11 days. where has time gone?

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. -John 16:33

Waterfall trip --
Saturday, we took a last minute trip to the waterfall once the rain stopped. Eric and Troy picked up Amanda (one of my new roommates); her sister, Hanna; y yo, on their motorcycles. I LOVE that drive. We didn't climb to the top; rain had been heavy, so we decided to hang around the lower waterfall after a short hike.

We had a blast jumping off rocks into the water and sliding down the waterfall. I got a lesson (or refresher) on rock skipping, and I challenged my ever-present fear of heights by jumping off the taller of the two rocks. SO much fun.

Night in Santiago --
Two cars, packed with people, headed off to Santiago Saturday night where we had a fun night at the outdoor mall: dinner at Burger King and a showing of Iron Man II. WOW. A Whopper never tasted so good. As always, my laugh (accompanied by Hanna's) overtook the theatre. I swear, they write those parts to be funny. Am I the only one cheesy enough to find the written humor funny?

Election weekend --
This weekend, I expected things to get crazy...bar fights, real drama out on the streets for all to see. I saw none of the sort. The alcohol ban during the day and the supposed road blocks must have done the trick. The only things really out of the ordinary were more people crowding street sidewalks and corners along with longer and louder car horns through the night.

Temporary stranger --
Sunday, we got a ride home from friends while walking back from church. (Thank you.) Becky, one of the Doulos parents, had just gotten a temporary residence card of sorts. On the back it said in large letters, "NO VOTA." You can understand that Spanish. Then, it said beside that temporary stranger, except in Spanish. As she said, they don't care if things are politically correct here.

Friends heading out --
Miss Erin, my lovely pregnant mom-to-be of a friend, is back in Ohio with her family. Julie Anne, a friend who worked for Anija and who shared Bible study with me, headed out this morning. Amanda and her sister Hanna left for the week; Amanda will return next Monday night. Whitney is getting ready to leave this Friday to celebrate her birthday at home with her family in Tuscaloosa, AL for about a week. Jess and Kymberlee, my old roomies, are also back at home. Times, they are a-changin'.

Wearing many different hats --
This week, that is what I am doing -- for sure. I'm substituting for Amanda's English class periods, hosting Art Club, doing a Pre-K art project, at some point helping prep for the work team a bit, reading to Ciara's 5th grade class briefly, and then helping out with Math Madness various activities. I LOVE variety. This is the epitome of variety.

PRAISE --
to the good Lord for providing me a stellar roommate and apartment to return to at home. I am living with my good friend, Brittany Barrett, and we are going to find ourselves living in the "perfect" apartment she has picked out. I am SO grateful not to have to worry about all of that when I get home, but God has already set it up for me.

Favorite song --
Este semana, I can't get enough of Van Morrison's "Glad Tidings".

Prayer request --
That job I need.