My Morning Meltdown

8.29.10

Alright, I had a little moment this morning. Not sure what brought it on- my first Sunday in Bolivar, the cow intestines and noodle soup we had for breakfast, or the way the whole family hung around the kitchen table chatting after they’d finished their breakfast.

The oldest daughter, Cynthia, is home visiting from Chiclayo where she’s studying and I realized last night that it felt like our house! Cynthia sat in the kitchen eating every bite her mom gave her telling stories of school and homework, showing off her shiny textbooks. It seemed the whole family just wanted to be near her. We sat in the kitchen for hours last night each of them taking turns telling some silly story just as we might do at home, everyone eager to check out the many new pieces Laur has added to her wardrobe since our last meeting, excited to hear Meggsies’ many ups and downs at the H bomb.

I think more than anything sharing breakfast with them this morning, they reminded me of us!...All aimless on a Sunday morning, eating bagels or French toast and bacon long after we are full just because we’re not sure what else to do. I had visions of mom popping a coffee filter into the Keurig and serving me the tea of my choice. I really do miss home.

So when I got down to my room I just started to cry and knew that reading one of the many letters in my goodbye album might do me good. Of course, it did! Because my sisters are geniuses and found a way for me to get inspirational mail from the states whenever I want it!

I flipped through the pages and got hooked on the picture of Grandpa and me. Behind the photo I found a card with a girl dancing on the beach. When I saw that it was from Dad, I cried, knowing that it was just what I needed. And it was. The card made me feel all at once comfortable and safe (like I am at the kitchen table on a Sunday morning) and strong and tough and ready to get to work here in Peru.

Another thing it made me realize was that although it makes me sad to sit here eating noodle soup and think instinctively of very different Sundays at home, this is why I came! To see how other people live and the truth is, not everyone lives the way we do. It’s honestly amazing to even be able to see the parallels with my own life. It’s a gift that I have to appreciate while I’m here. So with that said, I’m off to do some more exploring.

Enjoy an extra bagel and cup of tea for me this Sunday morning!!!!! So much love.