Octubre not October

As I walked through the University campus during January, the only thing I could think about was living anywhere but Southeast Missouri. I hated the cold. I hated the humid kind of cold that sank into your skin and chilled you to the bone. There were some nights that I slept with a blanket over my head, cursing the frost that collected on the window.

This year was different. I had moved, I got the wish that I so desperately wanted during those bitter winters--and there was a cost. El Salvador was the complete opposite. An eternal Summer plagued every "season" and there was no relief from mosquito bites. With my friends posting pictures like, "so happy that it's sweater season," and "oh how we love the Fall foliage," I could only daydream sitting in my sweat drenched tshirt.

However, with what we don't have always comes appreciation and a stronger desire to find creative ways to incorpate parts of our culture/traditions where our feet are planted. This past Sunday, I spent the whole day chopping up pumpkins, baking, purreeing them, and then making a mediocre pumpkin bread. The sweet and tangy flavorful savors immediately made me excited to share my experience of Autumn with my friends and "family" here. Regardless of the subpar bread, they loved it and demanded for more--I'll count it as a win.

Aside from whimsical Fall daydreaming, I have been quite busy this past month making videos for the Center and finishing up with my frist Photography Seminar. I'm beyond proud of my students who displayed their printed work in person. I can truly see that they not only enjoyed the class, but learned a lot--just by noticing the changes in photos from start to finish. This past Friday I started another four-week photography seminar with this set focusing closer on "What Makes Art, Art." Fridays are for ages 13+ and upon request I will be teaching a childrens photo class on Wednesdays, ages 5+. Lord, please pray for me...

My Spanish has gotten worlds better. I am now able to understand more than not what people are saying--and be able to respond. I've had quite a few locals compliment my new advancements--slowly, but surely. Being able to communicate better has allowed me to integrate further into the community--something I was quite eager to do from the beginning. I've learned the hard way that it takes time, and little by little they are getting to know me, and I them.

Futhermore, I've been here for almost 8 months....where has the time gone??! The absolute hardest transition, but oh how the Lord has pushed me to be here. I come home to visit family soon and I look forward to Thanksgiving, mock Christmas', cookie baking, and a taste of Winter. More importantly, I know have a pocket of the world that I can call a second home.

Till next time friends,

Clara

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1. My friend Erika and I made a short film about how to make tortillas. Erika has worked for Bread and Puppet--a puppet group in the States--for many years and wanted to share a bit about her culture.

2. This is Erika's moms house in the country. Life is much different for people who live outside of town. Bathrooms are concrete outhouses, unpathed roads, and lot's of chickens.

3. Marta and Uri--the woman and grandson in which I live with. Marta has quickly become my second Grandma and I cannot express enough how amazing she is.

4. My wonderful boyfriend, best friend, and chef--Mauricio. Every Friday he teaches me how to make some kind of bread-like item such as pizzas, baguettes, tiny pastries, etc.

5. A few of my photography students after having the photography exposition. Faculty and family members of the students shared coffee and pastries while viewing the photos inspired by the Natural History Museum here at Centro Arte para la Paz.

6. My favorite spot in Suchitoto to view the sunset and sunrise while hammocking.