What are friends for?

Innumerable times this month, I have given thanks for friends. One month ago today, I arrived in Honduras, and I know that my survival has been contingent on God's grace and the army of people that have supported me in prayer. Every online chat, email, skype phonecall, and encouraging word has been one enormous blessing. As I was preparing for my class, I found this poem, whose simplicity captured me immediately, a testament to friendship. Although I still find myself in writing paralysis much of the time, somewhat a result of a new teacher-like scrutiny of my scribbles, writing has become a great outlet, providing, inviting me into a process of catharsis that rejuvinates my life. Now warned, you may proceed with caution.

A few updates:
Vini, vidi, vichi. Well, as far as cooking is concerned. Although hours are poured into this art, I still find much personal satisfaction in my novice cooking skills, especially when it yields spicy curry, tasty salad creations,delightful marinated chickpeas, and widly popular home-made salsa ( Ryan Kruis should be given credit for the latter). Currently, I am brimming with excitement because in my fridge lies loads of fresh, colorful vegetables. All week I have been scheming about the endless possibilities.
Buses are a great place to think and laugh. Last Sunday, I was late to church and thus, in a hurry to catch a bus, but I thought it would be wise to pass up the approaching bus that was spilling out with people (I kid you not). Turn away a potential passenger- never! I was quickly ushered inside only to be placed to stand right next to the driver, momentarily moving my legs to one side every time he needed to shift gears. I had this huge grin on my face the whole time because honestly, when else am I going to get a real front row seat on a bus?
My students continue to test my patience and I find every time I draw for more strength, God is there to give it to me. That said, I was jubilant when one of my tenth graders, the ever garrulous Valle, put his talents to good use and led the class in a discussion about fatalism in poverty, social injustices in society, and Christian stewardship. I could hardly contain myself and reluctantly pressed forward with the rest of the lesson that did not include equally exhilarating topics.
Watch your step when you run. I ran into one of my students the other day while running,and I thought he would be impressed as I began to run the steep hill before us, but instead I must have stepped into a pile of something because he broke out in laughter. So much for that. He was nice enough not to mention it in class the next day and must have taken pity on me because he lingered after class,helping me put the textbooks back in order. Maybe I am making a logical fallacy of some sort, but perhaps embaressing moments can bring people together. Brian, you know what I am talking about here.
I miss libraries. Anyone who knows me, beyond superficially, is aware that I have an abnormal affinity to those great warehouses of inspiration and dreams people dully refer to as libraries. On good years, I tend to be a voracious reader, but even on the odd one, I continue my journey of connecting with another unknown mind through words,imagery, and,story. Now my attentions have turned to Latin American literature. Every day after class, I race home to read another short story by the highly acclaimed author,Gabriel Garcia Marquz. I haven't gotten the nerve to read 100 Years of Solitude,but there is still time.
I am also beginning Spanish classes-yes, I do need them because my Spanish grammer and mechanics needs an enormous overhaul, just ask my former Spanish professors-with the much loved and respected Pablo. I am anxcious to actually advance beyond middle school vocabulary and feel more conident in my Spanish writing. Maybe I will start doing some blog entries in Spanish as well. The more scrutiny, the better.

Oh, and here come the much anticipated poem that is a gratuitous ode to the friends who have, in kindness, poured the love, peace, joy, and hope that God has placed in their hearts, into my life. Melanie Hebert, this definately includes you. Thank-you.

What are friends for?
by Rosellen Brown

What are friends for , my mother asks.
A duty undone, visit missed,
casserole unbaked for sick Jane.
Someone has just made her bitter.

Nothing. They are for nothing, friends,
I think. All they do in the end- they touch you.
They fill you like music.




Love, Love, and more Love,
Grace