It's been a year

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**Insert high pitched screaming from a 9 year old**

Marta: "Esteban, stop screaming grandson."

Esteban: "But grandma, I'm so excited! It's raining!!"

Marta: "I'm excited too, but I'm not screaming."

I couldn't help but burst out laughing as Marta and I were scurrying around trying to collect laundry from the line. The tiniest sprinkle started and it felt monumental. Esteban, the nine year old grandson, and Urie, the two year old, were spinning in circles, arms in the air, screaming. Everyone was overjoyed by the little surprise, and although it only lasted about two minutes, it was enough to be excited. I stood there in that moment, not caring if my clothes got wet, just estatic to watch the children rejoice.

It has been so incredibly hot here recently--the hottest part of the year. Everyone--especially myself--have been craving rain. Of course, this won't officially come till May, but we can only be thankful for the little suprise rain drops here and there.

I came here last year (officially), March 12. I look back at pictures and almost forget how absolutely trying the first three months were. Going from Missouri Spring/Winterish season to high 90 degree heat was probably the hardest change. There was no in between. Most nights I thought I would never cool down and eventually, the heat would break, I would slowly pull up the thin top sheet, and rest peacefully until the roosters started in at 4am. Included amongst acclimating to heat was also the full body rash and eye swelling, change in food/water, bugs, language barrier, homesickness, and everything in between.

A lot of people ask me why I've stayed. Even the folks here in El Salvador that know my journey, tell me they were surprised I stuck it through. In short, I really don't know. However, after typing out and reflecting over the rain drizzle yesterday--it's moments like that as to why I've stayed. The heat eventually breaks, even if it's not for long. The abundance of exotic fruits that grow here make me feel like a kid--enthusiatic to try something new and admire the odd textures and colors. I cannot speak Spanish fluently in the slightest, but there was a moment that I felt a breakthrough in conversing with people here.

Needless to say, I've stayed because everything has had little moments of breaking that has shown the opposite, most beauitful otherside of the negative. Sometimes it's not for long, but it's long enough for me to appreciate it and continue to wait until it comes around again. Thus, to commemorate being here a year, I've decided to share twelve things I've learned.

1. There are many varieties of mangoes that grow here. They are in season from February-May and although ripe mangoes are delicious, locals start eating them when they are green!! At this stage, they're very sour, but are typically served with salt, alguashte (ground pumpkin seed), and chile.

2. Just because it's raining, does not mean that it's cool. Contrary to everything I said earlier in the blog, sometimes with the rain (before or after) it's actually way hotter. Typically the humidity here is not super high, but in the rainy season it can feel like a sauna.

3. There are only two branches of Christianity here: Evangelical and Catholic.

4. The appropriate time to shower for most people here is in the morning. I find this to be ludicrous because it's the coolest part of the day. With no hot water, the showering experience is not great. They swear that it's, "the best way to wake up."

5. Pupusas are super yummy and also the national food. Typically eaten for breakfast or supper. Imagine dough stuffed with cheese and then other fillings, flattened, and then pan fried. Delicious.

6. The slaw that is served with pupusas can be super bad. I've had my few run ins with bad slaw and let me say it WRECKS your digestive track.

7. The black sand beaches here are gorgeous!!!! However, the sand is more course and can aggrevate sensitive skin.

8. The ocean is super strong here with massive waves. Bad for leisurely swimming, awesome for surfing.

9. Iowa is seven times the size of El Salvador.....

10. People will greet you in the street, regardless of the hour, by saying "Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Night, Go well, Good Bye, and Hello." It's a very interconnected town and culture.

11. Como amaneciste? Translates to, "How did the dawn break for you?" This is asked in the morning in replacement for, "How did you sleep?" Very poetic if you ask me.

12. The twelfth and arguably the most important thing I've learned, is more about who I am as a daughter of God, my relationship with Him and others, and with myself.

Here's to another great year and a huge thank you to everyone who has stuck with me on this journey. You are just as much part of this as I am. The letters, text messages, phone calls, facetimes, care packages, and love have meant more to me than words can describe.

love,

claire

photo descriptions:

1. Marta likes to hose down herself and the boys at mid-day to cool down. They go crazy for this moment.

2. This is a families house out in the country who is part of the church group I'm in. Every once in awhile, they invite everyone out to make fried yuca and have service.

3. Yuca fresh from the ground

4. My friend Tanner (Canada) and Andrea (Denmark) playing frisbee in the soccer field

5. Student in my English Conversation class. This day we were learning "How to.." and he was teaching us how to bake bread since he's a baker.

6. Urie eating, but mostly wearing the majority of his pupusa