Some people tilt their heads a bit to the side with squinted eyes when I tell them why we are here. I know, it does sound like an oxi-moron. Missions in paradise? But we are all here for school- soaking in everything we can before being sent out to the darkest, hardest places in the earth to preach the Good News! Anyway, this isn't the point of my writing today...
I want to talk about community living. Living on campus together, eating meals together, going to class together, working next to each other- it's all part of the experience. And I believe the tropical weather is a huge component of why this large scale of in-your-face community living is even possible! For starters, hot/humid weather is kind of a great equalizer of sorts: no matter how incredibly stylish or totally uncool your clothes and hairstyle are, we are all sweating and hardly put together, just trying to stay hydrated in the heat! It creates this camaraderie. So great.
Back to living in close quarters- after living here for two weeks we've had to face a handful of stretching components: Ok, how about the challenge of disciplining your children when it feels like EVERYONE is watching! And everyone parents differently. We are learning constantly. When do you give extra grace? When do you pull her aside and have a chat? When do you lay the smack down? (not literally of course)
And Sleeping. This has been funny, but... not so funny, if you know what I mean. There is literally a salsa dance class right outside of our "bedroom" window every Wednesday night at bedtime, and last week we found out (the hard way) that they are renovating the unit above us. BAM!! ZZZZ! POW! CRASH!!!! It'll be hilarious looking back at this 3 months, but for now... it's a bit of a challenge. Raegan fell asleep to the sound of hammering this afternoon. It took her an hour, but she did it.
Meals. We are served every meal at the outdoor cafeteria, and it's a great way to talk to people and make friends. But try getting your 3 year old to eat when there are people everywhere, kids playing on the playground, new friends stopping by to say hello, etc. We decided to have a "sit on your buns and eat, then ask to be excused before you get up" rule. And we sit right next to the fenced playground during every meal now, so there's great incentive to eat fast and go play! And we've learned a few tricks, like at breakfast- one of us just loads up a tray and brings back the meal to our room. Perfect.
Bathtime. Oh my gosh, this is my favorite. So... we don't exactly have a bath. Just one of those square-shaped showers. So, when I caught sight of Raegan's dirt covered legs last week, I decided to clog the drain and let it fill up with 2-3 inches of water. I call it a "missionary bath" and Raegan now daily asks if she can have a "mini bath." Hiarious! And bath toys? Well, we just throw our plastic dishware in the bottom and it kills two birds with one stone- bath time and dishwashing in one! She's so happy.
We are adapting, learning a ton, and becoming better people because of the flexibility required. The last shall be first, right? Keeping a humble perspective that we're all in this together has kept us from avoiding offense and frustration.
Besides, it's sunny all the time! And there's a park right outside our door. And our class is life-changing! (another topic for another time) And we have the nanny-of-the-year serving our family non-stop!! And, and, and!!! We are truly blessed, and having a wonderful adventure. I do miss my dear friends at home. Please come visit!
Love and richest blessing to you all!
