A [Rainy Season] Update

They warn us about rainy season. They say to get your books out and prepare to be bored, and maybe even depressed. I've seen a lot of rain in the past few months. Today it has rained almost all day. Last week there was a thunderstorm that took the power out and some people here had never seen anything like it (they're still talking about it). But I'm not depressed, not at all. In fact, this has been a refreshing, cleansing time for my soul. I've been working out (hard), teaching little kids- and learning from them of course, and just enjoying this slow time to pray, focus on my bible study, get lots of rest, visit people, and take a step back to analyze my projects and what I want to see this year. My whole perspective on time has changed since joining Peace Corps, and now  a few months seems like a super short amount of time. I'm not in such a rush to start projects, since I now understand that things take time here. At first I didn't understand why this program was two years, and wasn't even sure if I'd stay the whole time. But after 6 months in my site and almost 9 in the country, I get it now and I'm at peace with staying (praise God).

I'm learning to enjoy the little things like the few old ladies in town who just light up when they see me- one who always tells me how pretty I am (confidence booster for sure!), another wants me to take her to the states with me...mind you she must be in her late 80's at least :) I went to visit this one the other day and she introduced me to literally everyone that walked by, telling them in Spanish  "Come and greet this gringa...she's from the US!" and just wanted to know about the states and all sorts of things. These kind of experiences I like to define as authentically  "peace corps."

Along the same line, another really cool thing is that here in this small town most everyone knows me, and many by name (esp the kids). I think everyone deep down wants to be known, and its awesome to have that and to know that I'm having an impact here at least by being a bright spirit to the kids in town. Yesterday some little girls I know stopped me on the street and just wanted to play with my hair and ask me questions and take pictures with me (on their brother's cell phone, ha). They held my hands and just wanted me to pick them up and love on them- it brought such joy to my day. I love that kids don't hold back and just love without fear.

Now the school year is about to start and I will be in a new season of life. I'm excited to see what that brings and thankful for this beautiful (rainy) season experience. Enjoy the pics!

1. Me and my girl Meg at Carnaval!

 2. Peace Corps friends who came in town for Carnaval...(we live sometimes overnight bus rides apart)

3. Us and the kids at the closing ceremony for Vacation School :)