I Parrochini

Not too much new from this end, especially on the Santa Cecilia front, since it is the weekend, and I won't be able to do much until Monday. SO, I am taking my time to check some e-mails, and also go searching for a new pair of sandals, considering the only pair I brought with me broke while I was walking(Figures). I think I shall buy a pair of Birkenstocks, which, btw, are ridiculously popular here. I was really apalled actually. EVERYONE has a pair. It's actually pretty weird...But, when in Rome, do as the Romans do, right?...Sometimes...:) More than anything, I just need to take it easy today, and so, time for a story.

As you all know, this week Miriam accompanied me to my Italian exams, which was great, because talking to her really helped the 6 hour waiting periods pass by quickly(As much as that is even possible). On the frist day, the day which I had to wait the longest amount of time, we were telling stories of things that we have experienced, particular stories, that have really impacted our lives. Conversion stories, specific events, etc. So of course, I started to tell a story I once heard, told by a priest, who is a missionary, that has always stuck with me. While this particular priest was living in a very very poor town in the Dominican Republic, someone came into the church, where he said mass, and stole a great deal of things. So in the middle of my explaining this story, I wanted to say that the parishoners were so sad, that they began to cry. So imagine me (Most of you know how dramatic I can be, folks, especially when I am speaking of something that I felt has really impacted me.) The phrase in Italian is, ' I parrochiani(pa'-rroe-key-Aun-knee) erano triste, triste, e hanno cominciato a piangere.' Instead, with my very serious, emphatic face say 'I parrochini (pa'-rroe-KEY-knee) erano triste, triste, e hanno cominciato a piangere.' Which means 'The tupées were so, so sad, and they all started to cry.' Well, you can imagine me, thinking I am telling something so moving and Miriam bursted out in laughter. I, of course, at first, was like 'What the crap? That's not funny.' Then she apologized for laughing, which was her instinctive reaction, but then told me what I had said. And of course, I then began a series of laughter, which has stayed ever since. It is now the running joke between Miriam and I and also everyone else I have met, because I have let everyone know. Rule 1: Never take yourself too seriously. Rule 2: Amazing how just one letter makes all the difference...

All in my prayers!, as always, as I am office to purchase some Birkenstocks...Ouch. :)