Saludos!
Well this is day two in Lima. I arrived yeserday after a COLD flight from Denver. I thought it was cold in Colorado! Anyway no worse for the wear and I arrived to warm, sunny weather! Ahhh! My favorite! I don't even mind the humidity!
Yesterday as I was checking into my hotel, they told me that they had upgraded me to a suite! A very unexpected surprise, but beautiful. My room overlooked the city, which is one concrete building after another. But, the people more than make up for the crowdedness.
Yesterday afternoon after a wonderful Peruvian dinner, I took a walk on the plaza. As I was walking this elderly gentleman, probably 80ish, greeted me. I asked him if I could join him and before he could answer, I said, "Don't mind if I do," as I sat down beside him. To which he laughed and we struck up a conversation. He asked me if I knew how to tango. Odd question I thought. But then he went on to share a little about his life and explained that he and his wife taught dance for years. He actually spoke much better English than I spoke Spanish. He grew up right outside of Lima, but has lived in Lima for the past 40 years. As we talked, he shared that his wife "went to heaven" about nine months ago. He was still filled with sadness over his loss. We had a wonderful conversation about heaven and our faith. When I say wonderful, please remember my limited Spanish vocabulary! He thanked me for taking the time to sit down and visit with him and off I went.
Today I moved in with the family I am staying with. It is evening now and I can barely speak English, let alone Spanish. My brain is on total overload trying to understand and follow conversations in the home. Okay! What made me think at almost 60 this would come easy?!! No, I didn't actually think that. My brain is pretty tired, but I have to tell you that I am so excited for what's ahead of me! I know God has a specific plan for me and I plan to dive in and soak it all in.
I begin classes in the morning. My Peruvian family told me tonight that Ecela Spanish has a very good reputation. They house students consistently from all over the world, including military personnel that the U.S sends here for language. That is very encouraging!
Thanks so much for all of your very encouraging and uplifting comments. They warm my heart and make the distance seem much less. I hope to take some photos to share in the next couple of days. It will help of course, it I remember my phone so I can take them!!
Hasta Luego!
