El Principio – The Beginning
June 16, 2008
The first day of school is done! I finish everyday by noon, it’s going to be great. The weather here feels amazing, and after Rosa and I realized we didn’t have enough coins for the bus (they don’t take paper), we decided to walk. It’s a good 40 minutes to the school, but we don’t mind. We’ll probably do that everyday… it means we’ll have to leave the house around 7:15, but the exercise is worth it. Unfortunately, my hair might as well be red,white, and blue with stars across my forehead. We stand out pretty bad, but no one has been too vulgar yet. The men here do like to blow kisses though… yes, its strange, but flattering, of course.
I had my level placement exam today, and I think I did well! I was placed in the intermediate level, which is what I expected, so it should be great! It will help me prepare for my class in the fall back home. I made some new friends, too… They’re from Valdosta State in Georgia. Rosa and I are meeting up with the Missouri group here in a few hours; they’re professor is showing them around the city and we’re going to go along. We’re all already talking about heading to the beach this weekend. 
We met Carmen the housekeeper today! She’s awesome, too, and an AMAZING cook… she made this carrot soup that was unbelievable. She speaks no English, and super fast Spanish, but I am proud to say that about 80 percent of the time I know what she’s talking about. At least I think so! I can already tell that I’m understanding a little better, which is a good sign for sure.
Another cool thing we’re going to do through the school is a volunteer program… it’s every Tuesday and Thursday, and we’re just going to go around to different places in town and help out. Orphanage, nursing home, school, etc… I’m really excited. It’s been a selfish couple of days, as you can probably see. It’s easy to be, in this sort of out of the comfort zone situation, I think. So, I’m looking forward to getting out and involved in the community here. I’m looking forward to seeing where God takes me through that.
Things are already looking up…
Here’s my Roomie, Rosa:
And here’s the our adopted schoolmates from Missouri:
Hi, Jess,
I am glad to hear that things are looking up. It sounds like you are in for an amazing experience!
Everything sounds great except for the humongous toilet-loving, hiney-snacking ants…I think I would have to install a trapeze bar above the toilet and hang from it, but then again, this is coming from a person who is terrified of spiders and basically any thing that “creepeth”.
) (I just re-read what I wrote and maybe this is way too much information for the squeamish…sorry about that!)
I hope that you have fun and continue to make lots of friends while you are there. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Love,
Your cousin Leslie
Hey Jess,
This sounds like an awesome adventure. I’m jealous for sure! Take it all in. It’s great that you’re blogging. You’ll look back years from now and really value those entries. Take lot’s of pictures and blog regularly.
Have fun,
Lowell