Hey everyone!
Well I dont have a ton of time today but I thought I would fill you in on this weeks happenings. As I´m sure you cleverly figured out from the title of this Journal entry, there are 2 new members of my family here in Santa Ana. The first is strangely ironic... My host sister had a baby (just like in Cayambe). The baby came prematurely (just like in Cayambe). His name is Martín Alejandro (JUST LIKE IN CAYAMBE). Mother and baby are both doing fine and we´re hoping that little Martín can go home soon. The second addition is my new dog! My host sister found him in the bushes, they named him Enrique, and next thing I knew they were referring to him as "Kelly´s dog". From the looks of him, I am guessing he is mostly pitt bull and about 2 months old. He is actually a really sweet dog and I am obviously not one to say no when a puppy is handed to me. There is one problem, however. He is going to have to be bi-lingual. It is far too natural for me to say "good boy", "come here", "sit", and "no bite" in english and I don´t particularly want to speak spanish to my dog. My host sisters, on the other hand, continue to speak to him only in spanish. The other weird thing about it is this... The first night they told me that he had to sleep with me, which I was happy about. The second night, though, I went to take him up to my room and they stopped me, saying that from now on he has to sleep outside because the other dogs will be jealous. I built Enrique a dog house and he has since been sleeping outside, but neither of us are happy about it!
In other news, my women´s group has settled on a chicken production project. Now, my job is to do all the research and try to find someone to help us. No pressure or anything...
The Fiestas of Santa Ana are this weekend and it sounds like its going to be quite a party that includes a parade, alcohol, and a rodeo. Today also marks the beginning of Corpus Christi ( I dont know what it is... google it if you want to know) I do know, however, that it means 8 days of dulces (sweets) and fireworks.
Now, to answer that very important question, "what can/should you send me?" I have made a small list but feel free to be creative... the MOST important thing is that you declare ZERO VALUE on the box!
Magazines- candy (sour patch kids, skittles... )- granola bars- those crystal light packets you pour into a bottle of water- pens/pencils- Peanut butter (I know its heavy, but its SUPER expensive here and I miss it)- DVD´s- dollar store stuff for the kids- crossword puzzles... anything!
hugs from me and wet kisses from Enrique!
Kelly
~Maria