A Little Thinkin'...

I cannot believe how fast October is going. Birthday is in about a week, home in about 3 weeks, and then Christmas. It's just unreal how fast time flies. Right now, I'm on my weekend off and holy tired. I have been sleeping like a log. I guess I just don't realize how tired I am until I can actually let myself take some down time. Otherwise Im on pure adrenaline and caffeine. A lot of work to be done in so little time. But that's just it- I am human, I'm doing my best and that's all anyone can really ever ask. When I have a minute to myself, I go on pinterest (for those who don't know what that is, Im sorry...you're missing out) and I have been pinning quotes. I email them to Avriel throughout the day just to see her reaction as our offices are right across from each other. Last week, I found this quote: 

                                           

It pretty much sums everything up in a nutshell. I mean, who doesn't love a hot cup of fresh coffee with a little cinnamon and milk in it? It makes the morning THAT much better. Kristen, Avriel, & I also love Hazelnut coffee. Can't find it here, but when someone comes down from the States, they are usually asked to bring some. The aroma is just unreal. 

We have a big gala coming up in about a week. Actually, it's the night of my birthday and I do think it will be a cool way to spend it! I am really happy with how everything with my job is going. Constantly busy, I always have something to do, and it's just nice, yet different to have that sense of freedom. Some days do get stressful, but then actually feeling like your work is paying off is totally worth it. Another quote: 

                                              

                                                 All I have to say about this: fact. 

But then there are those mornings when you just sit back and think how surreal this life is. I don't think I can stress that enough. I am really happy, happy with my job, my friends, and with my role as a volunteer. Last week, Esteban was cleaning the kitchen. I had come in late for lunch and while he was cleaning and said, "You are crazy". He looks up and in his raspy old man smokers voice he looks and me and says, "You're more crazy". I just about hit the floor laughing. He is just ridiculous. The English he picks up always keeps me on my toes. Then I find quotes like these:

                                              

                                                              (Finding Nemo)

And realize how much I love working with kids. I mean, seriously- they can always put a smile on my face and they are just so young, full of energy, and see the world in a completely different way.  I was walking with a big time donor last week and I see Esteban in the park hanging with some friends- all of a sudden he lifts up his hand and starts twirling it around his ear pointing to me, mouthing: YOU ARE CRAZY. I had to keep it together, but almost lost it laughing. 

This makes me wonder my path after this. I don't know where this is taking me, but I have seriously thought about getting my Master's in Education- specifically Special Education. I've been talking with a close friend, Kelsi, about it a lot and it's something that really interests me. I started off as an Ed major but then switched to International Business. Both something I have a passion for, but education is something I want to try too. Maybe I can somehow intertwine the both of them? I don't know. And I shouldn't have to know, but I believe I will know in the future. Every choice I make in the present, will impact me for the future and by that point, every choice I had made in the past, will be who I am in the present and build me for the future. Does that make sense? Maybe in just my brain. 

That's it for this week. Enjoy! xx

                              

                      

Quick update!

Everything here is going well. I’m not going to cake anything over, but I’m so glad September is over. September was tough. Kids back in school, establishing more of a concrete routine, and just getting over the highs and lows of it. It’s been stressful, a lot of work, but I feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be. Even through the thick of it, even when the down is really down, I still get up the next day, ready for the challenge and it feels good. Just feels really good. 

My boys are good. Last weekend we had a movie night, pulled out their matresses, got really comfy, made popcorn, and watched The Hunger Games. They were SO into it. They kept on telling me how ‘bacana’ (super cool) the movie was. We had dinner, did nightly prayer, everyone was on board, no fighting and it was fun to be all snuggled up and have a night in with the family. 

Can't get this one to rotate, but it's of us watching the movie!

Tía Melida and some of the boys snuggled up watching the movie

I’ve also taught my boys some key catch phrases. Working with 20 boys, the poop topic comes up quite a bit, normally I wouldn’t be publicly sharing this, but I’m going to. Right, well, it’s lunch time, kids getting back from school, and they are STARVING, they’re boys. One of them, in fact, is so hungry that he chooses to ignore the fact that he has to go to the bathroom and instead poops his pants. Well, of course the house then starts to smell of stanky stank fecal material, I finish my lunch and go outside to hang with some of the boys before heading back to school. Sitting there, a couple of them just come in and start passing gas! Tooting! SURE. well, I look at one of them, and say an O’brien catch phrase, “You shootin’ bunnies?” Magdalena, what does you shootin’ bunnies mean?? I explain to them it’s what you guys have been doing for the past HOUR. Of course, my little Esteban, ran up to all of the English Speaking volunteers screaming, “YOU SHOOTIN’ BUNNIES?” 

Some Randoms of the DR: 

1. Avacado 4/ $1 How CRAZY is that? And they are much better. 

2. I have never been proposed to without knowing the person, or ever in my life. Standing in the doctor’s office, Americana, Americana! Come here! 

“Yes?” 

Will you marry me? I need a Visa. 

Madelon turns around and walks away. Although the proposal was super romantic and against all of my will, I chose to say no. 

3. Church on public transportation. Someone stands up, bus is packed, literally, packed, and starts preaching the Bible.

4. So, you think you know what a tight squish is when there are 3 seats in the back of the SUV and 3 people are sitting in those seats? WRONG. that is not squished. try seating 5 grown people, no air conditioning, hot & humid weather, and venturing on a 30 minute stop & go bus ride. As uncomfortable as that sounds, I have surprisingly gotten used to it. 

5. Loud, what is loud? Here, loud is feeling the music to the point you think your heart is going to blow up out of your chest through the musical soundwaves and vibrations. Big speakers set in the back of old, beat up, pick up trucks, and they are either blasting with music or blasting with the person’s voice in the front seat trying to sell something, example, bananas.

That’s all I got for this one. Enjoy! xo

Volunteer Dinner

Me, Pili, & Nelly 

Office Visit from Adonis!