To Paraguay and Beyond...

Yesterday I felt that I have had an experience comparable to John’s tumor, body cutting, tissue tearing ordeal. At my work we have the opportunity to house not only girls but horses as well. Horses are awesome to ride and fun to watch their teeth being worked on, and add a certain therapeutic element to treatment. Personally, horses are also scary. They are big and get spooked easily. They have metal on the bottoms of their feet and they weight so very much more than me. To me, they are unpredictable. Yesterday morning I went out with the girls to feed the horses. One of the girls, stroking the horse’s nose, began to shout. She had blood on her hand. I rushed over to see horse skin everywhere and a gaping gash through skin, muscle, and who knows what else between the eyes of the horse. Apparently he had collided with other horses in a rush to get his dinner (It looks about the same feeding 14 teenage girls at dinner!). Here is where John and my interests/reactions part. I felt sick and panicked seeing and the inner nasties out. I frantically started calling everyone I knew. One of the girls removed the horse and put him in a separate stall by himself while I was trying not to pass out. I stoked the horse while trying not to focus too much on his bloody head. I don’t know how John likes this cutting of tissues/bloody stuff! Gives me the willies!

On a different note, should anyone be interested I go to see John/meet Paraguay on Friday!!! YEAH!! I’ve been listening to a lot of Spanish and Portuguese music in preparation. I also followed a Spanish speaking family around in Wal-Mart for a few minutes until the kids started to notice me and stand around me speaking stuff I didn’t understand. I really am very excited to finally get why John loves Paraguay so much and learn to love it myself. I won’t be there very long, but I love people and places easily! I love John and can not wait to see his face again! Six weeks is plenty long and I want him back in my everyday life badly. I am so grateful for/to Jack and Pam – you have raised an amazing, smart, kind, thoughtful, hardworking and strong son. I like him a whole lot.

Well there is lots of work to be had and cleaning to do before departing. A bit of exciting news – I do have red tomatoes now along with ripe lettuce and beans!!!!! I originally put just a period after that sentence but realized it deserved so much more! Too bad I won’t really be here to enjoy the feast. None the less I do hold a small amount of pride in my meager accomplishment. :) Much love to all!