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| The band getting ready |
At first it was a little uncomfortable. Karla and Jose are away for the week, so I had nobody to hang around with before church began. I took some pictures of the band warming up. Bismar introduced me to his mother, which I felt was an honor. I also met my landlord, Leonor, who greeted me in English. I didn't realize she is the mother of Josselyn's friends. I paid my first month's rent, so I'm official! She asked if there is anything else I need for the apartment. I told her no and thanked her for all she has already done. (Normally apartments here are bare, but she provided me with a fridge, a bed, some chairs, an entertainment center, and a night stand with a Tiffany style reading lamp that matches my bedspread!) I explained I will move in when I am more situated because as of now, my luggage hasn't come with things I would need to live there. She said tomorrow she will go to the apartment and leave some things she thinks I will need.
Then suddenly church began and we scurried to our seats. I was happy when Lourdes came and sat with me. The band has gotten really good. They played a lot of music I already know, but they sing the words in Spanish. I noticed how much my Spanish has improved when we were singing. There was only one word I had to ask Lourdes the meaning. This trip is much easier in that way. My comprehension has improved a lot. In fact, Jairo spoke of me in church and said that I know bastante (quite a bit of) Español, which was a nice compliment. He also went on to say that I have been a good example of a missionary, keeping a positive attitude about my lost suitcases. He explained to the church that I really had nothing but the clothes on my back when I came, which is biblically very missional, and that I have been praying and knowing that if God wants me to have my luggage, I will have it. I was able to really feel God's presence in church, which has been hard sometimes in the past when I am so busy trying to understand the language. It was nice. There was also a baby blessing.
Then I got to talk with Anna Jimenez and meet her baby, Guillermo David. He is a little shy and didn't really like me, but he is very cute. I have been waiting to meet him for a long time. Anna suggested some places where I can buy used clothes as well as things for my apartment.
Lourdes and Jairo were to leave on their vacation after church. Since I have not gotten a SIM card for Honduras (US phone services don't work here) it was decided that I would be best off staying with Lourdes' sister, Belinda and her kids. At first I wondered how we would fit in the house, but as usual, there is plenty of space.
After church Lourdes announced excitedly that I will be going to a baby shower with Belinda. My head was pounding, I was exhausted, and I can't stand baby showers on a good day. I told Lourdes that I hate baby showers. (Later I wished I had used genltler words.) She said Belinda has the cutest game to play. I said I hate baby shower games. She said maybe this is because I have never had a baby and it bothers me to see these things. I told her no, if I did have a baby I would not want games at my baby shower because I think the games are stupid. (Clearly, this was one of my lowest points so far. But at that moment I could not imagine myself sitting with a bunch of ladies giggling and playing in Spanish.) I remember last time I was here, Karla and Karina were shocked because I didn't want to go to a baby shower with them. I don't even like baby showers for my own friends. (Sorry friends.) Anyway, I ended up staying home with Belinda's boys. We ate lunch and I laid down to make a list of every single thing that is lost in my luggage, but I didn't get too far with that because I quickly fell asleep.
When I woke up I felt much better. I got to play with Belinda's two boys who are so sweet! They like to practice their English with me. The oldest, Daniel, loves electronics, so he was thrilled with my iPod and computer. He even liked messing with my phone, though it has no service yet. He did a good job as the man of the house while his mother was gone.
Andres, who is 8, is so cute and funny I instantly fell in love with him. Both boys are so helpful and kind. We had a nice, restful afternoon together. By the time Belinda came home, I was feeling much better.
I helped with dinner, then we watched a movie and I had a good night's rest. My headache disappeared after the nap and I was able to enjoy the rest of the day.
