Christmas has finally sneaked its way into daily life. The Youth Center where I now spend most of my time, is decorated with twinkle lights and a small Christmas tree. It's a little bizarre. Our friends from Sao Niccolau are coming down on Saturday and I am very excited to see friendly faces. We have asked some ladies that we know in the Norte to sell us two chickens. I made sure that they were going to give them to me ready to cook. I didn't want her to hand me the whole chicken still squawking, as I could foresee happening. So we have decided to roast the two chickens along with potatoes and carrots. I'll make mashed potatoes as well. And get this!! I found frozen broccoli and cauliflower!!! I was so excited yesterday, it honestly made my entire day, and quite possibly my month. I am not even joking.

I have been pretty down lately, as it looks like the the last two packages my mother sent will not arrive. They were sent normal mail, no tracking or anything which probably lead to their theft in the mail. Things thus far have not had a problem arriving, but with the holidays, I believe that people get desperate, especially in a third world country. So needless to say, I am giftless and not a little disappointed. So disappointed in fact that I burst into tears in the Post Office yesterday, much to the dismay of the lady who was helping me send out a package to my family. It's been 7 weeks now since the first package was sent out and I have pretty much given up all hope. It doesn't help that my entire family (including extended family on both sides of my family no less) are ALL on a giant cruise together. And I am here. It is the trip of a lifetime. Some may argue, however, so is this.

So this is just one more struggle that I am faced with, and a little perseverance and several tears later, I will probably get over it. But being a girl, the emotions are currently winning, so I will go home and get my frustration out by putting on my headphones and making tortillas. I promise it's therapeutic.