Poco a poco

Poco a poco. I think this has been said to me about 50 times since I arrived. It means "little by little" and it is everyone's response (especially my spanish teacher) when I say I can't do something or don't understand something here. I think I better get used to "poco a poco" sooner than later.

So I'm also a little behind on this blog. Last week I moved into my 'casita' - it is a little backhouse behind some teachers who work at the school Maria attends, CAG.

 It's very nice and has everything I need - it's just all in one room ;) New things for me: tin roof, gas stove/oven, no a/c or heat, buying purified water in 5 gallon jugs, using said water for coffee, lemonade, brushing teeth, etc., washing dishes without a machine or disposal, hang drying my clothes, showering with a mechanism that heats as it pours (kinda), fruit falling on my roof from the trees above. Making Snickerdoodles in a gas oven at this altitude proved interesting....Don't get me wrong, I am for sure thankful for such a nice place, I know full well that it's a blessing just to have a roof... It's just that this north Dallas girl has some learning to do. I also really missed my family and friends the first couple of nights living alone here, but that was to be expected. I'm becoming more used to it each day, and it is for sure a comfort to know that I am never actually alone.

View from the roof

The owners like plants

Alot

 I began my Spanish lessons last week. A friend of Mike and Sandi's comes to my house 4 hours a day, 5 days a week. Goodness. It's interesting how this type of intensive studying just shows you how much you are lacking. But I am enjoying it and feeling more comfortable talking to people I don't know, so I know that it is already helping. I know it is just the means to an end - vale la pena, it will be worth it. I also have homework each night that I may or may not always complete as assigned...especially if the Rangers are playing.

Last week was also great because the rain stopped and the sun came out - gracias a Dios! So many families were affected by the storms and more rain would only impede those who are helping. It is also the beginning of a time of cold weather here for a couple months - I know the 50s doesn't sound bad, but when no one has heaters, you feel it! Very thankful for my fleece pajamas these days.

I also have been going to the Glicks to watch the Rangers games or listening to them on ESPN radio on my computer - I am so proud! Can't wait for that final win!!

So, definitely a week of firsts, and I am still learning. And I am becoming ever more thankful for divine comfort and patience. Poco a poco.

Hebrews 4
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.