May 16th 2008

Today began with me waking up to an alarm I had set on my computer because I was originally going to use my cell phone as my alarm clock, but my cell phone does not work at all. Then I went downstairs to get water so I could brush my teeth and then to get a towel so that I could shower. I was able to ask for these things in Spanish which is truly a blessing for me. While downstairs getting my water, I was able to tell Lucas and his grandfather that I did not start language classes until Monday in Spanish as well. When I went to take my first shower in Bolivia I realized that I am big and tall for this culture and almost did not fit in the shower. While in the shower I felt a cramp in my side that I had never felt before because the water fluctuated from warm to cold and then back to warm. Then I read some more of my book which gave me inspiration after feeling the cramp. Then I did a morning devotion which is a new spiritual discipline I am trying. After checking my email, I decided to make a schedule of when I will use the internet so I could be conservative with my usage. I decided that I would update my blog on Sundays, do a quick check of emails on Monday, and use the internet for miscellaneous purposes on Tuesday if necessary. The rest of the week I will refrain from using the internet so that I am not a burden to the family that I am staying with. This schedule will be in effect starting next week. Then I decided that I needed to work on my Spanish so I started reading a book that I have that is in Spanish with my Spanish-English dictionary. During this time Lucas, the four year old, came into my room and we had a little conversation about what I was doing. Then right before lunch I did a noonday devotional. For lunch I had chicken with rice and potatoes. Along with lettuce and tomatoes and I also tried this extremely hot pepper blend with my rice. Also, I had their lemonade to drink which is very different from the lemonade in the United States. Lunch was also interesting because another person who is living here had lunch with Adelinia, the grandfather and I. During the conversation between, the grandfather and the other student, I felt the sense that the grandfather and the maid would like to talk to me, but do not because my Spanish is basic. After lunch, I was able to work on a book report and interview that I am doing for school. Then I was asked if I wanted to go to the language school and I did so I went. Before leaving, Lucas was outside waiting with me and talking about trying to move a bench on the front porch. While Lucas tried to move the bench I told him that he was strong and then he gave me a hug. Susana drove Kiki and I part of the way there and then we walked the rest of the way so that I could experience what a typical day might be like for me the next three weeks. As we went to the language school, I was given directions on how to get there and get home. At the language school, I met with Mauge, the head of the school for the first time. During our meeting, we talked in Spanish so that she could figure out what my level of Spanish is and she reported to me that she thought my level of Spanish was basic to intermediate. This report was better than I though it would be. Sometimes I wish that I was not so hard on myself and be more confident. Before my meeting with Mauge I had a good talk with Kiki about fun activities such as watching movies and playing video games. This conversation was all in English, but I also discovered that during that time that Kiki prefers to speak in English. On the way home, Kiki gave me several of pointers on how to get around the city which was very helpful. However, while giving me some pointers he noticed that we were being followed by a robber. So we walked quickly to this gas station so that nothing could happen. This situation scared me and made me realize how good I have it in the United States. It also made me realize that I need to give scary moments like these to God and trust Him that I will be protected. Then I was able to work on some more school work before dinner. While working, Lucas came into my room to check on me. It seems that Lucas is very curious, but after every conversation I have with I feel a sense of joy not only that I was able to speak Spanish, but the fact that at the age of four a person can show compassion for another person. Kiki has also been very helpful to me and has been very patient and understanding with me. When I returned home after my interview, Kiki came to my room and we talked about ghost stories and other weird experiences we have had because my door came opening mysteriously. It was then dinner time which we had beef in a gravy with peppers and onions along with rice with peas and carrots and potatoes. We also had lemonade to drink. After dinner Kiki followed me to my room and we talked about scary movies we have seen. During our talk one of Kiki’s friends called him and asked him to play soccer and he wanted to. However, Kiki decided to invite me along to watch or play as I so chose. I chose to play with them and we began by playing where the person had to shoot from half court to score a goal. Then another friend came and we played a two-on-two game and Kiki and I were on the same team. The game was fun and tiring at the same time. Since it was my first physical activity in Cochabamba, I really felt the altitude difference. When we returned to the house Kiki and I talked about different injuries we have had since he had stubbed his toe during the game. I told him to put some ice on it because that is how my mom who is a nurse taught me how to take care of these types of injuries. Then Kiki went to bed and I took a shower which went much better than my first one. I think that today that Kiki and I made a real connection. I was also amazed at how much time I spent with people today considering I am an introvert and usually after a while I have the attitude of I need my space. Before I went to bed, I did a night time devotional.