Last week I left Monday afternoon open, not really expecting her to come by, but not wanting to be unavailable either. Although I'm the first to fight for boundaries, I know that telling her I can only see her between 3 ad 5 on Mondays is not only inaccurate; it would also communicate to her that I really am not interested in spending time with her (not true). This is not an issue in which I think it would be wise or worthwhile to confront Peruvian culture.
She didn't come on Monday. Throughout the last week, she told me she was coming over Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and now today at 3 pm (not all at the same time, mind you-- each after missing the previous one). Wednesday she actually did come over, although at 4:10. As it's only 3:20, I'm not discounting the possibility that she's still coming over today.
I'm genuinely not upset by any of this, but I wonder what I ought to do with my time all of these afternoons waiting. I woke up from my siesta at 3 because I didn't want to be awoken by a doorbell. I'm won't make any chatting phone calls for the next 2 hours "just in case." Most likely I'll sit down on the couch to read after I finish writing this post.
I'd call myself a doormat except that it's a conscious free choice I've made. Still, I don't know what I'd do if I had more than one friend. Waiting for this one is a full time job.
Hannah, Pull out your knitting while you wait for your friend, and sip some tea. Quiet, prayerful, meditative knitting is good for the soul. Have a wonderful time when your Dad visits!
Love,
Martha in Maine
Take a walk down the street, buy a cookie from the lady on the corner on your way, and maybe you will catch A at the cyber cafe, or her neighbor's or with her sister. If you don't, da la vuelta, and go home.
If A is who i think it is, i miss her. I hope that you and Tim continue to do well in Puerto.
Emily K