So, I'm getting my wisdom teeth pulled today...crazy, I know. But, it's actually really good to be in the capital again. I don't know why, but I needed it this time. Okay, I do know why. It's been a tough week. Started out, I got the pastor from the pulpit talking about how bad it is that the Believers let their daughters go play softball, then on Monday I puked all day, and got most people talking trash that I got a boyfriend (a guy that's from my canton) just because we've had conversations and he's young. Granted, he says he's in love with me, so they're validated I guess. ; and the land for the clinic is hay-wire...can't focus on that project because we just have to wait on the landowner to pay for registration...there's not even the "escitorio", and one of my best girl friends, and best players on the team quit...said she doesn't want to play. Long story. Anyway, it's been tough on the spirit. This week I was dying for some normalcy, spiritually speaking. What I mean is, I miss a passionate church, and hanging with followers of Christ that don't judge all the time and don't live by the list of rules that seriously choke the spirit all the while using a tongue that cuts sharp. It's so painful to watch others trapped in religion!!!

On a happy note, I'm now going to focus my attention on a. a micro-business for the women and b. a letrine project. Yah! Also, still running right along with the softball team. On a personal note, I'm a bit boy crazy for the first time since David and I broke up. So, it's hard to do the whole maintaining my distance from the guys. But, I'm doing it...kind of. ;} Why do we girls like attention so much?!?!? I've decided it's gotta be a trap from Satan...charm and sweet words that stroke the ego...Ughhh! I'm such a depraved and self-centered person. Good thing I got a Savior that helps me out and keeps me in check and still loves me...I think he even likes me.
Seriously, though, I've been reading Blue like Jazz (thanks to my fabulous MeeMaw who sent me an awesome package of books!), and it's hit the heart. I highly recommend it. Some of it has been like a light bulb going off saying - Ahhh, yeh, that's exactly how to describe what I was feeling when.... or yeh, I DO need Jesus and He's worth talking about. Good book.

So, I'm sittin' here in San Salvador, using the extremely nice Peace Corps office computers and am in a surreal state of mind. I came into the city yesterday for an English church service with fellow Christians in the PC, went to T.G.I. Fridays, shopped a bit, went to a bar-b-que at an Embassy worker's house (it smelled like an American home...crazy! ) where we ate grilled hamburgers, talked in English, and ate apple crisp and brownies!! Today, I went to a dentist appt. in the nicest medical office I"ve every seen, and then ate at McDonald's with a couple of friends. Needless to say, completely different life than the one I've been living for the past couple of months. I kind of feel like crying, even though I don't know why. I also feel like running back to my site as soon as possible because now this lifestlye is the unfamiliar. It's a bit uncomftorable and it's like culture shock. Strange, I know.

So, my wisdom tooth has grown in and I have to have "surgery" to have it removed. Who knows when...D.C. has to approve it. It hurts pretty badly, though. It's been hard to open my mouth or to eat. However, that does not mean I've lost weight. I've actually gained weight here...go figure. The sweet bread and coffee is just so delectable. I think it's my new chocolate. Anyway, the peeps in my canton never forget to tell me how gordita I'm getting, and they love it. They all think I should gain like 15 more pounds!! Let's hope not!!!!! ;}

So, the pics are of me and some PC Volunteer friends: Reagan, Celia and Rachel. Then, there's one of me teaching the exercise class. Then, one of me when we went fishing. then, one of the entrance to the lake at 5:30 am when we went fishing. Check out the pics to the left for more photos.

I go back to my site tomorrow, but until then, I'm enjoying my friend Rachel's company so much and loved getting to see Celia and Reagan last night. It's just great to pow wow in English with people who completely understand my life right now and what I'm going through. Also, it feels good to laugh ridiculously outloud and walk my normal confiedent walk and wear blue jeans. Being in the city has its advantages, but I'm ready to go home to Potrero.

