Project gain ten pounds while in Guatemala is underway!

CARBS CARBS CARBS!!!!!!!!

Yesterday was a good example of the Lord turning a bad attitude into a good day. Lately I have felt a little bit annoyed about how I do not get much privacy in the house. Many times the kids go through my things or use my phone and camera. And I woke up sick and really just wanted to stay in bed. I was grumpy about going to church but I told my family I would. It is a good thing I have gotten used to stares because I was definitely the first white person, or extranjera, that this church had ever seen. My family said I am the first volunteer to ask to come with them. I had the normal new church "struggles" like....when do i sit down? when do i stand up? how does the singing work? But I also had new rules to learn. Thank goodness I sat on the right side of the church because after a few minutes I realized the left was only for men and women and children were on the right. I dunno why, but I was surprised to see drums, electric guitar, keyboard and ACCORDIAN in the worship band. I also learned it is customary to say "gracias Padre" throughout the service. I was shocked, ten minutes into the sermon, when I realized I was totally jogging with the Colossians themed lesson. Espiritu Santo, deseos malos, deshonestad, I got it! But the biggest surprise of all was when the bold-i-look-like-i-just-turned-twenty-pastor started speaking out against pornography and masturbation- things that RARELY pass the lips of a PCA pastor. He also spoke out against machismo culture in Guatemala, which is usually accepted with no questions asked. His boldness was refreshing.

I think his most startling rant was about "avaricia" or greed. He said that Guatemalans see things on TV that the Americans have like TVs, cars and money, and we want them. It was kinda awkward when he said Americans- like it was a normal example but he never thought there would be one in the crowd...Then he said "if you only hace two pieces of bread for your food for the day, but your neighbor has none, give them one of yours!" and "Do not be greedy for clean water, be glad you ahve water!" The way he spoke of generosity blew my mind. I always think generosity only applies to the rich....I always fooled with my hair or checked the time on my phone when pastors talked about this...caused surely it didn't apply to the poor!

It was encouraging to also see the similarities of the church to mine. It is reassuring to know that my God is the God of every nation. The gospel is the gospel.

After church I walked Sandy and Joseline home. I was starving so I bought us all bread. They chose they really rich, more expensive bread (which I don't think they are normally allowed to eat) and I chose a whole loaf of french bread. They were so grateful....but I felt silly because they total was 5Q which is about 75 cents. We plowed through the bread as we walked home on the noisy highway.
We got home and started the movie that they wanted to watch. The preview went like this: "Barbie is a world champion surfer competing in a competition (enter hot barbie guys) when suddenly she realizes she is part mermaid. Will Barbie be dismayed that she is different from others (besides having double D boobs, being 8ft tall, and having a disproportionate waist( or will she use her difference so save the mer-nation and be crowned mer-princess?"

After the movie I just could not believe how many people were involved as I watched the credits. I kept seeing male names and wondering "how does Mitch Smith explain to his golfing buddies that the reason he is able to join this country club is because he produced 'Barbie's adventure in Merland' and it reached #1 on the tween move chart?"

The best part of the day was when we were all in the living room and Nelly handed us steaming hot cafe with leche and a packk of galletas. I value family time so much, because it is so new to me. There is something so beautiful and so right about everyone sitting around sipping cafe. I want that for my future. There is something so right when a lightbulb goes out and Denis walks to the garage to get a new one and 3 year old Esaul follows him around like a puppy, so obviously wanting to be a strong, able bodied, fixer upper man. That is how is should be. Boy desiring to be like his father.

Then, finally, at dinner, I tried to talk sobre colonialism with my family. Fail. But at least I stumbled throug the words.

I am pretty sick with a parasite or something and keep beating myself up for not going on more trips. But then I say- Sarah, what were your goals for this trip? 1. Learn Spanish. Check. 2. Get to know another culture. Check. 3. Immerse yourself in your family. Check. Volunteer....next week, check. I am here for a purpose. I have no right to be dismayed at my weak stomach.