I mentioned a month ago that "Life Together" might have been a better choice to pack with me than, say, "The Hobbit." But it's just as well, because convivencia (life together) here at the seminary is LIVED, not read. So, with that contradiction in mind...read on to the proverbs!
Convivencia is...seeing everyone in their Sunday best and their Saturday pajamas.
Convivencia is... your student/classmate asking you a question about English while you're in the kitchen, in a sarong and tank top because the rest of your pajama-ish clothes are dirty, and brushing your teeth because the bathroom is tied up. True convivencia is answering her without bothering to spit/rinse.
Convivencia is...talking to the copy machine, which likes to jam every 15 pages, because odds are, it's first language is English, too.
Convivencia is...an odd mix of monastic and dorm life.
Convivencia is...saying sorry and asking forgiveness, even when you thought it might not be your fault.
Convivencia is...coming downstairs to find the patio already swept and scrubbed (my job, normally), and cleaned, no less, by the person I'd knocked down in fútbol the day before.
Convivencia is...reading, eating, listening, complaining, working, studying, buying, walking, washing, praying, sharing, drinking mate...just about everything...together.
Convivencia is...frustrating.
Convivencia is...grace.
If there is a person who can adjust to just about anything that comes her way, it would be you! :-) Learning and growing--that's what it's all about! You will derive much satisfaction, looking back, on these first weeks of adjustment. Love ya!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Aunt Judi! I love you, too!
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