Cumpleaños

Hello all,
Last night I got the great pleasure of being invited to Ana´s birthday party. Ana is a first cousin (primero) of Samaria, Tamara, Denis, and William. She has two beautiful children Javier and Paulo.
At times I feel alone, being the only one of the group of Canadians to be living on their own with a family. Megan and Malinda are together and now Jess, Marissa and Benny are together too (although Benny is leaving for Miraflor soon during the weeks.) It is at times like last night, however, that I realize how lucky I am to be so immersed in the family and to be so taken in by them all. I had so much fun last night, I couldnt stop smiling. The strong rain of the afternoon cooled the night down sooo much so everyone was comfortable and ready to sing, dance and tell jokes until the early hours of the morning. Toña (the very loved Nicaraguan beer) was in the hand of everyone who was old enough. Denis was sent out twice throughout the night for reinforcements. Ana´s husband is so talented with the guitar and William brought his piano. We all danced together (after they simply refused to have me stay seated.) It also made me realize how fortunate I am for my family back home. Despite the lack of very latino music and torillas and Toña, the festivities and the love were not so far off from when the Sweeny´s get together. Even the Stauch´s gather round Jan´s piano playing and have a similar night. The gathering of family made me feel right at home.
It also reminded me what a powerful thing music can be. I am constantly humbled with the language barrier (although I´ve improved ten fold I still cant understand a good 50% when these guys get together and speak at the speed of light.) Music is universal. I picked up the refrain and instantly I was speaking the same as everyone else. This was beyond refreshing. Lupe and her family were the last to leave Ana´s house. I even left with Samaria (who had written a four hour exam just hours earlier) before Denis and William. Who stayed to the very end, around 2:30. Perhaps why they still are not awake...
Today is market Domingo! And then the Nicaraguan football finals with Esteli, the undefeated champions.
Mass again at 5 tonight. I go to the 5pm one now because the 10 am is WAY too hot. The priest is so good at preaching because he speaks so clearly, I can almost understand everything. It just happens to always start a good 40 minutes from when it was suppose to have and then go on for an extra hour. I am going to appreciate Toronto Masses a lot when I get home.

xo
S