Giving Thanks

I've heard a number of people say that the second year in a new place is much easier. I've contemplating how true that is, as this month marks the completion of our second year with MCC, and we have been here in Olinala for 1 yr and 8 months.

Take Thursday afternoon for example. We were invited to a birthday party in Chiaucingo, a community about 20 minutes away. We went to the party around 5:30pm, even though the invitation was for 2pm. We've learned a thing or two over the last 2 years. Going later to the party meant we were in time for the pinata, cake and dancing! We had a wonderful chicken mole meal and laughed together the whole evening. Since this is one of the communities we have been working in a fair amount this past year, Isaiah and Micah know a number of the kids there, so they played happily most of the evening. Isaiah broke the pinata, helped pass out the cake, and both boys snuggled together in a chair while Martin and I danced, much to everyone's delight :)

On the washboardy-dirt road ride home, I realized again how much I will miss these people that have become our friends and these places that have become home. "Yes, I will too," replied Martin, as we slowly made our way home by the light of the stars.