Bautizo

With less than a week left here in Spain, the "goodbyes" have officially begun. Though I had my going away party last week, that isn't officially a "goodbye" cause I will be seeing my friends again before I leave. On the other hand, I will not see my extended host family again before I leave, which made for a hugfest Sunday afternoon. But first lets backtrack to Saturday.

Saturday my host dad, sister, brother and I headed to Villarcayo (town where my host dad's from) for the Baptism of my host cousin. I usually fun there because there are so many of them, my host dad has 7 sisters, so they have a really big family. All of us gathered together in a tiny church for a private service, conducted by another family member, as music was played by one of the host aunts. After it was time for eating and singing. The casual lunch was in someone's backyard, and it was the perfect day to be outside. The sun shone as we ate delicious jamón and cheese, then paella, then fish, then cake...then I was completely stuffed. The guitar was played all afternoon by my host aunt as everybody sang Spanish and English songs. Honestly, there is not one person from their family who does not have an amazing voice.

Then came Sunday, and having to say goodbye. Of course they all sang as I hugged each and every one of them with tears streaming down my face. I wish I had gotten to spend more time with them this year, and I am so thankful for having gotten to meet all of them.