Here are some highlights from these past two weeks:
~ We celebrated Caleb’s birthday on October 23rd, and Jane and I had a fun time picking out presents for him and watching (or in Jane’s case, helping) him open them. I think one of his favorites was some Häagen-Dazs cookies n cream ice cream that I found here! Mmmmm! It is interesting to see what sorts of things they decide to import to Trujillo. For example, with the ice cream, there were only two Häagen-Dazs choices: cookies n cream and mango sorbet. Hmmm.
~ Jane had her first spaghetti dinner and enjoyed it immensely!
~ I am learning that washing clothes here is just not as simple as it might seem. Due to only having cold water in the washer, I have resorted to scrubbing Jane’s clothes in the sink full of warm water before sending them through the wash. It is the only way to get rid of stains and dirt. My next project is figuring out how to keep our white clothes from turning gray.
~ Caleb has found a new pastime away from the stresses of work: fruit sculpting! Nah, just kidding! This is actually the work of our landlady. She made this amazing! work of art for a friend. (I love the belly button. Talk about detail.)
~ While Caleb is at work and I am washing dishes (what I seem to do the most of around here), Jane keeps busy practicing her arpeggios and concertos on the violin.
~ These days, I have been feeling pretty tired, wiped out, and overwhelmed. I suppose that means that this little one inside of me is growing! When I do feel like my energy levels are up past zero, I enjoy making this and that in the kitchen. Chicken taco soup was the latest inspiration for me, due to my craving of Chili’s Chicken Enchilada soup ( You have GOT to try it!) and that restaurant being only a few thousand miles away. Anyway, if you go to this website http://thepioneerwoman.com/ and look up Chicken Taco soup AND make it, your day/week/month will be changed forever. It is the most delicious, amazing, wonderful soup EVER. Even if you make major alterations due to living in a different country. And, if you go one step further and make homemade guacamole to put on top (with avocado/tomato/red onion/cilantro/vinegar), fry the tortilla strips, and make a pan of cornbread…indescribable.
So, what’s the plan this week for us? The print bulletin is at the printers (look for it in your mailbox in these next few weeks!), Caleb is working on materials for the Arevalo Hospital Campaign, I am trying to take naps, keep the house clean, nurture Jane, and have hospitality when able, and Jane will be making messes, smiling lots, sniffing things, pretending to talk on the cellphone, and making us love her more and more every day.
These weeks have only been survivable because of the help of Caleb. He has gone above and beyond to take care of me when I am feeling poorly, wash dishes, make meals, take Jane to the park, and give of himself every day. I am blessed beyond measure to be married to such an incredible man. He has to put up with a lot!
If you want to stop by, please do! I might even be able to make some cinnamon rolls just for you! May the Lord bless your week!