I know several of you have been wondering what has been going on, how my flights were, what life is like in El Salvador. Both my flights were great. The first was on a very small plane, but it was very nice, I did not have anyone sitting next to me so I was able to stretch out and actually slept just about the entire time (2 ½ hour flight to Houston). From Houston I flew right into San Salvador, in first class, which was so very nice. I sat next to a Salvadoran who explained the land and the ocean as we flew in. He was funny, very proud of his country. After going through customs, with no problems at all, it was helpful to know Spanish. They didn’t’ like that I didn’t know the address I was going to be “visiting” but he was still more pleasant than I thought he would be. The longest wait was getting my luggage, which praise the Lord, all arrive with me. I was greeted by Shane once I got outside. He wasn’t kidding. There were so many people held off by a rope but thankfully he recognized me right away. We had about a 40 minute drive back from the airport, so I was able to see a bit of the city and learned about some of areas we’re not allowed to go. (I’ll learn more of this once I’m able to go through the security briefing – which is just a matter of the embassy making time for me to do this).
When we got to the house, we were greeted by Rocky – the little black poodle, Sara – the cook (and she’s such a good cook!!! All kinds of fresh foods, chicken, rice, salads – it’s great not having to cook the food, a huge change but fun for now), CiCi – the maid, and Alex and Sydney. The kids went down for naps, so I did too. Three am was so early and the travel wore me out…so I slept for a whopping 20 minutes. I started to unpack, but didn’t have a ton of time to do this since one of Shane’s friends (Denise Stitt) was coming to meet me. We took the kids to the embassy playground until Shane and her husband got out of work. We then went out to dinner to have some pupusas – a Salvadoran dish. Once we got home, we gave the kids baths and put them to bed. I also went to bed since I was exhausted. The next day, Alex didn’t want to go to preschool so he stayed home with me. Shane had a meeting at the embassy in the evening so he was home for a bit but I bathed the kids, read books and put them to bed, which also went well considering they barely know me. Friday it was preschool with Alex at home in the morning, Sydney got home, ate lunch, then took a nap. Alex and I joined Denise and her son Adam at the embassy pool for the afternoon. We came back to get the girl after naps because there was an ice cream social at the embassy in the afternoon. We had dinner at home with the Stitts, they went home so we could put the kids to bed and then returned so we could play cards.
Saturday we went to a botanical garden – which was beautiful and I of course didn’t take a single picture. Then Shane showed me the mall and let the kids play there too. The goal in Saturdays is to wear them out. So then it was nap time – Shane had to do some things so I had the kids. It was overcast so we didn’t go to the pool again as planned; instead we did some grocery shopping. So I got to see all the big stores and know what they had. Other than foods (which are still overpriced) things are priced double or three times what they are in the USA. So it’s cheaper to buy things online and have them shipped here. So we had dinner and a night at home.
Today, we went to church, which I liked very much. Good worship and good message. It is an English church but today we had a Spanish speaking pastor so they translated it. It’s a very casual church with about 70+ people. They were very friendly. I’ll go again a couple times before I decide if that is where I want to go while I’m here. I need to learn the city before I venture too far away from home. I’m off on Sundays so it’s was a catch up day. I got to shower this morning…no rushing to get kids ready for school. I finished unpacking so now my room is situated. I have a good-size room it has a double bed, a dresser and two night stands as well as a half bath attached. The house has three other bedrooms, two full baths, kitchen, dining room, living room, the separate area with the laundry room and a maid room attached. There is also a patio and small yard. It is a nice house. Not too much room to not be in other people’s business but it’s a good size house. I was even able to work out...praise the Lord!
The family is great. Shane is so nice and has really made me feel at home. The kids are very sweet and affectionate – which I like a lot too. But they are testing as well – which is to be expected. It has been a good adjustment.
I’ve yet to take any pictures here. I’ll work on it. It is beautiful and going well. I appreciate your prayers. Pray for Alex, he has a lot going on right now and lots of adjusting – school, new nanny, friends moving away, lots of changes. Once I get my cell phone I will begin to call people. The wi-fi isn’t working here so it might be a while before I’m really online. Feel free to email me as much as you’d like. I’ll respond asap. beckyelyea@comcast.net
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