Party Hardy.

First, I would like to apologize for my lack of recent updates. I see it as a good thing. That means I'm getting more acclimated and not missing you guys as much, right?? Kidding. Of course I miss you! Sometimes I just don't know what you want to read. I don't know if it gets boring reading about how I drove in Paraguay (!!!!) or that I had meat for lunch and dinner (again) or about how I had a dream that Hilary Duff and I became best friends. If there's something you want to want to hear, let me know! I'd like to try to save myself from embarrassment by not just writing what comes to my head, pretending that no one reads this. Because you do. And that means so much. That you would care enough about me to take a few minutes out of your day to read my messy and jumbled update and pray for me. I want these updates to be for you. Or if I'm completely wrong, tell me. "Nicole, you're being silly. Write about whatever you want. Include the random anecdotes. I promise not to make fun of you about it later. Pinky promise." 

All that being said, I have like a week and a half to update you on! 

Paraguayans love to celebrate. And so do I. Perfect. 

Last weekend was Dia de Juventud and the first day of Spring! Dia de Juvented is like Youth Day... You know how when you were younger you always wondered why mom got Mother's Day and dad got Father's Day. There's even Teacher Appreciation Day, Grandparent's Day, and Administrative Professionals' Day. But what about the kids?? If you were a child in Paraguay, this thought would have never crossed your mind. I think it's brilliant that Dia de Juventud and the celebration of the first day of Spring are on the same day. That means we get to play outside! On Friday, we celebrated with the school by taking them to a water park, complete with wave pool and slides, and a soccer field, of course. On Saturday, we went to a park with the youth group from church. It was such a beautiful day. Volleyball, ultimate frisbee, soccer, hot dogs, the works. 

This past weekend was also a weekend of celebration. Thursday was Charlotte's birthday! I took the bus to Tobati (about two hours away) to have dinner and dessert and a sleepover! Charlotte directed Kendra and I on how to make her special birthday Guatemalan tacos. They were seriously so yummy. I made brownies to go with the one kilo of ice cream that we bought. It was so fun! 

Charlotte, Luis, and Kendra with the Guatemalan tacos!

Birthday girl with her birthday brownies!

On Saturday, I got to experience the traditions and beauty of a Paraguay wedding. I met the groom, Esteban, many years ago, and he is good friends with my mom and Scott. In many aspects, the wedding looked a lot like what I know a wedding to be - bridal party, exchange of rings, dinner reception. I guess the biggest difference would be that it "started" at 8:30pm. However, in accordance with Paraguayan custom, the ceremony didn't actually begin until a little after 9. It was a beautiful ceremony and reception. 

The beautiful bride and groom

Sunday was also a very special day. It was the quinceñera of the younger sister of one of the girls in my small group. Lisette was celebrated very well. About 10 of her close girl friends shared a Bible verse and an encouraging word. Her aunts and cousins also shared how much Lisette means to them. We ate, watched a slide show of pictures from her life, and listened to One Direction. It was fun for me to participate in something so cultural and special. 

Lisette's friends sharing how much she means to them with her father and mother standing by. 

This past week and a half has been fun and I can definitely tell that I am settling in more. People aren't staring at me as much, as if I've come from another planet (either that, or they are hiding it well). I'm really starting to enjoy being here. I mean, not many people can say they spend a year and a half in a foreign country! Thanks for investing in my life and hanging in there with me while I'm trying to figure things out.

I miss you all. Pinky promise.