oh the places we go

so, another nice few days have passed and i feel like a breakthrough or two have taken place here. i think language has gotten a little better after a nice chunk of homework to help me out. i have realized that i like homework as it challenges me to use the stuff i am learning--which makes sense, right.

also, i have learned more about other friends' experiences here and that has helped me keep a good perspective on what to expect during my time here immersed in this incredible place. also i am realizing more and more what it is about living here. that may seem really elementary, but it is funny how your expectations can be rattled and then be suprised by what is actually happening. we travelled to a nearby beach the other day and on the way there and back we drove past some shanty towns. these are low, low income neighborhoods, if you will. it didn't look like some folks had electricity and/or running water. i had seen another area similiar a few days before. that really struck me. even today on my walk home from some study time, i noticed how some of the abandoned buildings reminded me of sights/places i had seen when working down in New Orleans post-Katrina. there is such a dynamic here that is hard for me to fully understand. of course i want it all to be rationalized, but life doesn't seem to work that way here in this place. i am starting to see the local people here through different Eyes. and i am grateful.

i am also grateful for my roommate/friend. she has done a great job of getting to know me and today i finally thanked her for that. sometimes i feel i can be hard to get to know.

well, i leave you with a couple of photos from the last few days...

fun day at the beach--i was really excited!

mmm good--my first NA fish tacos!