I have always been a pretty avid reader throughout my life, and coming here it made sense that this became one of my favorite ways to learn. While it takes a lot longer to read in another language, it has been significantly helpful so far. I found that particularly in my classes this last week my teacher would have me read stories beyond my ability, and my homework is to summarize the plot line. This is now the case with most things--hear and understand half of what is said, and from this, attempt to gain a clear picture. I tend to get frustrated and uncomfortable with unanswered questions and in this case unknown words; but I am learning with this experience that some questions are meant to be answered later, and discomfort grows confidence. I'm learning to fall in love with the process.
As an example of this--this past week we had a day to give presentations of our home area and a food that was siginificant. I chose to make soft pretzels with my teacher and made about a five slide presentation of Pennsylvania and pretzels the day before. I was slightly shocked to find twenty people in the presentacion room when I expected ten, but nonetheless I stood at the front and gave it in Spanish, answering questions after. I felt proud to have been able to do this after only three weeks here, and as icing on the cake my pretzels were a hit. This wasn't the easiest thing for me to do, but God gave me courage and incredibly supportive people to be able to do it with confidence.
There is a way I go up to the roof deck from my room and can see the city from that vantage point. Often to gain some quiet and time to think, I will go up there and watch the sky. The other day I saw a pretty incredible sunset, and the clouds created rays of pink light that spanned from one end of the sky to the other. I have often thought that the most entrancing sunsets were those uninhibited by clouds but this time I was wrong. Because sunsets with open skies can often look similar, but the uniqueness of this one made it memorable. Just like simple, predictable, uninhibited experiences can be pretty to look at and live in; but it's the challenging, different, and ever changing experiences that are memorable and beautiful in their own way; even when this is difficult to see. In this season, I am very thankful for the clouds in my life forcing me to create light in new and different ways.
Prayer Requests:
Thanks to God for the way I have felt his presence this past week.
For clarity and peace as I am choosing my service placement for my final month here.
For my parents at home, (being empty-nesters is hard and I miss them).
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