Church: Well, I now wear my head covering when I go to church. It´s a white lace thingy that looks like part of a tablecloth. Also, everytime I go, they call me up to the front to sing!! It drives me crazy because I don´t know the songs in Spanish, BUT, I´m learning. Plus, some of them are the same songs, so I just read the words but already know the tune. Some examples are At the Cross, Power in the Blood, Up the Calvary Way, How Great Thou Art. They say they like to hear me sing. Since I like to sing, it´s actually really nice to have the opportunity. I just get embarrassed. The first time Don Miguel called me up to the front, I was like, WHAT?? I was startled and couldn´t think of anything!! I just stammered up at the front and said, ¨I don´t know any songs in Spanish! Can someone help me find something?¨ So, I called another lady to the front to help me. It was funny, but that day I wasn´t worshipping!! Now, I can actually worship sometimes when I sing. It just depends on if I understand or not. The thing is, they don´t have hymnals. Only a few people have them. But, I found out that I can aske the pastor to buy me one in the city, so next Sunday I´m gonna ask. Also, apart from the service, I´ve had some good conversations about the pants thing and makeup. They aren´t judgemental at all and say they understand that it´s what´s in the soul. However, they can´t tell me why they do it. They just say it´s the mission of their church...or the doctrine, and the pastor says they can´t wear jewelry or makeup or pants or listen to music other than praise music. They can´t tell me why from the Bible though. I completely understand from 1 Corinthians aobut vanity and modesty in dress. The pants thing though???? Anyway, the community is so open and friendly, and I´m getting closer to them everyday. They really share of themselves, and allow me to share as well. There´s a lot of love going on. :) This weekend I´m going to San Salvador to an English church service with the other Christians in Peace Corps. That should be really cool, and I´m really excited to see some friends I made in training. Yeah!!!

Work: So, the exercise classes are great! I´m always soaking wet afterward, but it´s fun. I have about 17 girls that come everytime. We have it tonight, actually. As far as English classes, it´s going well also. I have 31 students in the morning, and about 10 with the adults. I´m thinking about combining the two. The class is so big that I have to move it to the school for more space! The youth really like the English and are putting forth a lot of effort to study. They have their first test this Saturday. The Softball Team is interesting. I can tell we´re going to have some drama with the mix of personalities, but such is life, right? We´re planning a Carrera de Cintas right now as a fundraiser for uniforms and bats. It´s where guys from all over come to our canton to run their bikes or horses and try to put a pencil through a hole that has a numer. That number represents a Madrina, or lady that has a gift. The guy wins the gift and a kiss from the Madrina. They pay $1 to run. Also, we´ll be selling food and stuff. It should be lots of fun. The Health Clinic is a huge story....the mayor of a pueblo next to us is the owner of our land. He told us he´d give us the land for the health clinic. Well, it´s been less that easy, let´s say, to get things done with him - or even to contact him. Our ADESCO and I spend the whole day just travelling and trying to find him or documents or something. BUT, finally, yesterday, after a day running around like chickens with our heads cut off and having 3 different people tell us different things, we eventually received the plans for the land. Now, Thursday we just have to go back to another pueblo where the lawyer is to sign a few things and give him this plan. Then, next week, we´ll have the liberty to start soliciting for funds for the clinic. I´m really excited, and trying not to be stressed out about it all. It´s just that I get so frustrtated with the process here! I mean, come on, if a mayor says he´ll be somewhere, he´s not just going to not show up and then the next time you hunt him down not even apologize or acknowlede that he lied!!! There´s just no respect for the common people here. I was really angry for a couple of days at him and just all of the people in power here in ES and how they treat the people of the cantones. It´s like they don´t matter. But, I´m not angry anymore, just aware. Forgive and Forget, right? My friends and family here are so pacient and humble. I´m trying to learn that as well because coming from the States, I want my rights and I want to be treated a certain way, and I expect respect and professionalism. In the office yesterday, I wanted to say...look, we have rearranged our whole week because you stood us up the other day, and these men gave up 2 days of work. The least you can do is sit down with us and give us details of what the next step is, or to sign the stupid papers!!!! But, of course I didn´t say that, and the way my companeros were just so calm and patient with everything amazed me. They´re just so used to it. I learn something new everyday, and also am humbled everyday. Lots of life lessons here and I´m sorry that I can´t do justice in writing to express how I feel or this experience that I had. I feel like I you´re probably confused by everything I just wrote, so sorry. In my own mind, I´m not sure what I´m thinking either. A million emotions and thoughts happening. Craziness, I know. :)

Well, thanks so much for listening\reading!!! Lots of love from El Salvador, and know that I´m so happy here and loving it!!! P de J rocks!! You should move here too! ;)

Long Live El Salvador!! :)

I´ve now been in my site for 3 weeks, and it´s a miracle how at home I feel. I couldn´t ask for a more welcoming community where I feel at ease to share of myself...God´s truly blessed me with a family environment. I live with Ester, a sixty something year old lady who´s bursting with personality with her high pitched screechy voice that could be annoying but it´s endearing. She´s a Christian, and she´s spunky...I mean a lot of spunk. She takes care of me, but still can give me room to be an adult also, which I like. She´s been telling me the town gossip, even though, ¨she doesn´t like to talk about people, but...¨ I need to know so that people don´t talk about me because of who I hang out with. It´s true, really. So, it´s good to have the inside scoop.

