a brief overview

well friends, we have been keeping ourselves busy with school, housework, and visiting with friends. in addition to bonding with other peace corps volunteers, i do believe we are becoming more "integrated" (flashy peace corps lingo) into our community with each passing day. recently, we've been blessed with plates of bread, cakes, soups, and even an ice cold coke. it's taken a while, but seems like we are finally "in."
here are some pics to hold you over until the next detailed update.

here are the cows we raved about in the last entry. oddly enough, they seem to disappear at times, often in the wee hours of the night. in the morning, the pasture is empty, save for our old friend oliver grazing in the distance. a few days later, the herd returns and oliver disappears. we haven't really investigated this matter thoroughly, but it keeps life interesting.

the cows LOVE sugar cane leaves. here they are pulling the cane leaves off the truck before the farmers can even unload it.

we took a trip to the mennonite community of shipyard last week. it's like a whole other world. almost like kansas, only with palm trees.

can you imagine filling up at the gas station and seeing this cart parked next to you?

this truck pulled up in front of our house one evening. the father of 7 of these children came to help us with some home improvements, and decided to bring everyone! they were headed to shipyard with the refrigerator (mennonites are known for being able to fix EVERYTHING). the garrido family brings smiles to our faces every time we see them.

nene (baby) garrido posing for her close up. she's still working on that smile!