We have lived in Puerto Rico for eleven years now, going on twelve. It's the longest I have ever lived anywhere in my life. Wow, that's weird. I just now realized that. The next longest place I have ever lived was Biloxi, MS where I was born and lived until I was ten. I loved Mississippi. It was warm, even when it rained. We lived on a Pringle Circle which was just like it sounds, a big circle. Whenever it rained, the sides of the street would fill up like a warm swimming pool. So much fun for a kid!!!! Our back yard was to an empty field full of wild blackberries and big piles of fire ants. Also fun for a kid. Have you ever watched them go crazy when you poke them with a stick? That field ended in a Burger King parking lot. Also fun for a kid. French fries close by, ordering at the drive through on you bicycle, running over ketchup packages.....ahhh the memories.
I love thinking back to Mississippi. It was a great place to grow up. Now I sit and think what are my kids going to remember and love about the place where they are growing up. We get a lot of groups coming through camp, and we hear a lot of opinions about the way things are done here in PR. And while some things are less than ideal, I love this place. So I thought I would start to share with you why. (These will not be in any particular order, just as they come to me randomly.)
Warmth
It's warm here. Almost all of the time. Actually it's cold inside of most buildings, so cold that when you go outside you sigh and relax back into a comfortable warmth. I love it. It was like that in Mississippi at night too. Freezing inside...walk outside....ahhhhhh so cozy and warm. There are times when it's a bit too warm, but that is sooooooo much more preferable to the other.
Not just the weather is warm though. So are the people. Smiles, hugs, kisses all very, very normal. Loud outbursts upon seeing someone they know. Reactions to movies and songs. I have to say that whenever we go back to the States I am really taken aback by the first handshake. "What's this? A hand? Do I kiss it? Oh that's right, it's for shaking!" It takes a few times to get back in the habit!!
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