Culture!

Living in a new culture or even just a different culture always presents its challenges. The one that has struck me lately is the whole how a guy shows interest in a girl and how he treats a girl. If a guy sees a pretty girl in the states, he might stare, but rarely will he say anything. Here, the guy might whistle, yell words in English and Spanish--pretty, I love you, marry me... you name it. You will also get stared at up and down. Sometimes I can convince myself it's a compliment. Other days it just drives me crazy! For example, there's a guy at school who sometimes picks up one of the boys I had last year. He's an uncle or friend or something. The other day he started talking to me and asked for my phone number and said there was nothing wrong with going to a movie, having ice cream, etc. Of course, I think there is a lot wrong with that if the guy is at least 10 years older than you and you know nothing about him! I did NOT give him my phone number, but now I am afraid every time I see him. He seems to pick up the kids a lot more now too! Thankfully he has not talked to me, but he did stare at me pretty bad today. You would think at a Christian school I would be a little more safe from that... I guess not. Oh well.

Well, things that make me smile? That's much better...

One of my little boys called me last night just to tell me he practiced running for the mile run they did in PE today. He also reminded me to bring my tennis shoes to run with them. I love that he called me just to tell me that!

I was out talking to Amanda when she was on recess duty with the first and second graders yesterday. One of the little first graders was eating cookies and gave her a piece of one. He didn't give me one, but I still told him he was nice to share. A little while later, I felt something slide into my back pocket and saw him run away. He had stuck a small piece of cookie in my pocket! Kids are so funny!

I went back to the throat doctor today. He said the nodules are gone and it looks really good! Praise the Lord! Now the hope is to keep them away. Please pray that the Lord would show me the best way to prevent them from coming back.

Well, may you see those little things in life that make you smile today. God is good!