*!* Feliz Naw-Ruz *!*

How can I begin? This past month was crammed full of extraordinary moments, as well as welcomed days of leisure. Mostly, the reason I haven't blogged in awhile is that I was busy moving...yes, again. But the little apartment I'm now in with my new Canadian roommate will be my last house here. I've adored traveling around the country and staying in many different places, but it'll be nice to settle down, so to speak.

My new roomie and I laugh with great frequency together. Especially about each other's English, mostly mine since it comes out funny often. One cannot notice here, because I can edit my words as I go, but after hearing mostly Spanish for over 6 months, certain connections start to go! Now it feels like I'm not quite proficient in either language, but I can transition between the two well.

Naw-Ruz is both the Persian and Baha'i new year, celebrated on March 21. This year marked the 70th anniversary of the Faith in El Salvador. The story goes that a 17 year-old youth arrived here from the states and he was the only Baha'i here. In this short time later, there are members of my religion spread across the country, from different backgrounds and all strata of society. Therefore, the celebration this year was made a country-wide festivity. Over 900 names were on the guest list, thought I still have to confirm the actual number of community attendees and their guests. It was held at a children's museum, named Tin Marin. I'll post pictures here when I get more time online.

Our apartment is extremely modest, compared to Fairbanks standards. The carved wooden door to our entrance has a metal frame outside, we lock both when leaving the house. The downstairs has a small living room, dining area and kitchen. People still mostly use gas to cook here. Upstairs are the three small rooms and bathroom. We wash our clothes in the pila outside and the water pressure has it's own way of coming and going. But I'm enchanted with ¨la casita mia¨. It's a dose of independence I've never had before! I'm SLOWLY learning how to cook. Still can't get over why I can do chemisty lab experiments but appear to be inept at kitchen creations.

I have so many more precious stories about my time teaching at the school as well. But alas, I must be going. It's getting dark, so I should be heading home from this internet cafe. Hasta luego!