I spent last weekend in "Immersion" out in the Western Departemiento called Ahuacapan, in a canton called Montecristo. It was about a 5 hour bus ride, and an hour hike to the location. But, I couldn´t go until Friday, while everyone else left on Thursday, because congratulations to me...I got amoebas!! It´s a great initiation into the Peace Corps, and gracias a Dios, we caught it early, so with some medicine and rest, I was feeling peachy-keen by Friday for the trip. So, back to that...Montecristo was really really hot, but beautiful. The family I stayed with is super "with it" and easy to talk to. I was amazed at their habits and their mentality...very different than the other Salvadorans I´ve spoken with. The 27 year old daughter wasn´t married and didn´t consider herself old. She still has hopes of marriage someday (most girls think that 24 is too old for marriage, since birth "has to" happen by 30) Also, they exercise...unheard of in the campo!! Super cool. I was especially happy to know they´re evangelicals, denomiation still unsure, but they were really into talking about theology and Christianity with me. I loved it, even though my Spanish skills need to be a bit more tailored for such deep conversations. We laughed so much, though, especially when they brought out the Bible to explain to me why the women cover their heads and only wear skirts (they were confused by my pants and short hair, uncovered mind you). I cracked a joke that the book Deaut., where they quoted for why women only wear skirts-dresses, was before Christ, and that He changed a few things. Also, that who´s to say women aren´t supposed to be wearing pants, and men - skirts? Afterall, back in the day, both men and women wore dresses. They thought that was hilarious and we laughed for a while. They had me on the head covering thing, though. I´m in thought on that one. Well, in addition to good company, I also bathed in a river for the first time. They didn´t tell me I was going there to wash...only to swim. So, I was a bit surprised when they pulled out the soap and said have at it. First of all, I didn´t know what to do. I mean, everyone´s just staring at me, waiting for me to do something, and I´m like, so what do I do? They literally walked me through it because I couldn´t take off my clothes (an art, I gotta say), and I had to shampoo. So, afterward, I didn´t feel too clean, but it was fun and it cooled me down after a sweaty day. All in all, I think I could live just fine on river bathing. :) I had another experience...with the letrine. There were bugs on my bum...yes, bugs on my bum. I screamed and from then on, was a squatter. Fun times. ;)
The next day, the volunteer who´s community I was in, took me on a hike and we ended up at a beautiful waterfall where we swimmed and jumped off of this big cliff. It was such a rush, and so needed after a month of all work and no play. I´m also thrilled to have received phone calls from my mom, my grandparents, and Jenny. Such a needed blessing of folks I love and miss. Seriously, although I love it here, and don´t feel lonely, I just miss the ones I already know and love and am comftorable with and don´t have to try and figure out where they´re coming from. I miss you, my family and friends. Just know that. Thanks for being in my life...and with that said, I pray you always are, and that I can contribute to yours. When I get my cell phone, call anytime!...I´m planning on getting that tomorrow. So, yeah! Much love and peace out!