Jan 13 2010

Mary is getting in this terrible habit of waking me up at around 1-2 in the morning by flipping on the bright fluorescents right above my head. Why you might ask? Well last night it was because she discovered a scorpion on the floor after being awakened by our mosquito family and feeling the need to OFF the room some more. My clothing will permanently smell of bug spray at this point. After the lights were switched on I apparently yelled at her in my sleep asking her why she put in 4 light bulbs and complaining that it was so unnecessary. Mary response to my sleep talking was to throw something at my face. After being RUDLEY pulled from my dreams and getting briefed on the situation, it was time for the battle. I, having already been stung twice by the evil creatures, was not about to get anywhere near the thing. It was cornered in our bathroom and Mary was elected to remove it from its inconvenient location and squash it. I stood atop my bed, Chaco sandal and magazine in hand, prepared for a bloody war. It was a long process that resulted in a quick fight. The scorpion now lives in the sewer… in multiple pieces. After our adrenaline wore off and we finally got some sleep, we awoke to the morning reflections bell. With no time to brush our hair or find decent clothes, we rushed to the little chapel and commenced our prayers and singing. Afterwards we spent the morning cleaning. Many would be surprised as to how clean we keep this place. The dishes are always done. We sweep every day. We mop every week. Trash gets taken out. And I have discovered that I HATE clutter on tabletops and other surfaces. I betcha my parents mouths dropped open at that sentence but it’s true. I can’t stand for there to be unnecessary items sitting on the kitchen counter or the bedside table. I hate when cabinets are left open or food is left out. I guess that’s something you learn when you have your own place. Judo was this morning. Jhonny, the 20 year old instructor, made Mary and I participate today which was interesting. We got owned by a bunch of little children. Lunch was at San Martin with the boys, who apparently have American taste buds. Since they cooked the meal, consisting of mashed potatoes and beef, they decided that it needed some salt. They put some much salt in the food that my fingers swelled. I, again, have grown very accustomed to the bland food. We always have a good time hanging with the guys, yet I always come out with bruises or blood. Don’t get me wrong, I hold my own. If you think blood and bruises sounds bad, you should see them! Totally kidding… kinda. But after lunch Chris organized a game of basketball followed by Mary and I’s attempt at Capture the Flag that turned into baseball. As I took a break on the office steps, I was approached by the entire Semilla de Amor house. Milton, the very sweet 9 year old, came forward from the crowd and asked me something in Spanish which I didn’t quite understand. His mama helped me out and after a few minutes of mental translation I realized that Milton wanted me to be his prayer partner. I actually started crying. It made me realize that I HAVE made a difference with these children. They look up to me and care about me as I do for them. Milton now has my email and street address and we will be keeping in touch for many more years to come. If anyone is interested in having an Amistad Orphan as a prayer partner, please email me at hclaybrook@harpethhall.org. I can let Chris King know and he can set you up. The kids love having someone to write and its good for them to know that people around the world are looking after them. Also I would love some feedback on this blog. I hear a lot more people than I thought are reading it and am willing to answer questions or write about what you all would like to know! The rest of the day was very uneventful and we are back in the room earlier than we ever have been! Its only 9:30 here. I’m super excited about getting to bed early tonight!!!! Chao