7 days between Christmas & New Years

I think I've opened the blog page 8 times now to start writing, but procrastinated each time. There's so much to account for, but also nothing? November and December I guess tend to have that effect. It's that time of endless celebration, reflection, and way too much food. Mauricio and I have gotten ourselves an industrial grade oven--meaning we can bake even more bread! That of which we have taken full advantage of.

We're still learning the ins and outs but we are like kids with a new toy. For Christmas Eve, we baked over 200 units including breads for sandwiches, baguettes, sweet breads, & pies. The 3:00 am wake up call was not easy, nor was the next 12 hours. However, we managed and everyone raved--calling it a success. Rest assured, we will be kicking our feet up for the New Year....maybe.

Earlier on in December, my friend Sydney came to visit. The fist person, apart from my parents, to meet Mauricio! The whole week was so wonderful; we went to the beach, participated in the patron saint celebrations (will describe further down), painted, cooked, & explored Suchitoto. Overall, there's no words to describe how good it felt to not only speak English, but share my second home with someone so special. I can safely say that Sydney left a bit more tan & sunburned.

To touch back on the patron saint celebrations....in Latin American culture, it's customary to celebrate each towns patron Saint of the Church--ours being Saint Lucy. Thus, our week long celebration always goes from December 6 to December 13. Seven days filled with fireworks, parties in each neighborhood, early morning ofrendas, masses, and dances. Sydney and I woke up for our neighborhoods alter celebration on Wednesday, December 7 at 3:30am. Marta was in charge of making tamales and beans--that was motivation to roll out of bed. It was quite the experience and we tried to partake in as much as we could (I missed last years because I was in the States).

Los toritos (little bulls) were probably the biggest surprise. The little bulls are firework packs that individuals put on their backs, light, and run around. It's absolutely necessary that you run as fast as you can as to not get hit by the flying sparks. It was pure chaos, but so fun to see not only young people but also adults running around having a good time. The week long celebration ended with a big dance & festive activities.

Apart from parties, wrapping up the work year, and baking our Christmas couldn't have been better. Christmas morning we woke up, went to Church, and then made lunch with Marta in her stone oven. She had marinated ribs the night before and when I say they were delicious.....

The garden lunch was a nice way to relax, spend time with each other, and eat incredible food--just what we needed. I expect our New Years to follow the same.

Overall, when I think about this year, I feel as if I have lived multiple lives. I guess in a since I have. A major chapter of my solidarity closed as Mauricio and I got engaged, married, and now have started our lives together. We couldn't be more grateful to have a house, an amateur bread business, friends, and family that support us. My health this year has also been that of a roller coaster. However, I can confirm that I've been parasite free since May....knock on wood. Being sick was not only physically hard, but emotionally. I wouldn't want to live through it again, yet now I have a better understanding of my body, what I'm capable of, and the resiliency to get through hard things.

All of this to say, I'm sure 2023 will not disappoint just as this year has left us with many blessings and lived experiences. I saw a post that said you should make a list of 300 things you want from the Lord in a year--not important how ridiculous, small, or big they are. Then, once the year is over, to review the list and mark off everything that you have received. I thought this sounded intriguing and made it a point to start writing things down. I realized after about 12 desires that coming up with 300 was going to be impossible. I then narrowed it down to 100, then 50, and now the list ends at 25.

Although the point is to see how the Lord works in our lives throughout a year, I think it also goes to prove that once we actually start to reflect on the things we want & desire, we find we already have so much. Everyone will have a different numbered list, but it's no secret that the number of things we have received and continue to receive greatly out ways 300 bullet points on a wish list.

I pray and wish everyone a prosperous New Year

Much love, sunshine, and El Salvadoran 90 degree heat

Clara

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