Doing a Face Plant

You may think I'm speaking metaphorically (and I am in one way) but unfortunately I'm also speaking literally...

When I think of the past week, the word "dignity" comes to mind - or lack thereof. Typically, almost everyday, something happens whether it be with language, some type of situation, or culture that makes me feel like I've lost all my dignity or at the very least makes me question my intelligence (those of you who know me...no comment! :) Well, in the last 5 or 6 days, two things happened that really brought it out to the forefront...

I figured you could all use a good laugh going into the week so here you go...

Public transportation here is pretty incredible - very cheap and typically with few problems. Between taxis, trufis (public taxis used by multiple people) and micros (buses), it's easy to get around the city and basically around the country. You just have to be careful that you don't have something stolen and not mind having your personal space invaded because it's so crowded. And especially in the case of the micros that you hang on to something - tight. I learned that the hard way a few days ago: the drivers of the micros aren't known for their patience in waiting for people to get settled or even to actually be fully in the bus before continuing on their route. I'm also still getting used to using micros and trufis because I still feel pretty uncomfortable and always feel like I stand out (considering I'm usually the only "gringa" on board). It's certainly getting better but I've got a ways to go yet. Well, on Wednesday, it was worse. I had just stepped up into the micro that would take me to my neighborhood and was maneuvering to pass my money to the driver when he started driving again. At that point, I hadn't had a chance yet to grab hold of a pole or anything nor had I actually gotten fully up into the bus before I found myself doing a face plant in front of everyone (the bus was atleast half full). There was a collective gasp from all, one lady promptly started giving the driver a piece of her mind (I'm assuming about his driving or at least to stop to allow me to get up and get to a seat) and someone else was helping me with my change that had fallen along with my bag. And then there was me, red-faced (also not a surprise for anyone who knows me :) and trying to reassure everyone (including myself) that I was fine..."estoy bien, esta bien...no hay problema...". I thankfully was able to quickly get to a seat where I then tried to be invicible. Also, thankfully, aside from a couple of bruises, there no injuries and I made it safely home.

My second story happened yesterday. I went out to Sacaba (a bit of a more remote area about 20 or 30 minutes outside of Cochabamba to attend the service at the church with the jovenes that I've gotten to know there. Well, the Bolivian churches take welcoming their visitors very seriously in varying degrees...some simply have you stand up and give your name (which is bad enough) but others will have you go up front, give your name, where you're from, what you do, etc. You can guess which category this church (Cristo, Rey de Reys) fell into...So, I survived that part and thought I was homefree until it was time for communion...

The next thing I know, the pastor was inviting me to join him up front with the other leaders to help with communion (which in and of itself was a first for me) but then when it was time for someone to pray before the passing of the bread, he turned and handed me the mike...

are you laughing yet????

I would also like it to be noted that everything was in spanish, there was no hope of translation and I wasn't understanding everything nor can I keep my brain fully focused on the spanish during an entire service yet but there was no doubt what he was wanting. So, for the first time ever, I found myself praying during a communion service and...in spanish. We'll just say I have more to learn in regards to spanish and I will definitely be prepared for next time (of course, they may not ask me next time... :) One positive note is that when it came to time to help pass the bread to the congregation, I didn't trip or spill anything...that's atleast something :)

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As I've been writing this, some thoughts came to mind...

- you have to be able to laugh at yourself and the situation otherwise you'll go nuts (or at least I will)

- even though I hated what happened on the micro/bus...the people were very kind and helpful (they didn't even laugh - at least on the outside) and hey...I survived it. Although I fully admit, I hope to never experience that again!

- even though I'm looking forward to the time when my dignity remains intact a bit more often (I have a feeling that won't be happening anytime soon), I know that I'm going to continue to be stretched in ways that are not going to be comfortable in any way but will help me grow and be better prepared for what's ahead.

- and last but not least...dignity is probably a highly over-rated thing anyway...

Here's to the start of a new week...may we learn and try new things but not have to do a face plant in the process!!

'til next time...

rebecca