The Positive

Monday night was community prayer and spirituality night. It was a good reminder of why we are all here. One of the missionaries cautioned us not to be too negative when we write our blogs. I don't think I have dwelt on the negative but I decided to take it as a challenge that the next blog would be about things I LOVE about living in Chimbote. Drum roll please ......

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN CHIMBOTE

1. Cebiche! It is the freshest in the world. Cebiche is a Peruvian dish comprised of raw marinated fish. 70 % of Peru's fishing industry is less than 5 miles from our door so it is very easy to become a Cebiche snob while living in Chimbote.

2. Time to cook.

3. Time to exercise.

4. Time to do chores.

5. Siestas!

6. The mountains and the ocean. I love to stand by the ocean and feel the ocean breeze or glance at the mountains that are beautiful and always in view.

7. A city that is alive! You are never alone or far from what is happening.

8. Saludos. A tradition of embracing everyone you meet. You would think it would be awkward with people you do not know but it isn't. In fact, since it is expected, it kind of eliminates awkward social situations and makes one feel so loved.

9. Music & Dancing. It is everywhere and so enjoyable.

10. Affordable public transportation.

11. Fresh fruits and vegetables. Avocados, mangos & cilantro. Mmmmm and so fresh.

12. Hospitality inside patient's houses.

13. Love of family. Whether it is the teenage brother who isn't the least bit self-conscious to dance with his younger sister at a party, the husband that we find in the quiet hours of the morning sitting quietly at his wife's bedside or the neighborhood kids that knock on our door wanting to know if Marcelle can come out and play - beautiful.

14. On my quest to learn Spanish, the patience and generosity of those around me. Not giving up.

15. The community I live in. Each missionary brings with them their God given gifts which they share with such maturity and love that gives glory to God.