Reflection

The pool took it out of me today-- I'm exhausted from head to toe-- but it was worth it to see the kids splash around all day. Most of them can't swim (another thing I realized I've taken for granted: swimming lessons) but they had a wonderful time just the same, jumping around in the shallow end.

I get a day off tomorrow-- hooray! I still haven't decided what to do with myself; perhaps I'll take a jog around Winchester, or spend some time reading, catching up on the letters I need to write, explore more of the city.

I received three letters yesterday and I can't begin to express how excited I was when Pastora Martha slid them to me across the kitchen table. Thank you so much Grandma, Julia, and Hannah and Charles! It was so nice to feel connected to home again, and to hear about the things you all are doing! It's ironic, being away from the people I love and trust most has really caused me to see the ways I remain guarded from them, the ways I refrain from letting people in past a certain point. God has granted me such new perspectives on this journey, though, and I'm confident that God will continue to reshape and refine me, hopefully in ways that allow me to let go of some of the reservations I hold. So if you receive a letter that offers more detail than you ever would have expected from me, just know I'm in the process of learning how to open up more and how to allow others to share more deeply in the things I typically try to carry on my own! (Not that I'm going to throw my whole life's story on you, or all the thoughts/concerns/feelings I have at any given moment, just that I'm working on finding a balance.) :)

Mucho Paz y Amor Mis Amigos y Mi Familia,

Nicole


Some photos from our day at the pool:
(Don't worry, Jeffrey, I kept your camera out of the water!)


The lovely Liliana.


Striking a pose.


Her first time swimming ever! She was all smiles today. :)


Remember the little girl we brought beds to? That's Yasmin on the right.


Bathing Beauty. :)