me duele la cabeza

my head hurts.
we had our first real class today. Yesterday was just an introduction and then the test to see what level we were on, and today we were broken up into two groups. The people who already know spanish- and the ones that need some help. A lot of help. Class wasn't too bad, but of course it is all in spanish and it is hard to intensely pay attention for 4 hours. But I am able to understand about 60 percent of what the teacher says now, which is an improvement! When she is speaking specifically to us and going very slowly I feel like I really have a grip on this language, but then I go out into the real world and realize that I still suck. awesome.
but today was great because we started the day with a tour of the city. I really do love this city. It is so open and green and historical. It has so much character. Yeah there is graffiti everywhere but on the tour our teacher took us around and explained all the graffiti to us. It wasn't pointless crap like we have in the states, its all political and about social injustices in the country. (Most of it at least) After the tour we came back and had our first class.

After class I went with two other girls on the trip with me- Esther and Taylor- and met two missionaries that live down here that my friend Hannah Barton introduced me to. When the Lord says he will provide, he isn't lying! We met with them and had matte con dulces. It was great. We got to know each other and then studied the Word a little bit which was really refreshing. We talked in spanish the whole time but I'm pretty sure we said that we are going to do it every wednesday. (hand gestures are my best friend these days) Very excited to have this community down here, which is such an answer to prayers.
They drove me home and now I am studying- que divertida! haha

As much as I love everything about this place: the people, the school, the city, the culture, and the weather- it is very hard. Most definitely the hardest thing I have ever done. Not being able to communicate is so frustrating, but I know it will get easier.
At home I talk so much, but here, I listen. And I like this change. I like listening to people because they are all so different. I know that sounds stupid, but if you talk about 10% as much as you listen you will learn so much about people. Their mannerisms, their characteristics, their quirks, as well as their likes and dislikes.
Anyways that is just something I have been noticing lately :)
ciao