The fact that my canton is mainly evangelical is a good and a bad thing. Good because the people are very giving and loving, and it´s nice to talk about the things of the Lord. Bad because they´re legalistic as well. It´s pretty taboo that I dance, so I´m trying not to do it, even though the young people want to learn. I´d love to teach it, but am afraid of the reprucions (sp?) with the relationships and trust of the parents. Anyway, it´s a minor thing, but it´s just a bit frustrating. It´s the denomination where everyone prays out loud and there´s a lot of screaming and babbling and when people talk,, they have to yell...no one talks in a normal voice. I find that wierd and don´t see how it´s seen as worship or glorifying to God. But, to each his own.

This Saturday I start teaching English. To the youth at 9am and to the adults at 11:30am. Then, we´re trying to start a softball team for the girls to have something to do besides stay in the house. Also, it´s a good opp. to form relationships with a few of them and open doors for really good conversations and learning\teaching opps. Also, on Tues. and Thurs. I´ll be leading an exercise class for the women and young ladies. They need exercise, and it´s a good avenue to discuss health issues...also a good preventitive measure. Then, our main objective is building a health clinic in our canton so the the people don´t have to walk an hour to the town Consuelas, and so that the health promotor has a place to store the medicine and do checkups. Tomorrow a couple leaders and I are going to get papers for the ADESCO and the land authorized so that we can begin soliciting. Then, I´m really excited because since Intervida is already working in our community, we´re going to solicit to them, and I think that option will work out well. If not, we´ll look for other means. Other ideas for future projects are Letrines (half of the comm. doesn´t have a latrine. It´s like an outhouse. So, they just go in the woods\behind the house), Chimneys for the wood stoves, beautifying the field and making it more like a park and more shady and a good place for the people to enjoy life a little. They work so hard and receive so little. It would be awesome for them to have a spot to relax\play.

Regarding cultural norms, my canton´s pretty special. No guys throw piropos, meaning no one says crude things to me as I walk by. I feel pretty well respected overall. The guys, for the most part, are descent and not so machisto like a lot of Salvadorans. So, I´m very thankful for that. However, I´m having to guard myself a bit because I don´t want to be naive and end up with some guy coming on to me. Being the white, tall, ¨blonde gringa¨ is an automatic attention grabber. It´s ridiculus because the people here actually say that everyone in ES is ugly, and that the U.S. has all people bonito. Isn´t it crazy how skin color and height can be so important to some people? I personally think the people here are beautiful, and their appearances (most) are very attractive as well.

Well, that´s it for the current update. For a couple of fun facts: I rode a horse, got peed on by some bug that burned my skin, swam under a waterfall, and am learning to make tortillas quite well. Until next time, God Bless and thanks for reading!

Hey peeps!! Sorry it's been so long since I've written, but I finally pulled up blogger!! First of all, let me say a huge HAPPY 15th BIRTHDAY TO MY BROTHER LOGAN!!! Hope you have a fantabulous day!! Well, lots has happened since I last wrote. I now know where I'll be living and working, and also visited the site this last week...it's great for me. I'll be in the department Usulutan, in the municipality of Nueva Granada, in the canton of Potrero de Joco. It's not necessarily a pretty site, but it's beautiful in it's own way. It's flat, hot, and dusty. :) But, there's a lake and a river in the distance that I can see from the soccer field, and it's only a 30 min. walk to get there. It's actually the way most people gain money, other than remesas from the U.S. They fish. The house I'll be living in is small with a living room and 2 bedrooms. I have 1 bedroom as my own. A 14 yr. old girl, Ana, has the other, and the grandma, Ester, just has the living room. I'm going to paint the room green and buy a mattress, a closet thingy, and probably a rug because the floor is just dirt. The family is especially kind and welcoming. They're Christians, which is cool. Evangelicals here are considered kind of crazy, I think, and over the top, but these folks are really calm and real. They have beautiful hearts and aren't judgemental, or so it seems. The politics I don't think will be an issue because both parties work well together there. There are many organizations working in my canton because it's considered one of the poorest areas in the country. So, the gov.'s program, Red Solidaria is there, as well as a non-profit from Spain, Intervida, and the United Nations' agency, FAO. They're my main counter-part, and the representative from there is super great and will be easy to work with. I already have many ideas for work, and will share more once those projects come into play. Right now, I'm just visiting with the people and finding out the needs of the community and where to begin. It's a bit overwhelming, but I feel like God has placed me there for a reason, and it feels like a perfect fit. I'm already passionate about the community and the work to be done.

