Lourdes is concerned because Marlin is talking about looking for a job. We really need Marlin at the breakfast program. She runs the kitchen. I want what is best for Marlin, but I would really miss her if I didn't see her every day. We are very close friends. She loves me and I love her. I love her kids too. I hope there is a way that she can provide for her family and still be at the breakfast program every day. Or at least most days. Or some days?
Lourdes told me yesterday that I am a good teacher. A week and a half ago we learned about circles in preschool. Yesterday someone handed Violet a ball and she said very clearly "Circulo!" A ball was one of the things we had used as an example of circles in the classroom, but Lourdes didn't know that. Violet is only 2 years old. Lourdes said, "See, the kids are learning. You are a good teacher!"
Lately I have been really, really happy. And very content. Contentment is a feeling I have not felt much in my life. I think that is mostly because of my biological make-up. Since I was young I have times of happiness, but never this much consistent joy and contentment. I do miss my family and I miss friends in the US. But there is nowhere I would rather be right now than here, in Honduras.
Jetty is struggling a little. She has suddenly begun to have hairballs. Probably from the heat here. I read about hairballs on the internet and gave her some pumpkin to help loosen her stool, as well as some vasoline to help the hairballs pass through. She was lethargic for a few hours after taking the "meds", but she vomited a hairball and now she seems to be back to normal. I'll give her some more tomorrow and for a few more days until her tummy is cleared out.
Lourdes and I went back to Los Pinos on Friday to visit Clara. She is not feeling well at all. We prayed for her. We did some of her physical therapy exercises with her, which we all agreed felt great. She may have to go to the hospital Monday. We noticed there was no food in her house, so we packed up a garbage bag full of food and sent it up to her house. Lourdes is also hoping to find a new mattress for Clara. The one she is currently using is soft and so lumpy it might be harming her back more than helping when she rests.
I decided yesterday that from now on I will not think so much about "if I have to leave". I have been focusing on that too much and it is keeping me from being fully present here. So I am working on adjusting my mindset to fully comprehend that this is my home. This is where I will live until God calls me to be somewhere else.
I am so grateful to be here. I am grateful to be happy. I am grateful to be serving these incredible people. Clara brought me conservas, my favorite candy, months ago on Mother's Day. She wasn't sure if I was a mother and wanted to be sure to honor me in case I was. Now is my time to serve Clara. To pray for her and her family. I know I keep saying this, but it is such an honor to be here. I feel blessed every day.
Today I did laundry in the morning, which was good because it has rained all afternoon and night. I was supposed to tutor Daniel this afternoon, but he is very sick with asthma. He has been sick since Wednesday. A lot of people have been fighting asthma this week. I guess it's the weather. I am blessed with strong lungs. Even though I had nothing to do today, I still had a great day with some visits from Fany and her baby Laura, as well as some quality time with Jetty. The simplest of days are wonderful here.
