I love milk. I like skim, 2% and whole milk. I am not a picky milk drinker. But in Honduras everyone I know buys their milk in a box. I like soy milk, almond milk, rice milk and coconut milk from a box. But it is time to admit that I can't stand cow milk from a box. To me it never tastes good. By the second day it's open it already tastes sour. I've tried every brand, but milk in a box is always bad. I need to stop trying to make it work. From now on I'll stick to plastic cartons.
Today I learned an interesting fact. Jetty has a new friend! There is a local girl who has a one year old baby. Her family is part of the church. I spoke with her mom and we ended up working out an arrangement that is helpful to both Cindy (the girl) and me. Cindy comes over and helps around the house to earn money. She brings her baby daughter, Michelle. Usually Michelle sleeps during their time here, but today she was not tired. She was sitting on the couch and Jetty walked over. Michelle reached over and started petting Jetty. Jetty enjoyed that for a few minutes, then jumped onto the floor at which point Michelle got a little fussy. Cindy put Michelle onto the floor and Michelle crawled right over to Jetty, reached out and started petting her again. Jetty rolled over onto her back and laid there with her belly sticking out, letting the baby pet her. Cindy said that Michelle has been playing with Jetty a lot lately. I like this for two reasons. Since Jetty is stuck in the house all of the time, it is nice for Jetty to have some extra stimulation. Also I know that most Honduran people do not think it is healthy or normal to keep a cat in your house. I was concerned that Cindy might be afraid of Jetty. But clearly, since she allows her baby to play with Jetty, Cindy is not afraid. It was really cute to watch. Michelle is only a little bit bigger than Jetty. They must like having a friend who is the same size!
Marlin had a Dr appt today. She was hospitalized and may have to stay there for the remainder of her pregnancy. She is not due until the middle of October. Tomorrow I am going to see her during visiting hours. I'll find out what is going on. I know she has been losing weight. When I got back from Costa Rica I was looking forward to seeing her, expecting that her belly would have grown over 2 weeks. However, she was thinner than before I left. Her cheeks and arms were thin. She lost 10 pounds. The Dr told her she is anemic. I could see dark circles under her eyes. Please pray for my friend Marlin. She is a very sweet woman, but this is a high risk pregnancy. Marlin has lupus. I am worried about her.
Today was pretty awesome. The kids know they have to wait until the car is turned off before they can approach it. I got one leg out when I was surrounded. I reached down and hugged them and kissed each one on the head. Then Samuel said, "She hugged me first! She hugged me first!" and they were all running around saying she hugged me AND kissed me! She kissed me too! It was awesome having kids so happy to receive my hugs and kisses.
Then we sat down and I showed them a new bible that my cousin's wife in Costa Rica gave me for the preschool class. They loved it! First they looked at all the pictures saying, "That is me! That one is me!" Violet had an advantage at that game because she was the only girl. The boys had to be fast to claim a boy character for themselves. Then I read Samuel a story about Samuel in the bible and José a story about Jose. Samuel decided it was his turn to read so he told us a story from the pictures in the book. It was so funny! It was about God creating the earth. He made up his own version. I got some cute photos, but I haven't been able to upload them from my phone yet.
I've needed a hair cut for a while, but have been putting it off out of habit. In the US haircuts can be so expensive! I finally broke down today and stopped to make an appointment for a haircut. She said come right in, I can do it now. When I got home I realized I paid $3.50 for the haircut, plus $2.50 for a tip. From now on I need to remember not to wait so long when I need a haircut. For $3.50 I can afford a haircut when I need one.
The pastor from my church in the US sent a letter to the head of the elders of Iglesia en Transformación yesterday. He said he would like to know how K2 (my US church) could best support Iglesia en Transformación. By this morning the head of the elders had already emailed a response to the office for translation! Things here rarely move that quickly, but she really liked the letter and is excited to move forward, working together more closely with K2. I am excited too. I love the idea of my two church families being closer. I can see how it would benefit both churches. Maybe soon I will be helping to host some members of my own (US) church! The day I meet them at the airport and work side by side with them here in Honduras will be amazing beyond words.
