Family... a present from heaven

I’m back to the routine… bells at 5am and everything, but last weekend has been great. I’ve been just 10 min by car away from the university and even returned on Sunday morning for 5 min to get some of my material to study, but it wasn’t the distance that mattered. Freedom was one point, but there was another one even more important to me: Being part of a family! Washing dishes, slouching on the couch, eating with just 1-6 persons, talking in a relaxed atmosphere with no time pressure because you already should be in worship, bed or somewhere. Being at home!

The week before, I had been sick. Especially on Wednesday I didn’t feel great. I felt dizzy, weak, had fever and could neither really sleep in the night nor during the day. Making me fresh orange-lemon juice meant some major effort. That was when I thought, “I wish Mummy would be here and make me some!” Later that day, when cutting onions and some tomatoes I thought, “I wish Daddy would ask me if I wanted some tomato-cucumber salad” (his favorite food ever).” I only would have had to say, “I’ll take some, thank you!” Adding with puppy eyes, “And could you make a bowl for me with extra many onions and lot’s of lemon juice?”

I’ve never felt homesick but especially when I am sick, I love to feel at home. That’s why I was so happy when Cira visited me that Thursday and invited me to stay the weekend with them. But even when I’m not sick, I need this feeling of “belonging to a family” at least once in a while – no matter where in the world I am. I love to travel and I’m thankful that wherever I’ve been, I’ve found places where I could eat breakfast in pyjamas and with my “night hairdo”, places where I felt free to be just myself. I know that friends who are like parents or siblings are a present from heaven. That’s why I’m so thankful for Cira, Eufronio, Leany y Abraham (see pic) and I hope they know how much I appreciate them.

Mummy! Daddy! I know that Lydia has to translate for you but I just wanted to let you know: I love you! You’ll always have a special place in my heart that nobody else can occupy. You were the ones who have always been there when I’ve been sick. Thank you for all the cups of fresh orange juice and hot sage tea! Thank you for all the talks in the middle of the night. And it’s these “little things” that make me miss you here on the other side of the globe. But you can sleep quietly and without worries – Cira and Eufronio are taking care of me over here. You couldn’t ask for better substitute parents!

What else to say?
Since I had my first mid exams in all subjects this week, I didn’t have much time for writing blog entries (although – honestly – I didn’t study a lot). Each paragraph of this blog is actually written on another day. Today, I went to Quillacollo to refill my fruit and vegetable depot and when I was done, I thought I would check if Cira was at home. They are about to move to another place even closer to the university, so they’re not always at home, but this time, even Eufronio and Abraham were there and about to eat lunch. I ate with them, helped washing the dishes afterwards, talked with Cira for about an hour and got invited for next weekend… It’ll be hard to say “Good bye” in August!!! A lot harder than in 2003, 2004 and 2005!

Did you ever tell the people you appreciate the most how much you love them?
Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Love,
maria