Feliz seis meses.

Wow, I think I just realized that it has been two full months since I last updated this blog. The speed in which time has passed continues to surprise me. I suppose this is a good thing--that life moves rapidly because I am constantly doing things, talking, learning, and just being. I like that. In the meantime, my apologies for keeping so many people so out of touch with what life is like here. I'm not gonna lie, it's really hard to put everything into words on this blog, but for now I'll give you a general overview.

So, work continues to be wonderful. It is quite different now, I am a lot busier and have more responsibility, but I am taking this as a sign that I'm moving in a positive direction. Classes are crazy, but my kids now at least appreciate my sense of humor, and the work I do with the campus ministry continues to give me much joy and good challenges. There is a group of muchachos (basically university students that graduated from the colegio) that come and help out a few days a week, and I love hanging out with them...they seem to have taken well to me and a lot of the time we spend together feels a lot like being with friends at home. We have been doing a good number of activities, from day retreats to an all-night vigil for Pentecost to various celebrations in honor of Mary (the month of May is dedicated to her). I'm really feeling comfortable at work and willing to take on more challenging things, and in the meantime enjoying the time with my coworkers and all they have to teach and tell me. I don't even want to imagine what my experience here in Nicaragua would be like if it weren't for work.

Although I am very happy and content with where I am right now, I will say that life has not always been going along without occasional bumps along the way. A small struggle that I have recently encountered is the idea (or more like inevitable fact) that I have a definite departure date in December 2010, and how that affects the relationships I form here--with neighbors, friends, coworkers, community mates, etc. Knowing that I will be leaving here at the end of two years never to return in the same capacity adds an element of sadness and confusion to the whole forming of relationships...in the sense that it is very difficult to feel yourself growing close to people knowing that you will leave them sooner rather than later, and possibly for good. People here have also told me that they have tried to be careful of that, of not wanting to be hurt by knowing I will be leaving at the end of two years. I guess it's all part of the challenge of trying to be open and loving no matter what--what a struggle that is and continues to be, for all of us.

I promise to share more stories soon. For now though I just wanted to assure you all that I am still alive and well. And, in case anybody was paying attention, I left my house for Nicaragua on this day six months ago. Happy anniversary!