June 7th 2008

I woke up this morning very early with stomach cramps, but then I was able to go back to sleep. It was nine when I decided to get up for the day. I went downstairs to have a piece of bread and a cup tea for breakfast. After breakfast, I took some time to reflect about my experience here thus far and some of the cultural differences I have noticed. One difference is the way they eat their meals here. The way they hold their utensils when eating and they place their utensils down after every bite. When I try this it is very different and this method of eating makes a person control how fast they eat. Another realization I had is that I have walked to places a lot here and taken more public transportation than I ever have before. The other occurrence I have been surprised at is the fact that I have to listen to dogs and the neighbors birds making noise at all hours of the day. I will definitely not miss this noise when I return to the United States. Then I decide to use the internet because it does not seem to work when I want it to. Also, I needed to check my bank account to make sure everything was alright after my withdraw of money yesterday. The other reason was that it takes a while to upload photos on my blog. While I was uploading photos, I realized that some people had made some comments. In reading these comments, it was a real encouragement to know that people are reading my blog and that people have a desire to give a donation to me. People can donate to SAMS for me at any time until August and any donations would be greatly appreciated. It was noon so I decided to do my noon day devotion. Next, I had beef with beans, rice, a potato, and salad for lunch. During lunch I was able to talk about the weather and if I liked the food in Spanish with Susana’s sister and mother. Another neat experience I have had and had today is when I tell people I am an only child; their reaction is one of surprise. One other topic of conversation that is not off limits is whether or not there is a significant other in a person’s life. While talking I noticed that my Spanish was a lot better than it used to be and I know if I keep speaking it, it will continue to get better. The real test with my Spanish will come tonight at youth group; it will depend on how much I understand and am able to communicate. Later on in the afternoon, I practiced my guitar skills and then got ready to go to youth group. This week again I left by myself to get a taxi to youth group. The first taxi driver was not very fair and wanted to charge me an unfair amount, so I walked up the street a bit and asked another taxi driver. This taxi driver was much better and charged me the rate that I have been charge for the past two weeks which was ten Bolivinos. When I arrived at youth group they were cooking a snack to sell for after church tomorrow. It was great because I was able to help and talk with them at the same time. Also, I understood almost everything that took place tonight in youth group. I was to find the number of the songs without any assistance. It was amazing because I was even able to participate in answering the questions during the Bible study. The part that I still have trouble with is understanding some of things that people were praying for. It is my hope for next week that I will be able to participate by praying aloud. On the way home from youth group, I continued to be able to talk with Omar and Paula about the importance of the seat belt in the United States and be able to joke around about not bothering the driver. Some of the conversation was in part English so I could understand the gist, but I made sure that my responses were in Spanish. Even though, I was corrected a few times I think that I did really well with speaking Spanish. It is my hope that God will continue to bless me and improve my Spanish skills. When I returned home fro youth group, I did my night time devotion to praise God for the amazing night I experienced. Next, I showered and went to bed looking forward to tomorrow and to continue to be able to practice and improve my Spanish skills.