Ester, my landlord, is the mom of many many people, and they all live around me. There are several children, and they have become my fan club! It's hilarious...I couldn't get a moment to myself. But, I liked it. It feels like home and I'm anxious to get back. I really don't think I could feel any more at ease. It's good. The men in Potrero de Joco are also amazing. I haven't witnessed the machismo there, and I feel like many of them will be like uncles to me. It's so hard to explain everything, but I love where my new home is. The only thing that's uncomfy and bad is that I don't have a latrine at my house. I have to walk four houses up to use their latrine. Also, there are scorpions!! Yikes!! I already saw 2 while I was there for 4 days. I'm gonna be hanging sheets from the ceiling to keep them from falling into my bedroom.

Right now I"m back in San Vicente for a few days of Orientation, and then the swearing in ceremony in San Salvador and the party. Next Friday I move in for good to Potrero de Joco. Today we're actually throwing a party for our host families here at the center. It should be lots of fun. Oh! Bit of good news...my camera's working again, so will upload more pics soon. God Bless and thanks for reading!!! Please keep in touch!

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!

Look at my pics!! There aren´t many, but it took a long time to upload them. Hope they give you a better idea of where I am and who I´m with!

I wanted to explain how we wash clothes here because it´s so cool, and I have a pic of me doing it. So there´s this large concrete basin full of water, and next to it is another concrete structure that slants slightly down. I use a plastic bowl to get the water and I pour it onto the first piece of clothing on the concrete structure and the extra water runs off onto the ground. After it´s wet, I use this green cylinder shaped soap and roll it all over the clothing, on both sides. I then pour water on it again and squish the shirt and rub it harshly onto the concrete to get it clean. After rinsing several times, I ring it and place it in a tub full of fabric softener. I repeat this with each piece of clothing, and then rinse it all again after it´s set in the bowl for a few minutes. Then, I hang each piece up on the wires outside of my family´s house until they dry. It´s really hard work, actually, and I feel like my clothes get cleaner here than the the washing machine!!! :) Props to the Salvadoran women who are masters at their full time jobs - housework!!
The way I bathe myself is I stand inside this little concrete room away from the casa, probably 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide, and there is another large concrete basin of water with a plastic bowl and a curtain to shield me from people´s viewing. I pour the water onto myself with each scoop of the cold cold water. I wash my hair last, and I have to brace myself for the shock of the frigid water on my head everytime. It definitely wakes me up!! It´s actually not all that bad, and daily it´s getting easier to adjust. Doésn´t all of it sound like fun?!?!
It´s an adventure that I´m enjoying and learning how to be flexible in more ways than one. I´m just hoping I don´t see a scorpion anytime soon, since I´ve heard stories today from other volunteers!!! Yikes!!! :}

By the way, I ate some sugar cane for the first time!!! Yummm!!!!

