A:"What do you like in a red wine?" C: "Mmmm...meatballs are good."

The title is from a dinner conversation mi compañera and I had last night. We made a lovely Italian dinner of spaghetti and red wine with apples and different cheeses. Thank you to the last group for leaving behind some yummy food! Our table adorned with our latest theological reads, the fruit basket, and candles. Unfortunately, we couldn't find matches to light them..haha!

We haven't left the posada for much the past week, and were itching to go to the beach on a bright sunny day after work. So we did! And it was lovely. Paletas and chocolate dipped bananas, strolling the beach and waterfront in tank-tops and skirts. It felt good to be girly and trade my cement-covered clothes for a skirt and flip-flops, to remove the icky bandana and let my curls soak up some sun. Then we went on a little make-shopping spree at one of the stores. It was hilarious! We didn't actually buy much, but we tried on un montón (a ton) of different make-and nailpolishes. We both left with five different-colored fingernails on the left hand and bare nails on the right. It was kind of like raiding mom's make-up stash, but in public. And the attendant giggled at us and rolled her eyes. This is how we relieve ourselves from the posada, the grueling labor, and the relentless teasing of the boys at work...

I have been questioning still my purpose here and whether or not this will live up to the expectations that I was presented before I took the job. I am doubtful that it will and am uncertain as to whether it is really worth my time to stay here until December. I feel like there is so much more I could do, learn, and participate in here in Mexico and I don't want to miss an opportunity. However, I also do want to fulfill my commitment and stay for at least 6 months. Entonces (So), I have started researching other opportunities for service in another part of Mexico for post-August or September. Wish me luck! I am chatting with el jefe today to set goals and guidelines for my time here...

I miss my sister a lot. I am so excited to meet my nephew and am feeling the sacrifice of being away from family and friends more and more. I am so curious what is coming next and somewhat enjoying not knowing where I will be 6 months from now or even post-graduation next June. I am focusing any spare time on preparing for my Rotary interview.

Love,

aly