El Salvador: it’s not goodbye!

It’s been a month.
We leave El Salvador in 2 days, in a 7-hour bus ride (hopefully) to Honduras.
ONE month, yet I feel like I’ve learned more about life and myself than I have in a very long time. Community calls out the best and the worst in all of us, and I praise God for it.

It’s all about the little things.
I apparently take very long showers. It’s just so nice to be cold.
Today I realized that fountains are upside down waterfalls, and should be called water-rises.
I find peace in scrubbing bathroom walls with bleach, listening to country music.
I love Chiky cookies, and I’m not entirely sure how I will cope without them after Saturday.
I never thought I’d eat a Dona Wafle: it's a donut on top of an icecream cone… But I’m so glad I did. It was a great mess.

I stand awkwardly blocking the fan, and I really really don’t mean to!!!!
I’m now at ease riding in the back of a truck. Yes, the initial panic is gone, along with the acute awareness of the danger.
I laugh with those who laugh, and mourn with those who mourn.
I for sure have no aversion to feet.
Nobody gets my movie quote references in Team Tharros. Anchorman, Hot Rod, White Chicks, Talladega, Monty Python (okay Caitlin gets the Monty Python ones). I just have to exhale and not lose gusto, because I’m too legit to quit.
I have a renewed love for avocados, hummus, and watermelon.
I don't hate bananas as much as I thought I did.
On that note, I hate tamales so much more than I thought I did.
And no, adding sour cream DOES NOT HELP!
I have seriously mastered the frozen-smile-let-me-ask-my-team poker face when translating.
I keep receiving little bracelets but the truth is….. I only love my watch. I don’t do the bracelet thing. :/
I’m in denial about my watch. The strap has broken at least 5 times. I’m gonna keep trying to patch it with Krazy glue and duct tape, but it may be time to let go. It’s been 2 long years, little Ironman!
I thought I had an obsession with the sky, clouds, stars, sunrise, sunset, etc… but now I know for sure that I do.
I’m decent at drawing and good at painting! Speaking of which, here is the video for our mural!! We painted a mural in front of the church for the kiddos. It's Jesus and children, not to be confused with "a mother and her children" as the crazy lady down the street suggested. I pointed out to her, emphatically, in Spanish, that mothers don't have beards.

I’m super duper frugal. I never realized how frugal until I got put in community. A better word is cautious.
Sometimes I looked at the mountains and knew it was pointless to get my camera out, because I knew a picture wasn’t going to capture what I was seeing. And I know I won’t forget it.
Speaking Spanish is exhausting. My brain can barely handle 2 languages and I’m pushing a third one in, so help me God! But…
…I am so blessed to be able to pray with these people in their language, for their benefit, and understand their stories. It’s a blessing to be able to translate sermons and testimonies.
I have a giant pet peeve of slamming doors. I think it’s borderline vandalism in the home, and WWJD? Jesus, I’m sure, closed His doors with kindness.
Oh the awkward moments when I’m hugging someone and my ear gets suctioned to their cheek.
Nutella in a foreign country can bring a woman tears of joy.
Sweaty sweaty sweaty sweaty worship.
Sweaty sweaty sweaty sweaty naps.
My team already feels like family. I trust them.
Sharing an ipod is one of my favorite things. We can sing along to the same song!
I love sharing things. It’s such a blessing to have 4 sisters with whom to share clothes, accessories, toiletries, tips, and awkward information.
We arrive at church 20 minutes late, and I set my bag down, and hear “Now we will give our time to hermana Helena” and then everyone applauds and I get handed a microphone. Every. Single. Time. Then I get to announce the speakers, and translate. I never leave the podium.

Iguana tastes like chicken.
Getting into a cold swimming hole is worth it.
Getting into a cold waterfall is worth it.
Investing in relationships is worth it.
This month was so worth it.

Thank you, El Salvador, for receiving me and my team with open arms.
Remember: it's not goodbye, it's see you later!