Mi Hogar

I'm catholic, and if there is one thing that Catholics are proud of, it is that the church is universal. Aka, I can go to a mass literally anywhere and it will be the exact same. I really didn't think that was a big thing. But then, when I went to church for the first time here with my papatico, I realized that was the first time I knew exactly what to do at every moment. Keep in mind that I had been here for over two weeks. Sure, I really didn't know how to translate everything, but I knew when to stand, sit, kneel, and walk. It wasn't like going to the store where I had no idea where the caja, or register, was. It wasn't like when I try and take a taxi somewhere only to realize I have no idea how to say where I want to go. Or when I couldn't figure out the shower heater and had to take a very cold shower. No, going to mass is like going home, or to mi hogar. I felt the same thing when I first went off to college. Church was the one thing that I always knew was the same no matter my location. Sure, it makes me a little sad sometimes, just like when you look at pictures from the beach and you suddenly miss the beach, but I always feel closer after going. It makes me think of my friends and family that are hearing the same readings. Especially when the cura, or priest, says something that normally would make me laugh when I´m in the states, such as " It is truly right and just", which is even funnier in Spanish if you cared to know. I guess what I am trying to say is that I´m glad my faith translates down here. I´m glad that I can always to go a catholic church and feel welcomed. I´m glad that I´ve realized that I can always have a hogar no matter where I am.