Moments

In case you hadn't heard, life is made a of moments. Here's some of my favorites from this week.

Two of the rowdy 5th grade boys stayed a whole half hour after school and painted ducks with water colors while I cleaned the classroom. We listened to Mozart the whole time and they didn't complain once.

One of the new 4th graders (who has only known me 11 days) saw me in the internet cafe and walked back and forth in front of the window waving for about 2 minutes.

My little sister struck up a rather deep conversation (for a 4 year-old) and asked me why people should be nice to each other. That night when I got home, she crawled in bed with me and she fell asleep hugging me.

Esteban, my 3 year-old Kinder developed a remarkable love for having me read to him in English. I went over to his house today and he made me read to him for 10 minutes.

Daniel, our new 2 year-old Kinder, didn't cry when his mom left the Kinder room. I think that's pretty remarkable for day 2.

New Family

I wish I could express to you all my level of thanks, relief and happiness at being placed with this new family! They are some of the nicest people I've ever met. My new mom's name is Kindria, my new dad's name is Jeison and my little sisters are Valeria (9) and Sofia (4). They live decently far from the school but the location is really pretty. There is nothing but rolling hills, covered with trees, grass and cows through the back window. It's breathtaking. The house is relatively new from what i can tell. Or else, they just keep it immaculately clean. It really is very clean. And also not mildewy which is a blessing because the mildew aggravates my allergies and asthma. I feel very blessed. There's also internet here and I will have it in my room which means I'll be able to call and skype people with more ease. Which reminds me, if you see me online on Skype or Facebook, don't be a stranger. If I don't have time to talk, I won't be online anyway. Get it, got it? Good. Kindria is very involved in her church and she listens pretty much exclusively to Christian music. I find this a huge blessing. She's even invited me to church with her. She goes on Sabbaths and Sundays. They dance in their church she says. They have streamers and everything. It's really beautiful. I think I might go, just to check it out sometime. I feel very comfortable in this home. I am safe, warm, well-fed, and cared for. It's a beautiful thing. I don't know if it will actually happen, but Kindria says she wants me to learn how to drive their motorcycle so that I can take Sofia to school. Let's all just imagine this for a minute...and laugh. =]

So, It's Sabbath morning. I've been up since 7:30. It's sprinkling outside and is overcast. I'm in my Sabbath dress, freshly showered, freshly fed and wearing socks to keep my feet warm on the cold tile floor. Jason is at work, Aileen is watching the Emperor's New Groove on TV, Sofia and I are eating lemons (they're sweet and watery!) and Kindria is cleaning in the kitchen. She won't let me clean. Yet. It's only day two here so I know I'll be helping out more very soon. All Costa Rican women are like that. They won't let you help if you're a guest. Soon though, I will be very much integrated into this family and I'll be doing more around the house. Kindria is singing to her music and I feel like I've been living here the whole time I've been in Costa Rica. This is my home until June and I'm just thrilled beyond belief. In just a few minutes, I'll be heading to church. After that, who knows. I may come home or I may go to someone's house for lunch. I don't really know. But I'm happy and blessed. I miss my family and my friends back home (and the ones that are scattered across Pohnpei, Spain, Germany and other parts of the world) but I know I'll see them again someday so I'm content where I am. Today is a good day. Happy Sabbath world!