New Friends

On Tuesday, I took in a new roommate. He is black and pretty quiet most of the time. For the next month while the Bowmans are in Chicago, Tyler (Liz's 12-year-old son) had asked me to take care of his fish, who has since set up camp on one of the shelves in my room. I've never had a roommate who was more respectful of my space and sleeping schedule; I think we'll be fast friends.

Poolside a few days ago, I had the privilege of making some new human friends too. Sharing a bench with two other ladies (I now know them as Rosa and Monse) to dry off in the sun, Rosa decided to strike up a conversation with me. As are most Spaniards who know even three words of English, she was anxious to practice with me, beginning by recounting all that she already knew about me via the female community grapevine. Within five minutes, I had met all three of her children and two other friends of hers also at the pool, was informed of all their house numbers and was even invited to join their running group --(can't you just imagine several middle-aged Spanish women becoming my running buddies in Madrid? haha) One thing I should point out about Spanish culture is that the Spaniards don't open up and welcome in just anyone. Their friendships are based on longevity and/or connections to other loved ones. In other words, these women only spoke to me since I am friends with Liz Bowman and I live with Solete. Otherwise, they have no reason to be so kind to the foreign nanny, who will be gone in August. All this to say, God gives us just what we need in His perfect timing. Just when I was having a discouraging day with the kids and ready to throw myself a pity party, He surprised me with an unexpected act of kindness from complete strangers.

In other news, Alejandra made me stay up late last night to play Bob Esponja (Spanish version of Spongebob Squarepants and pronounced Bob E-spon-ha) Parchis and was mad at me for deciding to hold off on a game of chess for today and a bedroom sleepover for Friday. This led to Sergio and Ale refusing to leave my side as I got ready for bed, in a valiant effort to change my mind. With wide-eyed horror and fascination, they fired a multitude of questions about why I was flossing, removing make-up, and wearing retainers. Even little cranky Alvaro had insisted that only I have the honor of sitting next to him at dinner on the terraza last night. Each day, is a toss up with these kids and when I wake up in the morning I never know whether we'll be friends or enemies. Each day is new, but I guess that's life. Good thing God is in control of it all and I am not!