It seems odd to be back in a place I left 6 months ago without my travel buddies. I keep thinking a familiar face will come around the corner from LSquad. But as time goes I’m sure my mind will adjust to this new adventure as with everything.
Although there’s much to learn, there are some underlying notes to go by:
The First 24 Hours:
Lisa picked me up from the airport and we headed into the 3 month adventure. The hills were gorgeous along the drive, I forgot green survives in places that doesn’t get frost! We stopped on the way to see the crocodiles at Croc Bridge; they we’re ginormous. And just as we arrived at the beach, the sun was setting upon the beautiful waters. And on the first night I even got to eat yummy plantains at a local Soda. The rest of the evening was filled with getting reacquainted with Casafe and catching up with Lisa.
The next day we started with a hike with a familiar face, a friend from my last visit. And then Lisa and I jumped into practicing the VBS songs we will be leading next week. After a short session of surfing we biked rapidly to make it to prayer at church. Racing back again, we made it in time to host English class for 8 of the teens. And that night a family, friends of Lisa’s, showed up to stay for a few days. After an hour walking on the beach in Spanish with the teenage girl I was ready for bed. But we headed in for dinner and then a sega game of Uno.
It was a crazy first 24 hours but felt great to jump into things! With that day and the few that have followed it’s easy to tell I have a lot to learn. It’s been so fun catching up with locals who I met in July. Everyone has been welcoming and warm. The teens and I have already cracked a few jokes and they’ve already demonstrated great patience for my Spanish. Lisa has been so generous in showing me the ropes and answering all my questions. It’s been beautiful to look up and helps me reorient myself since just a few days ago I was looking at white crisp snow. After I get better accumulated with the schedule I’ll to send a better idea of what it looks like.
I want to say “Thank you” to all those who have supported me in getting to this new season. I recognize I wouldn’t be where I am if it weren’t for people cheering me on to go after opportunities.
