More Fun in the Kitchen

¡Divertido en la cocina! I learned how to cook some sopa de vegetales (some vegetables I'm not sure if I can get in the States, like "wiskil"), and helped make tortillas from scratch. Very educational! I REALLY want to learn to make reillanitos and mole con platanos, but they promised that would come in the following week. I hope I can duplicate these dishes. Sooo goood...

Work was good, and I'm trying to learn new concepts in Spanish every chance I can on the internet, where there are tons of resources. My next goal is to make a list of ideas from my book that the teachers can continue to draw from after I leave, but I'll have to translate them before I leave.

I had a greeeat talk with Estuardo, who is becoming an even closer friend as the days go by, almost like the fraternal twin brother I never had. We're very comfortable giving each other a hard time, but that's just the way siblings show love, right? Hehehe, we know it's all in fun, and it's nice to feel comfortable being myself. In fact, that's one of the things he talked to me about--being myself more. Sometimes, depending on the situation, I change my behavior without realizing it. Maybe it's a pattern of self-protection from my childhood. Whatever it is, it's good to be aware of it more so that I can change it.

I really want to be myself with everyone I meet, without pretense or masks. It's scary to think about, but I know that's how Jesus must have been: genuine and whole-hearted.

Tonight, I felt really emotional, because I read some emails from home that made me realize how much I missed everyone. I feel like I'm missing out on some great memories with my friends back home, but I knew that would be one of the costs of coming here, and I try to console myself with the fact that there will be more opportunites to build memories when I return. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything! Even the experience of being more grateful for what I have back in the States.

I think my wander-lust is begining to fade, though I still want to travel...I'm beginning to see the value in having a base...a home. And there are so many resources in America that I'm beginning to appreciate more and more. There are also many things about America I don't like, but maybe that's what I need to try to change, to make a difference in my country, my culture...my home.

I'm eating a lot more than I usually do--partly because of the culture, partly the types of food (very heavy), and partly the way I escape from unconscious emotions. I think I've gained a little weight, and I feel less energized. I've got to change my habits, but it's been a bit of a challenge. Some of the food is SO GOOD. ;)

Now We're Cooking!

Another great lesson with the teachers! I taught them about developing speech through drama, and more specifically, developing confidence to speak at all. It was so fun. We did a few exercises in a marketplace, where everyone became a vendor selling wares of different kinds. I had music to start them off, and to take away the awkard silence at the beginning, and everyone began talking at once as directed. (That keeps people from feeling like they're being watched by anyone else, and builds confidence.) The exercises developed as we went, and I can see the growing enjoyment and excitement in the teachers' eyes as they realize how valuable this work is for their students (and even for themselves).

After lunch, Edgar came early to pick me up, so I got an extra half-day in the office. :D That's always a bonus for me, since I need the internet for most of my work.

I had lunch with Estuardo at "Betsy King" and was inspired to talk to the women in the kitchen.

"Esta muy rico!" I said, which means "This is delicious!" I've been wanting to learn how to cook some of my favorite dishes here, so I told them so.

The head cook, a short, stout woman, smiled up at me and said, "Te enseñare." That means, "I'll teach you."

So, we worked out a schedule of when I'd be available to help in the kitchen, and I start tomorrow! I'm so excited! ¡Hasta luego!

¡Ofrenda Especial! (Special Contribution)

I actually felt a little frustrated today, but don't know why. Evelyn and I went shopping again (this woman is INCREDIBLY patient and giving). She treated me to the best waffle cone and pistachio ice cream I've had in Guatemala since Pollo Campero got rid of their pistachio flavored frosty cones (I'm still praying they bring those back before I leave!), and I picked up a lot of things for the household.

I never realized how long cooking and preparation take. It took me 2 hours after getting home to organize what I bought, to cook lunch, and then clean up the mess I made. The good thing is that I have food for the next week or two.

I tried to do laundry, but it always seemed someone beat me to the machine when I went to put my clothes in. Oh! That may be why I was frustrated. And I guess I was tired from all the cleaning.

Oh well! One thing I'm learning here in Guatemala, don't sweat the small stuff. So, I didn't have a lot to choose from as far as church-clothes go--somehow, I ended up being more dressed-up than I'd been since I came to Guatemala. :)

Today was the church's Special Contribution, and of all things, I forgot my camera! It was so cute to see the children's ministry perform a little song and dance, and then give their offering to kick off the rest of the service. The room was decorated with all kinds of "Thank You!" notes and expressions of appreciate from God. I was humbled to see their ministry of older women giving their contribution, which they earned by selling food they made every week before and after church. In fact, they have a little restaurant at the top of the church building that they run to raise money for themselves. It's inspiring, and the food is great! Chadd affectionately coined the place "Betsy King" on our last visit, after Betsy, the older woman who runs the restaurant. She is a peach! I'll have to post a picture of her when I get a chance.

But I digress.

After service, George, Elizabeth, Evelin (2), and I went to a chinese restaurant for dinner. I ordered sweet and sour chicken (SO GOOD) and we all shared some of our plates. I devoured my portion. Something about the pollution in Guatemala City really works up the appetite. Jejeje (Spanish for "hehehe"). George and I had a great, deep talk about relationships, and I was touched by the story of how he and his girlfriend fell in love. Once again, these people's hearts of unconditional love and faithfulness to God is inspiring. I'll have to tell you the story sometime...but I have to go! Talk to you soon!

