Paige!

Paige is going to be in my community in less than four days. WHAT? I guess that means I need to do some laundry. And dishes. And clean. And grocery shop. And figure out how to get her from the airport in the one city in the country that I am not allowed visit. Actually the last one is the only one I have figured out. I did get permission to hire a driver to go to pick me up in Metapan and drive to the airport to pick Paige up and then drive us back to Metapan. Oh goody, right? Since the new PC rules, I am not allowed to take public transportation to the capital, San Salvador. Actually I am not even allowed to go to San Salvador unless it is for a medical reason or I get special permission. I did get special permission. Don't worry PC droids that read my blog, I have been permitted to fetch my friend from the airport. I just have to pay 10 times what public transportation would cost. I suppose that is what you pay for safety, right? I will go ahead and agree with that statement as I have no other choice in the matter.

Even though traveling will be a bit of a hassle, I am excited for her visit. Melida came over yesterday and was asking me about our plans. I told her Paige would be arriving on Thursday. I have a feeling Melida is planning something mischievous, but I cannot even begin to imagine what that would be. She did tell me that mass would be starting at 4AM on Easter with a parade through Metapan. So Paige if you read this get ready!

I am also excited for Paige to see my community as I have already promised to marry her to a friend of a guy in my community. What's that you say? You are outraged that I would promise my friend to a complete stranger? What can I say, it was either me or her. He did say he was a *really* hard worker. I want to believe him. He just wants a visa, and he did promise to stay with his new American wife for all of her life. What more could you want?

We will also be going to the beach for a few days. I am taking vacation and could not be more thrilled. I am hoping several of my PC friends that are still here will make it down to the beach with us. We will be headed down on my birthday, (Still time to get my birthday packages out people!), and leaving five days later. I cannot wait! I love the beach.

I have known Paige basically since we were born. Our Dads went to high school together, and as they kept in touch over the years, so did Paige and I. When my family moved to Virginia, we moved in about 5 houses down from Paige. We have had our ups and downs like any true friendship, but we have always prevailed. Paige is a rock in my life, and I cannot wait for her to see and be a part of my life down here in El Salvador!

Cheers to Paige's inevitable Salvadorian marriage and our exciting two weeks together. Pictures and stories to come!