Week 1 Snippets

Disclaimer:{There are no pictures in the post because I have none to share. Sorry. I will work on thatfor next time. Also, I am a little scatter brained so this post might be hard to follow}

-I cannot believe that I have been in Uruguay for a week! In some ways it has gone by fast and in others, it has felt very long. But despite what seems true, the truth is that I have made it through week one. Yippee! That in itself is an accomplishment. To sum up this week in a single word, this week has been TIRING. You do not realize how much energy it takes for your body to adapt to a different language, culture, environment, and appetite until you are experiencing it.

-When I am not sleeping, I have spent much of my time getting to know and spending time with my host family. That are incredible. I have been so blessed to be welcomed into their home as a new member. My Uruguayan family consists of a grandma, a mom, two college aged daughters, and a yellow lab named Toto. They have been really patient with me in my struggles to communicate and understand. I am thankful for them. You will hear more about them in the future but I have a small story to share about "Abuela" that will give you a glimpse into my experiences this week.

-Although I am getting by pretty well with my Spanish and I have not found myself stressed or filled with anxiety over the language barrier, I find myself longing for moments when words are not necessary(Side Note: This includes ALL words, even words in English). There was one specific experience this week that fit into this category and it has been running through my mind since then. The other day, I was finally able to visit with Abuela, who lives next door, amd get a tour of her house. She is always beying complimentary of me and her joy is contageous. However, she is probably the person that I understand the least out of all the members of my family. Before I went to her house, she had mentioned a couple of times that she plays the piano and wants to teach me. I, of course, was estatic at hearing this and excited to learn from her. As she was guiding me through her house, we came upon her piano and we stopped what we were doing to sit and mess around on it a bit. Let me be clear...I do no know how to play the piano...at all. But it did not matter. Abuela taught me how to play a simple duet with her and we were content just sitting with one another and soaking up the music that we were creating. For fifteen minutes or so, no words were exchanged as we played together, she played for me, and her and her boyfriend demonstrated a typical dance. Music is a tie that binds. This simple event filled me up and provided me with much needed energy when I was feeling overloaded with information.

-Last thing. I guess I should talk about school since I came here to study. Right now, I am taking a two week class as I wait for the semester to start. It is four hours a day, which I never would have been able to tolerate at home, but I am grateful for it. It has given be confidence and encouragment as I begin a life in a new and forwign place. There are only three other students in my class so we are enjoying getting to know one another. I also love my professor. She is very patient with us and very laid back. Well, I am going to go because I am about to take the bus home by myself for the first time today! Please pray that everything goes smoothly and I make it home without complications. Thanks for listening, friends!