Quality Time con Elizabeth

A pretty kick-back day. The two Evelyns went to a wedding rehearsal while I stayed home with Elizabeth. We had a really great talk, continuing a conversation we'd had last week after the date, regarding hurt and fears keeping us from showing more love to men in the church. Elizabeth hadn't been on a date in 1 and 1/2 years! It was 2 years since she had been asked by any of the Christian men, and she only felt that she had 1 real friendship with a guy in the church. I told her about the plan Evelyn and I had to host an encouragement night at our house, so that the brothers would have more opportunity to invite sisters out on a date (not just ones they liked), then we talked about our responsibility as Christian women to love our brothers in the faith. We decided to challenge ourselves by praying about one brother to give our hearts to unconditionally, without any expectation, and for the sole purpose of encouraging him and helping him feel God's love through us.

We prayed that night by candlelight, after watching some TV together and sewing some patches on our couches in cute shapes to cover up the holes that had grown from frequent use. Overall, it was a very fun, bonding night, just the two of us.

Happy B-Day, Brandon!

A quick call to Brandon in the morning to wish him a Happy Birthday, and I was off to the HOPE school with Edgar.

Now, as a Christian, you'd think I'd be relying on the source of my hope and purpose every day, but honestly, I've recently neglected the most important thing in my work with Drama and the vision I have for Education: God. Today, I prayed specifically for my lessons, for specific outcomes and the reactions of the teachers, for God's glory in all of this. That made ALL the difference. I felt things working out smoothly, I felt a change in the teachers' attitudes. I don't think I felt much different, though I had renewed faith and determination, but could tell God was orchestrating a great workshop. I repeated the lesson from Monday, apologized for the lack of clarity last time, and really felt a connection with the teachers as I explained how they could use this exercise with their class.

We all had fun, and by the end of it, I could feel the built trust, the confidence of the class, and their sheer wonder of how drama could instantly revitalize and energize life and learning. They were beginning to see why I was so passionate about Drama being a vital tool in education! They were beginning to share my vision, and the vision of Brian Way (the biggest influence on my views of Drama and Education).

In a few sentences of prayer, I had gone from discouraged and doubtful about whether there was value in my mission, to faithful and determined; from insecurity in communicating my lessons, to confidently leading exercises that were fun, enriching, and informative; from independance and self-reliance, to deference and dependance on the creator of the UNIVERSE, not to mention Drama and Education.

As simple as prayer is, I'm blown away by its power. I think that's what God wanted me to realize--that I can't take credit for this. Just asking for guidance was enough to bring more results than all my research, planning, worrying, and controlling.

I have a feeling I am going to run up against this lesson at least a few more times before I die. ;)

¡Adios por ahora!

Thumby Balboa - Halfway Point

Time for Thumby's rebuttle to my roomies' thumbs' challenge. Hehehe. After I finished some work and had a little free time, I made an impromptu parady of Rocky Balboa's training sequence for YouTube.

I had a great time at the Single's service tonight, too. Probably the best one yet! I'll be honest, I've almost fallen asleep a few times during the messages these past few weeks. Maybe it's the sickness, maybe it's the mental exhaustion of trying to assimilate a new language 24/7, or maybe it's the heavy foods I've been eating that sit so nicely in my stomach. (I think I've gained a little weight since I've been here, too, hehehe.) Anyway, this service, I sat right up front so I wouldn't be tempted to doze. I took notes, and really focused on being present and engaged. It was great! I sat next to Marlenne, one of the sisters I knew from my trip last November, and who speaks a little English. One of the brothers from the date last Saturday (Elizabeth's date, who played guitar) was sitting next to me and gave me a souvenire mug of the most beautiful landscape in Guatemala. (I REALLY like it [me encanta], and have té de Manzanilla [Chamomile tea] in it for my times with God every morning.)

Anywho, I can't believe I'm approaching the halfway point of my trip. I know it's only going to go by faster from here on out, but try not to think about it. I'll miss this place...the people...the culture...the generosity...the humility...the hugs...the kisses...the love...

I'm getting emotional just thinking about it.

Be grateful for every moment, Shaela. Life is short, and this trip is only a fraction of it.

¡Adios por ahora!

Thoughts and Reflections

No work today! Woohoo! I took the day off so I could rest, and BOY did I rest. I slept until 10:30am! 'went to bed at 10pm-ish, too. That hit the spot. I think the worst of this flu is over. I took the rest of the day to relax, study some Spanish grammar, watch some movies in Spanish with English subtitles, and clean up the house a little. (Laundry and the like.) Gotta get rid of all those germs so I don't reinfect myself.

What else did I do? Mmm...not much. It was a great day!

I'll take this opportunity to describe a little bit of life in Guatemala. It's noisy. The walls are thin, so you can hear the neighbors' music (which they like to play loud), along with layers of other sounds coming from my roommates' rooms, their radios, the TV, and the like. I'm so grateful for ear-plugs. :D Hehehe. And my iPod has been keeping me sane, with a little help from Enya and my "Sounds of Nature" MP3's. I guess you get used to it. I haven't been too exasperated by all the noise, but sometimes, when I'm really tired, I'm very aware of how it affects me. I never knew how much I enjoyed the sounds of silence. (Name the band who sang that song...10 points!)

Have I mentioned how much masquitos love me? I find an average of 3-4 new bites every day, although lately I've been finding ways to reduce that number to 2-3. Namely, thick pants, sweatshirts, and socks wherever I go. I wish I could take a picture of one of these suckers close up. They're vicious. They've gotten through some of my clothes, and find me when I'm most exposed, even if it's just for a few seconds! Bloody buggers...literally.

Well, life is good. ¡Cuidate!