Breaking through

Since my little bartering adventure, the boys have kept me pretty busy.

Saturday, I woke up early and went with the little boys rock climbing. This was a different adventure than when the older boys went. The little boys were a little bit tougher to control. Everyone had to look over the edge down to the rocks far below the cliff. We had a couple boys fall and swing on the rope. It was completely safe, but we had a few boys who had their breath taken away for a few seconds.

Sunday, after chapel, I sat and listened to my Chargers win another game. The Chargers do a great job recently of making you write off the season, only to come back and win a few to make it interesting. Let’s hope it continues.

Monday, Madi had set up a kayaking excursion with the boys! It turned out to be a very fun day. However, I got a little taste of Mexico at the same time. Madi had it set up with a marina a little south of Rosarito, that we would be able to come and launch into the little bay. She had set it up and then double checked with them later that it was alright. Both times she got an ok, and that it would be no problem. But, when we showed up bright and early Monday morning, the guard said the supervisor wasn’t there and that he couldn’t let us in. After pleading with the officer for 20 minutes, we finally gave up and headed for other water. We came to a lagoon just inland from the ocean. During the rainy season, it runs out into the ocean. Yet, still having no rain to date this fall, it was a low. The lagoon was also located near a run down town, and all the run off from the town collected in the marsh. Therefore, as we were paddling, only a few of us realized we were paddling through sewage and pretty nasty filth. However, being that it was salt water, and we were in kayaks, we were able to have a good time, despite the smell.

Tuesday, I helped out in the states moving one of our staff members.

Today, was a lot of little jobs, running a car to the mechanic, going by the store, working on the chapel and so on.

Some overall notes:
- Spanish is a very funny thing. One day you think you’re finally getting it, you’re talking easily and understanding others. The very next day however, you can feel like a fool and can’t put two words together - good luck understanding other people. How it works I don’t know, but trust me it’s day and night, day to day.
- Had deep fried chili peppers today. It ended up being a very spicy good meal.
- Speaking of food. Down here, they have these jalapeño cheetos. This tasty morsel has quickly become my favorite bag of junk food. Don’t worry mom, I’ve only had two bags since I got here. Not very accessible.
- Last, and best of all, the younger boys seem to really be opening up to me. I guess that with so many people coming and going from the ranch during the year, and very few people staying long term. The boys have to hold back, and keep from trusting everyone. Finally 2 ½ months in, I’ve gotten to the point were the boys will come to me and want to talk to me about what’s going on in their lives. By far the greatest reward I’ve received from my time here. Thank the Lord, I’ve got six more months.