Here's something I never thought that I'd say in D.C: electric blanket. Well, tonight I am using one. Not as a form of torture, but to escape shivering to death. It's the A.C. No, not alternating current - AIR CONDITIONING. Does everything have a flip side?
The searing heat outside necessitates light clothing. The ac indoors necessitates five layers of bear. I am entirely against the hunting of endangeared animals for their skins, and I only brought light clothing to D.C. After a cold-free year in Ireland, I have the flu in D.C. I must say, however, that my host dad will be content once I am still breathing when I return to my Mum. He has a point.
Sunday was one of my favourite days of my, thus far, 3.5 weeks in D.C. We left the leafy suburbs and went to a Baptist church on the other side of town. The usual church-goers, ourselves the WIP and SAWIP teams, and a large slice of the host-families melted into one uplifted, emotionally-fuelled being. At least, that's how I remember it. The Reverend preached powerfully to us, driving his message home. Each felt something brewing in their innards. We were called upon. Individually. Our sense of self was renewed, the plaque of modern values was scratched away, and we were left gleaming and more pure, as though the true meaning of our lives had been restored to us. I felt that I had found something I had misplaced. Thank you Mount Lebanon.
I must tell you that my host mum and dad are taking excellent care of me, and have ensured that I am very comfortable. Only my own parents would equal the kindness that they have shown me. I'm very grateful to them.