I´ve been in El Salvador for a week and a few days now, but it feels like a month!! I think the days are just going slower simply because they´re so packed with information, and the heat I´m sure has an impact. It´s already been a challenging experience, as well as very inspiring. I´m constantly learning, often frustrated, and always excited about the next step. So far, I see many needs around me healthwise. There is garbage everywhere from a lack of garbage cans, no trash or active recycling system, and I think just uneducation about the effects of trash regarding sanitation. So, if that´s the case in my site, that is a task I´m wanting to take on. I´m actually going to give a "charla" (talk/presentation) on March 12 to the 5th grade class at a local school on "limpieza" (cleanliness) and the effects of trash in their living spaces. We observed at that school (we is my community group - Natalie, Kevin, and I with our Spanish teacher, Maria Luisa) on Thursday, and I was quite impressed with the 5th grade. They paid attention and it seemed very similar to a U.S. school, unlike the other grades, according to my team. So, I´m pumped to have that grade for my charla. We also interviewed the director of the school. and I have to say that from interviews we´ve been doing, it´s difficult to get the truth out of people. Of course, they´re a bit defensive because we´re asking questions about health and sanitation issues...who wants to admit to having hygiene problems??? So, I understand, but it´s just proving that it will take much time at my own site to gain trust before I can be an agent of change. A problem is that there´s no potable water source at the school, nor at most homes. For bathrooms, they have latrines, which is fine, except that this school has a problem with them flooding in the rainy season. Plus, there´s no soap for washing hands...only water. As a health volunteer, this is something daunting since so many of the sicknesses here are passed so easily from person to person. It´s crazy because the day before, we interviewed the Unidad de Salud, (health clinic) about 15 minutes away from our cantone, and there was no soap there either. Crazy!
Sex Education and Reproductive Health are going to be topics to discuss. There´s definitely a need for this type of education, but it´s quite taboo to discuss the human body parts and how they work, and totally taboo to talk about sex or prevention or birth control. So, I have my work cut out for me, but it will be worth it when the people are educated and can make wise decisions regarding their health, both physically and mentally.
I´m having doubts as to my capabilities, but know Christ will give me daily strength and wisdom. It´s tough, but fun and envigorating at the same time. I´m staying sane by laughing a lot and listening to my ipod each night before I go to bed. I´m so thankful that I can communicate with people in Spanish, or it would be so much harder. It really is a large part to my happiness here...I can make friends because I can speak with people...that´s huge. Please pray for the volunteers who don´t have that luxury. It´s hard for them and I think they miss home a lot more because of that. Well, peace out and will write more soon!!!

I just love my G-Daddy! Seriously, I got to have 2 long breakfasts with Grandaddy over Jan., and I learned so much I never knew about my family! Don't you just love when that happens?!? He and my Nanny wrote songs and had them published...how cool! Also, I learned about what a mason is...but, the best thing was just sitting there talking...and not forced conversation - it was awesome! We could have talked for several more hours. I don't know why I'm so astonished by this. I think it's because I've been away and haven't had many conversations that lasted more than 5 minutes with him in a long time. To make it short because I've got to head out, He's just a good man. I'd be blessed to find someone like him someday.

So, my sister is now wed!! She's Mrs. Bowen now, and it was quite a wedding! She looked absolutely beautiful and everything went off without a hitch, except for some wax running over onto the church carpet. But, we got it all up. It was an elegant evening with perfect winter weather...no rain or snow or anything, and the church was packed. Everyone loved the music selection (some of my favorite songs), and it was really special having all three of our uncles participate in the ceremony. When my Uncle Mitch started talking about Sheena being a little girl, I lost it and was crying for quite a while, trying to sniff it all back in and get together. But, pretty much everyone was shedding tears.
Then, the reception was so fabulously disguised as a winter wonderland. We had spray painted branches and trees from our back yard silver and it was really beautiful, I think. Sheena and Kydon's first dance went well, and so did Dad and her's. The food was all desserts, and the cake was gorgeous! It was just really sophisticated and fancy, but fun with all of the dancing. Their Knoxville friends really helped make it fun on the dance floor. They drove away in a stretch hummer limo, and now they're in Gatlinburg until school starts back. Crazy my little sister's married, but it's cool and I'm so happy for them. It was a packed weekend!! For more pics, click on View My Pics to the left. Then, later on when the photographers develop the wedding pics, I'll post them as well.

Happy 2007! Happy New Year! Why is it, then, that every first day of the year I feel depressed? I know the answer, really. I end up looking back at the previous year thinking, what did I do? Who did I love? Who did I help? What did I learn? What did I contribute? How did I serve the Lord? Who did I lead to Christ? Once again, I end up disappointed at the answers to most of these questions. But, then come the resolutions, right? Well, I didn't make any this year, really. I have made a few over the last few months, but not particuarly for the new year...just for life. I have to say, though, that 2006 has been more than interesting. I found out I was going to the Peace Corps, loved and was loved, won dance competitions, travelled to Eastern Europe, had 3 months of vacation, had my heart broken - my fault, moved in with my sister in TN, far from my friends and life in California, and the list continues. It's really been a year of transition and life lessons - thus my blog title, In Transition. I guess I'm hoping for another exciting year, but with fewer tears (this coming from the one who doesn't cry). I'm looking forward to El Salvador and all God has in store for me. I know that the main thing I want to change is the way I prioritize my time. God and I are going to be having a lot of dates because He is the most important person/thing in my life, and yet my daily schedule doesn't reflect that. So, hopefully when you see me next, if you ever see me, I'll be a bit wiser and my knees a bit rougher. It's going to be a good year.

