The calm before the storm

Sunday morning I went for a run. With all the carbs I've been eating here I should be doing marathons but I didn't want to get lost so I did a square that was 3ish miles. It's definitely not a running culture here. It's very safe but people stare like you're a crazy person and make comments. So I talked to some of the other volunteers and they suggested I go run at the Charles Darwin station down the road. It's mostly tourists and nature so it will be a lot more peaceful. 

While we prepared lunch I talked with Giuliana, the volunteer from Brazil. Her energy and charisma fill the room where ever she goes. And she's the English teacher so she speaks and understands a good amount. We talked for almost two hours sharing our experiences. She told me that I came at a very critical time. The other missionary who taught English broke her leg and Pastor Mark and Maricela, who usually run the school and church, are on the mainland because profesora Mari is seriously ill. Just two weeks ago they went to the mainland and while she was there had such severe abdominal pain she was hospitalized. Ever since she's been in the hospital as they do tests and we found out today she has cancer. Please pray for her and her husband, as well as the school. They are the pillars of this community and everyone feels lost without them. 

Once we were done with the prep we all jumped in a taxi with the food since we couldn't carry the pots on our bikes. The group had all pitched in to have a welcome lunch for me. It was so nice! And no one let me wash the dishes. 

Lunch ended quickly because a couple from the church was getting married. We all had a good laugh when Chamorro came out in his pathfinder uniform. But apparently the groom was wearing his master guide outfit and all the groomsmen were wearing theirs as well. To each their own. 

We ended the night riding around town looking for coconut ice cream (my fave!) with Jessica and Ronald before we headed home. It was a fun day but we needed our rest for the crazy week about to start. Without wifi In the house I go to bed so early! By 9pm I'm knocked out.