Better to have a life filled with “oh wells” than one filled with “what ifs.”
June 21, 2014
Best of today: not this morning’s 5-gallon pail of newly harvested seeds, not the shower I spent 4 days longing for, not the passion-fruit-flour pancakes I created and smothered in honey from my own bees…
It was when the 7-year old next door came to visit, just because, and laughed out loud at my pronunciation of a particular Spanish word, forcing me to say it 5 times before nodding her approval, all the while helping me shell my new seed pods without being asked.
This was a humorous reminder of our last interaction over the weekend when I had to buy some TP at the despensa, which came with a line of questioning and a forced admission that, yes, I had a serious case of the chivivi. She tried SO HARD to stifle a smirk and offer a polite, serious, faux-sympathetic face, but I could see her eyes just glimmering with all those suppressed giggles. I’m quite sure as soon as I left she updated the whole family on my condition and by the next day the entire community would know of my ‘situation.’ “Oh well,” I thought. “What’s a little diarrhea between friends?” But 6:30 the next morning one of my favorite señoras called to say she was worried about me, made sure I had medicine, and told me that she loved me. That was better than any medicine. It was the hug I needed. Even with GI upset, my life in PY is pretty darn awesome.
Somewhere in Paraguay 
I love the community you speak of. The wealth of food from the labors of others and yourself and how they young girl just offered her presence, her ability and herself to your day. Such interactions and the one even from the señora the day after having been fully informed of your status reminds me of one large extended family, a culture to be modeled and embraced. You are truly blessed.
.. and after 4 days without the modern convenience of a shower I feel you are well seasoned for all the love you receive …
This community really is like one large extended family since nearly everyone is related to one of two main families in one form or another. Even after being here almost two years, I’m still learning new connections between my neighbors!