jueves, 28 de julio de 2011

What in the world is a hutch?

That was the beginning of a conversation I just had with two of my friends here, Anna and Natalie. Also surprising that this simple piece of dining room furniture was not as easy to describe to someone who has not heard of one. A combination between a china cabinet and a buffet was the best we could get.

Today has been an enjoyable day running errands and spending time with Anna and Natalie. We began the day attempting to set up a bank account, however I was not allowed to do this at the bank without a piece of mail with my address here on it. They referred me to signing up online first, and I now have a bank account and can beging making deposits and use other banking services. That's a relief to have that taken care of.

After many discussions about living here financially, I have my first priority has to be to find a cheaper apartment to live in that is within walking distance to the school and church. I don't have access to a car for now, and my house is a few miles away from both. If I can find a cheaper apartment close by, this will help me to raise funds and set aside money to pay for a down payment on a car and afford montly payments. In addition, many of the people I will be working with live within walking distance of the school and church, and it will be nice to be close to them. Please pray that I can have this figured out soon, and then I can begin focusing on getting a car.

Fun fact about Puerto Rico: It is the home to the only rainforest in the United States. It is called El Yunque, and its absolutely beautiful.

miércoles, 27 de julio de 2011

The coquis are welcoming me to Puerto Rico :)

When I say coquis, I"m referring to the coqui frogs that are native to the rainforest here in Puerto Rico. They sing at night and you can hear them anywhere on the island every night. When I came to visit I was so enthralled by they unique experience of listening to the coquis, so much so that I called friends from home just so they could listen through my phone. Tonight they are a comforting sound and reminding me of God's unique pieces of creation.

I'm on day 2 here in Puerto Rico. Everything with the flights went very smoothly, and I arrived on time. When I arrived I went to my house right away, and I love it. As soon as I got there I found a dog in my back yard. Come to find out it belongs to a neigbor, yet she has been at my side every minute I've  been home, in addition to a cat named Felix who belongs to some teachers that will be arriving next week. Both of these animals have helped keep me company and I haven't been completely alone since I arrived, thanks to them. It's comforting to have two little critters here at my side for a few days.

I have groceries in the house, my house is furnished and all imperative household items are there or purchased. A couple of teachers here, Anna and Natalie, have taken me under their wings and have made sure I am getting things done and giving me company. It's great to have friends here already! The past two days here God has constantly been reminding me that I'm being taken care of. This has given me an underlying peace knowing that I am supposed to be here and that God is holding my hand through this process. Within the next few days it might start hitting me that I'm not leaving, but for now I feel great about living here. Did I mention I my yard has a palm tree, a lime tree, and I can see the ocean from my house? It's always been a dream of mine to have a palm tree in my yard, so it feels like God is giving me a gift in this.

Many have asked me for my address. If you would like it, or would like a postcard, please email me at maria.gargano@yahoo.com or contact me via Facebook!