My first few days

       Hola everyone!  Today marks my second/third day with my new family.  Saturday afternoon, my papá and brother Gilberto, came to the hotel in Asuncion to take me home.  All of the students were sitting in this courtyard and there was a huge window that looked down on us from the inside of the hotel.  Slowly families started coming to this window and would point and wave once they spotted their student.  We all were joking because it felt like we were animals in the zoo or somthing.  I didn't see my dad and brother in the window and I started to feel a little nervous, even though I knew they were coming.  I finally saw them just appear in the courtyard and I ran over.  It was such a relief and a good feeling to see them and say hello and give hugs and all that stuff.  We put all my luggage in the car and started our trip to San Lorenzo. 
       The traffic is a little different in Paraguay than in the states.  It took us a long time to get to my house...crazy motorcycles, busses, people selling things in the street and a lot of cars not obeying traffic signals...but that's the norm here!  The road in my neighborhood is the most bumpy stone road I've ever been on.  Its also covered in red dirt and sand.  That stuff is everywhere. 
       I got to my house and met the rest of my family except my oldest brother Cristian, because he was working.  We had some chicken for lunch and some rice stuff.  I have liked every single thing I have had here so far. 
       There are some things that are very different than home here (obviously) for instance....the bathroom.  When you use the toilet, you must put your toilet paper in the trash...that takes a little getting used to!  Also, the shower in our home has no shower curtain and is just part of the bathroom.  When you finish your shower you have to squeegee the water on the floor into the drain so no one slips or anything.  I also have to keep all my toiletries in my room and take them to the bathroom When I want to use them. 
       My room is the only room with a real door, that is semi private.  I say semi private because my room is the computer room and everyone uses it during the day.  I also share my wardrobe with my brother Cristian.  Jhony and Gili have a "space" where there are two beds that they sleep in.  There is no piracy there, it's basically in the middle of the house totally open. 
       I have been drinking a lot of terere and mate, which is really good!  It is similar to tea....mate is hot and terere is cold.  People sit around talking and watching tv and drink it.  Every one has it...everywhere.  It is in a little cup like thing with a metal straw that everyone shares.  One person fills it up and then passes it to you or whoever and everyone that is there.  You only get a few sips out of it but it keeps you hydrated and refreshed!  You can't be a germaphobe and come to Paraguay because you have to share the terere!
       The language barrier isn't that bad and I am able to understand most and they can for the most part understand me.  It is very exhausting though.  I gave to say, I told my story about almost dying on the Allegheny river in Spanish and they understood!  Woo hoo!  That felt like a bug accomplishment.
       I am very happy here and so far am.having a really nice time.  There is a lot more to say, but my fingers are tired now and I should get out of bed.  Check in again and I'll have some more updates!