Love and Laughter, the best medicine

We got on the bus a bit later than planned, but contrary to the stereotypical "late for an engagement couple fight" our marriage greatly benefited from a really good learning experience, all thanks to a beautiful breakfast fixed by my one and only dear husband. A late bus board still landed us in our seats just as the opening prayer was finishing. Zach helped pass out communion, and then talked during class to the youth group about the symbolism and meaning for our participation in the Lord's Supper. It is neat to see the communication between Zach and the group, even the "i've got to sit slouched a bit and look slightly disengaged" ones really soak up his thoughts. Miguel and Pedro's mom, Lulu, told me after class that Miguel had shared something Zach had said in bible study with her and she was really excited to hear these new words. These brothers and sisters are a very hungry very alive part of our body. Add them and their eager hearts to your prayers every now and then, and say thanks to and for the family and friends you have that teach, challenge, pray for and encourage you.

Thank you to my friends and family (old and new). For your love, support, prayers, gentleness, teaching, guidance, and friendship.

After everyone had gone their separate ways to their respective homes or otherwise, we caught a bus back to Tule for a quiet afternoon in preparation for the movie.

A few hours later we got back on the bus (all different buses up to this point) back into the city for the movie. We had spoken with the movie man right before leaving the church and he said he would pick up "Count of Monte Cristo" that afternoon and bring it. He arrive shortly after we did to the building - empty handed! The video store had rented the movie to someone else. So he and Zach went off in search of the second part of the National Treasure Saga instead. A minute after they left Miguel came with his computer ready to set everything up, and Jose was not too far behind. The three of us set up the projector and the chairs and started washing bowls and cups. We finished all of this and still the movie hunters will still not back. Mike asked Jose what time it was. Jose, fully equip with every time telling device known to post modern man (cellphone and laptop (he also had on a wrist watch)) replies "I don't remember." Oh dear. Mike and I giggle and as you all know once you get me started things just escalate from there. Mike is good at being a funny and punny person. Needless to say that by the time I heard Zach coming up the stairs there were tears streaming down my face. Zach just shook his head (similar to the way that always happens when we are in Cade and Ashton's living room) and sent Mike and I on a quest for popcorn, pop, and... whatever else we wanted. The corner store was closed so we made our way up towards the bus station and bought 9 bags of popcorn, four 3 Liter sodas, and an ice-cream bar for the brave soul who dared go with us (and the only youth groupie who had shown up at that point) The church building doesn't have a microwave, so we had to pop the bags of corn at the store. When Mike was asking the kind lady behind the desk if we could use the microwave she told him we could and to put the bags in for one minute and fifty seconds. Well Mike somehow heard that yes we can use the microwave but it is going to cost one and .50 pesos each. It has been made clear to the lady behind the counter already that I do not speak much spanish as I have turned to Mike to translate the cost of all the goodies we just purchased. So as I am reaching into the bag for more pesos to give the lady, she turns to Mike and says "Do you speak spanish? Not 1.50 pesos, 1:50 minutes!" This part I do understand, and as mike blushes a little bit I laugh. She shakes her head and points me on to the microwave.
We stood for quite a while waiting for all the bags to pop (we didn't put them all in at the same time, though after the third one I did consider the option). As the last bag is cooking Mike gets a sack to carry them back in and loads up. The microwave dings, I grab the last crusader, and we head out the door. Five steps outside of the threshold and the lone ranger I am carrying shrivels up like a pruned kinder-gardener who has spent too long in the kiddie pool at the fourth of July picnic. We laugh the rest of the way to the building at this. (the popcorn not the kinder)
We arrive in the doors and begin passing out drinks and corn when there is a huge commotion out on the street that we just walked up. A bunch of the gathered crowd flies like a flash to the window, throwing open the curtain and pulling back the...wait a minute, no they actually just walked outside and it was only 2 of them. There was a demonstration going on. Apparently a few years ago there was a riot during a protest by some school teachers, and a few of the teachers were killed. This is a parade of sorts with spray paint artist stenciling an abstract picture on the walls of anything and everything they pass. Zach got some pictures that will have to be shared. It was a different sight.
Parade past, we start the movie. There are a few returners from episode one, but a few new comers as well. Everyone enjoyed the movie, which again was a good production, good sound, good quality, good company. Lulu gave us a ride home - sometime we feel so blessed and so spoiled by the love from everyone here. It is neat to have a family away from the family we love and miss. We found at home the puppies happily nestled and asleep, and quickly followed their example.