Un otra and other bad habits

So I just spend the last hour and a half pouring through my recipe book looking for things to cook.  I would find something, get really excited and then realize no, cant get that ingredient…oh, nope cant get that either. It is funny in the States if I couldn’t find something I would be furious.  I would feel put out that Kroger didn’t have it and I might have to try Food city; talk about wasting time.  I had way too much to do to go to a different grocery store.  Here, I find myself rejoicing when I can find anything I am looking for.  One day there is Raisin Bran and then the next week there is no Raisin bran to be found.  My expectations are changing.  My sense of entitlement is changing.  Not because I am such a good little girl that I recognize my own selfishness, but by force of habit I am acclimating to a life where very little happens as I expect it to. I wonder if maybe we all live in a way we have learned by default. We have acclimated to a system not because we have chosen it but because that is how things are.  I am grateful for this time to live with different expectations because maybe when we return I will choose how I live in Tennessee.

 Un otra and other bad habits

So 20 years ago, Pablo and I came to Guatemala to learn Spanish. Somehow I learned to say “Un otra”  when no “un” is needed.  So now for the last 6 weeks my teacher has been correcting me.  I still say it . Not because I don't know it is incorrect but by force of habit.  I am trying to unlearn it.  I catch myself but it is almost always after verbalizing it.  UGH!  It drives me crazy.  So on our recent drive to the beach it made me think about other bad habits I have picked up over the years.  Things I know are not right but still seem to do or say.  As I started a running list in my head I was horrified.  Do I really have to have a cup of coffee before I can speak to my family in the morning?  Do I seriously have to weigh myself everyday?  How much of my life is just one big bad habit.  This living intentionally may be the end of me

I saw lava tonight-- Pablo

Lava, we saw lava tonight.  It was 8 miles away but there it was in the dark night sky where the volcano’s peak would normally be seen in daylight.   This morning we took some pictures of the plume of smoke billowing into the blue sky and went on to attend 4 hours of Spanish classes.  It wasn’t until later that we learned of the evacuations and that this had made news in the USA.  We even had an email warning from the US embassy about the area.  Lucky for us ( and bad for others) the wind is blowing it away from us and giving us the view we had today.

on our way to school

Life in Antigua went on as usual... Saturday the 15^th is Independence day for Guatemala and the people are getting ready for the festivities.  Today many of the young school kids were in parades this morning in celebration of their country.   So many smiling faces and many were dressed in blue and white, the national colors, while others were in fancy outfits and costumes.  The parades will continue tomorrow and end on Saturday with marching bands from the surrounding areas coming through Antigua.   I also expect to hear lots of firecrackers this weekend.

As for us, we are adjusting to the pace here in Antigua.  We are learning Spanish and I am excited to see the progress of everyone in our family.  We are continuing to meet people and investigate opportunities to serve. I have learning there are all kinds of things to do.  We are praying for God’s guidance and direction here and as we know he has prepared for us good works in which to follow him.   (Ephesians 2:10)

Fuego, the usually simmering volcano who erupted today, reminds us that we cannot control everything.  That we are small, the volcanos are bigger, and God is even bigger.   I am thankful for the reminder of this truth.  

Not much to share, but to ask for prayer

There are lots of wonderful things happening here in Guatemala about which I will post soon. Today though, I ask you to pray for health for our family.  Janie has been sick for 9 days with fever and a stomach ache.  Jacob started feeling sick on Tuesday...  It is hard to be sick in a different country.  There is no minute clinic, no pediatrician a phone call away that has known your child for years, and many more questions about what could be wrong. Would you pray with us for health and peace?  Thank you friends!

On our way home from church

Janie on her first day of language school

Pablo with his teacher Juanita

Antigua, Guatemala