BRRR.....

No the title of this entry is not the initials of Blaise...it is in fact very cold!!!
Its 10 degrees!!! Once your giggles have subsided I must convince you that it is cold. I know your thinking this Canadian girl has gone soft, that my blood must be thinning, and I can't tough it out like the rest of them...but in truth...there is no relief from the bitter chills winter brings. While you’re comparing my +10 weather with your -20 keep in mind that the temperature in your house is most likely a toasty 24 degrees, while mine is only 10. My pink hands tremble as I write this so I must now go and sit on them.

Estoy muy frió!!!

3 Weeks...

Well I have been here for just over 3 weeks and am settling nicely into my new schedule; I'm sure it will be rearranged often. As it stands I am tutoring 3 Jr. High students weekday mornings, taking Spanish lessons three times a week, and teaching English three times a week. I also spend two evenings a week with three young children. The children actually have quite a sad story...they were abandoned by both their father and mother. It's amazing how God has protected these children; they are now currently living with a very kind young woman. I enjoy spending time with them; it is nice to spoil them a little as they have had a rough start in life. The other day we went to a place called Chamche. There they have zoo animals and a place to swim. The water is actually from a spring in the mountain, and is absolutely freezing!!! I thought I could handle it as I am Canadian, but my toes were turning purple, so I only stayed in for about an hour. The kids loved it even though they were shaking. Thankfully it was about 27 degrees out.

The Spanish lessons are going well though I can understand more than I can speak. I'm really eager to learn because I'm growing tired of feeling like an infant...unable to communicate. At the beginning of January I'll be moving into a small house with two or three of the local teachers; then I'll truly have to try out my Spanish skills. Hopefully by January I'll have a working vocabulary and not make too much of a fool of myself...though it's inevitable so I might as well accept it.

The weather here has been mainly rainy, and I'm grateful for all the zip-up sweaters I brought. My hair has taken on a life of it's own that even the strongest hair gel couldn't compete with ;) The people here are all very kind and I do feel comfortable, though I can't shake the deep feeling of loneliness from missing my family. I'm truly looking forward to a visit from my sister in February; it will be nice to have a piece of home here.

I hope all is well you, I am so thankful for all your prayers and support...it means so much to me :) I am praying for you also that God may continue to bless you.

Hugs and Smiles,

~Mariah~

The Latest

Wow I can't believe it's been so long since my last post! Time really goes quickly here, and one day seems to blend into the next; Were it not for my cell phone I'd never know the date. So far I'm really enjoying my time here. It is so wonderful to have Zaak and Amber here; they really make it feel more like home. I think it will be strange when they leave in December, as I see them every day.

I am also really enjoying the time I spend with the local Spanish girls. They are all very nice...and funny from what I gather, though it's hard to tell since I can't really understand what they are saying. I'm so eager to learn Spanish so I can actually communicate with everyone here (rather then simply giving a smile and a nod).

Today is a pretty important day, it's Evelyn's wedding (some of you may remember her). We've all been busy shopping and preparing for today. I'm sure the ceremony will be beautiful. The original plan was to have to wedding outside...though due to the never-ending-rain the plans fell through. Thankfully they managed to book a church last minute.

Right now I'm staying at the Peters' house; they are all such wonderful people. My room is located on the top floor and has a large window that looks out upon the beautiful hills. The downfall to having a room near the roof is that if it's hot out, it becomes like a sauna. Also there is this insane woodpecker who pounds on the tin roof nearly every morning. I secretly hope the bat that circles my window at night will be rid of him.

I hope everything is well back in Canada. I hear you have snow! I guess I won't see any this year...perhaps Tureena can bring me some when she comes ;)

Oh I almost forgot to mention that my luggage did finally show up (thanks to Amber for taking care of me until it arrived)

Hugs and Blessings!!