To update you all, I've moved in with my parents in Greenfield and have been here for about a week. It's been awesome. Sheena and I transformed my bedroom into a bedroom/entertaining room. It's so different and fun. Then, we've been solidifying her wedding plans. I've been to like 3 Christmas parties already...crazy because it's 70 degrees outside and doesn't feel like Christmas at all!!! Basically, I'm lovin' being at home, which is a big deal since I'll be here until Feb. Something really cool is that I think that I'll have the opportunities to spend time with friends from the past and rekindle a few relationships. I'm really excited about that since I've been really horrible at keeping up with most people, and unfortunately, friends that I dearly loved at one point in my life have slipped through the cracks of time, and now I'm looking around going, what happened?? So, hopefully I've learned the lesson that relationships are important and that they require fostering and attention. That might be harder to do once I'm in El Salvador, but hopefully the cyber world will be kind to me. :)
Speaking of friends, though, I'm super psyched because I am leaving today to see 2 of my best friends in a whirlwind trip through Illinois. It's going to be quick, yet long at the same time (on the road a while), but well worth it to spend some time with Alison and Evelyn before I'm on a jet plane out of here.

New Baby!! My friend Amanda (Perry) Rodriguez and her husband Robert have just had their first child...Rachel Elizabeth Rodriguez, 5 lbs., 5 oz. She has a head full of hair, they said, and is healthy. So tiny! Welcome Baby Rachel!! I'm so excited because I get to see her and the new Mommy on Wed. after I get home!!! Congratulations to their family!

Well, I had a splendid evening!! I taught at the BCM's Christmas Benefit Ball last night. We did Tango, Salsa and Waltz. It was so much fun!! I haven't taught ballroom since the end of April, so it was a huge rush, and I felt so comftorable in my element...I miss it. Anyway, the 80 something college students were great students. I think everyone had a lot of fun, and they did really well with the dancing. We stayed until 1 in the morning, just dancing and them asking questions and stuff. There was this very pretty African man there that could really dance salsa. I enjoyed him being there to help...and to look at. ;)Plus, it was a blast getting dressed up...this is only the second time Sheena and I have gone to a formal event together. She looked beautiful. When we saw each other, we were like, "Oh my goodness! You look so pretty!!!" It was a sweet moment. She said she liked my hair and that she wants me to wear it like that for the wedding...yeh! That's a relief! No slicked-back look!! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!!! I give thanks for a tight-knit family, for my friends - however far, for freedoms in our country, for freedom of my soul, for the ability to choose, for the health to dance and explore, for sanitary drinking water, for contacts, for my big heavy coat this time of year, for mercy and grace of God whom saved my soul from His wrath. I am thankful for many things this year...and this is just the beginning of the list. What about you? Tell me what you're thankful for! Have a good one and don't eat too much turkey and pecan pie!!!

Borat: Not so Nice. So, abading others' advice to skip out on the praised, ground-breaking film Borat, I decided to see what all of the hype was for myself. I mean, afterall, how bad could it be, right? What are a few lawsuits?? AND, if it's a monumental occasion in comedy, I wanted to experience this first-hand and make up my own mind about it all....just maybe I'd laugh til my stomach hurt.

