Saturday, August 10, 2013

My 8th Go Around...

Morning, blog-lovin' world!!!  It's Saturday a.m. and in my mind I want to venture out of this warm bed and make coffee, but my body doesn't want to fight the elements of a cold house. :) What to do, what to do!

Last Saturday, our director's family hosted a Panchamaca (I probably butchered the spelling!).  Passed down from the Incas, it is like a show and feast wrapped in one. We watched as the workers dug a hole in the backyard, heated it with rocks, and laid layers of food.  My friend Kaite and her husband, Casey, were the godparents of the feast. They did the ceremonial first lifting of rocks and blessed the food.  After an hour the food was ready and the feast began. I tried guinea pig for the first time.  It really did taste like chicken...slimier but chicken none the less!! We had all kinds of vegetables and meats to gorge ourselves on.  It was a cultural experience. :)  Then dessert came and that was AMAZING.  It was like a Milky Way cake. Enough said. 

This past week was my 8th first week of school.  Where did the time go?????  I have such a small classroom and (now) 14 students.  They are all so sweet and a bit chatty. I was just plain WORN OUT after our first day. But these kids are definitely trainable. :) They seem excited to learn and get into a groove of school. I am overwhelmed with all this new curriculum I need to learn.  A couple of days this week our power went out after school.  It is kind of hard to work without power. Oh Peru!  Anyways...I am fostering a love inside of their hearts for Jesus Jams. Their spiritual needs are different from my kids last year, but I am excited to see how God grows us all this year.

I went to my first Spanish speaking church on Saturday. The people were friendly, but I was a bit lost in the sermon. I recognized the songs we sang because of the familiar tunes and was even able to pick up some Spanish words.  It is hard when you want the fellowship of other believers, but aren't being spiritually fed.  We went out to Chili's with some of the new friends. It was a great time of fellowship. It is nice to be  making friends with people outside of the ICSL bubble.  My friend, Maca, told me to marry her brother.  Matchmaker, matchmaker make me a match....???????

The roommates went out for "Mexican" the other night. You might think Lima has a stash of Mexican restaurants but that is simply not true.  :(  The food was good and the sombrero hats were heavy. I was a bit disappointed when they didn't serve chips with salsa as we sat down. I think when we go back we are going to suggest/ask if that option could be available. Maybe that is just a Stateside thing though.

Our last roommate comes on Sunday. It will be nice to have a full house. Pray for Katelyn as she transitions.  I have had 2.5 weeks here and am finding myself get frustrated and I have had time to settle. I know Katelyn will be busy from the moment she lands so pray for her mind, body, and soul.  I guess that makes me the veteran now, but I don't think I could do a whole lot for her...with my lack of Spanish or being directionally challenged! :)  Katelyn will be teaching music.

Right now, I want to feel more settled and in a groove than I am. I find it very frustrating. I have been teaching for 7 years...why is this still so hard some days???  I would also like to feel more independent and brave than I am in this city. Prayers would be appreciated! Some days are more of me fighting against myself than fighting the freezing cold shower!

Have a blessed week,

Megan :)

P.S. I have included pictures of the Panchamaca and pictures of the girls at Chili's. (these are the same photos as the ones that are on FB) :)