La Communidad Latino

So I finally got to meet members of the church and community today, and I'm so thrilled to be here!

This morning Pastora Martha, some ladies from the community and I went to pick fresas (strawberries). The church is active in a "gleaning" ministry-- they pick different fruits as their seasons die down and then bring all the fresh produce back to the families of the church and other community members. It was such a rewarding experience to go to the fields, work to find the best strawberries, and then deliver them to various families around the community, eat them with the children's Bible study group, send them home with anyone and everyone who stopped by the church during the day.

I won't say that I felt completely in my element today-- there were many times I just had to smile and nod because everyone around me was speaking Spanish. But, you know, I don't even see this as a bad thing. It is amazing to be engulfed in a new culture, to have to strain to keep up, to pick up on words, expressions, jokes. And the women here are so kind-- they didn't try to make me feel like an outcast; so many times throughout the day they would catch my eye and smile, making sure I felt welcomed and atleast somewhat part of the group.

And communicating and interacting with the children is just what I need to keep me from being discouraged by the language barrier between myself and the adults in the community. Pastora Martha and I took the kids to play tennis and to have a picnic this afternoon. They were so welcoming and funny, such joys to be around. I am truly looking forward to spending my days with these children-- though I could definitely use some ideas/resources for coordinating a child's summer program: anyone have any game/activity/lesson ideas?

All in all, I feel so grateful to be here. Somehow in only two days I've already begun to feel at home. Sra. de la Rosa is so inspiring-- I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to live and work with her, to learn from her insights and be moved by how diligent and unceasing she is in serving the people around her. Pray that I have the energy to keep up with her!

Mucho Amor. -Nicole