There is so much to write about today! It was the continuation of a fabulous break, and I don't want it to end! When we got up this morning we went over to the bodega at QREK to make a full out American breakfast, complete with banana pancakes and coco puffs. We also made scrambled eggs and had toast and fruit. Everyone was pretty much in paradise. After breakfast, we had some more time to hang out (I went back out to the river with some other girls) and pack up to come back to San Jose, and before I knew it, it was time for lunch.
For lunch we had the option of sandwiches or going back to the bakery. I chose to see what new delicious treats were to be found at the bakery, and I was not disappointed by the double chocolate chip cookies and cranberry carrot cake that I tried. Ok, so it wasn't the most balanced lunch I've ever eaten, but it was delicious. While we were eating lunch, we talked about how we all felt like we had left Latin America for the weekend. Being surrounded by the comforts of home, such as food and lovely showers and only speaking English for a few days totally rejuvenated the whole group. Because we had all packed up before leaving for the bakery and some of the group stayed behind to have sandwiches, the van came to the bakery to pick us up, so we didn't even had to hike back to QREK.
The ride home was much faster than the trip there because we knew where we were going. On the ride I read over some of the material we will be talking about in Nicaragua, and it made me really excited about what we are going to be learning and focusing on. Most of the readings were about the drastic differences between the wealthy and poor and potential solutions to the problem of poverty. Looking over the packet renewed my excitement about learning more about the culture here and becoming better equipped to serve internationally in the future. It broke my heart to read about the sufferings of God's people and made me want to do everything I can to eliminate this suffering.
When we got back to LASP, everyone quickly dispersed to go home. Haleigh and I stopped at a pharmacy to try and pick up some medicine for pink eye (my eyes have been a little funky lately and Laura suggested getting some before Nicaragua), but the store was closed. Hopefully I was just allergic to something in the forest, but if not, I should be able to find something in Managua if I really need it.
My host siblings were playing outside when I got home, and Melany immediately ran inside to announce my arrival and then ran out to greet me. Then, we all got ready for a birthday party at the neighbors' house. Four of the kids who live next door have had birthdays in the last few days, so it was a pretty big celebration. I played Uno with some of the kids there, and then we all had cake and ice cream. It was pretty fun, but when I got back I needed to pack for Nicaragua. It took me a while to figure out exactly what I should take, but I think I've got a pretty good bag packed. While I was packing, there was a minor tremor and I could actually feel the ground shake. At first I thought I just lost my balance, but then I saw things swaying in my room. I opened my bedroom door and my host family came rushing to see what my reaction was.
I was pretty bummed about not being able to spend very much time with my host family this weekend, so I went into the living room to watch some silly shows with my host siblings before they went to bed. I worked on writing my entry for yesterday while watching TV, and all pretty much just watched me type. It was really cute. My host mom cut up a green apple and served it to us with salt on it. How interesting...apples have actually been growing on me throughout the semester, and trying them with salt was just another step in widening my palate, I guess. ;)
When everyone started getting ready for bed, I went to my room to finish up writing and reading for Nicaragua. My mom came in with a gift she wants me to take to my host mom in Nicaragua and some cookies to give to the kids. She is just too much...I love living with this family! The more time I spend with them the sadder I get that I'll only get to live here for such a short time. What a blessing they have been!
Tomorrow its off to Nicaragua, so I want to try to make it an early night. The ride will take at least 10 hours, possibly as many as 15, so it will no doubt be a draining day. I can't wait to see a new part of the world and get to know God more through interacting with a new group of His people. I want to seek Him with all my might and draw closer to Him than ever during this challenging experience.
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