Well, after sitting through an hour of quite offensive humor, Sheena, a friend and I got up and walked out. I never do that with movies, but I just couldn't handle the vulgarity. Not only did Borat want to annilate the Jews, but there were also naked males rolling around on the bed together, and unspeakable other vulgarities. I only wish I could describe to you what I saw and beg you not to submit yourself to the cruelty of humor gone bad, but it's just not something I want to post on the internet. However, my mouth dropped about 10 times in a 'I can't believe he just said/did that!' kind of way. It's one of those. Although, I must admit that I laughed at a few things. It actually would have been hilarious had he stayed away from the gross sexual stuff. He ruined it by going too far in the 'I want to offend everyone possible on the face of the planet that there is to offend' kind of way. Too bad because his character's funny. Well, all of that to say that I'm mad I wasted $8.50, mad that the critics rated it an A movie, and mad that the world applauds this kind of disgusting humor. Whatever happened to Bill Cosby? "He's a-Nice." :}

Success!! So, last night was the lingerie party of the century if I may be so bold. As you probably know, my sister's getting married in Jan., and this whole to-do of me being in Knoxville is for her. So, one can imagine how elated I was to fulfill one of my maiden duties of throwing a shower. First of all, I love throwing parties. How fun is it to decorate?!? Much. A Much too Much. Second of all, it was so great to have a party with all of Sheena's closest friends there, giving "advice" (what they've heard from others, including myself beings that no one's actually married in the group...except for Stacy, but she didn't come until later. However, we still appreciate her input.) and telling sweet and sappy stories - mostly funny of Sheena and what kind of stamp she's left on their lives. It made me a proud sis to hear how they all talked about her. She also got lots of sexy lingerie. I was surprised, though, at how not outrageous they were. I think everyone was thinking what they would want. It worked because she loves it all and tried them on last night (in front of like 10 girls, might I add...yep, she just stripped down in her excitement to wear ribbons and lace! What can I say, she's a Rowlett girl). In all, there were 20 girls at the party. Fun times!! I won't give details of the games played, I guess, but they were a hoot and the girls were good sports about it all. Let's just say one game involved a banana and whipped cream.

I can't believe my little sister's getting married. It's so wonderful, but so crazy. I know it's going to be hard for them at first, being broke students and all, but I see their love for one another, and I know God will bless their union. They're willing to sacrifice and work at it. I've heard them talk about it and witnessed it myself. One thing I like is that Kydon told me the other day that he's learning what not to do and what to do with Sheena from watching us live together. He said he's going to have to do things when she asks, instead of putting them off. That's not in his natural habitating ways, but he's making a conscious note to have a happy wife, and he's willing to do it. That's when it hit me that he's good for her. I always thought no one could truly be good enough for her, but I realized there and then that he's better for her than me!!! Now hear me out...what I mean is that most of the time, I'm not willing to change my living habits (because I think my ways are better) and just say she needs to stop being so anal. I know that's not the best attitude, but it happens with sisters, I guess. I also guess that we'll see if he can actually hold up to his present observations and attempt to please the cleaning power of Sheena Marie. But, for now, I appreciate him thinking ahead of ways to make their marriage work and to prevent fusses over, what I think, is stupid - like when to fold the laundry or empty the dishwasher. God help em and God Bless em!

Viva El Salvador!!! That's right, I'm headed south to Central America's smallest country in Feb. to work as a rural health facilitator in the Peace Corps. I'm so excited that it's a Spanish speaking country because now I can refresh my skills and hopefully become fluent forever!! :) I'm a bit nervous about my job though because I don't really know how to do it, but that's why I have 3 months of training, right?!? Well, guests are welcome, so come visit if you can!! They have great beaches, so we can surf or something...it will be fun!

Church Happy!!

Hallelujah...Praise the Lord I found a church I like here in K-ville!!! Seriously, that's a huge deal because I needed something to change my mind on Southern churches. It's actually very similar to Mosaic, and the pastor said he got a lot of the ideas for the church from Pastor Erwin and Mosaic. Needless to say, that thrills my soul. Can I just say that I love to wear jeans to church? Can I also say that I love a pastor that really challenges Christians? I mean, as followers, we need to be taught/reminded/encouraged/challenged to actually follow and what that means. I mean, yes, salvation is core, and I realize that's a huge ministry of the church is to tell others about Jesus Christ. However, I personally think (and that's a scary thing....my thoughts :} ) that one of the reasons why the church has failed to impact is because the same message is always taught...salvation...but what about after? Discipleship is so important! Our church is full of contented people (I realize I'm generalizing...bear with me) because they think they don't need to do much of anything because they're going to heaven....but are they?!? ;{ So, instead of preaching to the choir, persay, about salvation, preaching to the believers who are wondering just exactly how to pursue a relationship with this Savior and make Him Lord. Well, anyway, as you can see, this is a soap box of mine, but basically, I'm just excited about Faith Promise. So, now I'm actually looking forward to church next week!!! :) Sweet!