Wow. That's really all there is to say from my end. I suppose that needs a little more explanation for those of you who don't know about my special delivery on Friday. But for those of you who do know, read no further...
A few weeks ago my dad made contact with a woman who brings a group of high school seniors down here once a year. This year is her 12th time and the work she is doing and supporting is truly amazing. She corraborates with the Batahola Center in Managua that offers scholarships and job training classes to Nicaraguans. She brings the students and they help out and learn about the lifestyle here. It seems to be an intense and worthwhile experience for everyone involved.
SO, Dad made contact with her and I was mentioned and she OFFERED to bring me a suitcase full of things I might want/need. Dad asked if I was interested (duh!) and I jumped at the opportunity and sent him a list of things I would enjoy. He let the rest of the family know and before I knew it, it was Friday night and I was in possession of the world's best treasure chest.
It was so heavy I had to support it with my leg while I carried it. There are books for me, books for my community classes, shirts to replace the ones my mice have chewed holes into, contact solution, cliff bars, oodles of magazines, some homemade pumpkin waffles, homemade cookies, letters...I still haven't explored everything yet. Tonight I will.
Anyways, it really gave me an awesome feeling to receive this package. I was looking forward to it for a few weeks and I'm still really excited about it! And I will be for quite some time. I don't just miss my family and friends. Everything here is different than what I'm used to. I miss my mom's delicious baked goods. I miss out Saturday morning waffles and sitting around reading the Sunday comics on the living room floor. I miss the smell of my house. I miss the comfort foods: Dad's homemade pizza or veggies and spaghetti, Mom's mashed potatoes. There are so many comforting things to miss.
And for once, I am not asking people to send me a package. I only have five months left here and they take about three months to arrive. But I am saying that if you know someone living abroad, for whatever reason, take a little bit of money to the dollar store or to your favorite bakery and to the post office. You have no IDEA how much it will brighten his/her day. Yes, it is our choice to live far away from these things so you shouldn't feel obligated, but it's an insanely nice thing to do. My best friend lived abroad before me doing mission work and I sent her a lot of letters, but never a package. Now I wish I could go back in time. Now I know what it's like. Here's to you Mouse. Next time I'll get you back.
So a HUGE thank you goes out to my family and Sue (the lovely woman who was kind enough to haul it down here) and to all of you. Keep up the good work and I'll keep trying to make you proud. Love you.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
oh my gosh agreed! i have brownies on the way and can't tell you how anxious i am for them to arrive. packages = delight.
ReplyDelete