Day 3: And Then Comes the Rain

It finally rained today! It was a good thing too, because the nearby volcano has apparently been erupting a lot, which leaves dust and ash that the rains typically wash away... Except the last few days. So the rain was welcomed, I think.

Today brought a little stress with it for the reason that there were so many introductions. I met Tita, a maid who works at the house I was staying at, Edna, a teacher at the school and her daughter, Alejandro, Dorita, a lady who works at the school, Cyndi, the director of the school and her daughter, and almost all the students that live here.

Oush.

I always feel anxious that I am going to accidentally be rude or say something stupid during an introduction. When I met Señora Edna, one of the teachers at the school, "nice to meet you" tumbled out in English, and I was like, Way to go, genius.

We decided to change my name to Rae (pronounced "rah-eh") for the trip. That in itself is an adjustment, because greetings are even more stressful when you don't know your own name very well.

Greetings typically go:
"¡Hola!"
"Buenos días."
"Mucho gusto."
"Soy... (CONCENTRATE ON PRONUNCIATION) Rae."
"Soy so-and-so."
"Mucho gusto."
"Mucho gusto."
Awkward silence because small talk seems a lot harder in a different language.

Despite this, everyone has been so kind. The Lastrapes brought me to the school today and made sure I was settled in. It is funny- they are really the only familiar thing I have here, even though I only met them a few days ago. When asked by a student if we were family, I told them that for the next two months, yes, they were. I am so grateful for them and the care they have shown me.

In addition to the three or four students learning Spanish, there are four students here, who are Guatemalan students that are studying at a local university. They have been especially welcoming! The director of the school, Cyndi, has a daughter who is about seven or eight, who is absolutely precious and watched over me after the Lastrapes left. She asked to see my room, showed me where I could do my homework, and told me all about what her friends think of chile (made me taste some!).

I was unsure what to expect when it came to how much Spanish I would speak, how much I would understand, etc. At the school, everything has been in Spanish. I can understand 90% of what is said and fumble through trying to get the words out myself. I am actually doing a bit better than I expected, which is encouraging. But my brain is tired. I feel like I am constantly on guard in case anyone asks me a question or uses a phrase I don't understand.

I took an exam that will determine my level and I will start class tomorrow! I will get a tour of the city on Saturday. For now, I am settled in my habitación, which is painted yellow (my favorite). It's tiny but I have two bookshelves for my things and a window with a vista increíble. I will take a picture and post it in the morning.

(As promised!)

Thanks for reading. Hasta mañana.