La Pura Vida

Monday, Monday

A really helpful guy from the local carniceria just walked me to this internet cafe when I asked for help...it´s not far from the center of Guacimo, close to where I´m working with the women´s recycling group. Good to know.

I like working with these women and hearing their stories...they´d worked to develop this project for 3 years, and it´s been in existence now for one year. Their goal, beyond helping lessen the trash problem, is to learn how to make new products out of the materials they´re collecting-to bring in a profit.

This weekend I started to feel more at peace here. I loved attending my first Mass - interesting to feel a little out of place. With the language barrier, I can better understand how non-Catholics must feel when attending a Mass. However, of course much was the same, and these similarities were very comforting. I smiled while watching others exchange signs of peace (paz); the mass chaos as people quickly traversed the aisles to share their hugs and kisses lasted longer than in most churches I´ve been to - reminded me of being at the Chapel surrounded by friends.

Glad to be entrenched a little more securely here - and very grateful to Erlinda for the exposure she´s making sure I receive. It is still a struggle at times though with my nostalgia - for the past and future at the same time. One thing I´ve done with my time when I´m in these pensive moods is make lists... ´recipe for a joy-filled life, in progress,´ what I need in my life, what I want in my future Duke life, what my passions are... important topics for sure - and this is the thinking I was hoping to do. It´s easier to be aware of some of these things here. Today remembered I want to make a list of things to do before I die.

Back to the women, and this education in Catholic-backed social justice. No other topic I want to work with more.

posted by Colleen @ 11:21 AM