Lulu is Pearl in Swahili!

I really almost named Pearl Lulu...come to find out that is the translation in Swahili....coincidence??? I think not. Let's see...I had my first experience driving on the worng side of the road today...I actually will have a car starting on Sept. 1rst. So today I drove to the market with the brother of the people who own the house I rent. All went well until I encountered one of those turnaround type things....now let's be honest, are we ever really sure who has the right a way even going the right direction.....now imagine essentially going around backwards. My head was swiveling all over the place as the natural way to look is the WRONG way to look. While most people would be scared....this whole thing just made me giggle...guess that is my reaction to flaying. All that said, I made it to the market and the ATM. I am going to tape a map to my dashboard because there are no street names here and no grid system of streets. Places are signified by what they are next to.....be it a cow or a big banana tree. Each day is a babystep to familiarity and comfort. I am enjoying the challenge of it all. Even the girls were squealing " don't crash" fromthe back seat as i drove them to school. Thery are being super brave and daring in their own rights. It is not easy to be the "new kid" let alone the only American in a very unfamiliar place. Pearl has made to transition seamlessly while Nell may be a bit more aware of the social dynamics of it all....she is also in a very boy-heavy class and has not yet found what she refers to as a "special friend". Tonight is the disco at school. Nell asked me this morning if it wuld be like a prom?! How does she know these things? She said she wasn't ready for the date aspect of that....I assured her she'd be going with me and Lulu.
Hot dogs and soda are on the menu....so both are thrilled. Tomorrow we have a picnic and swimming party also with the school. I've gotten a little more bold with the other mom's....in an effort to show Nell also...they have been telling me about where to shop for food which is an ordeal compared to my beloved Whole Foods. There seems to be a woman who comes down from the mountain on Wed.s with fresh veggies and soon 400 chickens will be slaughtered if i want in on that action....yogurt is made Thursdays...and avocados and bananas of course best bought off women's heads. The good news...real organic living and eating....the bad news....I don't know how to cook any of it. I have a friend and his family coming over Sunday for a cooking lesson....yikes...hope Nell doesn't spill my fish in a crockpot secret.
We found the biggest praying mantis i have ever seen on our stairs last night....are those harmless??? I think so and for sure told the girls as much....let me know if i am wrong. Wondering if my basement is flodded in Chicago....anyone dare to go check for me??? I heard the weather there is WET. Keep dry and stay in touch!!!
Love and Peace
Sarah