It's this time of day, around 5 pm, when it still blows my mind that back home it's only noon!  I'm sitting in the library working on books for the Learning & Study Skills class - the stapler is getting the best of me, so I've decided to take a quick break and update my blog.

This afternoon, I was once again reminded of how patience is a key trait to have here.  There is absolutely no rush, deadline, or time limit for anything.  If someone makes an appointment for an interview at 11, you can expect them to show up around 2.  It's just the way life is here - it fits.  I think the heat plays a large part - it is so hot that the heat literally slows you down.  They are also used to waiting for everything because things like cooking and washing take time - there are no microwaves, no refrigerators, no dishwashers.  Each day, you begin from scratch.  Many of the equipment is unreliable because it is a hodge podge of parts to begin with.  So, when something is not working, you wait until a part arrives to have it fixed...and that could be months.  As they say here when something is out of stock, "it is finished." 

The Brennan's daughter and my family sent Christmas packages at the end of November and they still haven't arrived - hopefully they come before I leave :-/  But, that is the way it goes here - you wait, wait, and then you wait some more.  It's definitely different from the fast paced-deadline oriented-instant gratification lifestyle of America!  As one of the workers said, "When I watch CNN and they show video from America, everyone is always running running running!"  I think both lifestyles have pros and cons.  I have admit that the American lifestyle works best for me...I enjoy deadlines and sticking to a schedule!  Being here definitely helps you become more flexible.

I've been making friends with an adorable little guy at the post office, he's probably around 3.  When I first came, he wasn't interested in being my friend - he just stared at me with the most serious face for such a little kid.  The second time, he gave me a high five....but still no smile.  The only word I'd heard him say was, "Bafoono."  The third and fourth times must have finally broken the shyness because today, when I pulled up in the car, he got the biggest smile on his face!  I got out and said hello and he actually said hello back to me.  Then, as we were driving away, he blew me a kiss!  It was so adorable!!  Made me miss my little niece Emma even more.

My little friend is on the left...I can't wait to see him again!

Speaking of family, I do miss them.  As the time for me to leave draws closer, I find myself thinking about them more often.  They've been so supportive and encouraging throughout this entire experience and I'm so thankful for them!  I'm also so thankful for my church family who has also been incredibly encouraging...God has truly blessed me with such a supportive family and "family."


The sweet little Christmas tree my family sent for decoration...unfortunately, I just got it in the mail.  Oh well, who says you can't still have Christmas decorations in January??

  We visited the school that some of our workers children attend to get pictures of the ones sponsored by some of our people from back home.  We gave 4 of the boys a ride home...I have a feeling they weren't sure what to think of riding in the backseat with a white girl!

Henry, Daniel, and Patrick

On our way home, we stopped at an Internet cafe to ask the manager a question for my photography class.  Although we intended to talk to only him, we ended up addressing the entire place since they went silent and stared at us while we talked.  Another awkward moment for the books!

In more exciting news, Mr. Emmanuel caught another snake!  Apparently there are 2 cobras hanging out in our other plot of land so we're to be on the lookout.

This snake was poisonous...good thing he didn't find me first!

Well, it's time for dinner.  Only a few more days until classes begin....please keep the upcoming pilot semester in your prayers!  Goodbye from Prampram!