I hate having to title these.

     Last night was possibly the most uncomfortable thing ever. A tia (aunt) of someone related to Jhoselyn's family has passed away, and last night was the funeral. Nancy insisted that I go with her and Jhoselyn. I really didn't want to, but I went because she wanted me to. I felt like I was intruding on something. She said that here all the neighbours (vecinos) and everyone goes to the funeral and brings pan (bread) and coffee for all. Everyone stared at me, and I felt like crying the whole time, even though I never met the person. Nancy insists that they were staring because I'm a gringa and not because I'm intruding, but still. It was very hard for me, and I'm not entirely sure why, but it was a lot to handle. Funerals are a lot different here though. Everyone was given pan w/ mantequilla (butter), coffee, and a few shots of this hot lemonade-like liquor, and chiclets for afterwards. It was very sombre, but also felt like a get-together among friends. After awhile I felt slightly more comfortable because some of the older women were complimenting me on my hair, saying "me parece una muneca" (a doll). She also wanted me to go to the burial in the cemetary today, but I couldn't. Seeing the casket last night was enough. :(

       Lately the mother and father of my family have been conversing lots with me. I think they can tell I'm having a really hard time, but don't understand that it's not because I'm lonely, it's because I'm rarely alone. She has started insisting that I spend a couple hours each day with each of the children. So a couple hours teaching Junior english, a couple hours with Fran, who is more like me, more reserved, and a few hours with her. I love being with J and her friends, but I didn't know that her mom wants us home more. After every meal the family sits and talks for a good two hours. I get tired by it, and need a rest sometimes. It's a lot of thinking when I don't speak fluent spanish, and it's also at the end of the day.  I really need another go at the sauna!!