Last Tuesday, September 21, eight of our neighbors entertained us in one of their homes as a welcome time. They were delightful, and we feel so blessed to finally get to meet them. Remember how desperate I was to know the Mexico City neighbors?
These 8 folks are all about our age and middle-class people who have lived in this neighborhood 30 years or so and raised their children here.
We spent three house snacking on chips and dip and talking about the country, books they'd read, neighborhood traffic problems, etc. Does this sound soooooooooooo normal?!
They gave us a cactus dish garden, toasted us and prayed for us (that we would feel welcome, etc). They also told us that they didn't see much of each other but that each knew that the others are available in times of need and we believe it.
Thankfully they talked to each other most of the time as we sat and smiled and nodded. We knew the subject matter but didn't get the specifics. When they talked directly to us, the ladies especially slowed down and faced us so we could understand. Socializing is tough in a new language.
Also last Saturday I saw the man across the stree outside with his twin grandbabies. I'd never met him but without thinking (which is normal for me and the best way in Spanish) I ran over there to see the 8 month old babies and meet him and his two adult daughters. They were also very nice people and I'm pleased to have met them.
This Saturday we are having our new friends from Grecia for lunch. They own the B&B we visited a few weeks back. Costa Rica is a beautiful place to retire so attacts many Americans.
These Costa Ricans dress like we do and have the same interests and concerns - what a small world we live in!
