Saturday, November 7, 2009

Made. Me. LAUGHHH.

I got to sleep at Albergue every night this week! I really like that schedule (although I miss my host fam)... after dinner and chores it's pretty chill, we get to watch a movie or go to a nearby playground to play basketball. The girls are more relaxed at night and also a little bit crazy... everyone being exhausted can contribute to some quite hilariously loopy conversations and of course, mad dance parties (with loud, loud music... since I'm the only "staff" in the house in these times, and I happen to prefer it that way. Mwahaha.)
And it is just a special thing, to be there at night, too. It feels deeper somehow... some of the most profound or "real" conversations have been as I go sit on the edge of one of the girls' beds to kiss them goodnight. What a privilege to be the last one to say goodnight and God bless you and sweet dreams, to get to "tuck in" girls who maybe didn't get that at home.

Andddd... then I have my days FREE! Yayuh.

There is, however, also the stressful side of it. Going from days to nights means that I go from being the cool big-sistery person whose SOLE JOB is to hang out and do whatever with the girls, to being the medication-dispenser, chore-taskmaster, and bedtime-enforcer. This isn't BAD, but it is different and my people-pleasing self gets pretty stressed out about it. And unfortunately, the girls definitely know how to manipulate that. It's a longer story than that and it's in a good place right now, but it was frrrrustrating at points this week.

Just to illustrate the point (and because it made me laugh when I figured it out): I recently took an absolutely amazing vacation with my beautiful friend Christine Kirschner, who is a HNGR intern in Peru- HUGE blog post coming on that once I load the pics. But anyway, I noticed that our accents when we spoke Spanish were pretty different (even after accounting for the fact that her Spanish is 8 million times better than mine)... I noticed that compared to hers, my Spanish tends to have a kind of sing-song rhythm, and my syllables are really drawn out. Hm, I thought. I wonder if that's the "Cochabamba" accent.

And then I got back to work and noticed something one night...
"Hermaaaaaaaana, porque no podemos miraaaaaarrrrrr unaaa más pelííículaaaaa???" ("Why can't we just watch oonneee more movieeee???"), followed by a large pout...

Yes. My job has ensured that I have learned to speak Spanish with the cadence of an Adolescent Whine. Wonderful.

OK so anyway, something that (at least I thought) was kind of hilarious happened the other night...

The reason I'm staying there all week is because the older woman who normally works nights is on vacation. She's adorable. Super sweet, very grandmotherly, great with the girls, etc.

So I'm sleeping in her room upstairs all week, which was very nice of her to let me do. The other night I was looking for a movie to put in for the girls on her nightstand.

And I noticed, lined up against the books, five wine corks.

Hm.

Maybe they're for decoration.

Maybe she collects them?

Orrr.... maybe this sweet little old lady who pats my cheek and wears glasses on a chain around her neck... wants to yank her hair out at the end of a whole night of "No really hermana, I'm going to do my chores in just five more minutes" too...

Ahhh... it cracked me up.

7 comments:

Kacie said...

Thanks girl! So I followed your comment on my blog back here and all I've read is your profile and sidebar, and I already like you. The books you love, the fact that you're overseas, the music you listen to, and the quotes you have up... I think you think like me. :)

Kacie said...

Oh wow. Yep I grew up overseas and am an mk. What years were you at Moody? I graduated in 05 and stayed in the the city until 07. I WANT to go to Wheaton for the counseling program, but it'll be a few more years before the husband finishes up his program. Do you work with World Relief? Crazy!

Kacie said...

Oh wait, just realized you weren't at Moody and Wheaton, just Wheaton.

Kari Rauh said...

You would have an accent like that because it reflects what you do so well--love people well by entering into their experiences. I can't wait to hear that accent when you return. :)

Christine said...

aaaahahahahaha ... oh i love you :) xoxo

amy@flexibledreams said...

I just caught up on your last couple of posts.

CRACKED me up!! Hilarious!

I'm glad you're having fun :-)

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Human Needs Global Resources Covenant, 2009

As fellow travelers on this journey, we commit to this covenant before God. Lord, in Your mercy, hear these our prayers:

When confronted with scarcity, need, and inadequacy, may we be nourished by the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. Abundance overflows from Your table, sustaining all who come in faith. Father, help us.

When monotony blurs our vision and dulls our senses, may we encounter others as Christ did, through intentional presence in daily life, submitting as clay to be formed into vessels filled with the Spirit. Christ, guide us.

When wounded by the fractured condition of Your people, may we be united by Your Lordship in faith, hope, and love; seeing, as through the facets of a diamond, the beautiful spectrum of Your light reflected onto Your holy Church joined in praise. Spirit, empower us.

When all Creation groans, afflicted by injustice and driven to despair, may the promise of redemption root us in the hope of Your Kingdom: "Behold, I am making all things new!"

Holy Trinity, send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve You with gladness and singleness of heart.

Amen.