warm bread

I often forget about these blogs until I start writing a string of text in my mind that would potentially sound good as a short story. Thus, brings us to this little update. I've been here officially a year and a half; the longest place I've ever lived- apart from my parents house. When I was in college, I spent two Summers in Estes Park, Colorado. Although I loved my time out there, it always felt like I got the hang of things a week before I had to leave. It was this constant cycle--whether that be Summers in the mountains or living with a new group of people--that at the last second when finally the routines and awkwardness of new change wore off, I had to leave and start over again.

After going through this time & time again, it's been very refreshing to finally catch a "groove" here in El Salvador. There's little changes, but overall I feel that I've made it over the initial shock of coming to a new place. One day the language stopped being a road block, I've come to understand the harsh weather, and to some extent made peace with the insects that insist on sharing the same space.

I've lived with a woman, Marta, and her two grandsons now for a little over a year. It's become my second home and the Lord has truly blessed me with an additional mom/aunt/grandma/friend. I say all of these rolls because in various moments she has been everything. The little boys are my brothers and we got to celebrate the youngest's birthday a few weeks ago. He's caught on to a few of my phrases that I often say which apparently are, "Okay babyyy." and "Oh my goodness!"

However, it's finally time to turn the next chapter. After three months of looking, Mauricio and I finally found a house to rent. We're ready to finally live together as a married couple & fill our tiny, humble space with memories and lot's of hammocks. In the middle of October I am applying for residency--prayers that this process goes well. It will help not having to leave every three months..

Apart from our move, we started a bread business five weeks ago. "Manos Enharinadas" or "Floured Hands" has been such a passion project for us both. With the help of Marta and the support from the town, it's really taken off. Each week Mauricio has been developing new bread recipes--primarily focusing on baguettes and braided bread. A crowd favorite has been our braided bread with homemade parsley pesto. The house always smells HORRIBLE;) As Mauri focuses on the savory side of things, I make all of the sweet stuff. I've made pumpkin, zucchini, carrot, and cinnamon bread; all of which are very new to everyone. The concept of bread like this is odd? But everyone is falling in love. It's a nice little way I can bring my part of the world here.

Furthermore, life down south is simple, sweet, and now filled with bread. My classes are still going well and the Lord has provided many students. It's amazing to watch the violin students advance--I'm so proud of how far they've come in only a short amount of time. At the end of November, we will wrap up with classes and host an event, "Puertas Abiertas" or "Open Doors." This exposition will give the students the opportunity to showcase their hard work from the school year. I'm confident everyone will do so well. Ah! I also forgot to mention that I started a new watercolor course! Saturday afternoons are now occupied with many students, paint, and Spanish Folk music.

I will be going home next week, which honestly feels so weird to accept. It's amazing how quickly three months can pass--but more so how much can happen. Please pray my travels go smoothly & if you're down to get a cup of coffee....just let me know:)

Sending lot's of love & sunshine per usual,

Clara Chavarria

Photo 1: This is a photo of the street I live on. This week we got a free lawn mowing service..

Photo 2: We've had so many festivals recently!! Corn Festival, Indigo Festival, and El Salvador Independence Day. This photo is Mauricio with a crazy corn: boiled corn with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and cheese. Personally, not a favorite.

Photo 3: Urie's Birthday...he decided that the cake was better worn instead of eaten.

Photo 4: View from an art shop/cafe

Photo 5: My watercolor class. They've painting jelly fish, the ocean, landscapes, and cartoon animals.

Photo 6: I've started doing more of my own personal photography. "Manguita Diseno" or "Little Mango Design," is still trying to get off the ground.

Photo 7: Marta taking out the baked bread from the stone oven. A weekly, Friday routine.

Photo 8: A picture of myself at the Indigo Festival. I did indeed by a plant from this little pop up stand.

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