my favorite place

Jennifer, Joanni, and Luz Maria peeking into the motivational "store" to see what they want to buy the next time it opens up.

As today marked my official "two weeks" in this country, it was nice to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Santiago and head west to a place that is drastically different-- Montecristi.

I have to say that adjusting to Santiago after spending so much time in Montecristi has been thus far a challenge. Not to say that I am not happy with my living situation, because I am, it is just super different. Goodbye mosquito nets, hello ceiling fan. And hot water? That's definitely not something that I'm used to here... Which is why I'm a horrible host daughter and keep forgetting to turn off the "calentador" (hot water heater switch). I feel so bad every single time but I think it has to do with the fact that hot water + DR do not go together in my small little brain. And we also have a "dona" here, a lady that takes care of the kids, cooks, and cleans. Okay well I shouldn't say lady because she is actually younger than me.

Anyways point of the matter is while Santiago has been nice so far, I sometimes forget that I am on the same island that Montecristi is. I sometimes feel as if I may as well be on a completely different planet. So that being said it was weird to realize that I could get on a bus this morning and be in Montecristi a mere 2 hours later.

Of course, it was great to see the kids. But, I miss them a ton and did not want to leave (suprise, suprise to everyone right?). The many hours I spent in route today were definitely worth the few hours that I got to see them though. They really are such great, loving kids and it's always amazing to see how much they grow and change everytime I see them.

One of the new kids asked Jauri, one of the boys, who I was, and he responded that I was Medicina and that I always come and visit. I love those kids.

When they heard I was leaving that day they offered me a spot in a) their rooms or b) next to the chivo in the garden. While they were both super tempting offers I politely declined and told them I would be back soon ;)

Anyways all in all it was a good trip, a nice way to spend my Saturday even if it drained my energy for the entire rest of the day, and of course like always I miss them and can't wait to see them again. Sometimes here in the "big" city I feel like I lose sight of that part of things and so it was nice to get that dose of "reality" or whatever you may call it and see people who know me and have known me. Not to say that I don't like my new friends here-- it's just that comfort of being with people that you care for. And while some people may not appreciate being called "Medicina"; I look forward to being called that more than anything.