Monday, January 5, 2009

Videos

Because I have high-speed Internet at my fingertips, I am posting a few of the videos from last year. This one is of my host sister's daughter walking around outside the pulperia. I can't wait to get back and see how much she's grown and what new tricks she's learned.

Dancing

These are fifth-grade and sixth-grade students at their end-of-the-year party. Aren't they cute? The little devils.



Saturday, January 3, 2009

So this is the new year

I’ve been home for almost two weeks, and would you know the world did not stop turning while I was away?

Everyone (as in everyone in my family and friend groups) just kept right on living in my absence. Who knew? While I was off with my nose buried in a Spanish/English dictionary, they’ve been right here in the United States of America making things happen.

Babies that weren’t even imaged when I left are born now and sleeping through the night. Homes that were just dreams are now realities. Marriages that were strained are easier. Jobs that were once hated are now tolerated. Waistlines that were once bulging are now thin. Wal-Mart became Walmart. Former Christians became Jews and boyfriends became husbands and conference rooms became offices and students became professionals and kids became adults – all without so much as a nod from me. The nerve!

The truth is I don’t know when I’ve seen the people I know seem happier and more content. Perhaps I was the problem all along. Or maybe time and distance have given me a better perspective. Or maybe it’s all just coincidence. Whatever it is, it has made being home better than it’s ever been.

And here we have yet another new year ahead of us. What a treat.

Happy 2009!