but we can't help but compare and contrast the cultures and the differences between our "sabbatical life" and our "normal life." The good thing is, we are finding plenty that we really enjoy here, and at the same time plenty that we miss from home. For instance, we certainly love spending lots of time outdoors and in nature, always planning the next warm weather adventure, like kayaking, snorkeling, or bicycling. But, Magdalena has also been talking quite a bit about snow to us and to local folks. She might be romanticizing it a bit, but she really has missed Indiana fall and now winter. Recently the girls and I realized that we were all feeling as if we are waiting for fall to come, then we realize it's not coming, and we missed it! The four seasons seem to be in our bones.
It has been very special to get to know this very small island and population. No matter what event we go to, we are recognized and we have people to talk with, often children or teachers from the preschool. Last weekend went to a party (the "Wild Baptism Party"!) in an area of town that we hadn't been to before. I was nervous, assuming that Kent would be playing in the band, and the girls and I would stand around not knowing what to do. It was a delight when we stepped out of the taxi and immediately saw a few children playing on the street that we know from the preschool and who were excited to greet us. Later a mom was excited to meet the "musician family" who had taught her son so many fun songs that he now sings at home. Her son (a five year old) immediately began singing one of our songs, Diez Deditos (Ten Little Fingers), and she joined right in singing with him!
It's also been lots of fun to share more of daily life with our daughters. At our best, we can really bring out good things in each other! (And when we're not at our best, there are learnings to be embraced, right?!) Recently, when we did our bike ride together, Luisa was passing me on a long, steep incline, leaving me at the back of our group. As she slowly passed, she spurred me on, "it's not such a bad hill, you got it girl!!" That gave me a laugh and an extra boost of energy. Similarly, Magdalena kept me going when she and I needed to paddle hard in our kayak last Saturday. At one point, I was groaning with the sense that we weren't making any headway against the current. She responded with a hearty, "calm down, Mom, and keep paddling!" We soon found ourselves moving ahead and into to calmer waters. Great lessons from my daughters on keeping on with the hard task at hand!!
Obviously, when I compare "normal life" to "sabbatical life" there's really no comparison; it's like comparing apples to papayas! But I have to say that I absolutely love having fewer responsibilities: not having to answer any telephones; doing an embarrassingly small amount of housework; no committee meetings to attend; and generally having a very small circle of involvements. And it's delightful having plenty of time and space to do as I please: sit and watch the sunset; take a walk as the sun sets; take frequent naps; read novels; write; walk slowly (I think I've slowed my general pace since we've been here); waste time without feeling (too) guilty; drink coffee slowly; study Spanish grammar; watch people and other animals; or go on another adventure with my family!
And, as we compare, we think ahead to the next phase of our year away. There are a number of reasons we are glad to have had our Galapagos time as the first part of our year. It's been fairly structured since we are working through a volunteer organization, and are living with a host family. This structure has helped all of us in the process of learning and adapting to the culture and language. This was a good place for our girls to take Spanish lessons, especially for Luisa to jump start her learning. This will be the most expensive part of our trip because of the extra costs of island life; when most everything must be imported, food and supplies are generally twice the cost on the mainland. We are definitely looking forward to lower costs in Peru and the Ecuadoran mainland. Also, now that we are preparing to go to Lima, we realize what a shock it will be to go from the tranquil island life to the big city! (Two weeks there will likely be enough before heading to smaller cities.) It has been wonderful for our girls to have so much freedom here, and for all of us to easily walk from place to place.
Comparisons. Apples to papayas, cross-country skiing to snorkeling, small city of Goshen to small island town San Cristobal, Goshen Mennonites to Ecuadoran Catholics. Can't really compare! But....we do....and discover lovely experiences all around.
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