Domingo
Today is Sunday, a day to rest. Most of the group has gone to climb the volcano; four of us stayed behind. I am not feeling well enough for a four mile climb over difficult terrain and then a four mile hike back. I and three others went out for brunch at Fernando’s Cafe– a restaurant run by a Christian that has the bet coffee I think I’ve ever had. It is one of my favorite spots in Antigua. Unfortunately it is at least a fifteen minute walk from our hotel so I have been only twice. Breakfast was crepes with plantains, nutella, and granola and a mocha; I found myself missing refined sugars. 
Silly American girl.
Now I am at the internet cafe all alone. This is safe because it is only a five minute walk from the hotel and broad daylight. I am not sorry for the time to myself. The first week of this trip has been harder than I had expected. I think that may be due to the fact that I had no time to recover from the quarter before the trip began. Ordinarily, I do not have a tough time transitioning into other countries and cultures; but emotionally I was wiped out before the trip even began. So being around twenty other people constantly and being quite busy and working so hard has been extremely difficult. No wonder I got sick! I have taken to extended bathroom visits just to have some time to myself.
It is also difficult because I am not in control. No responsibility, but no choices either. Go here now. Go there then. And the plans change three times a day. Sometimes I can’t even order for myself in a restaurant: “So we’re having typica food today. Chicken in Mole, mashed potatoes, and a vegetable that is a cross between a squash and a gourd. Orchata to drink. OK? OK. I’ll go order them.” It tasted good, yes, but man, I wanted something light and cool and that chicken salad sandwich on the menu was looking good. Frustrating.
So this morning was nice. I slept in, had a very good quiet time in which I completely ignored the folder with the devos we are supposed to do each day, chose my own food for breakfast, and now get to spend the afternoon to myelf. Tonight I will go to Mass at the cathedral around the corner, and though I won’t understand a word of it the standing and sitting will be exactly the same as when I occassionally attend St. Monica St. George back in Clifton, and it will be in line with my contemplative mood.
Yay for having time to fit in my lectio divina, for the first time in three weeks!
