Tengo Gozo en mi Alma Hoy

Today I woke up to a thunderstorm, and a puddle about a half-inch deep on my bedroom floor; the open window let the rain in at the foot of my bed and I was entirely oblivious.

I scrolled through the phone my aunt gave me at the family reunion in California for the phone number for a member of the church here: Ben. Last night my recently-arrived-and-freshly-innebriated flat-mate, Fiona (from England) mentioned that he had called last month to see when I would be in BAQ: '...He spoke VERY good English.'

He's from New Zealand.

When Ben answered he seemed glad to hear from me, if not disappointed that I hadn't called when I first arrived: '...we could have played futbol or something!'

He offered to meet me at the corner by McDonald's and walk with me to the church building. That gave me a half hour to get ready and catch a cab before church started. The streets were streamlets and rivers, depending on the incline, and I think my taxi driver charged me extra, knowing I would rather not walk in it.

Ben is a really nice guy, we chatted on our walk to the church. He doted almost as much as my aunt about how I had gotten along since arriving.
'...you know Spanish, then?'
"hardly."

I've come to terms with the fact that I am 100% Gringo.

When we got to the church, he introduced me to several people who speak English. He even told one of them--Dan--to translate the Elder's quorum lesson for me. The lesson was on the Atonement, and frankly, a simplified translation of it was Exactly what I needed. I guess I had developed a bit of a Jonas complex since leaving the U.S., even though it's only been 5 days.
Having it translated offered some refreshing insight, the choice of words was jarring and humbling, yet plain and simple. After the lesson, someone stood up to give a brief thought on what 'success' means. To my wonderment, i understood nearly EVERYTHING he said. I translated it for Dan, just to make sure I was correct. 'You understood all of that!'

Awesome.

For Sunday school, Kike translated for me. Again, I found that I could generally understand the discussion.
'what qualities would you look for in a prospective spouse, or friend?'
We listed some off--the usuals.
• spirituality
• compassion
• zest for life
• sense of humor
• responsibility
• etc.
'can you expect these things in a spouse (or friend) if you do not have these characteristics as well?'
No.

Back for Sacrament meeting, I again found myself bewildered at my inability to understand ANYTHING the speakers were saying. My new friend, Harold, translated for me. We traded scriptures so we could each practice our different languages.

It turns out that the two speakers I was able to understand were both from different cities than Barranquilla. This kinda worries me, but explains a lot. I was able to follow conversations in Bogotà to a limited extent, but even simple sentences in BAQ are difficult for me.

I know you tried to warn me, aunt Chelly. I just didn't think it would be THIS extreme.

I made some new friends; we're going to play fútbol on tuesday. I'm grateful in so many ways to have the church in my life. Despite the torrential rain, there is sunshine in my soul today.

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