the mangos are not in season anymore

Apparently it takes three months to overcome culture shock. As I am embarking on my three month anniversary, I can confirm that at some point over these past few weeks, I have settled and it has easily become home here. Amongst being deported, itching from various rashes, struggling with the language, adapting to new foods, being cautious of the water, suffering in 90 degree heat, falling down mountains, beating the ants out of my bed, and taking cold showers, I somehow fell deeply in love.

A few nights ago I had my first dream in Spanish. In the dream, I was back in the states and weirdly enough, my dad out of all people was speaking fluent Spanish. I was both in shock and jealous that he could speak so well, but the locals here affirmed me that the dream was very significant. Now reflecting back, it certainly is. I don't know at what point, but things started to get easier and being able to speak has only opened more opportunities into growing more connected with the town and its people.

I wish I could say that I have learned a lot about myself in this time, but I don't think I'm aware of it yet. If anything, I've realized how much I don't know and that the Lord has done a great job in making me understand that. At the end of the day, I am fully alone here. I've been forced to make peace with silence, be okay with spending quality time with myself, and finding beauty/joy in very small & unique ways.

Two weeks ago, I went to Chalatenango, El Salvador. A department of the country that is such a beautiful mix of mountains, cold air, farms, and wildflowers. It was there that I felt two worlds collide--the subtle reminder of tall tine trees and farms and then the expansiveness of blue mountain ridges and tiny adobe cottages. Life there was simple, difficult, and raw. My friends and I waded in freezing cold rivers, picked wildflowers, bought basil off the side of the road, and drank wine on a random mountain side property.

SO much has happened these past few weeks, but for now I am preparing to fly back to the states in a few days. I will be home for a little over a month--of course bouncing around to different places and hugging the heck out of my family and friends. Stay tuned for more crazy adventures I'm sure at the end of July.

love,

claire